What are .ETH files? What is Dharma ransomware? How to remove the .ETH files virus from your computer? How to try and get data back?
The .ETH files are a strong indicator of Dharma ransomware being present and active on your computer. This is a family of viruses that are very dangerous. The main goal of Dharma ransomware is to encrypt the files on your computer and then leave behind a ransom note, asking you to pay ransom to get your files back. If your computer has been infected by the .ETH variant of Dharma ransomware, we recommend that you read the article underneath.
Threat Summary
Name | .ETH Dharma Virus |
Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
Short Description | Aims to encrypt files on your computer and then ask you to pay ransom to get them to work once more. |
Symptoms | Files have the [Enigma1crypt@aol.com].ETH file extension added to them. The ransomware also drops a FILES ENCRYPTED.txt ransom note. |
Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments, Executable files |
Detection Tool |
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User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss .ETH Dharma Virus. |
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. |
.ETH Dharma Virus – How Did I Get It and What Does It Do?
The primary method of propagation that is used by the .ETH variant of Dharma ransomware is believed to be spread via spammed e-mails directly to victim computers. For this to work, Dharma ransomware may use an infection file, that may pretend to be some sort of a document, like an invoice, a receipt or anything that might convince users to click on it and open it.
Another method via which Dharma .ETH ransomware could infect computers is probably done via having the infection file uploaded on suspicious websites. There, this infection file could end up pretending to be a patch, crack, activator, fake setup, fake portable program and other type of software.
Once the Dharma .ETH ransomware has been activated, it may immediately begin the encryption process. The virus may scan for the following file types and encrypt them:
- Documents.
- Images.
- Videos.
- Archives.
- Virtual Drive Files.
After encryption, the files are appended the .ETH extension along which is the e-mail of the criminals. The encrypted files appear like the following:
The ransom note of Dharma is then dropped on the computers of victims and it may start to appear with the following message:
Dharma ransomware is a virus that should not be trusted and paying the ransom is something that we would advise you not to do. For one, you cannot trust these cyber-criminals with your files and more so, you support their cyber-criminal activities as well.
Remove .ETH Dharma Virus and Try Restoring Files
To remove the .ETH Dharma ransomware, we strongly recommend that you follow steps 1 and 2 first. These are manual removal steps. If they do not help out, then a more professional solution is required. According to professionals, such solution is to download and run a scan of your machine with an advnaced anti-malware program. Such tool will make sure that .ETH Dharma ransomware is fully gone from your PC and it stays protected against such viruses in the future as well.
If you want to try and get your files recovered back to their normal working state, then we would strongly recommend that you see the “Try to restore” step below. It has file recovery methods that may not be 100% effective, but with their help, you could be able to retrieve some of your files.
- Step 1
- Step 2
- Step 3
- Step 4
- Step 5
Step 1: Scan for .ETH Dharma Virus with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall .ETH Dharma Virus 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:
Step 3: Clean any registries, created by .ETH Dharma Virus 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 .ETH Dharma Virus there. This can happen by following the steps underneath:
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 .ETH Dharma Virus
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by .ETH Dharma Virus.
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 .ETH Dharma Virus 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.
.ETH Dharma Virus-FAQ
What is .ETH Dharma Virus Ransomware?
.ETH Dharma Virus 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 .ETH Dharma Virus 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 .ETH Dharma Virus Infect?
Via several ways..ETH Dharma Virus 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 .ETH Dharma Virus 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 ..ETH Dharma Virus files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the ..ETH Dharma Virus 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 ..ETH Dharma Virus files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore "..ETH Dharma Virus" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore ..ETH Dharma Virus 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 .ETH Dharma Virus 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 .ETH Dharma Virus ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important ..ETH Dharma Virus 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 .ETH Dharma Virus 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 .ETH Dharma Virus Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this .ETH Dharma Virus 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 .ETH Dharma Virus 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.
- Make sure that real people are behind the site and not fake names and profiles.
- Verify Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter personal profiles.