How to remove Dev0 ransomware and recover files

Complete tips to delete Dev0 ransomware and decrypt data

Dev0 ransomware is a ransomware type malware and a part of Makop ransomware family. After the successful installation, this malware renders all stored files inaccessible by encrypting them and asks users to pay- for the decryption, i.e., to restore access to them again.

During the files encryption process, the ransomware appends the filenames of each of the affected file with this pattern: original filename, unique ID assigned to the victim, crooks’ email address and .dev0 extension. For example, a file 1.jpg would become “1.jpg.[9B83AE23].[[email protected]].dev0” – once encrypted.

Dev0 ransomware puts ransom demands after the successfully completed the files encryption process. The ransom demanding message is displayed under a text file – readme-warning.txt. It states that the victims’ files have been encrypted. However, the data structure is not affected and hence it is not damaged.

The ransom note informs the users to pay ransom – to get decryption tool with instruction to use. To initiate this process, they are asked to establish contact to the crooks behind it. Prior to payment, they can test the decryption by sending up to two encrypting files with less than 1MB size.

The ransom message ends with a warning to the users that if they change the name of the encrypted files and attempt to decrypt them using third-party tools, and/or run anti-virus software – this will result into permanent data loss.

Here is the full text presented in Dev0 ransomware’s created ransom note (“readme-warning.txt”):

::: Greetings :::

Little FAQ:

.1.

Q: Whats Happen?

A: Your files have been encrypted and now have the “dev0” extension. The file structure was not damaged, we did everything possible so that this could not happen.

.2.

Q: How to recover files?

A: If you wish to decrypt your files you will need to pay in bitcoins.

.3.

Q: What about guarantees?

A: Its just a business. We absolutely do not care about you and your deals, except getting benefits. If we do not do our work and liabilities – nobody will cooperate with us. Its not in our interests.

To check the ability of returning files, you can send to us any 2 files with SIMPLE extensions(jpg,xls,doc, etc… not databases!) and low sizes(max 1 mb), we will decrypt them and send back to you. That is our guarantee.

.4.

Q: How to contact with you?

A: You can write us to our mailbox: [email protected] or [email protected]

.5.

Q: How will the decryption process proceed after payment?

A: After payment we will send to you our scanner-decoder program and detailed instructions for use. With this program you will be able to decrypt all your encrypted files.

.6.

Q: If I don’t want to pay bad people like you?

A: If you will not cooperate with our service – for us, its does not matter. But you will lose your time and data, cause only we have the private key. In practice – time is much more valuable than money.

:::BEWARE:::

DON’T try to change encrypted files by yourself!

If you will try to use any third party software for restoring your data or antivirus solutions – please make a backup for all encrypted files!

Any changes in encrypted files may entail damage of the private key and, as result, the loss all data.

Unfortunately, in most of the cases with ransomware infections, the decryption is not possible without the involvement of the crooks behind it. It might be when the ransomware is at its initial stage or has certain bugs/ flaws in them.

However, it is highly not recommended to contact/ pay to the crooks under any circumstances. These people are not reliable. They will never provide you the decryption tool even if you fulfill all their demands.

Removing Dev0 ransomware is necessary as this will prevent further files encryption. However, this process will not decrypt already encrypted files. One of the free ways for the files recovery is to use existing backups that were created before the system infection and stored in a separate location.

Another option for files recovery is to use Shadow Copies – the automatically created backups from Windows OS. In the data recovery section below the post, you will find complete guide how to recover files using Shadow Copies.

The Dev0 ransomware might capable of deleting this Shadow Copy by running certain commands such as PowerShell Command. Also, it is possible that you have no existing backups. In such a case, data recovery tool from third party will be the only option available for you for the files recovery.

How did Dev0 ransomware enter my system?

Ransomware and other malicious malware are often distributed using wide variety of techniques. The malicious software are often disguised as or bundled with ordinary products/ media. Untrustworthy downloading channels such as p2p networks, free file hosting sties and third party downloaders/installers –are commonly used to spread malware.

Illegal activation tools and fake software updaters are prime example of this. Cracking tools infect systems by supposedly activating licensed software. Fake software updaters cause system infection by direct downloading malware or by exploiting bugs/ flaws of outdated software.

Scam campaigns are also used to send malicious malware. In the campaign, spam emails are sent by thousands. These emails have virulent files attached or linked inside them. When these files are executed, run or otherwise clicked- the malware download/ installation process is triggered.

How to prevent ransomware infection?

It is highly recommended to use only official websites and direct links for any software download. Furthermore, all programs should have to be activated and updated using tools/ functions from official software developers.

To avoid system infection via spam email, it is advised against opening any suspicious and irrelevant emails- especially any attachments or website links in them. It is crucial to have a reputable antivirus tool installed and updated. This software should have to be used for regular system scans and to remove any detected threats/ issues.

Antimalware Details And User Guide

Click Here For Windows

Click Here For Mac

Step 1: Remove Dev0 ransomware through “Safe Mode with Networking”

Step 2: Delete Dev0 ransomware using “System Restore”

Step 1: Remove Dev0 ransomware through “Safe Mode with Networking”

For Windows XP and Windows 7 users: Boot the PC in “Safe Mode”. Click on “Start” option and continuously press on F8 during the start process until the “Windows Advanced Option” menu appears on the screen. Choose “Safe Mode with Networking” from the list.

