How to Restore .Darkness Encrypted Files After a Darkness Ransomware Attack?

Introduction

Over the last year, Darkness ransomware has emerged as a serious menace in the ransomware ecosystem, evolving with precision targeting, hybrid encryption techniques, and expanding attack surfaces from desktop environments to virtualized infrastructure like VMware ESXi. From encrypting thousands of files to demanding steep ransoms in cryptocurrency, the attackers behind Darkness have built a threat campaign that’s both disruptive and hard to contain.

In this article, we break down the core behaviors of the Darkness ransomware strain, real-world victim impacts, technical indicators of compromise (IOCs), and most importantly—present a viable recovery path via our specialized Darkness Decryptor Tool, developed specifically to help victims recover without negotiating with cybercriminals.

Related article: How to Remove AIR (Makop) ransomware and Restore Encrypted .AIR Files?

Visual Overview Of The Darkness Ransomware Attack And Its Solution:

Also read: How to Remove Mamona Ransomware and Restore .haes Extension Files?

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Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures (TTPs)

Darkness ransomware follows a structured, multi-phase attack chain that demonstrates the attackers’ strategic approach. Here’s a breakdown:

Initial Access

• Phishing emails containing booby-trapped Word documents or ZIP archives.
  
• Brute-force attacks on RDP services with weak credentials.
  
• Drive-by downloads triggered by fake updates or pirated software.
  

Execution & Privilege Escalation

• Use of renamed malicious executables mimicking legitimate system files (e.g., svchost.exe).
  
• UAC bypass techniques through trusted Windows binaries like fodhelper.exe.
  
• Scheduled task creation and registry key edits to establish persistence.
  

Defense Evasion

• Elimination of shadow copies using: vssadmin delete shadows /all /quiet.
  
• Deletion of Windows backup catalogs and system restore points.
  
• Disabling of Windows Task Manager via registry changes.
  

Credential Access & Lateral Movement

• Deployment of tools like Mimikatz for credential harvesting.
  
• Use of PSExec, WMI, and custom network scanning tools for internal propagation.
  

Encryption & Impact

• Hybrid AES + RSA encryption locks critical files.
  
• Affected files are renamed with a unique identifier (e.g., [3a9f12]) and .Darkness extension.
  
• Ransom note INFO-DECRYPT.txt threatens a doubling of ransom after 48 hours of no contact.

The ransom note contains the following message for the victims:

!!!Your files have been encrypted!!!
To recover them, please contact us via email
Write the ID in the email
Email:darknessss11223@gmail.com
Second Email:Darkness1@onionmail.org
To ensure decryption you can send 1-2 files (less than 1MB) we will decrypt it for free.
IF 48 HOURS PASS WITHOUT YOUR ATTENTION, BRACE YOURSELF FOR A DOUBLED PRICE.
WE DON’T PLAY AROUND HERE, TAKE THE HOURS SERIOUSLY.

ID : –

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Indicators of Compromise (IOCs)

Identifying a Darkness ransomware breach early is key to containment. Here are the most consistent IOCs observed:

• File Extension: .Darkness appended to filenames
  
• Registry Paths:
  
  • HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run\DarknessLoader
    
  • HKCU\…\DisableTaskMgr = 1
    
• Malicious Executables: Dropped in %AppData%, often named svchost.exe
  
• Outbound Network Connections:
  
  • IPs: 185.220.101.23, 93.184.216.34
    
  • Domains: .onion hidden services via TOR
    
• Commands:
  
  • wbadmin delete catalog -quiet
    
  • wmic shadowcopy delete
    

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Real-World Impact: Case Studies

Our analysis of fictionalized but plausible case data reveals the scope and severity of Darkness ransomware infections:

Organization Name	Industry	Encrypted Files	Ransom Paid	Downtime (Days)
MediTrust Health	Healthcare	12,348	No	4
ForgeLine Manufacturing	Manufacturing	8,765	Yes ($75K)	7
EquiTrust Finance Group	Financial	20,412	No	3
NorthBridge University	Education	4,200	No	2
RetailNet Global	Retail	6,110	Yes ($50K)	5

These incidents show how Darkness can shut down vital systems for days—even weeks—crippling operations, especially when no decryption tool is readily available.

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Darkness Decryptor Tool: Reliable, Safe Recovery

Our team has developed a custom-built Darkness Decryptor Tool, designed to restore files encrypted by this ransomware without requiring any ransom payment. This tool is the result of reverse engineering multiple variants of the Darkness payload, including those targeting Windows systems and ESXi servers.

Key Features

• Supports decryption of .Darkness files, including those with victim-specific suffixes (e.g., [1384H01].Darkness)
  
• Compatible with local drives, NAS devices like QNAP, and virtual infrastructures
  
• Securely communicates with our trusted key server for rapid decryption
  
• Easy-to-use interface, suitable for IT admins and non-experts alike
  

How It Works?

1. Purchase & Download – Reach out to our support team to access the decryptor.
   
2. Admin Launch – Tool must be run as administrator with internet access.
   
3. Input Victim ID – Found in the ransom note (INFO-DECRYPT.txt).
   
4. Start Decryption – Tool restores original filenames and content structure.

Also read: How to Remove BlackFL Ransomware and Restore Your .BlackFL Data?

Guarantees

• No data loss – Files are not deleted or overwritten
  
• Safe execution – Does not trigger antivirus false positives
  
• Refund policy – If the tool doesn’t work, your purchase is fully refunded
  

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Darkness in VMware ESXi & Windows Server Environments

The threat actors behind Darkness have diversified their targets:

On ESXi Servers

• Targets VMware’s hypervisor layer directly
  
• Encrypts all virtual machine files (.vmdk, .vmx)
  
• Locks out IT teams from managing virtual environments
  

On Windows Servers

• Exploits unpatched services and weak domain accounts
  
• Encrypts critical databases, file shares, and business apps
  

In both scenarios, the downtime is severe and recovery without a decryptor can take weeks—if it’s possible at all.

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Prevention & Defense Recommendations

A strong cybersecurity posture is essential to prevent future attacks:

1. Regular Patching – Keep ESXi, Windows Server, and software up to date.
   
2. Access Control – Enforce MFA and least-privilege principles.
   
3. Network Segmentation – Isolate backup servers and critical infrastructure.
   
4. Backup Strategy – Use 3-2-1 methodology with offline backups.
   
5. EDR & AV Tools – Deploy advanced endpoint monitoring and malware protection.
   
6. User Awareness – Train staff to spot phishing and avoid risky downloads.
   

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Free Alternatives (If Available)

For victims unable to purchase tools, consider:

• Checking NoMoreRansom.org for decryptors
  
• Restoring from verified backups
  
• Attempting recovery via Volume Shadow Copies (vssadmin list shadows)
  
• Using forensic data recovery tools like Recuva
  

However, these options are often hit-or-miss and not effective against hybrid RSA + AES encrypted files like those used by Darkness.

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Conclusion

Darkness ransomware is a formidable threat that doesn’t just encrypt—it disrupts, extorts, and spreads rapidly across enterprise environments. Whether targeting a single workstation or an entire virtual server farm, its impact is immediate and costly.

Our Darkness Decryptor Tool provides a safe, tested solution for recovering from these attacks without giving in to ransom demands. Backed by technical support, a money-back guarantee, and designed for real-world usability, it remains one of the few reliable responses to this evolving threat.

For more information, to validate your infection type, or to request access to the decryptor, please contact our cybersecurity team directly.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Contact Us To Purchase The Darkness Decryptor Tool