How to Recover Lost Data from Salted2020 Ransomware (.salted2020 Extension)?

Expert-Built Salted2020 Decryptor: Safe Recovery for Businesses

Salted2020 ransomware is a dangerous encryption-based threat that locks files with the .salted2020 extension. Our security research team has reverse-engineered samples of Salted2020 and developed a specialized decryptor to restore encrypted data without paying criminals. This solution works across Windows, Linux, and VMware ESXi systems and has already recovered files for multiple enterprise victims worldwide.

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How Our Decryptor Operates?

AI-Powered Analysis → Encrypted samples are analyzed in a secure sandbox, and blockchain validation ensures data integrity during recovery.
Ransom Note ID Matching → Every Salted2020 ransom note contains a unique ID. Our decryptor uses this ID to map the correct encryption set.
Universal Recovery Option → Even if the ransom note is missing, we offer a premium decryptor that works against newer Salted2020 builds.
Read-Only Execution → Before touching encrypted files, the decryptor scans in read-only mode to prevent data corruption.

Also read: How to Remove LockBit Black (LockBit 3.0) Ransomware Virus and Restore .LOCKBIT Files?

What You Need for Recovery?

Copy of the ransom note (typically named HOW_TO_RESTORE_FILES.txt)
Encrypted files with the .salted2020 extension
Stable internet connection for cloud validation
Local or domain administrator privileges

First Steps After a Salted2020 Attack

Disconnect Affected Systems → Remove infected devices from the network to prevent lateral spread.
Preserve All Evidence → Do not delete ransom notes, encrypted files, or logs. Keep traffic dumps and system hashes for investigation.
Avoid Reboots → Restarting may trigger hidden scripts that continue encryption.
Contact Experts Immediately → Attempting DIY decryption from shady sources often leads to corruption. Instead, work with recovery specialists.

Salted2020 Recovery and Decryption Approaches

Salted2020 is considered highly destructive, but multiple recovery strategies exist. Below are the most reliable free and paid methods available.

Free Recovery Options

1. Community Decryptors (Legacy Variants)

Some older builds of Salted2020 used flawed key generation. Cybersecurity volunteers released decryptors targeting these early variants. They work only if the ransomware sample matches known weak builds.

Pros: Free, local execution, no internet required.
Cons: Ineffective against modern Salted2020 versions; may misfire if mismatched.

2. Backup Restoration

Backups remain the safest recovery route.

Offline/Offsite Backups → If ransomware did not reach them, restoring from these backups allows clean system rebuilds.
Integrity Testing → Validate backups with checksums to confirm they are intact.
Immutable Snapshots → WORM (Write-Once-Read-Many) or cloud snapshots can survive ransomware attacks better than normal backups.

3. Shadow Copy Recovery

If the ransomware fails to delete Windows Volume Shadow Copies, files may be restored using tools like ShadowExplorer.

Limitation: Most Salted2020 samples run the vssadmin delete shadows /all /quiet command, wiping shadow copies before encryption.

4. File Repair & Partial Recovery

Some Salted2020-encrypted files may be partially restored using:

Carving Tools (e.g., PhotoRec) to extract unencrypted data fragments.
Format-Specific Repair Utilities for Office docs, SQL databases, or media files.
This rarely restores everything but can save critical portions.

Paid Recovery Options

1. Paying the Ransom (Not Recommended)

Salted2020 operators demand Bitcoin payments in exchange for a decryptor.

How It Works: The decryptor is linked to the victim ID in the ransom note.
Risks: Criminals may not deliver, may send broken tools, or include backdoors. Paying also funds further cybercrime and may breach compliance laws.

2. Professional Negotiators

Third-party intermediaries specialize in ransom negotiations.

They Verify Decryptors: By requesting proof decryption before payment.
They Lower Costs: Experienced negotiators may reduce ransom demands.
High Fees: Services are costly and success is not guaranteed.

Our Specialized Salted2020 Decryptor

Our research team has built a dedicated Salted2020 decryptor that safely restores files without depending on criminals.

Key Features

Reverse-Engineered Algorithm → Exploits flaws in Salted2020’s cryptographic routine.
Cloud + Local Options → Works online with blockchain validation or offline in secure, air-gapped environments.
Cross-Platform Support → Tested on Windows Server, Linux distributions, and VMware ESXi.
Secure Handling → Read-only scanning ensures no accidental corruption.

Step-by-Step Usage Guide

Assessment: Submit encrypted samples + ransom note for variant verification.
System Preparation: Disconnect machines, preserve logs, and run the tool as administrator.
Victim ID Input: Enter the unique ID from ransom note into the decryptor.
Start Decryption: Tool restores original files while maintaining logs for audit purposes.
Validation: Blockchain-based checksum confirms successful and safe decryption.

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Also read: How to Decrypt LockBeast Ransomware (.lockbeast) and Restore Files?

How Salted2020 Operates?

Salted2020 is a double-extortion ransomware strain. Not only does it encrypt files, but operators also steal sensitive data and threaten to publish it if ransom demands are ignored.

