How to remove Dharma-Dr Ransomware and decrypt .dr files

What is Dharma-Dr Ransomware

Being part of the Dharma ransomware family, Dr is another file-encryptor that blocks access to data and demands its victims to pay money for the return. As soon as encryption comes into effect, all files stored on a system will be changed with the unique ID of victims, developers’ e-mail address, and .dr extension. An affected sample like 1.pdf will transform into something like this 1.pdf.id-1E857D00.[dr.decrypt@aol.com].dr, and so forth with other types of encrypted data. The only variable information is victims’ IDs, so they are most likely to be different for each infected user. After successful encryption, the virus creates a text note called FILES ENCRYPTED.txt. It also force-opens a pop-up window containing the same ransom instructions as in the note.

Victims are given instructions to contact extortionists via e-mail communication. Their e-mail address is also visible inside of the new extension that is added to blocked data. In case developers do not respond within 12 hours, victims should write to another e-mail stated in the note. Furthermore, crooks behind Dr Ransomware also warn their victims to not rename files or use third-party tools to decrypt them. There is also no information on how much victims should pay for the decryption of their data as this will be known while contacting the frauds. Unfortunately, the reputation of many developers is pretty grim – a number of them do not send any decryption tools even after receiving the money. This is why it is always advised against meeting requests and trusting the crooks. Alas, we have to disappoint you that in most cases decryption of data with third-party tools is indeed impossible. This is because malware like Dharma uses strong cryptographic algorithms to generate ciphers that are hard to decode. It also depends on whether you had your data encrypted with OFFLINE or ONLINE keys. In the case of the latter, decryption can only be partial or even fully unreal. Thus, a better solution to avoid paying the ransom is to restore your data using backup copies. If you have identical files stored on a separate storage or cloud service, delete the virus and recover your data this way. Otherwise, you can resort to third-party tools which may help in some cases. Remember to remove Dharma-Dr Ransomware first and only then try some recovery methods. You can find all the information related to ransomware removal and data recovery in our instructions below.

Dharma-Dr Ransomware

Dharma-Dr ransom note

How Dharma-Dr Ransomware infected your computer

The most effective channel misused by cybercriminals to deliver infections is e-mail spam letters. These letters contain either malicious attachments (MS Office files, PDFs, Executable, Archive, JavaScript, etc.) or links leading to download pages. Whatever it is, both distribution ways are meant to spread the infection. Cyber-crooks disguise such letters as something legitimate by taking templates of popular firms (DHL, FedEx, DPD, etc.) and altering them a bit. Keep in mind that no official representatives of these firms will ever send you letters like that – asking to open some files or links. This is likely a scam designed to inject malware like Dharma into your system. Therefore, it is recommended to not trust such messages and not try your luck while opening files. Besides this method, there are some others that have to be mentioned as well – trojans, unprotected RDP configuration, backdoors, keyloggers, fake software updates or installers, malicious ads, and other types of highly-untrusted content. Be careful and do not be fooled whenever it browsing or downloading some files. You can follow our guide below to enhance your knowledge and obtain professional ways to secure your system against various threats in the future.

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

Dharma-Dr Ransomware files:


FILES ENCRYPTED.txt
{randomfilename}.exe


Dharma-Dr Ransomware registry keys:

no information

How to decrypt and restore .dr files

Use automated decryptors

Download Kaspersky RakhniDecryptor

Use following tool from Kaspersky called Rakhni Decryptor, that can decrypt .dr 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 .dr 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 Dharma-Dr 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 .dr 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 Dharma-Dr 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. Dharma-Dr 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.