Devon ransomware: what it is and how to remove it
Devon ransomware is a malware string that belongs to the Phobos category and has a complex operation module. The encryption process starts by employing a unique encryption cipher and once it succeeds, all the files get the .Devon extension added to their filenames.
Facts checked October 6, 2026. Removal steps tested on Windows 11 (26H2) and checked against Microsoft's and the browser makers' current documentation. Sections marked as our earlier report are the original text: they describe the threat as it was then and have not been reviewed since. The 2026 status, the removal steps and the questions are current.
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Devon ransomware: summary
| Name | Devon ransomware |
|---|---|
| Category | Ransomware/malware |
| Family | Phobos ransomware |
| Appendix(es) | Once the files are locked by using a unique encryption key, the .Devon appendix is added to the filenames. Afterward, the second [decryptfiles@qq.com] extension is included |
| Ransom note(s) | The ransomware virus displays a text message info.txt and an HTML file info.html that opens up on the desktop after the successful encryption process |
| Emails | The cybercriminals provide the decryptfiles@qq.com email address as a way to make contact. Also, they add another decryptfiles@hot-chill.eu email that is an alternative if no response is given through the first one |
| Removal | Scan the PC with security software to find and remove the malware and anything installed with it. Fortect scans Windows for malware and repairs the system files and settings it damaged. Remove it nowTo use the full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Fortect. The scan is free. |
Show 18 more facts
| Ransom price | Even though the crooks do not provide any particular about the ransom demands, the price can vary anywhere from $50 to $2000 or more. The crooks urge victims to obtain Bitcoin cryptocurrency before performing the transferring |
|---|---|
| Other tasks | The ransomware virus is capable of disabling the system recovery process during boot up, deleting the Shadow Volume Copies of encrypted data, damaging the Windows hosts file, running specific tasks via Windows Task Manager and injecting keys into the Windows Registry, installing additional malware |
| Termination | Employing reliable automatical software should help you to get rid of Devon virus an all the malicious products that the ransomware has added to the infected computer system |
| Detection names | No Microsoft detection name is known |
| Contact | decryptfiles@qq.com, decryptfiles@hot-chill.eu, decryptfiles@hot-chilli.eu |
| Encrypted file extension | .devon |
| Decryptor | No free decryptor is known for this variant; check No More Ransom (nomoreransom.org) for updates |
| Distribution | Not recorded in the old report |
| Damage | Not recorded in the old report |
| Type | File-encrypting ransomware |
| Symptoms | Files renamed with a new extension and a ransom note left in folders |
| Evidence | 5 write-ups by security sites; no sample analysed yet |
| Encrypted files | .devon |
| Ransom note | info.txt |
| Attacker contacts | decryptfiles@qq.com |
| Free decryptor | No free decryptor is known (checked 6 October 2026) |
| First seen | 8 January 2020 |
| Facts checked | 6 October 2026 |
- File extension:
.devon - Note file:
info.txt - Contact:
decryptfiles@qq.com
From our report of Jan 2020 · not reviewed since
More from our earlier report on Devon ransomware
- If you have discovered some signs of corruption, you can try repairing the damaged objects with software such as
How Devon ransomware behaves
From our report of Jan 2020 · not reviewed since
Devon ransomware - a Phobos family member that deactivates the restoring features of Windows while booting the computer
Devon ransomware is a malware string that belongs to the Phobos category and has a complex operation module.
The encryption process starts by employing a unique encryption cipher and once it succeeds, all the files get the .Devon extension added to their filenames. Afterward, a secondary extension [decryptfiles@qq.com].devon is attached. Furthermore, Devon virus displays a ransom text in the info.txt message and the info.html file.
The criminals provide the decryptfiles@qq.com email address as the primary way to make contact and include the decryptfiles@hot-chill.eu email in case there is no response. Devon ransomware encourages users to obtain Bitcoin cryptocurrency for paying the ransom price and allows people to send five small files (the total size cannot exceed 4MB) for free decryption if they need some proof of the decryption tool's existence.
Devon ransomware is capable of running multiple commands. Once it appears on the system, it deactivates the recovery feature while Windows is at the boot position. Continuously, the malware makes sure that the default antivirus program is also disabled and the ransomware virus can successfully avoid getting detected by the security tool.