Initial Access Vectors

RDP Exploitation → Weak or exposed RDP services targeted via brute-force.
VPN/Firewall Vulnerabilities → Exploits in unpatched appliances.
Phishing Campaigns → Malicious email attachments and credential theft.

Tools and Techniques

Credential Dumping: Tools like Mimikatz, LaZagne.
Network Reconnaissance: Advanced IP Scanner, SoftPerfect Network Scanner.
Persistence: Scheduled tasks, registry edits.
Lateral Movement: PsExec, SMB exploitation, compromised domain admin accounts.
Defense Evasion: Zemana driver abuse, PowerTool rootkits.
Exfiltration: RClone, Mega.nz, FileZilla, Ngrok tunnels.

Encryption Methodology

ChaCha20 + RSA Hybrid → Files encrypted rapidly with ChaCha20; RSA protects keys.
Recovery Prevention → Shadow copies deleted, system restore points wiped.
Double Extortion → Victims threatened with data leaks on dark web portals.

Indicators of Compromise (IOCs)

File Extensions: .salted2020
Ransom Note: HOW_TO_RESTORE_FILES.txt
Suspicious Tools: RClone, Mimikatz, AnyDesk unexpectedly present
Outbound Traffic: Unusual connections to Mega.nz, Ngrok, TOR hidden services
System Changes: Deleted shadow copies, registry modifications for persistence

Global Victim Insights

Salted2020 has spread across industries including finance, healthcare, manufacturing, and education.

Countries Hit the Hardest

Sectors Most Impacted

Attack Timeline (2021–2025)

Ransom Note Breakdown

The ransom note usually states:

— ALL YOUR FILES HAVE BEEN ENCRYPTED —

Your documents, photos, databases and other important files have been encrypted with a strong algorithm.

The only way to restore them is by obtaining a unique decryption key.

Do not waste your time searching for other solutions.

No third-party software can help you. If you try to modify or rename encrypted files, they may become permanently corrupted.

To recover your files:

1. Send an email to: saltedhelp@protonmail.com

2. In the subject line, include your unique ID: [redacted-ID]

3. Attach up to 2 small encrypted files (less than 1MB each) for free decryption as proof.

After that, you will receive payment instructions.

The price of the decryptor depends on how fast you contact us.

WARNING:

– Do NOT try to restore files using external software, it may damage them permanently.

– Do NOT shut down your computer during the decryption process.

– Do NOT contact third parties; they will only waste your money and time.

Remember: Without our key, your files will remain encrypted forever.

Salted2020 Team

Final Thoughts

Salted2020 is one of the most dangerous ransomware families active today. With rapid encryption, double extortion tactics, and destructive wiping of recovery options, victims often feel cornered. But full recovery is possible with the right strategy.

Our Salted2020 Decryptor has already restored critical systems for multiple organizations. Whether you are an enterprise, government, or small business, fast expert response is the difference between permanent loss and full restoration.

Frequently Asked Questions

Salted2020 ransomware is a malicious program that encrypts personal and business files using a hybrid cryptographic system. Once encrypted, all files are renamed with the .salted2020 extension and cannot be opened without a valid decryption key.

Some older Salted2020 variants had weak encryption that was cracked by security researchers, and community-built tools exist for those specific builds. Unfortunately, newer versions use strong algorithms, making free universal decryption nearly impossible. Free recovery may still be possible via backups, Shadow Copies, or partial repair tools.

Paying is not recommended. Many victims report that criminals either do not provide a decryptor after payment or deliver a broken one. Even if payment works, it fuels further criminal activity. Safer alternatives include professional recovery or specialized decryptors like ours.

Typical IOCs include files renamed with .salted2020, ransom notes named HOW_TO_RESTORE_FILES.txt, unauthorized use of RClone or AnyDesk, unexpected outbound connections to Mega.nz or Ngrok, and deleted shadow copies. Spotting these early can prevent further damage.

Attackers typically gain entry via weak RDP passwords, VPN vulnerabilities, or phishing emails. Once inside, they escalate privileges using tools like Mimikatz, spread laterally through SMB and PsExec, and deploy the ransomware across all connected systems.

Our decryptor is designed specifically for Salted2020 ransomware. It analyzes the ransom note ID, validates encrypted files, and safely restores data using a reverse-engineered cryptographic routine. It runs in read-only mode during scanning, ensuring no accidental file corruption.

Yes, prevention is possible with layered defenses:

Deploy EDR (Endpoint Detection & Response) solutions that can detect ransomware behavior like shadow copy deletion and privilege escalation attempts.

Patch vulnerable VPNs and firewalls immediately.
Disable unused RDP and enforce MFA.
Maintain offline and immutable backups.

If backups are unavailable, recovery options include:

Engaging professionals who offer safe paid decryptors, such as our Salted2020 recovery tool.
Attempting free decryptors for older Salted2020 variants.
Using forensic file carving or repair tools to salvage partial data.

Contact Us To Purchase The Salted2020 Decryptor Tool

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How to Recover Lost Data from Salted2020 Ransomware (.salted2020 Extension)?

Expert-Built Salted2020 Decryptor: Safe Recovery for Businesses

How Our Decryptor Operates?

What You Need for Recovery?

First Steps After a Salted2020 Attack