Remove DeathRansom Ransomware And Open Locked Data

Complete Guide To Terminate File-Locking Malware

DeathRansom Ransomware is a dreadful form of PC threat that encrypts files on the Windows computers and demands ransom payment from the victims in exchange for a decryption key. It is considered a major hazard to computer systems all over the world because of the way it operates and the impacts it can cause onto the affected systems. In this article, we will explore what DeathRansom virus is, how it works, and how you can protect yourself from it.

Threat Summary

Name: DeathRansom Ransomware

Type: Ransomware, Crypto-virus, File-locking infection

Characteristics: Designed for the purpose of locking up Windows users’ essential data and forcing to pay ransom money in exchange for the decryption key.

Danger Level: High

Files Extension: .wctc, .ADHUBLLKA

Ransom Note: read_me.txt

Ransom Size: 0.1 Bitcoin

Attackers’ Cryptowallet Address: 1J9CG9KtJZVx1dHsVcSu8cxMTbLsqeXM5N

Hackers’ Contact: [email protected], [email protected], [email protected]

Signs: Files affected by this malware cannot be opened or used, ransom note appearing, weird file extension

Distribution: Torrent pages, infected email attachments, misleading ads

What is DeathRansom Ransomware?

DeathRansom Ransomware is a type of crypto-malware that locks data on the victim’s device, marks them with the “.wctc” extension making them inaccessible without a decryption key. Once the files are encrypted, the malware displays a ransom note read_me.txt on the screen, demanding payment in exchange for the decryption key. The ransom note typically includes instructions on how to make the payment and may also menace to delete the infected files if the ransom is not paid within a certain timeframe.

How Does DeathRansom Ransomware Work?

Like Cosw Ransomware and other ransomware, DeathRansom Ransomware typically spreads through malicious attachments, phishing emails, or software flaws. Once it sneaks into a PC, it will search for and encrypt specific file types, such as images, documents, videos, and audio files. The encrypted files will have a new extension added to their file names, such as “.ADHUBLLKA” or “.wctc.”

The ransom note shown by malware typically demands payment in Bitcoin, a type of cryptocurrency that is not easy to trace. The amount of the ransom can vary, but it is typically some hundred to some thousand dollars. The note may also include a warning to erase the encrypted files if the ransom is not paid within the deadline.

How to Protect Yourself from this infection?

As with other types of malware, there are multiple steps you can take to safeguard yourself from DeathRansom Ransomware. These include:

1. Keep Your Software Up-to-Date: Make sure that all the software on your PC, including your operating system and applications, is up-to-date with the latest security patches. This can help defend you from flaws that could be exploited by the hackers.
2. Be Careful of Suspicious Emails: Be cautious of unwanted emails, especially those with attachments or links. If you receive an email that seems questionable, don’t open any attachments or click any links until you have confirmed that the email is genuine.
3. Employ Antivirus Software: Install antivirus suite on your system and keep it up-to-date. This can help spot and eliminate the malware and other types of cyber pests.
4. Backup Your Files: Back up your data on a constant basis to an external hard drive or cloud storage service. This can help you recover your files if they are compromised by file-locking infections.
5. Avoid Paying the Ransom: Finally, if you are the victim of a ransomware attack, it is usually not suggested to pay the ransom. There is no guarantee that the attackers will provide you with a decryption key, and paying the ransom only encourages them to carry on their criminal activities. Instead remove DeathRansom Ransomware from the device as early as possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is DeathRansom Ransomware a deadly virus?

It’s really a considerable threat to PC systems worldwide. If this malware enters your computer, it can cause significant damage to your files and put your personal and financial data at risk. Apart from locking up your valuable files, it can also delete them and may lead to significant money loss as well.

How to protect myself against such threats?

You can protect yourself by taking some crucial steps, such as keeping your software up-to-date, being vigilant of suspicious emails, using antivirus software, backing up your data, and avoiding paying the ransom. If you follow these steps, you can reduce your risk of becoming a victim of this deadly form of virus.

Message In The Ransom Note:

–=    DEATHRANSOM  =—

*******UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES DO NOT DELETE THIS FILE, UNTIL ALL YOUR DATA IS RECOVERED*******

*****FAILING TO DO SO, WILL RESULT IN YOUR SYSTEM CORRUPTION, IF THERE ARE DECRYPTION ERRORS*****

All your files, documents, photos, databases and other important

files are encrypted.