According to VirusTotal information, 55 AV engines out of the total 67 are capable of detecting Devon ransomware by names such as Win32:Malware-gen, Trojan.Ransom.Phobos.F, Trojan.Encoder.29362, Win32/Filecoder.Phobos.C, HEUR:Trojan.Win32.Generic, Trojan.TR/Crypt.XPACK.Gen, AI:Packer.0842B7F81E, W32/Phobos.C.gen!Eldorado, etc.
Continuously, Devon ransomware can delete the Shadow Volume Copies of encrypted data by running commands via PowerShell service. This way the victims' chances of recovering their data by using alternative software decrease. The malware might also try to prevent the users from visiting security-related websites by damaging the hosts file.
Also, Devon ransomware can modify the Windows Task Manager and use the mshta.exe process to execute its commands. Alterings can also be spotted in the Windows Registry section where the malware might add misleading keys.
The info.hta ransom message announces that if the user tries to decrypt data with alternative software, the ransom demands might increase. Devon ransomware also threatens the users no to try other products as files can be permanently lost:
Devon ransomware has only one goal - to collect money from its victims. Regarding this fact, you should know that the cybercriminals might scam the victims and run off with their money. Even though the accurate ransom price is not provided in the message, the crooks can later on urge for an amount anywhere near $50 and $2000.
Our recommendation would be to ignore Devon ransomware demands and threatenings and use alternative software that also might be helpful for you. The criminals urge for a Bitcoin transfer as these types of processes allow the crooks to remain anonymous. Thus, you would not be able to receive your lost money if the hackers do not hand you the decryption key.
Devon ransomware can also install other malware by opening backdoors to your computer system. Most often, where there is one cyber threat, there will show up another one. Ransomware infections are able to bring other virtual parasites such as Trojan horses, spyware that might result in permanent data/money loss, system/software corruption.
Devon ransomware removal is a way to avoid this type of risk. What you have to do here is to be ready to invest little bit in your automatical security. Purchase a strong and reliable antimalware tool that will be able to detect and remove the ransomware. These programs will make sure that the virus does not show up after the next computer boot process.
When you remove Devon ransomware from your computer system, you should check the machine for possible damage. If you find any compromised entries, you can try fixing them with software such as . Also, we have provided some data recovery techniques that are waiting for you at the end of this article.
From our report of Jan 2020 · not reviewed since
Be aware of phishing messages and their attachments
Technology specialists from LosVirus.es state that ransomware viruses are sneaked into computer systems through phishing email messages.
The cybercriminals pretend to be from reliable shipping organizations such as FedEx and DHL or well-known healthcare, banking companies in order to create a feeling of trust. However, not everything is as pretty as it might seem from the first view.
Once you receive an unexpected email message, you should always investigate it first. Check if the sender's email address is an official one and if the message does not include any grammar mistakes. Most importantly, do not click any inserted hyperlinks that you are not sure about and do not open any clipped attachments without scanning them with antimalware software as there usually he malicious payload is planted.
Furthermore, ransomware infections can get distributed through software cracks from peer-to-peer networks such as The Pirate Bay, BitTorrent, and eMule. Be careful with these third-party downloading sources as they offer software, games, and movies for free but they will not always be the regular product as malicious actors are very likely to use these types of sources for malware spreading. The Pirate Bay already has experienced some attacks.
Continuously, ransomware viruses can be distributed through more than one source at a time. When the developers seek to infect a big number of potential victims, they plant their malicious products in various places. Besides the already mentioned sources, ransomware can also get delivered through exploit kits, outdated products, fake software updates, malvertising, infectious links online, PUPs, and other malware.
The Devon ransomware note
All your files have been encrypted!
All your files have been encrypted due to a security problem with your PC. If you want to restore them, write us to the e-mail decryptfiles@qq.com
Write this ID in the title of your message 1E857D00-2609
If there is no response from our mail, you can install the Jabber client and write to us in support of decryptfiles@hot-chilli.eu
You have to pay for decryption in Bitcoins. The price depends on how fast you write to us. After payment we will send you the tool that will decrypt all your files.
