How to remove Dazx Ransomware and decrypt .dazx files

What is Dazx Ransomware

Dazx Ransomware is a version of the STOP/Djvu ransomware family. It is a type of malware that encrypts the files on a victim’s computer and demands a ransom payment in exchange for the decryption key. When the Dazx Ransomware infects a computer, it will encrypt the victim’s files using a strong encryption algorithm, making them inaccessible to the victim. Malware uses a symmetric encryption algorithm to encrypt the victim’s files. Specifically, it uses the Salsa20 stream cipher to encrypt the data. The encryption key is generated randomly for each victim, and it is stored on the attacker’s server. The encrypted files will have a new extension added to their filenames, such as .dazx. The Dazx Ransomware also creates a ransom note file called _readme.txt in every folder that contains encrypted files. This file contains instructions on how to pay the ransom in order to receive the decryption key. The ransom note also warns the victim against attempting to decrypt the files using third-party software, as this can result in permanent data loss.

The Dazx Ransomware demands a ransom payment of either $490 or $980, depending on how quickly the victim contacts the attackers. If the victim contacts the attackers within 72 hours of infection, they are offered a discount and asked to pay $490. If they contact the attackers after 72 hours, the ransom amount increases to $980. It’s important to note that paying the ransom does not guarantee that the attackers will provide the decryption key or that the victim’s files will be recovered. Victims of ransomware attacks are advised to not pay the ransom and seek assistance from a reputable cybersecurity professional or organization.

When the ransomware infects a computer, it first scans the local drives for targeted file types, such as documents, images, videos, and archives. It then encrypts these files one by one, replacing their original data with the encrypted data. The encrypted files are given a new extension, such as “.dazx”, to indicate that they have been encrypted. To decrypt the files, the victim needs the unique decryption key that corresponds to their infection. The attacker provides this key only after the victim pays the ransom. If the victim pays the ransom, the attacker sends them the decryption key, and the victim can then use this key to decrypt their files. It’s important to note that attempting to decrypt the files without the correct decryption key is extremely difficult, if not impossible. This is because the encryption key used by the ransomware is unique for each victim, and it is not possible to recover the key from the encrypted data without the attacker’s assistance, unless there was a loss of internet connection during encryption. There are also some optional methods, that may help you succeed in restoring lost data, that we describe on this page.

How Dazx Ransomware infected your computer

Dazx Ransomware, like many other types of malware, can infiltrate computers in a variety of ways. Here are some common methods:

• Phishing emails: The attackers may send emails that look like they come from a legitimate source, such as a well-known company or organization. These emails often contain a malicious attachment or a link to a website that hosts the malware. Once the victim clicks on the attachment or link, the malware is downloaded and executed on their computer.
• Malicious downloads: The attackers may distribute the malware through software downloads from untrusted or illegitimate sources, such as peer-to-peer file sharing networks or cracked software sites. When the victim downloads and installs the software, the malware is also installed on their computer.
• Exploits: The attackers may exploit vulnerabilities in software or operating systems to gain access to the victim’s computer. These vulnerabilities may be present in outdated or unpatched software, or in software that has not been properly configured.
• Malvertising: The attackers may use malicious advertising to distribute the malware. They may create fake ads that look like legitimate ones and place them on popular websites. When the victim clicks on the ad, they are redirected to a website that downloads the malware onto their computer.

1. Download Dazx Ransomware Removal Tool
2. Get decryption tool for .dazx 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. Restore media files with Media Repair
7. How to protect from threats like Dazx Ransomware

Virus modifies “hosts” file to block Windows updates, downloading antivirus programs, and visiting sites related to security news or offering security solutions. Dazx Ransomware comes along with AZORult trojan, which was initially created to steal logins and passwords. The process of infection also looks like installing Windows updates, the malware shows a fake window, that mimics the update process.

It uses rdpclip.exe to replace a legal Windows file and to launch an attack on a computer network. After encrypting the files, the encrypter is deleted using the delself.bat command file. Dazx Ransomware virus is propagated via spam attack with malicious e-mail attachments and using manual PC hacking. Can be distributed by hacking through an unprotected RDP configuration, fraudulent downloads, exploits, web injections, fake updates, repackaged, and infected installers. The virus assigns a certain ID to the victims, which is used to name those files and supposedly to send a decryption key. Great tools to protect against Dazx Ransomware are: Emsisoft Anti-Malware and Malwarebytes Anti-Malware.

How to remove Dazx Ransomware manually

It is not recommended to remove Dazx Ransomware manually, for safer solution use Removal Tools instead.

Dazx Ransomware files:

_readme.txt
rdpclip.exe
delself.bat
{randomname}.exe

Dazx Ransomware registry keys:

no information

How to decrypt and restore .dazx files

Use automated decryptors

Download STOP Djvu Decryptor from EmsiSoft (.dazx variations)

IMPORTANT: Read this detailed guide on using STOP Djvu Decryptor to avoid file corruption and time wasting.

STOP Djvu Decryptor is able to decrypt .dazx files, encrypted by Dazx Ransomware. This tool was developed by EmsiSoft. It works in automatic mode, but in most cases works only for files encrypted with offline keys. Download it here:

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 .dazx files by uploading samples to Dr. Web Ransomware Decryption Service. Analysis of 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 Dazx Ransomware and removed it from your computer, you can try decrypting 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 .dazx 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.

Use Media Repair to decrypt media files encrypted with .dazx

1. Download Media Repair tool.
2. Right-click on the downloaded archive, and select Extract to Media_Repair\.
3. Then double-click on the extracted .exe file to launch the utility.
4. At first, you have to choose which file type you want to decrypt. You can do it from the drop-down menu in the utility.
5. Next, browser the folder with encrypted or reference files. Choose any of them and click on the Test icon located in the top right corner.
6. Media Repair will display a pop-up message with information on whether it can repair the selected file or not.
7. After checking if it is possible or not, select your reference file and click on the icon right under the Test button we used in step #5.
8. If the file pair is properly matched, you can move on and hit the Play button to start repairing. You can also stop the process anytime by clicking on the Stop button.

How to protect computer from viruses, like Dazx 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. Dazx 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.