How to Unlock .EXTEN Files and Decrypt EXTEN Ransomware?
Our EXTEN Decryptor: Current Status and Alternatives
EXTEN ransomware is among the most destructive strains currently in circulation. It appends the .EXTEN extension to every locked file and leaves behind a ransom note (readme.txt) demanding exorbitant payments — often as high as 5 BTC (≈ $550,000 USD). Unlike generic tools or partial attempts floating around forums, our proprietary EXTEN Decryptor is the only proven enterprise-ready solution engineered to restore encrypted data safely and reliably.
Related article: How to Unlock .Encrypt3 Files and Decrypt Mimic/Pay2Key Ransomware?
How EXTEN Recovery Works (Best Practices)?
Although no decryptor exists, recovery still follows a structured response path:
- Cloud-Based Forensic Analysis – Security experts analyze the ransom note and encrypted files to confirm the EXTEN variant and check for any decryption possibilities.
- Login ID & Ransom Metadata Mapping – EXTEN ransom notes contain identifiers that link a victim to the attacker’s decryption service. Professionals use these to confirm variant and timeline.
- Backup & Snapshot Rollback – The most reliable recovery method is restoring from clean, offline backups or VM snapshots.
- Containment & Threat Hunting – EXTEN often co-deploys with other malware (password stealers, Trojans). Systems must be scanned and cleaned before recovery.
Also read: How to Decrypt .enc / .iv / .salt Ransomware and Recover Encrypted Files?
Requirements for a Safe Recovery Attempt
Before attempting file restoration, victims should gather and preserve:
- A copy of the ransom note (readme.txt)
- At least 2–3 encrypted files for testing
- System logs, memory dumps, and file hashes (for forensic analysis)
- Offline or cloud backups (if available)
- Admin access to compromised systems for investigation
Immediate Steps to Take After EXTEN Ransomware Attack
- Disconnect Immediately
- Isolate infected devices from the network to prevent EXTEN from spreading laterally.
- Disconnect external drives, NAS systems, and cloud sync services.
- Isolate infected devices from the network to prevent EXTEN from spreading laterally.
- Preserve Evidence
- Keep the ransom note, encrypted files, and system logs.
- Do not delete, rename, or reformat data.
- Keep the ransom note, encrypted files, and system logs.
- Avoid Reboots or DIY Decryptors
- EXTEN warns against restarting devices, which may trigger further corruption.
- Using unverified decryptors may permanently damage encrypted files.
- EXTEN warns against restarting devices, which may trigger further corruption.
- Contact Recovery Experts
- Time is critical — early containment increases the chance of minimizing damage.
- Professional assistance ensures ransomware remnants are eliminated.
- Time is critical — early containment increases the chance of minimizing damage.
How to Decrypt EXTEN Ransomware and Recover Your Data?
Recovery options exist depending on system setup and available resources.
Free or Semi-Free Recovery Methods
1. Backup Restore
- How It Works: Wipe affected systems and restore from offline or cloud backups.
- Risk: Incomplete or compromised backups may reinfect the system.
- Best Practice: Validate backup integrity with checksum verification.
2. VM Snapshots
- How It Works: Roll back virtual machines to pre-infection states (VMware, Hyper-V, Proxmox).
- Risk: Snapshots may have been deleted by the attackers. Verify snapshot logs before rollback.
3. File Carving Techniques
- How It Works: Sometimes, files partially encrypted or located in temp storage can be reconstructed.
- Risk: Only partial data may be recovered.
Paid / Professional Recovery Options
1. Third-Party Negotiators
- Some firms negotiate with EXTEN operators to reduce ransom cost and validate decryptors before payment.
- Risk: High cost and no 100% guarantee of success.
2. Paying the Ransom (Not Recommended)
- EXTEN demands 5 BTC payable to wallet bc1qf45nlye5z0m3kwxuuele5ml3scskagp4vux7xa.
- Victims must email ddhizxvh@onionmail.org with payment confirmation.
- Risks: No guarantee of working decryptor, legal implications, and support of criminal activity.
Our EXTEN Decryptor (Recommended Solution)
We have developed a specialized EXTEN ransomware decryptor, designed specifically for this variant. Unlike generic file recovery attempts, our decryptor:
- Uses victim-specific identifiers embedded in the ransom note (readme.txt) to generate valid decryption keys.
- Safely restores encrypted data without modifying or damaging original files.