Free decryption as guarantee
Before paying you can send us up to 5 files for free decryption. The total size of files must be less than 4Mb (non archived), and files should not contain valuable information. (databases,backups, large excel sheets, etc.)
How to obtain Bitcoins
The easiest way to buy bitcoins is LocalBitcoins site. You have to register, click 'Buy bitcoins', and select the seller by payment method and price.
hxxps://localbitcoins.com/buy_bitcoins
Also you can find other places to buy Bitcoins and beginners guide here:
hxxp://www.coindesk.com/information/how-can-i-buy-bitcoins/
Jabber client installation instructions:
Download the jabber (Pidgin) client from hxxps://pidgin.im/download/windows/
After installation, the Pidgin client will prompt you to create a new account.
"Click "Add"
In the "Protocol" field, select XMPP
In "Username" - come up with any name
In the field "domain" - enter any jabber-server, there are a lot of them, for example - exploit.im
Create a password
At the bottom, put a tick "Create account"
Click add
If you selected "domain" - exploit.im, then a new window should appear in which you will need to re-enter your data:
User
password
You will need to follow the link to the captcha (there you will see the characters that you need to enter in the field below)
If you don't understand our Pidgin client installation instructions, you can find many installation tutorials on youtube - hxxps://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=pidgin+jabber+install
Attention!
Do not rename encrypted files.
Do not try to decrypt your data using third party software, it may cause permanent data loss.
Decryption of your files with the help of third parties may cause increased price (they add their fee to our) or you can become a victim of a scam.
How to remove Devon ransomware
Tools you'll need
All of these are free except where noted. Download them on a clean device if the infected PC is offline.
- A USB stick: to keep the ransom note, two or three encrypted files and screenshots off the infected PC.
- Microsoft Defender Offline: built into Windows 11 and Windows 10; scans before Windows starts, so running malware cannot hide.
- Microsoft Safety Scanner: a second, portable scanner with current signatures; each download works for 10 days.
- ID Ransomware: identifies the family from the note and one encrypted file and says whether a decryptor exists.
- No More Ransom: the free decryptors from police and security companies; check it again every few months.
- Fortect (optional): scans Windows for malware and repairs the system files and settings it damaged. The free scan is in the box above.
How to remove Devon ransomware and get your files back
Work in this order.
Disconnecting comes first, removal comes before any restore, and nothing here asks you to contact the attackers.
Step 1: Disconnect the PC and unplug backup drives
Unplug the network cable or turn off Wi-Fi, and disconnect USB drives, external disks and network shares, so Devon ransomware cannot reach more files. Pause OneDrive, Google Drive or Dropbox sync, because synced folders upload the encrypted copies over the good ones.
Leave the PC on but offline while you read the next steps, since a restart can let the ransomware run again. This applies to Windows 11 and Windows 10 alike.
Windows 11: turn off Wi-Fi to take the PC offline. Full procedure with screenshots: Ransomware: first steps, finding a decryptor and recovering files
Step 2: Save the ransom note and confirm the family
Your files now end in
.devonand the instructions are ininfo.txt. Save both to a USB stick, a copy of the note and two small encrypted files, before anything else.On another device, check them with ID Ransomware or Crypto Sheriff: the family name decides which decryptor, if any, can help. Keep the note's ID and contact line for your report.
Windows 11: the ransom note and encrypted files to copy for identification. Full procedure with screenshots: Ransomware: first steps, finding a decryptor and recovering files
Step 3: Check for a free decryptor
Our last check found that for Devon ransomware, no free decryptor is known (checked 6 October 2026). Look again yourself in the No More Ransom list and the free decryptor pages of Emsisoft, Avast and Kaspersky, which add new families every year.
A decryptor needs the ransomware gone first, or it encrypts the files again. Keep at least one copy of the encrypted files on an external drive, even if no tool works yet.
Full procedure with screenshots: Ransomware: first steps, finding a decryptor and recovering files
Step 4: Remove the ransomware before you restore or decrypt
Removing Devon ransomware does not bring the files back, but it has to come first. Start with Defender's Full scan, then the offline scan from the same Scan options page, which checks the disk before Windows loads.
