What Is DNET Virus?
This is yet another iteration of the STOP/DJVU ransomware family which has been targeting Windows users for a few years now. The ransomware family includes numerous variations most of which, especially the ones released in the past year, are impossible to decrypt.
Like previous versions, the Dnet virus is designed to alter system settings and initiate several attack stages. Once all stages are finished, the ransomware leaves your data encrypted and files renamed with the .dnet extension. Then, the DNET threat demands a ransom payment for the alleged decryption of your corrupted files. The extortion happens with the help of a ransom message which can be found in a text file, usually called _readme.txt
Also note that the ransomware can alter system settings so that it evades detection and hides its malicious activities. Beware that when an infection with Dnet ransomware takes place, some major registry keys like RUN and RUNONCE are contaminated. The reason is that their functionalities can enable the threat to launch malicious files every time the infected system is rebooted. The attack is finalized when a ransom message pop-ups on the screen to extort a ransom fee from victims.
N.B. One of the most common questions in ransomware infections is how to decrypt the encrypted files, as is the case with the DNET virus STOP/DJVU variant.
Unfortunately, if your files have been encrypted by DNET ransomware, it most probably means that the battle is lost. The chances to get your files restored on your own or with the help of a company/a professional that advertises decryption capabilities are nearly non-existent. What most such companies and professionals do is buy a decryption tool from the ransomware operators, and add a markup to the ransom amount upon charging you for their decryption services. In other words, trusting anyone, other than an officially released decrypter, with the decryption of your files is utterly pointless. We will update this article once we have more information on possible decryption, even though the chances are quite slim. What you should do for now is remove the ransomware from your system, so that it doesn’t reinfect you and it doesn’t spread further. Continue reading to get to the final part of the article where we provide technical removal instructions.
DNET Virus Summary
| Name | DNET virus, also known as UDS:Trojan.Win32.Chapak.gen, Ransom:Win32/StopCrypt.KM!MTB, Win32:PWSX-gen [Trj], Win32:PWSX-gen [Trj], A Variant Of Win32/GenKryptik.FHJB – more detections of this virus on VirusTotal |
| File Extension | .DNET |
| Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
| Short Description | The ransomware encrypts files on your computer system and demands a ransom to be paid to allegedly recover them. |
| Symptoms | The DNET Virus ransomware will encrypt your files by appending the .DNET extension to them. |
| Ransom Demanding Note | _readme.txt |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments |
| Detection Tool |
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DNET Virus – How Did I Get Infected?
DNET virus falls into the category of data locker ransomware that belongs to one of the biggest ransomware families STOP/Djvu. The name of this strain is a derivative of the malicious extension .DNET it appends to files it encrypts.Spam emails, malicious email attachments, hacked web pages, and corrupted freeware installers are likely to be utilized for the spread of DNET ransomware virus. Since malspam propagation technique enables hackers to spread their malicious code on a large scale it is considered to be the main one. The malspam technique, in particular, can be recognized as it has specific telltale signs. So, how to recognize an email that endangers the overall security of your PC and data stored on its drives? Ask yourself the following question.
Does the email have an attached file of common type or a link presented as a button, an image, a plain URL or another clickable form? If the answer is positive, then avoid interacting with these elements. If you believe that you should view the content then scan the file / link with online malware scanners like VirusTotal. The results will provide information about the security level of the content.
Among the most popular Windows file types that are used by malware are executable files, documents and other Microsoft Office files, application files, script files, PDFs, temporary files and other.
All initial malicious changes performed by the ransomware enable it to reach the encryption stage. During this stage, the ransomware launches a built-in cipher module to corrupt personal files. Specific folders are scanned for commonly used types of files as they are likely to store valuable user data. Every time a target file is detected, its code is transformed via a strong cipher algorithm. As a result of encryption, corrupted files receive the malicious extension .repp
Unfortunately, encrypted files remain inaccessible after encryption. The malicious file extension .DNET may appear at the end of document, music, project, database, image, video, backup, archive, and audio files.
In fact, the end goal of DNET ransomware is to blackmail its victims into paying a ransom fee to hackers who stand behind the attacks. A ransom note file called _readme.txt informs that the decryption of corrupted files can be realized after a payment of approximately $490 – $980 ransom fee. The full content of this file can be seen below:
ATTENTION!
Don’t worry, you can return all your files!
All your files like pictures, databases, documents and other important are encrypted with strongest encryption and unique key.
The only method of recovering files is to purchase decrypt tool and unique key for you.
