Prey Ransomware Decryptor
Prey is a sophisticated ransomware strain linked to the MedusaLocker family, known for encrypting victim data and appending the extension .prey35 to every locked file. Upon encryption, it drops a ransom instruction file titled HOW_TO_RECOVER_DATA.html on the victim’s desktop. The perpetrators claim to have used a hybrid RSA + AES encryption approach, combining robust asymmetric and symmetric algorithms. They also assert that sensitive information was exfiltrated before encryption, creating both an encryption and extortion crisis. Victims are warned that if they fail to respond within 72 hours, the ransom fee will sharply increase.
Immediate Containment and Evidence Preservation
Once Prey ransomware has infiltrated a system, every second counts.
The initial priority is to disconnect all compromised devices from the network to prevent further file encryption and the infection of shared folders or backup repositories.
Next, preserve all forensic evidence — including the ransom note, encrypted files, and system logs — without altering or renaming them. These items are critical for recovery and investigation.
Avoid rebooting, formatting, or experimenting with unknown “free decryptors,” as these actions may trigger further encryption cycles or destroy key forensic data.
If possible, create a full read-only forensic image of affected drives for later analysis by experts. This ensures you retain an untouched copy of the encrypted state.
Free and Low-Cost Recovery Options
Backup Restoration
The most reliable path to recovering data from Prey ransomware is restoring from verified offline or immutable backups. Before performing a full restore, always validate backup integrity by checking file hashes or mounting the backup in a safe test environment to confirm completeness and cleanliness.
Virtual Machine Snapshots
If your systems run within a hypervisor like VMware or Hyper-V, and pre-attack snapshots exist, you can revert virtual machines to a clean state. Ensure these snapshots were not tampered with or deleted during the attack and isolate them before rollback to prevent reinfection.
Public Decryptors and Community Tools
A few older MedusaLocker derivatives have limited decryptors released by the security community. However, these utilities apply only to older or flawed variants and will not function for the latest Prey (.prey35) version. Running an incompatible decryptor may corrupt files permanently, so always test with copies of non-essential files first.
GPU-Based Brute-Force Research Tools
Certain cybersecurity researchers have demonstrated brute-force decryption against flawed cryptographic implementations using GPU acceleration. These approaches require high-end hardware (e.g., CUDA-enabled GPUs) and are experimental. They are typically viable only when the ransomware’s cryptographic seeds are weak or partially exposed, which is rare for Prey.
Paid and Professional Recovery Pathways
Ransom Payment (Not Advised)
While paying the ransom may seem like a shortcut, it remains highly risky. There is no assurance that cybercriminals will send a valid decryptor or that it will function correctly. Moreover, sending cryptocurrency to threat actors funds illegal activity and may breach legal or compliance obligations in some jurisdictions.
Professional Negotiation and Response Teams
Specialized ransomware negotiators act as intermediaries between victims and attackers. They can manage communications over TOR, verify the authenticity of decryptors via test files, and often negotiate reduced ransom demands. Such teams integrate forensic containment, recovery coordination, and payment guidance if all other options fail.
Our Specialized Prey Decryptor and Recovery Platform
Our dedicated Prey decryption service mirrors enterprise-grade workflows to address modern variants effectively:
- Cloud-Based Cryptographic Analysis and Blockchain Integrity Log
Every encrypted file is processed inside a controlled sandbox. Each operation is recorded in a blockchain-backed ledger, ensuring transparency and verifiable integrity of the decrypted data. - Ransom Note Identification and Key Mapping
The unique Victim or Login ID from HOW_TO_RECOVER_DATA.html is analyzed to match the specific encryption batch, enabling precise key reconstruction or mapping. - Universal Decryptor Option
For clients who no longer possess the ransom note, a premium heuristic module attempts pattern recognition and key recovery against new Prey builds. - Non-Destructive Read-Only Execution
Before full decryption begins, our system conducts preliminary read-only scans to assess file structure and decryptability, ensuring no additional data corruption.
Operational Requirements:
Encrypted file samples, the ransom note (if available), system administrator credentials, and network access for secure decryption through our private recovery cloud.
Step-by-Step Prey Recovery Procedure with the Prey Decryptor
Assess the Infection
Confirm that all affected files carry the .prey35 extension and that HOW_TO_RECOVER_DATA.html is present.
Secure the Environment
Disconnect the compromised hosts from all networks immediately to halt the ransomware’s lateral spread.
Engage Our Response Team
Send a few encrypted samples and the ransom note to our analysts for variant confirmation. We’ll perform diagnostic testing and share a recovery timeline.
Run the Prey Decryptor
Launch the tool as an administrator for optimal operation. The decryptor connects securely to our servers for authentication and integrity verification.
Enter the Victim ID: Locate the identifier within the ransom note and input it for accurate key association.
Start the Process: Initiate decryption and allow the software to restore files to their pre-infection state.