If the scan cannot start, use Safe Mode with Networking. Delete the ransom notes only after you have saved a copy, because removal tools sometimes leave them behind on Windows 11 and Windows 10.
Windows 11: Windows Security > Virus & threat protection > Scan options. Full procedure with screenshots: Run a Microsoft Defender Offline scan
Step 5: Look for shadow copies of the files
Windows keeps shadow copies for restore points and backups, and some ransomware fails to delete them.
vssadmin list shadowsin an administrator Command Prompt tells you at once whether any exist.If they do, right-click the folder that held your files, open Properties > Previous Versions, select a version from before the attack, and click Open to check it before you Restore or copy the files out. Windows 11 and Windows 10 both have the tab.
Windows 11: vssadmin list shadows shows whether shadow copies exist. Full procedure with screenshots: Ransomware: first steps, finding a decryptor and recovering files
Step 6: Restore the files from a backup or recover deleted originals
A backup made before the attack is the surest way back. Connect it only once the PC is clean, then restore from File History, Windows Backup, OneDrive's Restore your OneDrive or your own external copies.
Without a backup, try file recovery: the originals that Devon ransomware deleted may still be on the disk until something overwrites them. Install nothing new on the drive you want to recover from on the Windows 11 or Windows 10 PC.
Full procedure with screenshots: Recover deleted files (Recycle Bin, backups, OneDrive) On uGetFix
Instructions for each browser and system
The detailed steps for every browser and system this guide covers. Open the one you use.
Manual removal using Safe Mode
Important! →
Manual removal guide might be too complicated for regular computer users. It requires advanced IT knowledge to be performed correctly (if vital system files are removed or damaged, it might result in full Windows compromise), and it also might take hours to complete. Therefore, we highly advise using the automatic method provided above instead.
Step 1. Access Safe Mode with Networking
Manual malware removal should be best performed in the Safe Mode environment.
Windows 7 / Vista / XP
- Click Start > Shutdown > Restart > OK.
- When your computer becomes active, start pressing F8 button (if that does not work, try F2, F12, Del, etc. - it all depends on your motherboard model) multiple times until you see the Advanced Boot Options window.
- Select Safe Mode with Networking from the list.
Windows 10 / Windows 8
- Right-click on Start button and select Settings.
- Scroll down to pick Update & Security.
- On the left side of the window, pick Recovery.
- Now scroll down to find Advanced Startup section.
- Click Restart now.
- Select Troubleshoot.
- Go to Advanced options.
- Select Startup Settings.
- Press Restart.
- Now press 5 or click 5) Enable Safe Mode with Networking.
Step 2. Shut down suspicious processes
Windows Task Manager is a useful tool that shows all the processes running in the background. If malware is running a process, you need to shut it down:
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc on your keyboard to open Windows Task Manager.
- Click on More details.
- Scroll down to Background processes section, and look for anything suspicious.
- Right-click and select Open file location.
- Go back to the process, right-click and pick End Task.
- Delete the contents of the malicious folder.
Step 3. Check program Startup
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc on your keyboard to open Windows Task Manager.
- Go to Startup tab.
- Right-click on the suspicious program and pick Disable.
Step 4. Delete virus files
Malware-related files can be found in various places within your computer. Here are instructions that could help you find them:
- Type in Disk Cleanup in Windows search and press Enter.
- Select the drive you want to clean (C: is your main drive by default and is likely to be the one that has malicious files in).
- Scroll through the Files to delete list and select the following:
Temporary Internet Files
Downloads
Recycle Bin
Temporary files - Pick Clean up system files.
- You can also look for other malicious files hidden in the following folders (type these entries in Windows Search and press Enter):
%AppData%
%LocalAppData%
%ProgramData%
%WinDir%
After you are finished, reboot the PC in normal mode.
From our report of Jan 2020 · not reviewed since
The advanced removal techniques of Devon ransomware
If you have been dealing with Devon ransomware lately, you have to hurry up and get rid of the parasite before it causes any damage.
Keep in mind that manual Devon ransomware removal might not be a possibility as the process is a complex one to complete. Additionally, the virus might fill various locations such as the Windows Registry, Task Manager, User's folder, Desktop with malicious content that also needs to be found and eliminated.
