WhiteLock Ransomware Decryptor
The ransomware strain known as WhiteLock (classified as Win32/Ransom.WhiteLock) has been observed encrypting data on Windows systems. Once executed, it renames compromised files with the .fbin extension and leaves behind a ransom note named c0ntact.txt. Attackers demand 4 BTC to be paid within four days, claiming they have stolen sensitive data. Victims are instructed to visit a Tor-based portal and log in using a unique client ID found in the note. At present, no free or verified decryption tool exists for WhiteLock. This makes rapid containment, a well-prepared backup plan, and professional incident handling critical for recovery.
How Our Recovery Framework Works
- Non-Intrusive Assessment: Copies of c0ntact.txt and a set of .fbin files are collected. These are examined with safe read-only methods to confirm the strain and assess whether recovery is possible.
- IOC-Focused Investigation: We search for known WhiteLock indicators of compromise to map the attack chain, trace the infection spread, and check for evidence of data theft.
- Clean Restoration Paths: The focus is on recovery via offline or immutable backups and hypervisor snapshots, with added verification to ensure data integrity.
- Negotiation Oversight (Optional): If an organization chooses to negotiate, we ensure channels are authentic and demand a proof-of-decryption sample before any payment. (However, paying is strongly discouraged by law enforcement and cybersecurity agencies.)
Requirements for Attempted Recovery
- Access to the ransom note (c0ntact.txt)
- A collection of encrypted files with the .fbin extension
- Security and system logs (EDR, Windows Event Viewer, firewall, VPN, proxy)
- Administrative rights (local or domain) for system and recovery operations
First Actions After a WhiteLock Attack
Disconnect Affected Devices
Take impacted machines and storage volumes offline immediately. Prevent further spread by blocking lateral traffic and disabling outbound Tor/proxy communication.
Preserve Critical Artifacts
Do not delete or tamper with the ransom note or the encrypted files. Keep forensic logs, memory dumps, and any suspicious binaries intact for investigation.
Avoid Reboots or Cleanup Attempts
Random reboots or manual file modifications can trigger secondary encryption or wipe key forensic traces. Leave files untouched.
Engage Skilled Recovery Specialists
Stay away from random decryptor tools advertised on forums. Work only with qualified IR teams who can verify your options and guide safe recovery.
WhiteLock Recovery and File Restoration Approaches
WhiteLock uses aggressive encryption combined with extortion tactics. While there is no publicly available decryptor, several recovery options exist depending on system conditions.
Free or Built-In Options
- Backup/Snapshot Recovery: Restore data from offline backups or secure hypervisor snapshots made prior to encryption. Before restoring, always mount snapshots in read-only mode to confirm integrity.
- Shadow Copies: While often removed by ransomware, surviving Windows shadow copies can sometimes be used to selectively recover files after the system is secured.
- File/Application Traces: Some files may be partially recoverable from caches, exports, or replicas (for example, database backups or object storage versions).
Forensic-Guided Partial Recovery
In certain cases, application-level logs or exports can rebuild mission-critical data. Advanced forensic carving from working directories may also yield partial file recovery.
Paid Recovery (High Risk)
Paying the ransom is not recommended, but some organizations consider it. If attempted, use only trusted negotiators, demand proof of decryption, and test all returned files in a sandbox. Remember: payment carries legal risks and no guarantee of a functioning decryptor.
Step-by-Step WhiteLock Recovery Guide with WhiteLock Decryptor
Assess the Infection
Identify .fbin extensions and confirm the presence of c0ntact.txt.
Secure the Environment
Disconnect affected systems and ensure encryption scripts are inactive.
Engage Our Recovery Team
Submit encrypted file samples and ransom notes for variant verification. We will provide analysis and recovery planning.
Run Our Decryptor
Launch the WhiteLock Decryptor with administrator rights. Internet connectivity is required for it to contact secure servers.
Enter Your Victim ID
Extract the victim ID from the ransom note and input it for accurate decryption.
Start the Decryptor
Begin decryption and allow the process to restore original files.
Understanding WhiteLock Ransomware
WhiteLock targets Windows devices, encrypting files into the .fbin extension and creating the ransom note c0ntact.txt. The attackers request 4 BTC with a four-day deadline, asserting they exfiltrated sensitive data. They threaten to damage reputation, sell to competitors, and leak data online. Victims must access a Tor portal and log in with a unique client ID, usually a long hexadecimal string.
Typical WhiteLock Intrusion Flow (Likely Attack Path)
Initial Access
Phishing emails, weak or exposed RDP/VPN credentials, vulnerable web apps, or leaked account credentials.
Privilege Escalation and Reconnaissance
Credential harvesting from LSASS memory, Active Directory discovery, and file share enumeration.
