Do you know what the DarkEncryptor ransomware is?
TheDarkEncryptor ransomware is a computer infection that locks users out of their systems and demands a ransom of 100 US dollars in Bitcoin. The ransom fee is said to be raised to 350 US dollars if the victim does not submit a payment in five days. To be more precise, the DarkEncryptor ransomware encrypts files so that they cannot be used as usual. It is possible to find an encrypted file, but the file cannot be opened. This type of data corrupting has become very popular among cyber attacks since a lot of inexperienced computer users fall victims to such infections by paying the money demanded. The DarkEncryptor ransomware should be removed from the computer and the data from a back-up device restored afterwards if such a copy is in your possession.
The DarkEncryptor ransomware is seemingly similar to a highly dangerous ransomware infection budded Jigsaw ransomware which encrypts files and deletes them every 60 minutes until the ransom is paid. Fortunately, the DarkEncryptor ransomware is not capable of removing users' data. Nevertheless, it is essential to take appropriate measures to terminate the infection and prevent similar incidents.
Once the infection gets onto a computer, it creates its copy named randomly in a folder in the %Temp% directory. Most likely, the folder containing the malicious .exe is also made of random characters. The infection immediately starts encrypting files, which get the extension .tdelf. The target files include frequently used files such as .doc, .png, .txt, and some other common files. Moreover, the DarkEncryptor ransomware changes the desktop wallpaper to a ransom note in a black background also containing the Jigsaw character on the right side. It has also been observed that the infection may fail to create its .txt ransom file, which is typically created on the desktop.
TheDarkEncryptor Ransomware screenshot
Scroll down for full removal instructions
In order to create greater pressure on victims so that they pay the money required, the infection drops a ransom note in an executable file which is known as jshandlr.exe. The file is located in the %ALLUSERSPROFILE% directory, the exact path to which depends on the operating system. On Windows XP, the ransom note is dropped to the directory C:\Documents and Settings\All users, whereas on Windows Vista and later versions, the file is created in C:\ProgramData directory. The executable also has its point of execution in Windows Registry, which means that it starts automatically. In case of manual removal, the entry responsible for the launch of the file has to be deleted to prevent the file from launching and displaying the ransom note.
The DarkEncryptor ransomware spreads via email attachments, which means that you should never download or open attachments sent from questionable senders. In case the sender is known to you, but the content of the email arouses your suspicion, it is worth reaching out to the sender to find out whether you are the intended receiver. Cyber criminals come up with various deception and malware spreading ways, so it is not enough to delete questionable emails. You should also pay close attention to the sources of the software you download. A software installer may also be powered to install or download malware, so you should be aware of the potential danger of the Internet. The DarkEncryptor ransomware is one of millions malicious infections that can compromise your PC, and, if you want to surf the Internet safely, you should use preventative software.
Our advice is that you use our recommended security program, which removes the DarkEncryptor ransomware and multiple other threats, including malware and other threats. You can also try removing this ransomware threat manually. In addition to file deletion, you must also make some changes in the Registry, which should be managed only by experienced users in order not to delete important registry keys relevant to the overall system performance. Our removal guide given below will guide you through the removal of the ransomware, which you carry out at your own responsibility.
How to remove theDarkEncryptor ransomware
1. Open the Task Manager and end the process jshandlr.exe.
2. Delete the exectubale jshandlr.exe from the directory %ALLUSERSPROFILE%\Oracle\Java.
3. Delete the randomly name executable from the diretory %TEMP%\[random name].
4. Go to Windows Registry and follow the path HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run.
5. Find the entry Oracle JavaScript related to the jshandlr.exe and delete it.
6. Remove all items from the Recycle bin.
In non-techie terms:
The DarkEncryptor ransomware is a computer infection that encrypts files stored on the computer and displays a ransom warning demanding a release fee in the Bitcoin currency. The infection gets onto the computer via malicious email attachments. The DarkEncryptor threat seems to be similar to the Jigsaw ransomware as the two infections dislay very similar ransom warnings containing the iconic character. The DarkEncryptor can be prevented by not interacting with spam and phishing emails, the latter of which refer to deceptive emails sent from seemingly known senders. More important, it is crucial to keep the system protected by a powerful anti-malware program.