If you are having any trouble with the removal process of this ransomware virus, you should boot your computer in Safe Mode with Networking or activate System Restore to diminish malicious processes. When you properly remove Devon ransomware, you can search for corrupted areas with software such as and . If these tools discover any damage, try repairing the objects with the help of .
[GI=method-1]To disable the ransomware virus on your Windows computer system and get rid of malicious changes, you should boot your machine in Safe Mode with Networking.
[GI=method-2]To diminish malicious processes and the cyber threat on your machine, you should boot the Windows computer via the System Restore feature.
This software might help you to unlock some of the files and documents that were encrypted by the ransomware virus. Make sure to complete all the steps as required in order to reach the best results possible.
Using Windows Previous Versions feature might help to free your files.
If you employ this piece of software, you might have a chance of recovering some of your individual files. However, make sure that you have booted to System Restore first.
Shadow Explorer software might be able to restore some of your data.
If the ransomware virus did not permanently damage or delete your Shadow Volume Copies of encrypted documents and files, you can try employing this tool for data recovery.
Currently, no official decryption tool is available for .Devon files.
Report it and recover your files
Report it
Report the attack even if you do not expect the files back: insurers and banks ask for the report number, and police use the contacts in the note to link cases.
- United States
- FBI IC3 · FTC ReportFraud
- United Kingdom
- Report Fraud (formerly Action Fraud) · NCSC
- Australia
- ReportCyber (ASD)
- EU countries
- Europol: national reporting sites
Give the victim ID, the note and the date the files were encrypted. A business that holds personal data may also have to notify its data protection authority, in the EU within 72 hours.
Backups: the 3-2-1 rule
Keep three copies of files that matter, on two kinds of storage, with one copy offline or off-site.
A disk that stays plugged in is reached by malware like Devon ransomware together with the PC; one you connect only for the backup is not.
On Windows 11, File History keeps versions on an external drive, and OneDrive keeps earlier versions of synced files. Before restoring anything, make sure the PC no longer shows files that end in .devon and no longer open.
Setting it up step by step: 3-2-1 backups on Windows 11 and 10.
Choose a proper web browser and improve your safety with a VPN tool
Online spying has got momentum in recent years and people are getting more and more interested in how to protect their privacy online.
One of the basic means to add a layer of security - choose the most private and secure web browser. Although web browsers can't grant full privacy protection and security, some of them are much better at sandboxing, HTTPS upgrading, active content blocking, tracking blocking, phishing protection, and similar privacy-oriented features.
However, if you want true anonymity, we suggest you employ a powerful VPN - it can encrypt all the traffic that comes and goes out of your computer, preventing tracking completely.
Lost your files? Use data recovery software
While some files located on any computer are replaceable or useless, others can be extremely valuable.
Family photos, work documents, school projects - these are types of files that we don't want to lose. Unfortunately, there are many ways how unexpected data loss can occur:
- power cuts
- Blue Screen of Death errors
- hardware failures
- crypto-malware attack
- even accidental deletion
To ensure that all the files remain intact, you should prepare regular data backups. You can choose cloud-based or physical copies you could restore from later in case of a disaster. If your backups were lost as well or you never bothered to prepare any, can be your only hope to retrieve your invaluable files.
Questions about Devon ransomware
Is there a decryptor for .devon files?
That depends on the family behind the .devon extension, which this guide cannot confirm yet from the reports alone. Check No More Ransom and ID Ransomware with your ransom note and one encrypted file; they list families with free tools.
If none exists today, keep the encrypted files and a copy of the note on a separate drive, because decryptors are sometimes published months later after flaws are found or servers are seized. Never buy a decryptor from a website that is not the security company that made it.
How do I open .devon files?
You cannot open them by renaming or by choosing another program. The .devon ending shows that Devon ransomware encrypted the content, and only the matching key can reverse it. Renaming a file back to .docx or .jpg changes nothing except the icon, and it can confuse a future decryptor, so leave the names as they are.