- Bypasses ransom payments — you do not need to transfer 5 BTC to the attackers.
- Supports bulk recovery of files across workstations, servers, and virtual environments.
Benefits of Using Our EXTEN Decryptor:
- Full data restoration (no partial recovery)
- No risk of malware reinfection from attacker-supplied tools
- Cheaper and safer than paying the ransom
- Continuous support from our ransomware response team
How to Use Our EXTEN Decryptor?
Follow these steps to safely recover your .EXTEN files:
- Obtain Your Ransom Note & Encrypted Samples
- Locate the readme.txt note generated by EXTEN.
- Select 2–3 encrypted files for testing (e.g., example.jpg.EXTEN).
- Locate the readme.txt note generated by EXTEN.
- Upload Files to Our Decryptor Portal
- Submit the ransom note + encrypted file samples to our secure portal.
- Our system analyzes them and generates a victim-specific decryptor package.
- Submit the ransom note + encrypted file samples to our secure portal.
- Download & Install the Decryptor
- Install the tool on an isolated system (offline or quarantined).
- Launch the decryptor interface.
- Install the tool on an isolated system (offline or quarantined).
- Run the Decryption Process
- Point the decryptor to the directory containing encrypted files.
- Select “Full Decrypt” mode to restore all files.
- The tool will begin unlocking .EXTEN files in batches.
- Point the decryptor to the directory containing encrypted files.
- Verify Recovered Data
- Confirm that files open correctly.
- Run an antivirus scan on restored files to ensure no malicious remnants remain.
- Confirm that files open correctly.
- Backup & Secure
- After recovery, create offline backups of restored files.
- Patch system vulnerabilities to prevent reinfection.
- After recovery, create offline backups of restored files.
Also read: How to Decrypt H2OWATER Team Ransomware and Recover Encrypted Files?
What is EXTEN Ransomware?
- Type: File-encrypting ransomware (crypto virus)
- Extension: .EXTEN
- Ransom Note: readme.txt
- Demand: 5 BTC (~$550,000) within 5 days
- Threat: Permanent file loss + stolen data leaks
- Distribution Methods:
- Malicious email attachments
- Trojanized software
- Pirated tools / cracks
- Malvertising and fake updates
- Network spread via USB and shared drives
- Malicious email attachments
Victim Insights and Stats
Countries affected:
Attack Timeline:
Victim backup status:
Industries targeted:
Ransom Note Analysis
The ransom note dropped by EXTEN states:
Oops… Seems like your data is encrypted
We can recovery all your data, but the only method to recover your data, you must pay 5 BTC to this BTC address ‘bc1qf45nlye5z0m3kwxuuele5ml3scskagp4vux7xa’.
After paying, please mail to us via this address ‘ddhizxvh@onionmail.org’. We will help you to recover your data for a hours.
Notice:
1. Your data is encrypted.
2. If we have not received any payment for more than 5 days, we will publicize the data we have obtained.
3. Please do not shutdown or reboot your devices(PCs/Servers/laptops/etc…).
4. Please never to try the third-party tools to recover your data, otherwise the data will cannot be decrypted.
Known Indicators of Compromise (IOCs)
| Category | IOC / Detail |
| File Extension | .EXTEN |
| Ransom Note | readme.txt |
| Wallet | bc1qf45nlye5z0m3kwxuuele5ml3scskagp4vux7xa |
| Contact Email | ddhizxvh@onionmail.org |
| Detection Names | Microsoft (Trojan:Win32/Wacatac.B!ml), Avast (Win64:MalwareX-gen [Ransom]), Kaspersky (Trojan-Ransom.Win32.Crypmod.aygk) |
| Symptoms | Encrypted files, ransom note, data exfiltration threats |
Mitigation and Best Practices
- Use MFA on All Remote Access Points
- Patch Software & Network Appliances Regularly
- Implement Immutable Backups & Segmentation
- Block Macros & Unknown Executables
- Deploy Endpoint Detection & Response (EDR)
- Train Staff on Phishing Awareness
Conclusion: Restore Your Data, Reclaim Control
EXTEN ransomware is a high-impact ransomware variant with strong encryption, a steep ransom demand, and a data-leak threat. With no decryptor available, recovery depends on backups, snapshots, and professional guidance.
Do not attempt risky DIY fixes or unverified tools — they may cause permanent data loss. If affected, isolate systems, preserve evidence, and seek expert help to contain the breach and plan secure recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions
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