Behavior of Prey on Infected Systems
Once activated, Prey performs in-place encryption on all accessible files, adding the .prey35 extension. It modifies the system wallpaper and creates the ransom note directing victims to contact the attackers via email. The note also warns users against third-party decryption attempts, asserting that data will be leaked if the ransom is not paid.
Initial Infection Vectors
Prey commonly infiltrates networks through social engineering and malware distribution campaigns. Infection routes include phishing emails with macro-enabled documents, software cracks or torrents carrying hidden payloads, drive-by downloads, and malicious ads. It may also spread through infected USB drives or across network shares, enabling widespread impact.
Indicators of Compromise (IOCs)
Key traces left by Prey ransomware include:
- Encrypted files ending in .prey35
- Presence of HOW_TO_RECOVER_DATA.html ransom note
- Attacker contact addresses: [email protected] and [email protected]
- Detection identifiers: Avast – Win64:MalwareX-gen [Ransom]; ESET – Variant Of Win64/Filecoder.MedusaLocker.A; Microsoft – Ransom:Win64/MedusaLocker.MZT!MTB
- Systems exhibit encrypted documents, unreadable data, and ransom messages on the desktop.
Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures (TTPs)
The operational playbook of Prey aligns closely with established ransomware patterns:
- Initial Breach: via phishing attachments or malicious executable downloads.
- Privilege Escalation and Persistence: attackers attempt admin elevation to access entire drives.
- Lateral Propagation: scanning for network shares and mapped drives to extend encryption reach.
- Data Theft: exfiltrating sensitive data before encryption for double-extortion leverage.
- Encryption and Denial of Access: uses RSA/AES hybrid encryption while eliminating local recovery options, often deleting shadow copies.
Associated Tools and Supporting Components
During attacks, operators may use auxiliary tools beyond the main ransomware binary:
- Loaders and RATs to deploy payloads covertly.
- Credential theft utilities for lateral movement and domain escalation.
- Data transfer tools such as RClone or WinSCP for covert exfiltration.
Threat hunters should monitor for these binaries or equivalent processes in telemetry.
Victim Demographics
Country Distribution
Industry Segments Affected
Incident Timeline
Eradicating Prey from Compromised Systems
Execute a complete antivirus or EDR scan with a trusted solution to remove active ransomware binaries. This stops further encryption but does not restore locked data. Always perform cleanup after capturing forensic images and consider re-imaging or patching systems before reconnecting them to the network.
System Hardening and Prevention Measures
Mitigating future attacks requires layered defenses. Maintain multiple isolated backups stored offline or on immutable storage. Enforce multi-factor authentication on all remote connections, patch VPNs and firewalls promptly, and limit administrative privileges. Network segmentation and continuous monitoring — either in-house or via MDR partners — are essential for early detection.
Ransom Note Breakdown
The HOW_TO_RECOVER_DATA.html file declares the compromise of the victim’s network, claims hybrid RSA and AES encryption, and warns against using third-party tools. Attackers threaten to publish exfiltrated data if payment is refused.
The note includes the following excerpt:
YOUR COMPANY NETWORK HAS BEEN PENETRATED
Your files are safe! Only modified.(RSA+AES)
ANY ATTEMPT TO RESTORE YOUR FILES WITH THIRD-PARTY SOFTWARE WILL PERMANENTLY CORRUPT IT. DO NOT MODIFY ENCRYPTED FILES. DO NOT RENAME ENCRYPTED FILES.
No software available on internet can help you. We are the only ones able to solve your problem. We gathered highly confidential/personal data. These data are currently stored on a private server. This server will be immediately destroyed after your payment. If you decide to not pay, we will release your data to public or re-seller. So you can expect your data to be publicly available in the near future.. We only seek money and our goal is not to damage your reputation or prevent your business from running. You will can send us 2-3 non-important files and we will decrypt it for free to prove we are able to give your files back.
Contact us for price and get decryption software.
email:
[email protected]
[email protected]
* To contact us, create a new free email account on the site: protonmail.com
IF YOU DON’T CONTACT US WITHIN 72 HOURS, PRICE WILL BE HIGHER.
Threat Hunting and Detection Guidance
Investigators should watch for massive file renaming events ending in .prey35, creation of HOW_TO_RECOVER_DATA.html, or outbound communications toward attacker-listed email servers. Endpoint logs may reveal suspicious process executions linked to loaders, compression tools, or file transfers across internal shares.
Conclusion
Prey ransomware is an evolved MedusaLocker descendant that can paralyze entire networks through encryption and extortion. Respond decisively — isolate, preserve, analyze, and recover using verified methods only. Restore from clean backups whenever possible, and rely on professional recovery and forensic assistance for complex cases. Prevention through patching, segmentation, and robust security posture remains the most effective defense.
MedusaLocker Ransomware Versions We Decrypt