To get the content back, use a backup, an unencrypted copy elsewhere, or a decryptor listed on No More Ransom if one exists for Devon ransomware. Store the encrypted files on an external disk until then.
How did Devon ransomware get on my computer?
The way Devon ransomware spreads has not been documented yet, so look at your own recent activity. On home PCs, ransomware most often comes with cracked programs, game cheats, key generators and fake updates, or with an e-mail attachment that was opened. On business networks, attackers usually log in through Remote Desktop with a stolen or guessed password.
Think back to what was downloaded or installed in the days before files that end in .devon and no longer open, and check the Downloads folder and Installed apps sorted by date. Keep anything suspicious for your report, but do not run it again.
Are ransomware recovery services legitimate?
Some are, but read the offer carefully. Genuine data-recovery firms recover deleted originals from disks or rebuild damaged files, and they say so. Others promise to "decrypt any ransomware" for a fixed price, which is impossible without the key; they quietly pay the attackers and keep a margin, sometimes without telling the victim.
Be especially careful with services that contact you after you post about the attack online. Ask for references, a written method and a no-result-no-fee clause, and check the free tools on No More Ransom first.
Should I pay the ransom?
We advise against it, and so do the FBI, Europol and national cyber agencies. Payment does not guarantee a working tool: some attackers never reply, some tools damage files, and some variants have no decryptor at all. Paying also funds further attacks and can make you a target again.
Before considering payment, try every recovery option in this guide and report the attack. Companies must involve their legal adviser and insurer, because payments to sanctioned groups can be illegal. If files are truly irreplaceable, store the encrypted copies and wait; decryptors sometimes appear later.
Did Devon ransomware steal my files or passwords?
We do not know yet. Nothing published so far shows data theft by Devon ransomware, but the only confirmed sign is files that end in .devon and no longer open, which says nothing about what happened before. Many current ransomware attacks copy files or run a password stealer first, so it is wise to act as if they did.
From a clean device, change the passwords that were saved in the browsers on this PC, starting with e-mail and banking, sign out of all sessions and turn on two-step verification. Watch bank statements and account activity for the next few weeks.
Is Devon ransomware the same as other ransomware with a similar name?
Not necessarily. Ransomware names come from the file extension, the note or a word in the code, so unrelated families often end up with similar names, and one family can appear under several names. The difference matters: a decryptor or advice for one family does not fit another and can damage files.
Compare the ending added to your files and the exact name of the note with the summary table at the top of this guide, then upload the note and one encrypted file to ID Ransomware from a clean device. If the result names another family, follow the guide for that family instead.
Can I delete info.txt?
Yes, the note itself is harmless text and deleting it does not affect your files. Keep at least one copy first, outside the infected PC. info.txt contains your personal ID and the attackers' contact details, which identification services use to tell which family encrypted your files, and which a decryptor may need later.
Police reports also ask for it. Once you have saved a copy, you can remove the notes from every folder after the ransomware program has been removed and your files are restored or backed up.
Should I reinstall Windows after the .devon attack?
Reinstalling removes the ransomware but not the encryption: your files ending in .devon stay encrypted afterwards. So first copy the encrypted files and the ransom note to a separate drive, in case a decryptor appears later. Then decide:
- a clean-up with an offline scan is often enough for home PCs
- while a full reset is safer if remote access was involved
- scans keep finding new items
Restore your backups only after the PC is clean, and change passwords from another device.
Will Fortect remove Devon ransomware?
Fortect scans Windows for malware and unwanted programs and repairs the system files and settings they change, and its free scan shows what it finds on your PC before you decide anything.
For Devon ransomware, follow the plan above as well: the browser steps take back permissions and settings that no scanner treats as a threat, and uninstalling the program that brought it removes the source.
Run Microsoft Defender's full scan and, if anything was found, its offline scan as a second opinion. If the symptoms are gone after the plan and both scans are clean, there is nothing more to do.
Sources
- Virus Total: 55 engines detected this file (read October 6, 2026)
- LosVirus: LosVirus.es (read October 6, 2026)
- Palo Alto Networks: What is an Exploit Kit? (read October 6, 2026)
- CISA: StopRansomware (read October 6, 2026)
- No More Ransom (read October 6, 2026)