The Best Ransomware Decryption Tools

Ransomware attacks traditionally function by infecting targets with malware that denies victims access to their files by encrypting them and then demanding a ransom to unlock or decrypt the files

If the victim refuses to pay the ransom, they will be permanently denied access to their files. As is the case with most ransomware attacks, there is no guarantee that attackers will keep to their words if you agree to pay the ransom. Over the past few years, ransomware attacks have intensified. There are now more than 50 variants of ransomware in circulation, and more are springing up and coming up with new modus operandi, new features, and better encryption. This is not something anyone should overlook. So what should you do in situations like this?

Here’s our list of the best Ransomware File Decryptors:

1. AVG Ransomware Decryption Tools EDITOR’S CHOICE These tools are free to use and can help decrypt files encrypted by specific ransomware families, such as Apocalypse, Bart, Crypt888, Legion, and TeslaCrypt. Each strain is addressed by a separate decryptor.
2. Emsisoft One of the top-rated ransomware decryption software that one can have on a Windows PC.
3. Trend Micro Ransomware File Decryptor Designed to decrypt files that have been encrypted by 27 families of known ransomware.
4. Avast Provides ransomware decryption tools for some of the most popular types of ransomware out there.
5. Quick Heal Ransomware Decryption Tool Can decrypt files encrypted by 17 variants of ransomware.
6. No More Ransom A project by the National High Tech Crime Unit of the Netherlands’ police, Europol’s European Cybercrime Centre, Kaspersky, and McAfee to help ransomware victims retrieve their encrypted data without having to pay the criminals.

The best option is to focus on preventive measures. Conduct simulation attacks and penetration tests, and ensure that any existing security holes are patched as soon as possible so that attackers won’t be able to exploit those vulnerabilities. Provide regular security awareness training to your workforce, and ensure that security best practices such as the principles of least privilege and multi-factor authentication have been implemented across all systems and users.

How to Decrypt the Encrypted Files Without Paying Ransom?

If for whatever reason, you still get infected by ransomware, there are several tools you can use to decrypt your files depending on the variant of ransomware you are dealing with. Firstly, note that no single tool out there can decrypt all types of ransomware variants. Instead, every decryption tool is designed to deal with a particular variant specifically. Therefore you need to determine what ransomware variant encrypted your files by looking at the warning message presented by the ransomware. Once identified, you can use the decryption tool specifically designed to deal with that ransomware. Secondly, before going ahead with the decryption, be sure to remove or quarantine the ransomware infection from your system. Failure to do this will result in your files being encrypted all over again.

Most decryption tools can decrypt files encrypted by popular variants of ransomware such as Wannacry, Petya, NotPetya, TeslaCrypt, DarkSide, REvil, Alcatraz Locker, Apocalypse, BadBlock, Bart, BTCWare, EncrypTile, FindZip, Globe, Jigsaw, LambdaLocker, Legion, NoobCrypt, Stampado, among others. Ransomware developers are quick to respond when a new decryptor is released. They do this by modifying their malware to make it resilient to the decryptor. In turn, the developers of ransomware decryptors also have to update and adapt their software in what seems like an arms race to ensure its effectiveness. This is why most decryptors do not come with guarantees. This article will review the best ransomware decryption tools to help you unlock encrypted files.

The Best Ransomware File Decryptor Tools

1. AVG Anti-Ransomware Tools

AVG has a range of free ransomware decryption tools that can help decrypt ransomware-encrypted files.

Key Features

• Ransomware Fix: Free decryptors
• Loss Leader: Lure for AVG security products
• Accessible: Downloads and tips
• Self-Installing: Easy to use
• Targets Specific Strains: Apocalypse, BadBlock, Bart, Crypt888, Legion, SZFLocker, and TeslaCrypt

Why do we recommend it?

AVG’s anti-ransomware tools are recommended for their comprehensive approach to dealing with a variety of ransomware types. The inclusion of built-in ransomware protection in AVG Internet Security products offers proactive defense against ransomware attacks, ensuring enhanced security for endpoint devices.

Who is it recommended for?

