How to remove DAGON LOCKER Ransomware and decrypt .dagoned files

What is DAGON LOCKER Ransomware

DAGON LOCKER is a new variant of Mount Locker ransomware. While encrypting access to data, the virus changes all files with the .dagoned extension. For instance, a file originally named 1.pdf will appear as 1.pdf.dagoned and become no longer accessible after encryption. Following this, cybercriminals create the README_TO_DECRYPT.html file to feature decryption instructions.

Once opened, the file greets victims with information that all valuable files have been encrypted and exfiltrated to remote servers of cybercriminals. Unless victims contact extortionists using Tor Browser within 72 hours, the collected data may become leaked to the public. Unfortunately, it is usually impossible to decrypt files without the direct help of cybercriminals. They are the only figures holding the necessary decryption keys for restoring access to data. Paying the ransom is usually not recommended, this option should be considered based on potential damage and consequences for individuals or companies in case of no payment. Note that collaborating with cybercriminals does not always guarantee that they will eventually send you the promised means of decryption. They can also decrypt your data, but nonetheless leak the gathered files as well. At the moment of writing this article, there is no third-party tool that could guarantee 100% decryption of .dagoned files. In our guide you will find some reputable decryption/recovery tools, however, it is less likely that they will be able to deal with encryption implemented by DAGON LOCKER at the moment. The best way to recover files for free is to do so using backup copies. In case such are available on external storage like a USB-flash drive, you can easily recover the blocked data. Note that prior to trying any manual recovery options, it is important to first get rid of the infection. Use our guidelines below to do it.

How DAGON LOCKER Ransomware infected your computer

Quite often ransomware is spread via distribution vectors like trojans, deceptive third-party downloads, fake software updates/installers, backdoors, keyloggers, botnets, system exploits, and e-mail spam letters. Threat actors often try to dupe inexperienced users into executing (opening) malicious attachments or links that can be included within e-mail spam letters. Alternatively, malware developers can distribute fake software/updates through suspicious ads on third-party websites. To make the phishing technique work, e-mail spam letters are usually covered under the names of legitimate companies or entities (e.g., delivery companies, tax authorities, banks, and so forth). For instance, it can be a fake message encouraging users to open a file and read some individual tax report. Unfortunately, doing so will likely expose you to facing an imminent ransomware infection. Files with .DOCX, .XLSX, .PDF, .EXE, .ZIP, .RAR, .JS, and other extensions are often the ones cybercriminals abuse to deliver various infections. While such formats have nothing to do with malware on the initial basis, cybercriminals have learned how to configure them for executing the installation of malicious infections. In most cases, the infection occurs only after users bypass the “Protected View” in malicious MS Office documents. Be skeptical whenever you receive such attachments for no expected reason. Also, try to download software from unofficial or dubious pages. Read our guide below to learn about security tips that will protect you from such threats in the future.

1. Download DAGON LOCKER Ransomware Removal Tool
2. Get decryption tool for .dagoned files
3. Recover encrypted files with Stellar Data Recovery Professional
4. Restore encrypted files with Windows Previous Versions
5. Restore files with Shadow Explorer
6. How to protect from threats like DAGON LOCKER Ransomware

DAGON LOCKER Ransomware files:


README_TO_DECRYPT.html
{randomname}.exe


DAGON LOCKER Ransomware registry keys:

no information

How to decrypt and restore .dagoned files

Use automated decryptors

Download Kaspersky RakhniDecryptor

Use following tool from Kaspersky called Rakhni Decryptor, that can decrypt .dagoned files. Download it here:

There is no purpose to pay the ransom because there is no guarantee you will receive the key, but you will put your bank credentials at risk.

Dr.Web Rescue Pack

Famous antivirus vendor Dr. Web provides free decryption service for the owners of its products: Dr.Web Security Space or Dr.Web Enterprise Security Suite. Other users can ask for help in the decryption of .dagoned files by uploading samples to Dr. Web Ransomware Decryption Service. Analyzing files will be performed free of charge and if files are decryptable, all you need to do is purchase a 2-year license of Dr.Web Security Space worth $120 or less. Otherwise, you don’t have to pay.

If you are infected with DAGON LOCKER Ransomware and removed from your computer you can try to decrypt your files. Antivirus vendors and individuals create free decryptors for some crypto-lockers. To attempt to decrypt them manually you can do the following:

Use Stellar Data Recovery Professional to restore .dagoned files

1. Download Stellar Data Recovery Professional.
2. Click Recover Data button.
3. Select type of files you want to restore and click Next button.
4. Choose location where you would like to restore files from and click Scan button.
5. Preview found files, choose ones you will restore and click Recover.

Using Windows Previous Versions option:

1. Right-click on infected file and choose Properties.
2. Select Previous Versions tab.
3. Choose particular version of the file and click Copy.
4. To restore the selected file and replace the existing one, click on the Restore button.
5. In case there is no items in the list choose alternative method.

Using Shadow Explorer:

1. Download Shadow Explorer program.
2. Run it and you will see screen listing of all the drives and the dates that shadow copy was created.
3. Select the drive and date that you want to restore from.
4. Right-click on a folder name and select Export.
5. In case there are no other dates in the list, choose alternative method.

If you are using Dropbox:

1. Login to the DropBox website and go to the folder that contains encrypted files.
2. Right-click on the encrypted file and select Previous Versions.
3. Select the version of the file you wish to restore and click on the Restore button.

How to protect computer from viruses, like DAGON LOCKER Ransomware , in future

1. Get special anti-ransomware software

Use ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware

ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware Dashboard

ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware Alert

ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware Blocked

Famous antivirus brand ZoneAlarm by Check Point released a comprehensive tool, that will help you with active anti-ransomware protection, as an additional shield to your current protection. The tool provides Zero-Day protection against ransomware and allows you to recover files. ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware is compatible with all other antiviruses, firewalls, and security software except ZoneAlarm Extreme (already shipped with ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware) or Check Point Endpoint products. The killer features of this application are: automatic file recovery, overwrite protection that instantly and automatically recovers any encrypted files, file protection that detects and blocks even unknown encryptors.

2. Back up your files

As an additional way to save your files, we recommend online backup. Local storage, such as hard drives, SSDs, flash drives, or remote network storage can be instantly infected by the virus once plugged in or connected to. DAGON LOCKER Ransomware uses some techniques to exploit this. One of the best services and programs for easy automatic online backup is iDrive. It has the most profitable terms and a simple interface. You can read more about iDrive cloud backup and storage here.

3. Do not open spam e-mails and protect your mailbox

Malicious attachments to spam or phishing e-mails are the most popular method of ransomware distribution. Using spam filters and creating anti-spam rules is good practice. One of the world leaders in anti-spam protection is MailWasher Pro. It works with various desktop applications and provides a very high level of anti-spam protection.