Do you know what Dharma Ransomware (audit24@qq.com variation) is?
There have been quite a few Crysis/Dharma clones popping up recently, and Dharma Ransomware (audit24@qq.com variation) is one of them. Just like Dharma Ransomware (.bkpx extension) and many other versions of the exact same infection, it is all about encrypting files and making ransom demands. Unfortunately, if this threat is successful at encrypting files, victims could be pushed into following the demands of cyber criminals because nothing else can be done. The threat even deletes shadow volume copies to stop victims from using a restore point successfully. Since restoring files manually or with the help of legitimate software is not possible, they might choose to obey the attackers. We recommend that you remove Dharma Ransomware (audit24@qq.com variation) instead.
You might not know how Dharma Ransomware (audit24@qq.com variation) entered your Windows operating system because this infection is silent, and it is supposed to come in without getting detected. That being said, if you downloaded the malicious infection’s launcher, you should know where it is. Of course, if you recognize malware right away, you should delete the file ASAP. In the best case scenario, this would make it possible for you to stop the encryption of files. Unfortunately, you are unlikely to notice the threat, and it should attack your files without you even realizing it. When Dharma Ransomware (audit24@qq.com variation) encrypts files, it adds the “id-[unique code]}.[audit24@qq.com].RISK” extension to their names, and that should make it obvious which files were corrupted without even opening it. Needless to say, the corrupted files cannot be opened.
Dharma Ransomware (audit24@qq.com variation) screenshot
Scroll down for full removal instructions
Once files are successfully corrupted, Dharma Ransomware (audit24@qq.com variation) uses two ransom note files (“FILES ENCRYPTED.txt” and “Info.hta”) to provide victims with some information. The message inside these text files informs that files were encrypted and can be decrypted only if a message is sent to audit24@qq.com and a ransom is paid. Those who are willing to pay the ransom have no other option but to contact the attackers because the ransom note does not give any details about the payment itself. To learn how much the attackers want and how they want the payment to be made, one has to send an email. If that is what you are thinking about doing, we strongly suggest creating a new email account that you would not use after you are done dealing with the attackers. Of course, we do NOT advise communicating with them at all because we believe that even if you paid the ransom as instructed, you would not be able to recover your personal files.
You need to delete Dharma Ransomware (audit24@qq.com variation) regardless of what happens. We hope that you do not waste any of your money and do not help the attackers get what they want. Remember that even if they seem to have what you need, no one can make them to give it to you. If backups of your personal files exist, there is nothing else to discuss. Just remove Dharma Ransomware (audit24@qq.com variation) and the corrupted files. If backups do not exist, make it a point to backup all data from now on to ensure that no files are lost, stolen, or permanently encrypted in the future. To remove the threat, either follow the instructions below (only if you can identify the launcher), or install anti-malware software that will find and eliminate the threat automatically.
Remove Dharma Ransomware (audit24@qq.com variation)
- Delete the [unknown name].exe file that is the ransomware.
- Delete the ransom note file named FILES ENCRYPTED.txt from the Desktop.
- Delete the ransom note file named Info.hta in these locations:
- %APPDATA%
- %WINDIR%\System32\Info.hta
- Delete the copy of the [unknown name].exe file in these locations:
- APPDATA%\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Startup
- %WINDIR%\System32
- Access the Registry Editor, and move to HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run.
- Delete the [unknown name] value that is linked to the %WINDIR%\System32\[unknown name].exe file.
- Empty Recycle Bin and quickly scan your operating system using a legitimate malware scanner.
N.B. To access the listed file locations, tap Win+E to launch Explorer and enter the location’s path into the quick access filed at the top.
To access the Registry Editor, tap Win+R to launch Run and enter regedit.exe into the dialog box.
In non-techie terms:
If the malicious Dharma Ransomware (audit24@qq.com variation) found its way into your operating system, you must be thinking about the decryption of your files. Instead, you should be thinking about the removal of the infection and the security of your operating system. That is because files cannot be restored, and the attackers’ promises to decrypt them if you pay a ransom are, most likely, completely bogus. Although it is possible to delete Dharma Ransomware (audit24@qq.com variation) manually, our research team strongly recommends installing an anti-malware tool right now. It will not only remove the malicious infection but will also take care of your system’s security, and that is most important if you want to evade malware in the future. You also want to start backing up files – if you had not done that before – because that is the best way to protect personal files.