What is Dharma-2020 Ransomware
Discovered recently, Dharma-2020 is a ransomware program that uses strong cryptographic algorithms to block data and demand to pay a ransom. After the virus attacks your computer, it instantly ciphers the stored files by retitling them with a criminal’s e-mail address, randomly generated ID, and .2020 extension. For example, 1.mp4 will be renamed into something like 1.mp4.id-{random-8-digit-alphanumerical-sequence}.[btckeys@aol.com].2020. After successful encryption, the program shows a message window and creates a ransom note called FILES ENCRYPTED.txt.
YOUR FILES ARE ENCRYPTED
Don't worry,you can return all your files!
If you want to restore them, follow this link:email btckeys@aol.com YOUR ID {redacted}
If you have not been answered via the link within 12 hours, write to us by e-mail:btckeys@aol.com
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.all your data has been locked us
You want to return?
write email btckeys@aol.comThe malware locks any attempts to decrypt your files and to use certain security programs. Then, Dharma-2020 Ransomware does a pure classic asking users to pay a ransom in BTC (from $50 to $500) and send a paycheck to their e-mail after which, they will give you a decryption program. Although several hundred bucks are not that big in comparison to other ransomware that reaches over $5000, you should still avoid trusting these figures. Instead, it is recommended to delete it from your computer and restore the lost data from external devices.
How Dharma-2020 Ransomware infected your computer
Dharma-2020 Ransomware is often distributed via e-mail spam, botnets, trojans, keyloggers, and other untrustworthy downloads. Not excluded that Dharma-2020 Ransomware will start using some of these channels as well in the future. When it comes to e-mail attacks, extortionists send myriads of fake messages that contain malicious attachments. Once opened, they run executable scripts in the background to infect systems. Thereafter, users cannot avert the process since their data is already locked, and all attempts to decrypt it get denied. Note that trojans are also bundled into fake messages that meant to cause multiple infections like ransomware after successful penetration. To stave off inadvertent infiltrations, you should install an anti-malware program that is able to combat up-to-date threats. In this tutorial, you will learn the necessary steps to get rid of Dharma-2020 Ransomware and secure your PC from further attacks.
- Download Dharma-2020 Ransomware Removal Tool
- Get decryption tool for .2020 files
- Recover encrypted files with Stellar Data Recovery Professional
- Restore encrypted files with Windows Previous Versions
- Restore files with Shadow Explorer
- How to protect from threats like Dharma-2020 Ransomware
Download Removal Tool
To remove Dharma-2020 Ransomware completely, we recommend you to use Norton Antivirus from Symantec. It detects and removes all files, folders and registry keys of Dharma-2020 Ransomware and prevents future infections by similar viruses.
Alternative Removal Tool
To remove Dharma-2020 Ransomware completely, we recommend you to use SpyHunter 5 from EnigmaSoft Limited. It detects and removes all files, folders and registry keys of Dharma-2020 Ransomware. The trial version of SpyHunter 5 offers virus scan and 1-time removal for FREE.
Dharma-2020 Ransomware files:
FILES ENCRYPTED.txt
{randomfilename}.exe
Dharma-2020 Ransomware registry keys:
no information
How to decrypt and restore .2020 files
Use automated decryptors
Download Kaspersky RakhniDecryptor
Use following tool from Kaspersky called Rakhni Decryptor, that can decrypt .2020 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 .2020 files by uploading samples to Dr. Web Ransomware Decryption Service. Analyzing 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 Dharma-2020 Ransomware and removed it 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 .2020 files
- Download Stellar Data Recovery Professional.
- Click Recover Data button.
- Select type of files you want to restore and click Next button.
- Choose location where you would like to restore files from and click Scan button.
- Preview found files, choose ones you will restore and click Recover.
Using Windows Previous Versions option:
- Right-click on infected file and choose Properties.
- Select Previous Versions tab.
- Choose particular version of the file and click Copy.
- To restore the selected file and replace the existing one, click on the Restore button.
- In case there is no items in the list choose alternative method.
Using Shadow Explorer:
- Download Shadow Explorer program.
- Run it and you will see screen listing of all the drives and the dates that shadow copy was created.
- Select the drive and date that you want to restore from.
- Right-click on a folder name and select Export.
- In case there are no other dates in the list, choose alternative method.
If you are using Dropbox:
- Login to the DropBox website and go to the folder that contains encrypted files.
- Right-click on the encrypted file and select Previous Versions.
- Select the version of the file you wish to restore and click on the Restore button.
How to protect computer from viruses, like Dharma-2020 Ransomware, in future
1. Get special anti-ransomware software
Use ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware
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 storages, such as hard drives, SSDs, flash drives or remote network storages can be instantly infected by the virus once plugged in or connected to. Dharma-2020 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 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 is 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.