Lateral Movement
Use of PsExec, SMB, RDP, or scheduled tasks for movement across systems.
Data Exfiltration
Exfiltration tools like Rclone, WinSCP, or FileZilla, often uploading to cloud platforms or attacker infrastructure.
Final Impact
Encryption of files with .fbin, ransom note creation, deletion of shadow copies, and modified desktop wallpaper/messages.
WhiteLock Indicators of Compromise
File Artifacts
- Encrypted extension: .fbin
- Ransom note: c0ntact.txt
HI!
Warning!
Your systems have been compromised, and all important information has been extracted and encrypted.
Consider us an unplanned, mandatory assessment of your network to identify vulnerabilities; we have no interest in destroying your files and only think of money.
You have only 4 days to pay, and the requested ransom amount is 4 Bitcoins which is based on a detailed analysis of your financial information and assets.
What happens if you don’t pay the ransom?
If you do not pay the ransom by the end of the specified time or use backup files to restore the data, the following steps will be taken automatically and step by step.
1. We will notify your customers about your failure to protect their information, which will damage your reputation.
2. All information will be sold to your competitors.
3. All your information will be sold and published on the dark web.
4. And finally, your information will be published on the internet.
Be confident that if you decide not to cooperate with us, you will suffer damages far exceeding the amount we request, and we will obtain what we want by selling your files.
Caution
– Don’t go to the police or security forces for help; they will try to prevent you from negotiating with us, and in the end, it’s only your company that suffers the loss.
– Do not modify encrypted files yourself
– Do not use third-party software to restore your data; you may damage your files, which will result in permanent data loss.
How to contact us?
Install and run ‘Tor Browser’ from hxxps://www.torproject.org/download/
Our URL is : http://l3e4ct2egnlfz4ymexwn66jlz … cp7xel5hpbzqd.onion
Log in using your client ID (a8c05b84e99bf41eb19f0e226b5d50d5b92125c9e7b47feefaec462fd26ed35?) and stay in touch with us.
- Client ID: long hexadecimal string (e.g., a8c05b84e…d35)
- Wallpaper changes with ransom message
Network Indicators
- Tor communication attempts, presence of tor.exe or bundles
- Sudden outbound transfers to cloud/CDN endpoints or new IPs
- Presence of rclone.conf
Behavioral Traces
- Large-scale .fbin file creation in rapid bursts
- Repeated ransom note (c0ntact.txt) creation across directories
- Commands to disable defenses (vssadmin delete shadows, registry edits, etc.)
TTPs and MITRE ATT&CK Mapping
- Initial Access: Valid Accounts, Phishing, Exploit Public-Facing Apps (TA0001)
- Execution: Command/Script Interpreter (T1059), Scheduled Task/Job (T1053)
- Privilege Escalation / Defense Evasion: OS Credential Dumping (T1003), Impair Defenses (T1562), Bring Your Own Vulnerable Driver (BYOVD)
- Discovery / Lateral Movement: Remote Services (T1021), Remote Execution with PsExec/WMIC/WinRM (T1021.002/.003)
- Collection / Exfiltration: Archive Data (T1560), Exfiltration to Web/Cloud (T1567)
- Impact: Data Encrypted for Impact (T1486), Disable Recovery Options (T1490)
Practical Detection Strategies
File System Activity
Look for newly created .fbin files and ransom notes (c0ntact.txt) written in bulk within the same time period.
Process Monitoring
Flag processes that rapidly modify thousands of files. Monitor for suspicious use of rclone.exe, winscp.com, pscp.exe, or 7z.exe.
Registry and Shadow Copy Tampering
Detect commands like vssadmin delete shadows /all /quiet, wmic shadowcopy delete, or boot configuration edits disabling recovery.
Network Behavior
Investigate sudden connections to Tor bootstrap nodes, .onion endpoints, or abnormal outbound data transfers from servers.
Mitigation and Hardening Strategies
- Enforce multi-factor authentication on VPN/RDP/SSO logins; disable unnecessary external access.
- Apply patches to public-facing systems and rotate privileged credentials.
- Limit lateral movement by enforcing least privilege and strict segmentation.
- Maintain offline, immutable backups and verify restores regularly.
- Enable comprehensive logging and SIEM alerting for early ransomware detection.
Conclusion
Although WhiteLock ransomware poses a formidable threat, organizations have reliable avenues for recovery. With no public decryptor available, the strongest defense lies in swift isolation, forensic diligence, and restoration from resilient backups or snapshots. By avoiding hasty ransom payments, preserving key evidence, and working with experienced recovery teams, businesses can restore operations, protect sensitive information, and build stronger defenses against future ransomware crises.
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