How to Decrypt Phantom Ransomware (.Phantom) Files Safely?
Our Phantom Ransomware Decryptor — Professionally Built and Forensically Safe
Our research and incident response team has developed a custom decryptor for Phantom ransomware, an evolved threat derived from the open-source Hidden Tear project. Phantom uses strong hybrid encryption (AES-256 and RSA-2048) and adds the “.Phantom” extension to locked files. The decryptor is designed to:
- Safely analyze encrypted samples in an isolated forensic sandbox;
- Identify the specific Phantom build and any embedded victim IDs;
- Recover data through a verified decryption process while producing complete integrity and audit logs.
It supports both cloud-assisted (for speed) and air-gapped/offline (for classified or high-security networks) operation. Each recovery begins with read-only verification, preserving evidence and ensuring no alteration of source data before key validation.
Related article: How to remove MedusaLocker3 / Far Attack Ransomware (.BAGAJAI) and Recover Files?
How the Phantom Decryptor Works?
After encrypted files and ransom notes are submitted, the decryptor analyzes file headers, encryption metadata, and Hidden Tear-based key sequences to map the variant. If the keys or algorithmic patterns match existing references, we conduct a Proof-of-Concept (PoC) decryption on one or two test samples. When results are confirmed, full restoration proceeds under analyst supervision, generating step-by-step reports for compliance and insurers.
Requirements:
- The ransom note (readme.txt or info.hta)
- Two to five encrypted sample files (copies only, .Phantom extension)
- Administrator privileges on a secure recovery host
- Optional internet connection for cloud analysis (offline available)
Also read: How to Decrypt Radiant Group Ransomware (.radiant) Encrypted Files?
Immediate Actions After Discovering Phantom Ransomware
- Disconnect and isolate infected machines immediately from all networks and shared storage.
- Preserve encrypted data and ransom notes exactly as they appear; do not rename or modify them.
- Capture system memory (RAM) if possible — memory dumps may contain decryption keys or traces of the running encryption process.
- Collect forensic evidence: AV/EDR alerts, Windows Event Logs, firewall and proxy logs, and timestamps of suspicious activity.
- Engage experts: Contact a cybersecurity incident response team. Do not message the attacker on Telegram (@Decryptor_run) or by email (info@cloudminerapp.com).
Recovery Options for .Phantom Files
Free Recovery Possibilities
Backup Restoration
Restoring from verified, offline, or immutable backups remains the most reliable path. Validate backups by checksum or mount testing — Phantom may delete or encrypt online copies.
Virtual Machine Snapshots
If your environment includes hypervisor snapshots (VMware, Hyper-V), revert to clean pre-infection versions after confirming integrity.
Paid or Specialized Options
Professional Decryptor Service
Our decryptor program is run by analysts who begin with a PoC decryption on small samples before performing a complete restoration in a forensically logged environment.
Ransom Payment (not recommended)
While some Phantom victims pay, the risk of receiving no valid decryptor is high. Law enforcement advises against it. Payments may also finance criminal operations. Consider this option only after consulting legal counsel and insurers.
How to Use Our Phantom Decryptor — Step-by-Step?
Assess the Infection
Identify file extensions: .Phantom and confirm presence of ransom notes readme.txt or info.hta.
Secure the Environment
Disconnect affected systems from the network and shared storage to stop further encryption activity.
Engage Our Recovery Team
Submit sample encrypted files and the ransom note for variant confirmation; we will analyze the samples and provide an estimated recovery timeline.
Run Our Decryptor
Launch the Phantom Decryptor with administrator privileges for best results. An internet connection is required if using cloud-assisted analysis.
Enter Your Victim ID
Locate the Victim ID in the ransom note and enter it into the decryptor to match your specific encryption batch.
Start the Decryptor
Begin the decryption process and allow the tool to restore files to their original state while producing integrity logs for verification.
Also read: How to remove Kryptos Ransomware and Decrypt .kryptos Files?
Understanding Phantom Ransomware
Overview
Phantom ransomware is a derivative of the Hidden Tear framework — an open-source project that spawned multiple ransomware families. It uses AES-256 for file encryption and RSA-2048 for key protection. Files are renamed with the .Phantom extension (for example, photo.png.Phantom).
Behavior
Once executed, Phantom encrypts a wide range of file types — documents, images, archives, databases, and multimedia files. It drops two ransom notes: readme.txt (text) and info.hta (pop-up). The notes instruct victims to contact attackers via Telegram (@Decryptor_run) or email (info@cloudminerapp.com), offering to decrypt two small files for free.
Propagation
The ransomware spreads through phishing emails, malicious attachments, pirated software, cracked activators, fake updates, and exploit kits. It can also arrive via infected USB devices, P2P networks, or drive-by downloads from compromised websites.
