How to remove Dharma-Zxcvb Ransomware and decrypt .zxcvb files

What is Dharma-Zxcvb Ransomware

Dharma is a notorious malware group that has been distributing a number of high-end ransomware infections. Zxcvb is one of the most recent versions released by cybercriminals. Alike its precursors, the virus encrypts access to system-stored files and changes their visual appearance (by adding the victim’s ID, paymoney@onionmail.org email address, and the .zxcvb extension). For instance, a file originally named 1.pdf will change to something like 1.pdf.id-9ECFA84E.[paymoney@onionmail.org].zxcvb and so forth with other affected data. Once Zxcvb deprives access to files, it creates a ransom-demanding note called FILES ENCRYPTED.txt and also displays a pop-up window.

Both note and pop-up window contain more-less the same information. In general, it is said victims have to contact extortionists via e-mail (sometimes via a link in Tor Browser) for further instructions. Additionally, the pop-up window also warns victims against renaming files or trying to decrypt them with third-party tools as such actions may lead to the permanent damage of data. As a rule, after establishing contact with cybercriminals, victims are demanded to pay a certain amount of ransom to decrypt their data. The amount of ransom extortionists ask for usually depends on whether the ransomware is designed to target individual or corporate users. In the majority of cases, paying the ransom or restoring files from a backup are the sole options to gain access back to the data. However, you should be aware that some ransomware developers fool their victims and do not send any promised means of decryption in return. Apart from the above-mentioned recovery options, you can also give a try to some reputable decryption/recovery software from our guide, however, please note that their capacity will less likely be enough to deal with .zxcvb files at the moment. Whatever the case, it is important to delete the infection from your computer, especially if you are going to recover your data without the involvement of cybercriminals. This way the Zxcvb Ransomware will no longer be a threat to your PC and other files that will be used in the future. Use reputable antivirus from our guide to detect and neutralize the ransomware virus.

How Dharma-Zxcvb Ransomware infected your computer

Very often ransomware infections are spread via e-mail spam letters that contain malicious attachments (in form of MS Office documents, PDFs, Executable files, Archive files, and JavaScript files). Such letters are usually disguised as notifications or offers sent by legitimate entities (e.g., delivery firms, tax authorities, banks, and so forth). In fact, the only purpose of such fake letters is to trick inexperienced users into opening a malicious attachment or link. Avoid doing it and do not interact with letters that look suspicious. In other cases, ransomware can target users through other channels like trojans, deceptive third-party downloads, fake software updates/installers, backdoors, keyloggers, botnets, system exploits, and so forth. The biggest reason why users become victims of various malware is uncareful behavior on the web – clicking on dubious ads, downloading cracked/pirated software from unofficial pages, usage of cracking tools, trusting suspicious e-mail letters, and much more. Always keep your head on the swivel and rely only on trustworthy and official resources. You can also read our guide below to learn more about how one can protect himself against such threats in the future.

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

Dharma-Zxcvb Ransomware files:


FILES ENCRYPTED.txt
{randomname}.exe


Dharma-Zxcvb Ransomware registry keys:

no information

How to decrypt and restore .zxcvb files

Use automated decryptors

Download Kaspersky RakhniDecryptor

Use following tool from Kaspersky called Rakhni Decryptor, that can decrypt .zxcvb 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 .zxcvb 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-Zxcvb 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 .zxcvb 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-Zxcvb 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-Zxcvb 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.