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.
All your files have been encrypted!
All your files have been encrypted due to a security problem with your PC. If you want to restore them, write us to the e-mail 259461356@qq.com
Write this ID in the title of your message -
In case of no answer in 24 hours write us to theese e-mails:259461356@qq.com
You have to pay for decryption in Bitcoins. The price depends on how fast you write to us. After payment we will send you the decryption tool that will decrypt all your files.
Free decryption as guarantee
Before paying you can send us up to 1 file for free decryption. The total size of files must be less than 1Mb (non archived), and files should not contain valuable information. (databases,backups, large excel sheets, etc.)
How to obtain Bitcoins
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/
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 259461356@qq.com
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.
- Download Dharma-259 Ransomware Removal Tool
- Get decryption tool for .259 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-259 Ransomware
Download Removal Tool
To remove Dharma-259 Ransomware completely, we recommend you to use Norton Antivirus from Symantec. It detects and removes all files, folders, and registry keys of Dharma-259 Ransomware and prevents future infections by similar viruses.
Alternative Removal Tool
To remove Dharma-259 Ransomware completely, we recommend you to use SpyHunter 5. It detects and removes all files, folders, and registry keys of Dharma-259 Ransomware. The trial version of Spyhunter 5 offers virus scan and 1-time removal for FREE.
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:
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
- 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-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.
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.