Name, Extension & Ransom Notes
Ransomware Name: Phantom
Encrypted File Extension: .Phantom
Ransom Notes: readme.txt and info.hta
Excerpt from info.hta (pop-up note):
ALL YOUR VALUABLE DATA WAS ENCRYPTED!
due to a security problem with your PC. If you want to restore them, write us to the e-mail info@cloudminerapp.com
Write this ID in the title of your message:-
Faster support Write Us To The ID-Telegram:@Decryptor_run (hxxps://t.me/Decryptor_run)
You have to pay for decryption in Bitcoins. The price depends on how fast you write to us. After payment we will send you the tool that will decrypt all your files.
Free decryption as guarantee
Before paying you can send us up to 5 files for free decryption. The total size of files must be less than 4Mb (non archived), and files should not contain valuable information.
How to obtain Bitcoins
The easiest way to buy bitcoins is via the LocalBitcoins website. Register, click ‘Buy bitcoins’, and select a seller by payment method and price.
Alternatively, find other places to buy Bitcoins and a beginners guide here:
http://www.coindesk.com
Attention!
Do not rename encrypted files.
Do not try to decrypt your data using third party software; it may cause permanent data loss.
Decryption using third parties may result in increased price (they add their fee) or you may become a victim of a scam.
Excerpt from readme.txt:
ALL YOUR VALUABLE DATA WAS ENCRYPTED!
All your files were encrypted with strong crypto algorithm AES-256 + RSA-2048.
Please be sure that your files are not broken and you can restore them today.If you really want to restore your files please write us to the e-mails:
Faster support Write Us To The ID-Telegram: @Decryptor_run (hxxps://t.me/Decryptor_run)
info@cloudminerapp.com
In subject line write your ID: 9ECFA84E
Important! Please send your message to all of our 3 e-mail addresses. This is really important because of delivery problems of some mail services!
Important! If you haven’t received a response from us within 24 hours, please try to use a different email service (Gmail, Yahoo, AOL, etc).
Important! Please check your SPAM folder each time you wait for our response! If you find our email in the SPAM folder please move it to your Inbox.
Important! We are always in touch and ready to help you as soon as possible!Attach up to 2 small encrypted files for free test decryption. Please note that the files you send us should not contain any valuable information. We will send you test decrypted files in our response for your confidence.
Of course you will receive all the necessary instructions how to decrypt your files!Important!
Please note that we are professionals and just doing our job!
Please do not waste time and do not try to deceive us – it will result only in a price increase!
We are always open for dialogue and ready to help you.
IOCs, Detections & Technical Artifacts
Detection Names by Security Vendors:
- Avast → Win32:MalwareX-gen [Misc]
- Combo Cleaner → Generic.Ransom.Hiddentear.A.8BD56EEA
- ESET NOD32 → A Variant Of MSIL/Filecoder.BNN
- Kaspersky → HEUR:Trojan-Ransom.MSIL.Spora.gen
- Microsoft → Ransom:Win32/Paradise.BC!MTB
Known Indicators:
- File extensions: .Phantom
- Ransom notes: readme.txt, info.hta
- Communication: Telegram @Decryptor_run; Email info@cloudminerapp.com
- Example victim ID: 9ECFA84E
Behavioral Traits:
- Encrypts documents, databases, archives, and media files.
- Drops ransom notes in every affected directory.
- Displays an HTA pop-up message on desktop startup.
- Removes shadow copies to prevent local restoration.
- Creates registry entries for persistence and automatic ransom-note display.
Tactics, Techniques & Procedures (TTPs)
- Initial Access: phishing emails, fake installers, infected torrents, and software cracks.
- Execution: payload encrypts files with AES-256, stores keys with RSA-2048, and appends .Phantom.
- Persistence: modifies registry keys for auto-start and ransom-note display.
- Defense Evasion: deletes shadow copies, disables recovery points, and clears event logs.
- Impact: encrypts essential business and personal files, demands Bitcoin payment, and blocks local recovery.
Victim Landscape — Global Distribution & Sector Impact
Regions Affected:
Industries Impacted:
Timeline of Activity:
Conclusion
Phantom ransomware is a modern reimplementation of Hidden Tear, strengthened with hybrid AES/RSA encryption and updated distribution methods. Victims should:
- Immediately isolate infected systems and preserve evidence;
- Seek assistance from verified decryptor services offering proof-of-concept results;
- Avoid ransom payments; and
- Adopt strong cyber-hygiene practices (patching, MFA, and offline backups) to prevent recurrence.
Never attempt random decryptors from the internet — they can corrupt data or install more malware. Coordinate recovery through professional responders, legal advisors, and law enforcement.
Frequently Asked Questions
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