Do you know what Dodger Ransomware is?
Dodger Ransomware is a threat that can ruin files placed on particular locations by encrypting them with a secure encryption algorithm. Thus, if you come across it, you might be unable to access some of your files. Encrypted files can be deciphered, but it is impossible to do so without decryption tools and, sadly, the only ones who might have them are the malicious application’s developers. Even if they are willing to share them, they would most likely demand payment in return. Unfortunately, you would have to pay first and then it is up to them to send the promised tools. Needless to say, there is a risk they might not bother doing so. If all things considered you do not think it would be a good idea to deal with Dodger Ransomware’s developers, we advise you not to contact them. Users who choose to eliminate the malicious application instead can do so while following the removal guide available below this article, which we recommend reading carefully to learn more about the threat.
Firstly, you should know that Dodger Ransomware might be spread through Spam emails or malicious websites. Its installer could be a disguised email attachment or software installer. In many cases, such files appear to be harmless so inexperienced users can be tricked into opening them. To avoid this happening to you, we recommend staying away from all data that you do not know to be reliable for sure. It would also be smart to scan questionable files with a reputable antimalware tool instead of just opening them without thinking about the possible consequences. The scanning should not take long and if the suspected file is indeed dangerous, the chosen security tool ought to help you get rid of it safely.
Dodger Ransomware screenshot
Scroll down for full removal instructions
If the user gets tricked into launching Dodger Ransomware, the malware might start encrypting files right away. To our knowledge, the threat enciphers data only if it is located in the following directories: %USERPROFILE%\Music, %USERPROFILE%\Videos, %USERPROFILE%\Pictures, %USERPROFILE%\Cookies, and %USERPROFILE%\Documents. In other words, it is not one of the threats that encrypt all user’s personal files, and so there is a good chance most of your essential data might be safe if you keep it in different locations. Files that get encrypted can be recognized from their second extension called .dodger, for example, picture.jpg.dodger.
Later, Dodger Ransomware should show a warning window explaining what has happened. It contains a note saying: “Oh no! Looks like your files are screwed now... There is nothing much to do about it... It`s your own fault.” Also, the window with the message should have a button called SUPPORT. If you click it, the malware should open another message saying: “Fell free to send hate: omegax0@protonmail.com.” As we mentioned earlier, we do not advise contacting the malicious application’s developers if you do not want to take any chances as it is likely they could demand to pay a ransom.
Keep in mind that closing the window might not be that easy as apparently, the only way to do so is to kill Dodger Ransomware’s process. It is one of the steps you need to take if you want to remove the malware. If you do not know how to do this, you should check the removal guide available below. Users who wish to delete the malware manually should continue completing the provided steps. As for those who prefer using automatic features, we recommend installing a reputable antimalware tool that could deal with Dodger Ransomware.
Erase Dodger Ransomware
- Press Ctrl+Alt+Delete.
- Pick Task Manager and check the Processes tab.
- Locate a process belonging to the malware (dodgeR).
- Choose the process and click End Task.
- Exit Task Manager.
- Click Windows Key+E.
- Navigate to the suggested paths:
%TEMP%
%USERPROFILE%Desktop
%USERPROFILE%Downloads - Find a file opened when the device got infected, right-click the malicious file and select Delete.
- Exit File Explorer.
- Empty Recycle bin.
- Restart the computer.
In non-techie terms:
Dodger Ransomware is a malicious file-encrypting threat that enciphers user’s data and shows a warning. Strangely, unlike most of the other ransomware applications, the message from the hackers does not urge to contact them but blames the user for ruining his files. Nonetheless, there is an email address that is supposed to help users contact the cybercriminals behind the threat, so it is possible the hackers may still ask to pay in exchange for decryption tools when victims contact them. Naturally, purchasing anything from hackers would be risky as there is not knowing whether they will provide what they may promise. Therefore, if you do not want to take any chances, we advise ignoring the note and erasing the malware. To eliminate the malicious application manually, you could follow the instructions available above this paragraph, and if you feel like using automatic features instead, you should employ a reputable antimalware tool and perform a full system scan.