These tools are ideal for users seeking robust protection against ransomware threats, especially those vulnerable to specific ransomware types like Apocalypse, Bart, BadBlock, and others. AVG’s solutions are also well-suited for businesses and individuals looking to safeguard endpoint devices from ransomware attacks.

The tools are specifically designed to deal with the following family of ransomware: Apocalypse, Bart, BadBlock, Crypt888, Legion, SZFLocker, TeslaCrypt ransomware tools. Furthermore, AVG also has a built-in ransomware protection feature in its endpoint security products, such as AVG Internet Security. This helps protect files in endpoint devices and prevent ransomware attacks by blocking file modification, deletion, and encryption.

2. Emsisoft Ransomware Decryption Tools

Emsisoft is one of the top-rated ransomware decryption software that one can have on a Windows PC. In addition, Emsisoft has a long list of free specialized tools for decrypting various strains of ransomware such as PClock, CryptoDefense, CrypBoss, DMA Locker, Xorist, Apocalypse, WannaCryFake, Cyborg, and many others.

Key Features

• A Menu of Services: A library of free tools
• Downloadable Fix: Available for Windows and Windows Server
• Further Help: Companion file inspector toolkit

Why do we recommend it?

Emsisoft’s ransomware decryption software is recommended for its comprehensive coverage and effectiveness against a wide array of ransomware strains. Its position as a top-rated tool in the industry makes it a reliable choice for users seeking to decrypt files affected by various ransomware attacks.

Who is it recommended for?

This software is ideal for Windows PC users who are dealing with ransomware infections, particularly those affected by strains such as PClock, CryptoDefense, CrypBoss, and others. It’s well-suited for both individual users and organizations seeking to recover their encrypted data.

Emsisoft ransomware decryption software is among the top-rated in the industry. However, Emsisoft tools do not provide any guarantees about the integrity of the decrypted files. Therefore, the decryptor will not remove any encrypted files after they have been decrypted unless this option is specifically disabled, mainly if you have limited storage space.

3. Trend Micro Ransomware Tool

Trend Micro ransomware file decryptor is designed to decrypt files that have been encrypted by 27 families of known ransomware, including popular strains such as WannaCry, Petya, TeleCrypt, Jigsaw, CryptXXX, and TeslaCrypt(Version 1, 2 3, 4). Just like others, Trend Micro ransomware file decryptor is not a universal one-size-fits-all software. Instead, it requires you to identify the ransomware family you are infected with or the ransomware file extension name before selecting the ideal tool to decrypt files.

Key Features

• A Single Utility: Access the controller rather than individual fixes
• Multiple Capabilities: Decrypts multiple ransomware strains
• Easy to Use: Consumer friendly

Why do we recommend it?

Trend Micro’s ransomware file decryptor is recommended for its ability to tackle a wide range of ransomware families. The tool’s functionality to automatically analyze and identify ransomware types makes it a valuable asset for users unsure of the specific ransomware affecting their files.

Who is it recommended for?

This tool is particularly beneficial for individuals and organizations facing ransomware attacks from known strains like WannaCry or Petya. It’s also suitable for those who may not have the technical expertise to identify the ransomware type, as the tool provides assistance in this area.

Suppose you don’t know the ransomware name or file extension. In that case, the tool may automatically analyze the file and identify the ransomware based on the file signature or ask you to provide additional information about the files; otherwise, select the “I don’t know the ransomware name” option. You will also be prompted to select a target file or a folder on your computer to perform the decryption operation. However, the tool is efficient enough to identify various ransomware file types and decrypt them. Of course, there is no 100% guarantee about its effectiveness all the time or the integrity of the translated files. Trend Micro provides details about the limitations of the tool for your information.

4. Avast Anti-Ransomware Tools

Avast provides ransomware decryption tools for some of the most popular types of ransomware out there. Avast ransomware decryption tools are designed to decrypt files that 27 families of known ransomware have encrypted. Before using this tool, Avast recommends that you ensure all traces of the ransomware infection have been removed from your computer.