You are not able to decrypt it by yourself! The only method

of recovering files is to purchase an unique private key.

Only we can give you this key and only we can recover your files.

To be sure we have the decryptor and it works you can send an

email [email protected]  and decrypt one file for free. But this

file should be of not valuable!

Do you really want to restore your files?

Write to email

              [email protected]

              [email protected]

Your LOCK-ID: –

>>>How to obtain bitcoin:

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/

>>> Free decryption as guarantee!

Before paying you send us up to 1 file for free decryption.

We recommeded to send pictures, text files, sheets, etc. (files no more than 1mb)

IN ORDER TO PREVENT DATA DAMAGE:

1. Do not rename encrypted files.
2. Do not try to decrypt your data using third party software, it may cause permanent data loss.
3. 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.

Text In The Note Updated Note:

?????????????????????????

??????DEATHRansom ???????

?????????????????????????

Hello dear friend,

Your files were encrypted!

You have only 12 hours to decrypt it

In case of no answer our team will delete your decryption password

Write back to our e-mail: [email protected]

In your message you have to write:

1. YOU LOCK-ID: –
2. Time when you have paid 0.1 btc to this bitcoin wallet:

1J9CG9KtJZVx1dHsVcSu8cxMTbLsqeXM5N

After payment our team will decrypt your files immediatly

Free decryption as guarantee:

1. File must be less than 1MB
2. Only .txt or .lnk files, no databases
3. Only 1 files

How to obtain bitcoin:

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/

Step1. Remove Connected Devices and Isolate the Infected PC

It is very important that you cut off your infected PC with other computers connected in the same local network. Many of the ransomware are designed in such a way that it spreads in network environment. Hence, you need to take some measures to isolate the PC.

There are two basics steps for separate the infected device.

• Disconnect Internet
• Unplug all the external storage device
• Log out of Cloud Storage Accounts (Additional)

Unplug the Ethernet Cable so that all the wired internet connection gets cut off. In case if the infected PC is connected with wireless internet, you have to disconnect it manually through Control Panel.

Go to Control Panel> Search ‘Network and Sharing Center’

Click on ‘Change adapter settings’

Select the internet connect point, right lick on it and choose ‘Disable’. The PC is no longer connected with internet.

Once the PC is disconnected with internet, the next step is to unplug the connected storage device in order to isolate the computer completely. All kind of storage device such as portable hard drives, pen-drives, flash drives etc. is to be removed so that DeathRansom Ransomware doesn’t encrypts files stored in them.

Go to “My Computer”, right click on the connected storage device and select “Eject”.

There is high possibility that ransomware could take over the software that handles data stored in “cloud storage”. Hence it is strongly recommended that you log out from your cloud storage whether it is through browser or cloud management software.

Step2. Identify the Ransomware that Attacked your Files  

It is important to identify the name and type of ransomware that had attacked your work-station so that you can use the right decryption tool for recovering the locked files. This is important because decryption tool for ransowmare released by security experts are exclusive for particular ransomware and their family. If you use incorrect decryption tool which is not designed for removing DeathRansom Ransomware, then this may damage the locked files permanently.

There are possibly three ways to identity the ranosmware infected your PC. First is to go through the rnasowmare note and see if the name is mentioned or not. For example, In Cerber ransomware note, the name of ransomware is clearly mentioned.

On many occasion, the ransomware name is not mentioned in the note. They contain generic message. Researches shows that different rasnowmare may have same ransom note but they belong from entirely different family or group.

So, if the ransomware note is generic and its name and type is not mentioned, you need to check file extension that it adds on the locked file. When a ransomware locks any file, it appends its own extension name to it in addition. For example, Locky ransomware adds .locky extension name on every files that it encrypts.

Many of the ransomware uses generic extension names as well such as .encrypted, .locked, .crypted etc. In this case, the generic extension name doesn’t reveals anything about the ransomware name and type.

So, if you are unable to identify the ransomware through its note and extension, it is best to visit ID Ransomware website and upload the ransom note you receive or any one of your file that has been encrypted or possibly both.