Now, a windows homescreen appears on the desktop and work-station is now working on “Safe mode with networking”.

For Windows 8 Users: Go to the “Start Screen”. In the search results select settings, type “Advanced”. In the “General PC Settings” option, choose “Advanced startup” option. Again, click on the “Restart Now” option. The work-station boots to “Advanced Startup Option Menu”. Press on “Troubleshoot” and then “Advanced options” button.  In the “Advanced Option Screen”, press on “Startup Settings”. Again, click on “Restart” button. The work-station will now restart in to the “Startup Setting” screen. Next is to press F5 to boot in Safe Mode in Networking.

For Windows 10 Users: Press on Windows logo and on the “Power” icon. In the newly opened menu, choose “Restart” while continuously holding “Shift” button on the keyboard. In the new open “Choose an option” window, click on “Troubleshoot” and then on the “Advanced Options”. Select “Startup Settings” and press on “Restart”. In the next window, click on “F5” button on the key-board.

Step 2: Delete Dev0 ransomware using “System Restore”

Log-in to the account infected with Dev0 ransomware. Open the browser and download a legitimate anti-malware tool. Do a full System scanning. Remove all the malicious detected entries.

In case if you cannot start the PC in “Safe Mode with Networking”, Try using “System Restore”

• During the “Startup”, continuously press on F8 key until the “Advanced Option” menu appears. From the list, choose “Safe Mode with Command Prompt” and then press “Enter”

• In the new opened command prompt, enter “cd restore” and then press “Enter”.

• Type: rstrui.exe and Press “ENTER”

• Click “Next” on the new windows

• Choose any of the “Restore Points” and click on “Next”. (This step will restore the work-station to its earlier time and date prior to Dev0 ransomware infiltration in the PC.

• In the newly opened windows, press on “Yes”.

Once your PC gets restored to its previous date and time, download the recommended anti-malware tool and perform a deep scanning in order to remove Dev0 ransomware files if they left in the work-station.

In order to restore the each (separate) file by this ransomware, use “Windows Previous Version” feature. This method is effective when “System Restore Function” is enabled in the work-station.

Important Note: Some variants of Dev0 ransomware delete the “Shadow Volume Copies” as well hence this feature may not work all the time and is applicable for selective computers only.

How to Restore Individual Encrypted File:

In order to restore a single file, right click on it and go to “Properties”. Select “Previous Version” tab. Select a “Restore Point” and click on “Restore” option.

In order to access the files encrypted by Dev0 ransomware, you can also try using “Shadow Explorer”. In order to get more information on this application, press here.

Important: Data Encryption Ransomware are highly dangerous and it is always better that you take precautions to avoid its attack on your work-station. It is advised to use a powerful anti-malware tool in order to get protection in real-time. With this help of “SpyHunter”, “group policy objects” are implanted in the registries in order to block harmful infections like Dev0 ransomware.

Also, In Windows 10, you get a very unique feature called “Fall Creators Update” that offer “Controlled Folder Access” feature in order to block any kind of encryption to the files. With the help of this feature, any files stored in the locations such as “Documents”, “Pictures”, “Music”, “Videos”, “Favorites” and “Desktop” folders are safe by default.

It is very important that you install this “Windows 10 Fall Creators Update” in your PC to protect your important files and data from ransomware encryption. The more information on how to get this update and add an additional protection form rnasomware attack has been discussed here.

How to Recover the Files Encrypted by Dev0 ransomware?

Till now, you would have understood that what had happed to your personal files that got encrypted and how you can remove the scripts and payloads associated with Dev0 ransomware in order to protect your personal files that has not been damaged or encrypted until now. In order to retrieve the locked files, the depth information related to “System Restore” and “Shadow Volume Copies” has already been discussed earlier. However, in case if you are still unable to access the encrypted files then you can try using a data recovery tool.

Use of Data Recovery Tool

This step is for all those victims who have already tries all the above mentioned process but didn’t find any solution. Also it is important that you are able to access the PC and can install any software. The data recovery tool works on the basis of System scanning and recovery algorithm. It searches the System partitions in order to locate the original files which were deleted, corrupted or damaged by the malware. Remember that you must not re-install the Windows OS otherwise the “previous” copies will get deleted permanently. You have to clean the work-station at first and remove Dev0 ransomware infection. Leave the locked files as it is and follow the steps mentioned below.

Step1: Download the software in the work-station by clicking on the “Download” button below.

Step2: Execute the installer by clicking on downloaded files.

Step3: A license agreement page appears on the screen. Click on “Accept” to agree with its terms and use. Follow the on-screen instruction as mentioned and click on “Finish” button.

Step4: Once the installation gets completed, the program gets executed automatically. In the newly opened interface, select the file types that you want to recover and click on “Next”.

Step5: You can select the “Drives” on which you want the software to run and execute the recovery process. Next is to click on the “Scan” button.

Step6: Based on drive you select for scanning, the restore process begins. The whole process may take time depending on the volume of the selected drive and number of files. Once the process gets completed, a data explorer appears on the screen with preview of that data that is to be recovered. Select the files that you want to restore.

Step7. Next is to locate the location where you want to saver the recovered files.