How to remove Dharma-259 Ransomware and decrypt .[259461356@qq.com].259 files

What is Dharma-259 Ransomware

Dharma-259 is a ransomware-type infection belonging to the Dharma family. This group of developers has brought the biggest impact to the malware industry. Having a range of malicious programs, 259 compliments the list, and encrypts personal data with strong algorithms that prevent users from regular access. As a result, all data change its name with a string of digits including personal ID, cybercriminal’s e-mail, and .259 extension at the end of each file. For instance, ordinary 1.mp4 will experience a change to something like this 1.mp4.id-C279F237.[259461356@qq.com].259 and reset its default icon. Then, once the encryption process gets to a close, the virus force-opens a pop-up window and creates a text note called FILES ENCRYPTED.txt, both of which contain information upon data recovery.

As stated in both pop-up and note, victims have to contact swindlers via e-mail attaching personal ID. In addition to that, you are allowed to send up to 1 file (less than 1 MB) for free decryption. Then, once extortionists receive your message, you will be guided with steps on how to purchase decryption software. Sometimes, the required fee may skyrocket beyond the limits, becoming unaffordable for most of the users. Even if you are ready to enrich cybercriminals buying their software, we recommend you against it, because most users report a high-risk of being fooled and not obtain any tools to restore the data at all. In such a case, it is safer to get rid of Dharma-259 and recover your files using a backup copy. If there is nothing created prior to the infection, try using third-party instruments presented below to implement free decryption.

How Dharma-259 infected your computer

In most cases, ransomware infections are actively spread via e-mail spam containing malicious attachments, untrustworthy downloads, fake software updates, and cracking tools. Identifying whether you interact with spam messages is pretty simple. Usually, such messages copy the appearance of legitimate content and include additional files (MS Office documents, PDFs, executables, and JavaScript files). All of it is meant to force users into opening included attachments or links that lead to fishing pages. Whether opened accidentally or not, the infection will slip through your system disabling default protection protocols. This is why it is advised to have anti-malware software installed on your PC. Typically, it has more advanced capabilities and databases than Windows Defender allowing users to stay more protected on the web. Remember that malware developers exploit the human factor and trustworthiness of users, they create eye-catching tricks and other things attracting people’s attention. So do not open or manipulate with suspicious content to not lament about your data in the future. Better follow our tutorial to learn more about protection and removal steps.

1. Download Dharma-259 Ransomware Removal Tool
2. Get decryption tool for .259 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 Dharma-259 Ransomware

Dharma-259 Ransomware files:


FILES ENCRYPTED.txt
{randomfilename}.exe


Dharma-259 Ransomware registry keys:

no information

How to decrypt and restore .259 files

Use automated decryptors

Download Kaspersky RakhniDecryptor

Use following tool from Kaspersky called Rakhni Decryptor, that can decrypt .259 files. Download it here:

Download RakhniDecryptor

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 .259 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-259 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 .259 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.

Download Stellar Data Recovery Professional

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 Dharma-259 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.

Download ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware

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-259 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.

Download MailWasher Pro