How to remove Proton Ransomware and decrypt .c77l, .ZENEX or .SWIFT files

What is Proton Ransomware

Proton Ransomware is a malicious software designed to encrypt files on a victim’s computer, rendering them inaccessible until a ransom is paid. Proton Ransomware is a type of malware that encrypts files on the infected computer, adding specific extensions to the filenames and demanding a ransom from the victim to restore access to the encrypted files. It has been discovered in various forms, with some variants appending extensions such as .c77l, .ZENEX or .SWIFT extensions to the affected files along with emails (.[decrypt.computer@gmail.com].c77L, [decrypthelp0@gmail.com].ZENEX, .[swift_1@tutamail.com].SWIFT). Basically, SWIFT Ransomware and ZENEX Ransomware are just variations of Proton Ransomware. This variations create following ransom note files: #Zenex-Help.txt, #SWIFT-Help.txt or #Restore-files.txt. The ransomware uses AES (Advanced Encryption Standard) and ECC (Elliptic Curve Cryptography) algorithms to encrypt files, ensuring that the encryption is strong enough to prevent unauthorized decryption without the unique key held by the attackers. This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of Proton Ransomware, including its infection methods, the file extensions it adds, the encryption algorithms it uses, the ransom note it creates, and the possibilities for decryption.

As of the information provided, there are no specific decryption tools mentioned for Proton Ransomware, especially for the “.c77l”, “.ZENEX”, or “.SWIFT” file extensions. Victims are generally discouraged from paying the ransom as it does not guarantee file recovery and encourages criminal activity. The best recovery method is restoring files from backups. In the absence of a decryption tool, victims should focus on preventing future infections by maintaining updated software, using reputable antivirus solutions, and being cautious with email attachments and downloads.

Zenex Ransomware (ransom note)

Zenex Ransomware (wallpaper)

SWIFT Ransomware (ransom note)

SWIFT Ransomware (wallpaper)

How Proton Ransomware infects computers

Ransomware typically infects computers through phishing emails containing malicious attachments, drive-by downloading from compromised websites, or exploiting vulnerabilities in software. Once executed on the system, Proton Ransomware encrypts files using robust encryption algorithms.

1. Download Proton Ransomware Removal Tool
2. Get decryption tool for .c77l, .ZENEX or .SWIFT files
3. Recover encrypted files with Stellar Data Recovery Professional
4. Restore encrypted files with Windows Previous Versions
5. Restore files with Shadow Explorer
6. How to protect from threats like Proton Ransomware

Proton Ransomware files:


#SWIFT-Help.txt
#Zenex-Help.txt
#Restore-files.txt
{randomname}.exe


Proton Ransomware registry keys:

no information

How to decrypt and restore .c77l, .ZENEX or .SWIFT files

Use automated decryptors

Download Kaspersky RakhniDecryptor

Use the following tool from Kaspersky called Rakhni Decryptor, that can decrypt .c77l, .ZENEX or .SWIFT files. Download it here:

There is no purpose to pay the ransom because there is no guarantee you will receive the key, but you will put your bank credentials at risk.

Dr.Web Rescue Pack

Famous antivirus vendor Dr. Web provides free decryption service for the owners of its products: Dr.Web Security Space or Dr.Web Enterprise Security Suite. Other users can ask for help in the decryption of .c77l, .ZENEX or .SWIFT files by uploading samples to Dr. Web Ransomware Decryption Service. Analyzing files will be performed free of charge and if files are decryptable, all you need to do is purchase a 2-year license of Dr.Web Security Space worth $120 or less. Otherwise, you don’t have to pay.

If you are infected with Proton Ransomware and removed from your computer, you can try to decrypt your files. Antivirus vendors and individuals create free decryptors for some crypto-lockers. To attempt to decrypt them manually, you can do the following:

Use Stellar Data Recovery Professional to restore .c77l, .ZENEX or .SWIFT files

1. Download Stellar Data Recovery Professional.
2. Click Recover Data button.
3. Select the type of files you want to restore and click Next button.
4. Choose the location where you would like to restore files from and click Scan button.
5. Preview found files, choose ones you will restore and click Recover.

Using Windows Previous Versions option:

1. Right-click on infected file and choose Properties.
2. Select Previous Versions tab.
3. Choose a particular version of the file and click Copy.
4. To restore the selected file and replace the existing one, click on the Restore button.
5. In case there are no items in the list, choose an alternative method.

Using Shadow Explorer:

1. Download Shadow Explorer program.
2. Run it, and you will see a screen listing of all the drives and the dates that shadow copy was created.
3. Select the drive and date that you want to restore from.
4. Right-click on a folder name and select Export.
5. In case there are no other dates in the list, choose an alternative method.

If you are using Dropbox:

1. Login to the Dropbox website and go to the folder that contains encrypted files.
2. Right-click on the encrypted file and select Previous Versions.
3. Select the version of the file you wish to restore and click on the Restore button.

How to protect computer from viruses, like Proton Ransomware, in future

1. Get special anti-ransomware software

Use ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware

ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware Dashboard

ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware Alert

ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware Blocked

Famous antivirus brand ZoneAlarm by Check Point released a comprehensive tool, that will help you with active anti-ransomware protection, as an additional shield to your current protection. The tool provides Zero-Day protection against ransomware and allows you to recover files. ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware is compatible with all other antiviruses, firewalls, and security software except ZoneAlarm Extreme (already shipped with ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware) or Check Point Endpoint products. The killer features of this application are: automatic file recovery, overwrite protection that instantly and automatically recovers any encrypted files, file protection that detects and blocks even unknown encryptors.

2. Back up your files

As an additional way to save your files, we recommend online backup. Local storage, such as hard drives, SSDs, flash drives, or remote network storage can be instantly infected by the virus once plugged in or connected to. Proton Ransomware uses some techniques to exploit this. One of the best services and programs for easy automatic online backup is iDrive. It has the most profitable terms and a simple interface. You can read more about iDrive cloud backup and storage here.

3. Do not open spam e-mails and protect your mailbox

Malicious attachments to spam or phishing e-mails are the most popular method of ransomware distribution. Using spam filters and creating anti-spam rules is good practice. One of the world leaders in anti-spam protection is MailWasher Pro. It works with various desktop applications and provides a very high level of anti-spam protection.