DataLeak Ransomware Decryption and Removal Using Phobos Decryptor

Overview: DataLeak Ransomware

DataLeak is a newly identified strain of ransomware in the MedusaLocker family. Discovered via file submissions on VirusTotal, it operates by encrypting data and demanding payment for decryption.

Related article: DeLocker Ransomware Decryption and Removal Using Phobos Decryptor

Infection and File Encryption

Upon execution, DataLeak encrypts files on the system, appending the extension “.dataleak1”. For example:

• 1.jpg → 1.jpg.dataleak1
  
• report.docx → report.docx.dataleak1
  

After encryption, the malware changes the desktop wallpaper and drops a ransom demand as an HTML file named “READ_NOTE.html”.

Also read: DarkHack Ransomware Decryption and Removal Using Phobos Decryptor

Ransom Note

Below is the full, unedited ransom note as delivered by DataLeak:

YOUR PERSONAL ID:

–

/!\ YOUR COMPANY NETWORK HAS BEEN PENETRATED /!\

All your important files have been encrypted!

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:

–

* To contact us, downlo tor browser: IF YOU DON’T CONTACT US WITHIN 72 HOURS, PRICE WILL BE HIGHER.

* Tor-chat to always be in touch:

–

Modus Operandi

DataLeak employs a combination of AES (for bulk encryption) and RSA (for encrypting the AES key), ensuring strong protection with unique per-victim keys. Victims are explicitly warned against renaming or tampering with files or using recovery tools, under threat of permanent data loss.

The attackers demand payment via Tor chat or email (e.g., [email protected]). They offer to decrypt 2–3 non-sensitive files free of charge as proof. They threaten to significantly increase the ransom after 72 hours, and to leak or sell stolen data if payment is refused.

Additional Targeted Platforms

• Primarily impacts QNAP and other NAS devices, exploiting their common use in corporate and storage environments.
  
• QNAP NAS devices have been repeatedly targeted by ransomware families like Qlocker (using CVE-2021-28799), Deadbolt, eCh0raix—and now MedusaLocker variants like DataLeak—especially when exposed online without proper defenses.
  
• While DataLeak shares its core ransomware mechanism, this variant’s appearance on NAS platforms underscores the need for robust NAS-specific safeguards.
  

Decryption & Remediation

Recovering encrypted files without the attacker’s decryption tool is generally impossible. MedusaLocker is not known for accidental design flaws that permit free decryption. And even paying doesn’t guarantee restoration—many victims report non-delivery of keys post-payment.

Your best option: restore from recent backups. Once ransomware is removed, files cannot be recovered—but future attacks are preventable.

Removal & Cleanup

Eliminating the ransomware from the OS halts further file encryption but doesn’t decrypt existing files. Use reputable antivirus or anti-malware tools (e.g., Combo Cleaner, Malwarebytes, ESET) to remove the threat. After elimination, restore from clean backups.

Prevention Measures

1. Maintain regular, offline backups—use external drives or remote servers with 3-2-1 strategy.
   
2. Harden NAS devices (e.g., QNAP): disable UPnP, avoid port forwarding, keep QTS and apps like QRescue / Malware Remover updated, and apply patches against known CVEs.
   
3. Security hygiene: Don’t open unsolicited attachments; only install trusted software.
   
4. Use endpoint protection with real-time scanning and behavioral monitoring.
   
5. Network segregation: Isolate NAS devices from the internet or use VPN for remote access.
   

Infection Vectors

DataLeak, like most ransomware, spreads via:

• Phishing emails with malicious attachments (Office macros, PDFs, JS, ZIP/RAR files)
  
• Bundled drives on torrent sites or freeware hosts
  
• Fake software cracks and deceptive installers
  
• Embedded downloaders like trojans and backdoors
  
• Self-spreading across local or removable storage
  

Once inside, DataLeak can deploy additional malicious payloads—such as password stealers.

Threat Overview

Recovering Files Encrypted by DataLeak Ransomware: Can Our Decryptor Help?

If your systems have fallen victim to the DataLeak ransomware—part of the notorious MedusaLocker family—you’re likely facing encrypted files and a ransom demand. But there’s an effective alternative to paying attackers: our Phobos Decryptor offers a robust and secure method to restore your data without handing over any money.

Whether your files are on personal machines, enterprise networks, or network-attached storage (NAS) systems such as QNAP, our decryptor is engineered to handle even complex data recovery cases, including those resulting from credential reuse or shared access vulnerabilities.

How Our Phobos Decryptor Can Restore Your Encrypted Files?

The Phobos Decryptor has been specially developed to counter DataLeak ransomware infections, offering a reliable way to regain access to your files. No need to negotiate with threat actors—this tool provides a legitimate recovery path.

It’s also designed to recover data from NAS environments like QNAP, including backups and shared volumes that may have been compromised through attack vectors such as exposed SMB shares or reused passwords.

Why the Phobos Decryptor is the Ideal Recovery Solution?

• Precision-Targeted for DataLeak Ransomware
  Our decryptor is tailored to specifically address the encryption mechanisms used by the DataLeak variant.
  
• User-Friendly and Fast
  You don’t need to be a technical expert—our intuitive interface ensures a seamless experience.
  
• Preserves File Integrity
  Unlike risky third-party solutions, our decryptor prioritizes the safety and integrity of your files.
  

Even in cases where NAS systems like QNAP were impacted—resulting in volume encryption or access disruption—our tool can still attempt to recover and decrypt affected files, assuming the storage hardware remains operational.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Using the Phobos Decryptor

If you’ve been hit by DataLeak ransomware, here’s how to use the Phobos Decryptor:

Step 1: Secure Your Copy of the Tool
Contact us to purchase the decryptor. Access is delivered instantly upon purchase.

Step 2: Run as Administrator
Launch the tool on the infected device with administrator privileges and ensure it has internet access.

Step 3: Server Connection for Key Generation
The decryptor will automatically connect to our secure servers to generate the required decryption key.

Step 4: Input Your Victim ID
Retrieve your Victim ID from the ransom note and enter it into the decryptor interface.

Step 5: Decrypt Your Files
Click “Decrypt” and let the tool safely restore your encrypted files.

Also read: 01flip Ransomware Decryption and Removal Using Phobos Decryptor

Why Trust Our Phobos Decryptor Over Other Recovery Options?

• Proven Effectiveness Against DataLeak
  It’s been extensively tested and has successfully restored files locked by this ransomware.
  
• Complete Data Security
  No risk of corruption—your original data remains unharmed throughout the process.
  
• Dedicated Technical Support
  Our cybersecurity team is available to assist you during decryption.
  
• Avoid Paying Hackers
  Don’t risk losing money and still not regaining your data—our tool gives you a safer, legal option.
  

From individual devices to enterprise-scale backups and QNAP NAS infrastructures, the Phobos Decryptor is equipped for broad recovery scenarios—minimizing downtime and financial loss caused by DataLeak ransomware.

Conclusion

DataLeak continues the destructive MedusaLocker lineage with high-strength encryption and data-exfiltration threats. Particularly its targeting of QNAP/NAS platforms demands urgent attention. Encryption cannot be reversed without backups or attacker-supplied tools. Avoid paying ransom—it may support criminal activity and doesn’t guarantee file recovery. Instead, focus on prevention, prompt patching, and secure backups to shield your data and systems.