This software will decrypt all your encrypted files.
What guarantees you have?
You can send one of your encrypted file from your PC and we decrypt it for free.
But we can decrypt only 1 file for free. File must not contain valuable information.
You can get and look video overview decrypt tool:
hxxps://we.tl/t-2w6I3WpXEh
Price of private key and decrypt software is $980.
Discount 50% available if you contact us first 72 hours, that’s price for you is $490.
Please note that you’ll never restore your data without payment.
Check your e-mail “Spam” or “Junk” folder if you don’t get answer more than 6 hours.To get this software you need write on our e-mail:
manager@time2mail.chReserve e-mail address to contact us:
supportsys@airmail.ccYour personal ID:
–
We strongly advise against any contacts with cybercriminals. The ransom payment isn’t a good option as well. This step does not guarantee the recovery of your encrypted files. Oftentimes, hackers skip answering their victims. So you may get tricked once again.
At this point, STOP ransomware strains associated with .DNET extension are not decryptable by Michael Gillespie or Emsisoft free decryption tools. However, as soon as we notice security researchers’ announcement about an update that supports the decryption of DNET STOP ransomware variants, we will update this article with information on how to decrypt files for free.
How to Remove DNET Virus?
How to Decrypt .DNET Files?
Decrypting .DNET files can be done if they have an offline decrypt key. So, the encrypted files can be restored using the video guide below or the STOP Ransomware Decryption Steps. Both guides contain the usage of the official decryption software for this virus, that is created by independent malware researchers to help the victims decode files for free.
Video guide for using the STOP Ransomware Decryptor:
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Step 1: Scan for DNET with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall DNET and related malware from Windows
Here is a method in few easy steps that should be able to uninstall most programs. No matter if you are using Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista or XP, those steps will get the job done. Dragging the program or its folder to the recycle bin can be a very bad decision. If you do that, bits and pieces of the program are left behind, and that can lead to unstable work of your PC, errors with the file type associations and other unpleasant activities. The proper way to get a program off your computer is to Uninstall it. To do that:
Follow the instructions above and you will successfully delete most unwanted and malicious programs.
Step 3: Clean any registries, created by DNET on your computer.
The usually targeted registries of Windows machines are the following:
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
You can access them by opening the Windows registry editor and deleting any values, created by DNET there. This can happen by following the steps underneath:
Tip: To find a virus-created value, you can right-click on it and click "Modify" to see which file it is set to run. If this is the virus file location, remove the value.
Before starting "Step 4", please boot back into Normal mode, in case you are currently in Safe Mode.
This will enable you to install and use SpyHunter 5 successfully.
Step 4: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove DNET
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by DNET.
Method 1: Use STOP Decrypter by Emsisoft.
Not all variants of this ransomware can be decrypted for free, but we have added the decryptor used by researchers that is often updated with the variants which become eventually decrypted. You can try and decrypt your files using the instructions below, but if they do not work, then unfortunately your variant of the ransomware virus is not decryptable.
Follow the instructions below to use the Emsisoft decrypter and decrypt your files for free. You can download the Emsisoft decryption tool linked here and then follow the steps provided below:
1 Right-click on the decrypter and click on Run as Administrator as shown below:
2. Agree with the license terms:
3. Click on "Add Folder" and then add the folders where you want files decrypted as shown underneath:
4. Click on "Decrypt" and wait for your files to be decoded.
Note: Credit for the decryptor goes to Emsisoft researchers who have made the breakthrough with this virus.
Method 2: Use data recovery software
Ransomware infections and DNET aim to encrypt your files using an encryption algorithm which may be very difficult to decrypt. This is why we have suggested a data recovery method that may help you go around direct decryption and try to restore your files. Bear in mind that this method may not be 100% effective but may also help you a little or a lot in different situations.
Simply click on the link and on the website menus on the top, choose Data Recovery - Data Recovery Wizard for Windows or Mac (depending on your OS), and then download and run the tool.
DNET-FAQ
What is DNET Ransomware?
DNET is a ransomware infection - the malicious software that enters your computer silently and blocks either access to the computer itself or encrypt your files.
Many ransomware viruses use sophisticated encryption algorithms to make your files inaccessible. The goal of ransomware infections is to demand that you pay a ransom payment to get access to your files back.
What Does DNET Ransomware Do?
Ransomware in general is a malicious software that is designed to block access to your computer or files until a ransom is paid.
Ransomware viruses can also damage your system, corrupt data and delete files, resulting in the permanent loss of important files.
How Does DNET Infect?