At present, ID ransowmare database has details of around 1100 different ransomwares. In case if the ransomware that infected your files is not supported by ID ransomware website, you can use internet to search more about the ransomware using keywords like  its file extension, crypto wallet address or contact email Id.

Step 3. Search for DeathRansom Ransomware Decryption Tool to Recover Locked Files

The developer behind ransomware uses highly advanced encryption key to lock the files on the infected PC and hence if it manages to encrypt the file properly, it cannot be decrypted without the correct decryption key. The unlock key is stored in a remote server. Popular ransowmare family such as Dharma, Cerber, Phobos etc. are known to create flawless ransomware and they update their version time to time.

However, there are  so many ransomware types that are poorly developed and have flaws in terms of using unique decryption key for each victim, their decryption key are stored on the infected PC instead of remote server and so on. So, the decryption key for such poorly designed ransomware are available on internet. You just have to check some security forums and Online communities to get identical decryption key for poorly designed ransowmare.

To be on safer side, it is recommended to use platforms such as https://www.nomoreransom.org/en/index.html  which have tried and tested decryption key for some of the popular ransomware. Its homepage contains a “Decryption Tools” category with search bar option where you can search for decryption key for a particular ransomware.

How to Remove DeathRansom Ransomware and Recover locked Files Using Data Recovery Tool

1: Boot the PC “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 home screen 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.

Once the PC get booted in Safe mode with networking, you can use anti-malware tool such as “SpyHunter”. The automatic removal tool has advanced scanning algorithm and programming logics hence it doesn’t leave any trace of ransomware behind.

Click Here For SpyHunter Details and User Guide

Open the browser and download a legitimate anti-malware tool. Do a full System scanning. Remove all the malicious detected entries including those belong to ransomware.

2: Delete DeathRansom Ransomware Infection using “System Restore”

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 DeathRansom 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 DeathRansom 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 DeathRansom 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 DeathRansom 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 DeathRansom 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.

3. How to Recover the Files Encrypted by DeathRansom 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 DeathRansom 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 DeathRansom 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.

Some Related FAQs

How can I open files encrypted by DeathRansom Ransomware? Can I access it myself?

A file that is locked by ransomware cannot be accessed unless it is first decrypted using the decryption key.

What could I do to access the locked files?

In case if you have backup files, use it and don’t worry about the files that got encrypted since you can use it from backup. However remember that in order to use the backup files on same PC, you first have to remove the ransomware infection completely otherwise the backup file will get encrypted as well. For removing the ransommare, it is suggested to use a powerful anti-malware tool.

In case if the backup is not available, you can try “Restore Point” to roll back the System to point where the PC was free from ransomware attack. If these options doesn’t works then you can try your luck with any powerful data recovery tool.

Additionally, there is high possibility that the encrypted files are still with you hence you can check all the possible locations such as sent or received emails, contact your friends, family members to get files like images, videos, etc. that would have shared earlier. Check your cloud storage and social media platforms, old devices including laptop, PC, mobile phones and so on.

Should I Pay Ransom in order to get decryption key?

It is never recommended to pay money because there is no guarantee of receiving the correct decryption key from cyber-criminals even after the ransom amount is paid. The identity of cyber-criminals are often key anonymous hence you cannot do anything much later.

Where can I report about the ransowmare attack?

There are cyber-security agencies in every country where you can report about ransomware attack. The links for the respective authorities are as follow. You can visit the link as per your country and report about the attack.

• USA– Internet Crime Complaint Centre IC3 or On Guard Online;
• In Canada- Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre;
• United Kingdom– Action Fraud
• Australia – Australian High Tech Crime Center
• In Ireland- An Garda Síochána
• Greece – Cyber Crime Unit (Hellenic Police)
• New Zealand- Consumer Affairs Scams
• Spain– Policía Nacional
• Poland– Policja
• Portugal– Polícia Judiciária
• France– Ministère de l’Intérieur
• Germany– Polizei
• Italy– Polizia di Stato
• The Netherlands– Politie
• India – CyberCrime Investigation Cell

Can Antivirus protect against ransomware?

A powerful antivirus can protect, detect as well as remove ransomware. It is always a good practice to use a security application in order to get protection from ransomware in real-time. Additionally, it is equally important to follow good cyber-security practices.