How to remove Thanos Ransomware and decrypt .steriok, .cyber or .crystal files

What is Thanos Ransomware

Also known as Hakbit, Thanos is a ransomware group that develops a number of file-encrypting infections. It was first discovered by GrujaRS, an independent security researcher specializing in ransomware. The virus has quite a long genealogy tree with lots of different versions using AES algorithms to run file encryption. Each of them has a separate extension that is assigned to encrypted data. The most recent are .steriok, .cyber, and .crystal. You can find the full list of all existing extensions here.

If you spotted the change of shortcut icons along with extensions, this means your files have been successfully encrypted. To illustrate, a file like 1.pdf will change to 1.pdf.steriok, 1.pdf.cyber, 1.pdf.crystal or similarly depending on which version infiltrated your system. After encryption, Thanos creates either HOW_TO_DECYPHER_FILES.txt, HELP_ME_RECOVER_MY_FILES.txt or RESTORE_FILES_INFO.txt text files. These are the names of ransom notes containing instructions on how to redeem your data.

Although their content may be styled differently, the general goal is always the same – to guide you towards paying for decryption software that will recover your data. Usually, victims are asked to establish communication with cybercriminals through e-mail by following the given instructions. After or prior to this, victims will have to send a certain sum of Bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies to the wallet of cybercriminals. It is highly advised against paying the ransom as long as there is a risk that extortionists will fool you and not send any decryption tools after all. The only and best option to regain access to your data is to use backup copies. At the moment, no third-party utilities are officially able to decrypt files affected by Thanos. Though, considering such a variety of versions, there is a chance some of them can be still under development and contain flaws making decryption quite possible. If you do not have backup copies to use, then using recovery and decryption tools will be a method to try. Before making any recovery steps, it is important to delete all traces of ransomware. To do this correctly, make sure you follow our guide below.

Thanos Ransomware (sample 1)

Thanos Ransomware (sample 2)

Thanos Ransomware (sample 3)

How Thanos Ransomware infected your computer

Thanos Ransomware is usually disguised as Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, and Opera executable files. The way these files could sneak into your system depends on each individual case. Some users may be infected with malicious files after downloading e-mails spam attachments. Other occasions may cover the distribution of trojans that cause chain infections. They can be spread via fake updates or software installers advertised on suspicious websites. It is also possible cybercriminals hacked your RDP configuration to acquire control over the PC thanks to some vulnerability. Almost all distribution techniques mentioned above capitalize on inexperienced and inattentive users. People can download something malicious by accident against their own will because of uncareful usage. This is why it is important to raise awareness and do not interact with suspicious content spread on the web. To be fully protected against such threats in the future, you should consider installing special anti-malware software to combat aggressive threats like Thanos Ransomware. You can learn more about its effectiveness and functionality in our tutorial below.

1. Download Thanos Ransomware Removal Tool
2. Get decryption tool for .steriok, .cyber or .crystal 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 Thanos Ransomware

Thanos Ransomware files:


RESTORE_FILES_INFO.txt
HELP_ME_RECOVER_MY_FILES.txt
HOW_TO_DECYPHER_FILES.txt
{randomname}.exe


Thanos Ransomware registry keys:

no information

How to decrypt and restore .steriok, .cyber or .crystal files

Use automated decryptors

Download Kaspersky RakhniDecryptor

Use following tool from Kaspersky called Rakhni Decryptor, that can decrypt .steriok, .cyber or .crystal 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 .steriok, .cyber or .crystal 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 Thanos 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 .steriok, .cyber or .crystal 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 Thanos 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. Thanos 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.