How to remove Spark Ransomware and decrypt .Spark files

What is Spark Ransomware

Discovered by MalwareHunterTeam, Spark is a ransomware virus designed to keep files at lock and blackmail victims into paying money to return them. This is done through the so-called encryption process when infections of such use strong military-grade algorithms to generate ciphers. As a result, data becomes no longer accessible to users. People attacked by Spark Ransomware will see their files change to something like this 1.pdf.Spark and reset their icons. After rendering all targetted files restricted, the virus displays a pop-up window containing ransom instructions.

Cybercriminals say decryption is impossible without a special private key. This is why victims are guided to purchase the key by contacting developers via their e-mail address (notvalidemailadress.ransom@gmail.com). Swindlers also warn against doing modifications to files shutting down the PC, which may result in permanent data loss and system damage as well. There is a timer, within which, victims should contact developers and pay for decryption. However, extortionists do not specify what will happen after the time expires. Based on other ransomware analyses, many frauds threaten the collected data to be permanently deleted or leaked to dark web resources, though, it does not prove this is the case with Spart Ransowmare as well. It is unfortunate to acknowledge, but you are less likely to find a 100% working decryption tool for .Spark files. The encryption is strong enough to guarantee permanent protection against third-party interference unless there are bugs or flaws contained within. You can try several trusted and generally effective tools in our guide below, however, we are unable to guarantee they will actually help. A better solution to recover your files without paying the ransom is to do it via backup copies. If you have important data available on external storage devices, you can plug them in and transfer your files back. Note: It is important to delete the infection prior to trying any recovery options without the cybercriminals’ help. Follow our tutorial below to get instructions on both complete virus removal and recovery alternatives as well.

How Spark Ransomware infected your computer

There are several ways a ransomware infection could end up on your PC – through malicious e-mail spam letters, fake software updates/installers, phishing pages, trojans, and cracked software. Cybercriminals tend to send a number of malicious messages disguised as something important or legitimate through e-mail. They attach pre-modified files like MS Office documents, PDFs, Executables, JavaScript, Archives, etc., and deceive inexperienced or inattentive users into opening them. Sometimes frauds promote hyperlinks or buttons leading to download pages of malicious software. In order to be more protected against such threats in the future, it is important to keep a distance from suspicious and unofficial content like this – avoid downloading pirated or cracked software, clicking on ads, and other compromised things around the web. You can also equip yourself with high-end anti-ransomware tools which will prevent most infections in case such somehow occur. Our guide below will be dedicated to this as well.

1. Download Spark Ransomware Removal Tool
2. Get decryption tool for .Spark 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 Spark Ransomware

Spark Ransomware files:


d3ad_Help.txt
{randomname}.exe


Spark Ransomware registry keys:

no information

How to decrypt and restore .Spark files

Use automated decryptors

Download Kaspersky RakhniDecryptor

Use following tool from Kaspersky called Rakhni Decryptor, that can decrypt .Spark 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 .Spark 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 Spark 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 .Spark files

1. Download Stellar Data Recovery Professional.
2. Click Recover Data button.
3. Select type of files you want to restore and click Next button.
4. Choose 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 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 is no items in the list choose alternative method.

Using Shadow Explorer:

1. Download Shadow Explorer program.
2. Run it and you will see 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 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 Spark 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. Spark 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.