How to remove Dkq Ransomware and decrypt .dkq files

What is Dkq Ransomware

Dkq Ransomware is a malicious program that belongs to the notorious Dharma ransomware family. It is designed to encrypt files on infected computers, rendering them inaccessible to the user until a ransom is paid. This ransomware appends the .dkq extension to the encrypted files, along with a unique ID and the cybercriminals’ email address. The new file name format includes the original file name, a unique ID, the attackers’ email address, and the “.dkq” extension. For example, a file named document.docx might be renamed to document.docx.id-67RTA8W4.[dkqcnr@cock.li].dkq. After encryption, Dkq Ransomware creates a ransom note in a text file named info.txt and displays a pop-up window with further instructions. The note informs victims that their files have been encrypted and provides instructions on how to contact the attackers to pay the ransom, usually in Bitcoin. The note also warns against using third-party decryption tools or modifying the encrypted files, as this could result in permanent data loss. Dkq Ransomware uses strong encryption algorithms, typically a combination of RSA and AES, to lock files. This method ensures that decryption without the corresponding decryption key is virtually impossible.

Currently, there are no publicly available decryption tools for Dkq Ransomware. The encryption used by this ransomware is robust, and decryption without the attackers’ key is not feasible. Victims are often left with the following options: paying the ransom, which is not recommended as it does not guarantee that the attackers will provide the decryption key and may encourage further criminal activity; restoring from backups, which is the best solution if backups are available; and seeking professional data recovery services, which may be able to recover data in some cases, but this is not guaranteed.

Given the lack of available decryption tools, the primary method to recover from a Dkq Ransomware attack is to restore files from backups. The first step is to isolate the infected system by disconnecting the computer from the network to prevent the ransomware from spreading. Next, use reputable antivirus or anti-malware software to remove the ransomware from the system. If you have backups, restore your files from a clean backup, ensuring that the backup is not connected to the infected system during the restoration process to avoid re-infection. Finally, report the ransomware attack to local authorities and cybersecurity organizations to help track and combat cybercrime.

How Dkq Ransomware infects computers

1. Download Dkq Ransomware Removal Tool
2. Get decryption tool for .dkq 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 Dkq Ransomware

Dkq Ransomware files:


Text presented in the pop-up window and info.txt
{randomname}.exe


Dkq Ransomware registry keys:

no information

How to decrypt and restore .dkq files

Use automated decryptors

Download Kaspersky RakhniDecryptor

Use the following tool from Kaspersky called Rakhni Decryptor, that can decrypt .dkq 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 .dkq 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 Dkq 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 .dkq files

1. Download Stellar Data Recovery Professional.
2. Click Recover Data button.
3. Select the type of files you want to restore and click Next button.
4. Choose the 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 a 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 are no items in the list, choose an alternative method.

Using Shadow Explorer:

1. Download Shadow Explorer program.
2. Run it, and you will see a 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 an 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 Dkq 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 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. Dkq 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