Key Features

• Service Menu: A library of decryptors
• Usage Tips: Type identification guides
• No Cost: Free to use

Why do we recommend it?

Avast’s ransomware decryption tools are recommended for their ease of use and the ability to tackle a wide range of ransomware types. Their user-friendly interface and the capability to scan different locations make them accessible and efficient for a broad spectrum of users.

The Avast anti-ransomware tools are easy to install and use and don’t require any special configuration. Simply download the zip file, unzip it, and launch the application (as an administrator) via their associated executable files. It can be set to scan any location on the disk where you suspect the encrypted files to be, such as local or network drives as well as custom folders. In addition, the Avast decryptor relies on a known file format to verify that the file was successfully decrypted during the decryption process.

Who is it recommended for?

These tools are ideal for users, both individuals and businesses, who need to decrypt files affected by common ransomware families. They are especially useful for those who prefer a straightforward, no-fuss approach to ransomware decryption.

However, just like others, Avast does not guarantee that the decryption will be successful or effective. Avast recommends backing up encrypted files in case something goes wrong during the decryption process. In addition, Avast provides a free anti-ransomware tool that helps to prevent ransomware attacks and other types of threats.

5. Quick Heal Ransomware Decryption Tool

Quick Heal ransomware decryption tool can decrypt files encrypted by 17 variants of ransomware. The application automatically scans your infected device for supported encrypted files and then attempts to decrypt them, replacing the encrypted files with the decrypted ones. Follow the steps below to decrypt a file using this tool:

• Click Download Tool, save and extract the zip file on the system having the encrypted files.
• Right-click on the extracted file and select “Run as administrator” to view the Decryption Window.
• Press Y to start the scan. The tool will automatically scan the entire system for supported encrypted files. When an encrypted file is found, the tool will decrypt the file in its respective folder while keeping a copy of the encrypted file simultaneously.
• After the scan is complete, the decryption tool will show the final status displaying the number of encrypted files found and how many were successfully decrypted. The detailed information about the decryption status of each file can be obtained from the ‘Decryption.log’ generated in the same folder of the tool.
• After that, you can open the decrypted files and verify if they are accessible/readable again.

Key Features

• A Recovery Package: A single decryptor tool
• Combats Many Strains: Decrypts multiple strains
• Easy to Use: Downloads for Windows

Why do we recommend it?

Quick Heal’s ransomware decryption tool is recommended for its ability to automatically identify and decrypt a wide range of ransomware-infected files. Its user-friendly process and additional security features make it a reliable choice for users seeking to recover their data.

Who is it recommended for?

This tool is suitable for individuals and organizations that need an effective solution against ransomware, especially those who may not have extensive technical expertise. It’s particularly beneficial for those who need to decrypt files affected by one of the 17 ransomware variants it supports.

Quick Heal also has an in-built active protection mechanism that mitigates ransomware attacks by preventing malware from automatically executing when introduced via removable storage devices.

6. No More Ransom

The No More Ransom project is an initiative by the National High Tech Crime Unit of the Netherlands’ police, Europol’s European Cybercrime Centre, Kaspersky, and McAfee to help ransomware victims retrieve their encrypted data without having to pay the criminals. The project also aims to educate users about how ransomware works and what countermeasures can effectively prevent infection.

Key Features

• No Charge: A free resource
• Public Service: Run by the Dutch police
• Multiple Languages: Available in English

Why do we recommend it?

The No More Ransom project is highly recommended for its extensive database of decryption tools and its unique ability to identify ransomware strains based on user-uploaded samples. This collaborative effort provides a valuable, free resource for victims of ransomware worldwide.

Who is it recommended for?

This initiative is ideal for individuals and organizations that are uncertain about the type of ransomware they are dealing with. It’s also a great educational resource for anyone looking to understand more about ransomware and how to prevent it.

No More Ransom has the most extensive collection of decryptor tools and a repository of keys that can decrypt over 100 ransomware strains out there.  If you don’t know which ransomware attacked your system, simply upload two sample files from your PC. Once you upload them, the website will identify the ransomware and provide you with the necessary decryption tool, if available.