Via several ways.DNET Ransomware infects computers by being sent via phishing emails, containing virus attachment. This attachment is usually masked as an important document, like an invoice, bank document or even a plane ticket and it looks very convincing to users.
Another way you may become a victim of DNET is if you download a fake installer, crack or patch from a low reputation website or if you click on a virus link. Many users report getting a ransomware infection by downloading torrents.
How to Open .DNET files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .DNET files are encrypted. You can only open them once they are decrypted using a specific decryption key for the particular algorithm.
What to Do If a Decryptor Does Not Work?
Do not panic, and backup the files. If a decryptor did not decrypt your .DNET files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".DNET" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .DNET files.
These methods are in no way 100% guaranteed that you will be able to get your files back. But if you have a backup, your chances of success are much greater.
How To Get Rid of DNET Virus?
The safest way and the most efficient one for the removal of this ransomware infection is the use a professional anti-malware program.
It will scan for and locate DNET ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .DNET files.
Can I Report Ransomware to Authorities?
In case your computer got infected with a ransomware infection, you can report it to the local Police departments. It can help authorities worldwide track and determine the perpetrators behind the virus that has infected your computer.
Below, we have prepared a list with government websites, where you can file a report in case you are a victim of a cybercrime:
Cyber-security authorities, responsible for handling ransomware attack reports in different regions all over the world:
Germany - Offizielles Portal der deutschen Polizei
United States - IC3 Internet Crime Complaint Centre
United Kingdom - Action Fraud Police
France - Ministère de l'Intérieur
Italy - Polizia Di Stato
Spain - Policía Nacional
Netherlands - Politie
Poland - Policja
Portugal - Polícia Judiciária
Greece - Cyber Crime Unit (Hellenic Police)
India - Mumbai Police - CyberCrime Investigation Cell
Australia - Australian High Tech Crime Center
Reports may be responded to in different timeframes, depending on your local authorities.
Can You Stop Ransomware from Encrypting Your Files?
Yes, you can prevent ransomware. The best way to do this is to ensure your computer system is updated with the latest security patches, use a reputable anti-malware program and firewall, backup your important files frequently, and avoid clicking on malicious links or downloading unknown files.
Can DNET Ransomware Steal Your Data?
Yes, in most cases ransomware will steal your information. It is a form of malware that steals data from a user's computer, encrypts it, and then demands a ransom in order to decrypt it.
In many cases, the malware authors or attackers will threaten to delete the data or publish it online unless the ransom is paid.
Can Ransomware Infect WiFi?
Yes, ransomware can infect WiFi networks, as malicious actors can use it to gain control of the network, steal confidential data, and lock out users. If a ransomware attack is successful, it could lead to a loss of service and/or data, and in some cases, financial losses.
Should I Pay Ransomware?
No, you should not pay ransomware extortionists. Paying them only encourages criminals and does not guarantee that the files or data will be restored. The better approach is to have a secure backup of important data and be vigilant about security in the first place.
What Happens If I Don't Pay Ransom?
If you don't pay the ransom, the hackers may still have access to your computer, data, or files and may continue to threaten to expose or delete them, or even use them to commit cybercrimes. In some cases, they may even continue to demand additional ransom payments.
Can a Ransomware Attack Be Detected?
Yes, ransomware can be detected. Anti-malware software and other advanced security tools can detect ransomware and alert the user when it is present on a machine.
It is important to stay up-to-date on the latest security measures and to keep security software updated to ensure ransomware can be detected and prevented.
Do Ransomware Criminals Get Caught?
Yes, ransomware criminals do get caught. Law enforcement agencies, such as the FBI, Interpol and others have been successful in tracking down and prosecuting ransomware criminals in the US and other countries. As ransomware threats continue to increase, so does the enforcement activity.
About the DNET Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this DNET how-to removal guide included, is the outcome of extensive research, hard work and our team’s devotion to help you remove the specific malware and restore your encrypted files.
How did we conduct the research on this ransomware?
Our research is based on an independent investigation. We are in contact with independent security researchers, and as such, we receive daily updates on the latest malware and ransomware definitions.
Furthermore, the research behind the DNET ransomware threat is backed with VirusTotal and the NoMoreRansom project.
To better understand the ransomware threat, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.
As a site that has been dedicated to providing free removal instructions for ransomware and malware since 2014, SensorsTechForum’s recommendation is to only pay attention to trustworthy sources.
How to recognize trustworthy sources:
- Always check "About Us" web page.
- Profile of the content creator.
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