The Donut virus is a new descendant of the Hidden Tear ransomware family. Each individual attack can be configured so that it targets the targets specifically. Refer to our in-depth article for a technical analysis and full removal instructions.
Threat Summary
| Name | Donut |
| Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
| Short Description | The ransomware encrypts sensitive information on your computer system with the .donut extensions and demands a ransom to be paid to allegedly recover them. |
| Symptoms | The ransomware will encrypt your files with a strong encryption algorithm. |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments |
| Detection Tool |
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User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss Donut. |
| Data Recovery Tool | Windows Data Recovery by Stellar Phoenix Notice! This product scans your drive sectors to recover lost files and it may not recover 100% of the encrypted files, but only few of them, depending on the situation and whether or not you have reformatted your drive. |
Donut Virus – Distribution Ways
The Donut virus is a newly discovered virus threat that is being distributed against users worldwide in targeted campaigns. Depending on the targets themselves the hackers can use various strategies. A popular tactic relies on the fact that email messages are among the main carriers of social engineering tricks. This relies on the fact they spread the virus files either attached or hyperlinked in the body contents in some way. The criminals often model them based on common messages that are sent out to clients by popular Internet services. The contained elements can directly lead to the infections or the hackers can produce a link to a payload carrier. They are dangerous instances that lead to Donut virus infections and two of the most popular types are the following:
- Infected Software Installers — The hackers can embed the virus code into application installers of various types. A typical strain is made by taking the legitimate application installers of famous software from their official vendor sites and modifying them with the virus samples. Examples include system utilities, creativity suites, productivity and office programs and even computer games.
- Malicious Documents — In a similar way the computer hackers can embed the Donut virus code into various documents: rich text documents, spreadsheets and presentations. The most common method is to use macros that lead to the dangerous infections. Once the files are opened by the victims a notification prompt is spawned which asks the users to enable them. If this is done the scripts will automate the installation of the virus.
Another delivery tactic that can be used by the hackers is the use of browser hijackers. They are malicious web browser plugins that are usually spread on the relevant add-on repositories. They are advertised as useful additions to the web browser and are promoted using elaborate descriptions and false user reviews. One of the reasons why this is an effective way is that the plugins are made compatible with the most popular software: Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome, Internet Explorer, Microsoft Edge, Safari and Opera. Once they are installed the default home page, search engine and new tabs page redirect the victims to a malicious off-site instance.
The creation of fake download pages and file sharing networks such as BitTorrent can also lead to numerous infections with the Donut virus.
Donut Virus – In-Depth Analysis
The Donut virus is a new instance of the Hidden Tear ransomware family. This is one of the most popular codebases that viruses are being made of. Its entirely open-source and this means that anybody can use it. Due to this fact at the moment the security experts cannot identify the hacker or criminal group behind it.
As it is based on Hidden Tear it uses the very same behavior patterns. The modular main engine can be customized to interact with various components that can be toggled on and off. This means that every attack can be specifically customized and personalized. Future versions of it can have marginally different effects on the computers.
Hidden Tear based infections like the Donut virus can begin with an information gathering component. It uses the built-in tools to harvest sensitive data from the infected host computer which is usually classified into two categories:
- Personal Information — This type of data can be used to directly expose the identity of the users and/or their machines. The malicious engine is programmed to search for strings that specifically mention any information that is deemed valuable. An example is the victim’s name, address, telephone number, location, interests and passwords.
- Campaign Metrics — They are gathered in order to assist the hackers into optimizing the attacks. The gathered information usually consists of a profile containing the full hardware information and certain values from the operating system.
The collected data can then be used by the engine to bypass any protective measures that may have been installed. This includes the likes of anti-virus programs, sandbox environments or virtual machine hosts. if such are found they can be entirely removed in certain configurations. Advanced versions of it can be configured to remove themselves if they are unable to complete this step.
The next change to the operating system is the manipulation of the Windows Registry. The virus itself can modify user-installed application entries which can disable certain functionality. If the operating system related entries are affected then overall performance can degrade.
Any Donut virus interactions that are related to persistence installation strategies is the manipulation of the boot options. The malicious engine removes the ability to enter into the recovery menu and makes the Donut virus to automatically start once the computer is powered on. The standard computer behavior is modified in order to make the virus able to manipulate even system processes.
The Donut virus can be configured to establish a network connection with a remote host. This is a hacker-controlled server that turns the infection into a powerful Trojan. It reports the harvested information and can spy on the users in real-time. Consequently it also allows the hackers to deploy additional viruses to the infected hosts.
The reported instances have been found to infect the temporary Windows folder and assume various names so that the users have no way of knowing where the engine is. It can also hookup to system processes which makes it hard to remove.
Donut Virus -Encryption
As soon as the ransomware component is started the familiar Hidden Tear infection tactics are executed. The Donut virus uses a built-in list of target file type extensions that is scanned by the engine. All user data that corresponds with it are encrypted with a powerful cipher(usually AES 256). An example list may include the following data types:
- Archives
- Documents
- Backups
- Images
- Music
- Videos
All affected data is renamed with the .donut extension. A lockscreen instance is then started which takes the form of an application window. This approach is preferred over the use of a standard text-based ransom note. It reads the following message:
Hi.
All your files have been ENCRYPTED by DONUT Ransomware
Do you want to restore your files?
Your should buy DonutDecryptor.
Current Price $100.
For payment your need cryptocurrency BitCoin.
Write to our email – donutmmm @tutanota.com
and tell us your unique ID and BitCoin transaction.
Your Uniq ID is: *****
BitCoin wallet is: 1MVB7wbeF1yLGRCUmVdgiDWMD7yR
Remove Donut Virus and Restore .donut Files
If your computer system got infected with the Donut ransomware virus, you should have a bit of experience in removing malware. You should get rid of this ransomware as quickly as possible before it can have the chance to spread further and infect other computers. You should remove the ransomware and follow the step-by-step instructions guide provided below.
Martin Beltov
Martin graduated with a degree in Publishing from Sofia University. As a cyber security enthusiast he enjoys writing about the latest threats and mechanisms of intrusion.
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Step 1: Scan for Donut with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall Donut 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 Donut 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 Donut 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 Donut
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by Donut.
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 Donut 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.
Donut-FAQ
What is Donut Ransomware?
Donut 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 Donut 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 Donut Infect?
Via several ways.Donut 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 Donut 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 .Donut files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .Donut 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 .Donut files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".Donut" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .Donut 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 Donut 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 Donut ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .Donut 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 Donut 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 Donut Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Donut 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 Donut 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.
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