What Is Darkworld Virus
Darkworld virus is the name of a dangerous ransomware infection. It aims to attack your files and encrypt them, banning you from opening them with any form of software. It then sets the .dark extension to the encrypted files, the removal of which does not fix your files and may even damage them further. The files cannot be opened, but they are encrypted, which means there is a decryption key. The criminals who have infected your computer with the Darkworld virus want you to pay money to decrypt those files, something which is NOT recommended.
Read this guide post to learn more about the Darkworld virus plus how you can remove it effectively from your computer.
Darkworld Summary
Name | Darkworld virus. |
File Extension | .dark |
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 Darkworld ransomware will encrypt your files by appending the .dark extension to them. |
Ransom Demanding Note | Important.txt |
Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments |
Detection Tool |
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User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss Darkworld. |
Darkworld Virus – What We Know About It
Darkworld virus can infect your computer by being downloaded from a suspicious website. Usually, websites with low reputation, like torrent sites or other risky software download ones are the cause of infection with these types of viruses. Users tend to download cracks for games or software patches and these can contain the malicious code of the ransomware. The main idea here is that the Darkworld virus could reach as many users as possible, using cracks for popular games that are otherwise paid.
Another way you can become a victim is if you receive an e-mail that contains an attachment. Such attachments are .pdf or .docx files that pretend to be legitimate and important documents. When downloaded and ran, they activate a virus code, known as malicious macros, which directly infects the computer.
Once the computer is infected, Darkworld virus may connect to a remote server and download its virus files, leaving them in the following directories:
- %System%.
- %system32%.
- %Roaming%.
- %Local%
- %AppData%
- %LocalLow%.>
- %Temp%.
- %ProgramData%.
- %Windows%.
Darkworld virus is a dangerous threat, once already on your computer. Other viruses like it include the Power_user_jo ransomware and the Mifr virus.
This ransomware infection may start scanning your computer for documents, videos, images, archives, and any file that you often use and is important for you. Then, it encrypts those files, replacing blocks of data from their original code with data from the encryption language (cipher) being used.
When encryption is complete, the Darkworld ransomware leaves the following note, called Important.txt:
.dark Files
The files, encrypted by this virus are appended the .dark file extension and they look like the image below shows:
These files cannot be recovered by removing the .dark extension. To fix them, you will need a decryption key or to recover them via other means. Read the steps below to learn more about safely removing this infection and trying to restore data.
Remove Darkworld Virus and Try to Restore Files
Darkworld ransomware is a virus and just like any virus, it can be gotten rid of. To do this safely, we strongly recommend that you follow the step-by-step guide we have created below. It has been made in order to help you effectively get rid of the Darkworld virus from your computer by isolating it and removing it. In order for you to get rid of the Darkworld ransomware effectively, security experts advise scanning your computer and downloading advanced anti-malware software.
Furthermore, be advised that you can still focus on recovering your files, by using the alternative methods for file recovery below. They have been developed with the main idea to help you restore as many encoded files as possible on your computer, but they are not a 100% solution to this threat.
- Step 1
- Step 2
- Step 3
- Step 4
- Step 5
Step 1: Scan for Darkworld with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall Darkworld 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 Darkworld 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 Darkworld 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 Darkworld
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by Darkworld.
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 Darkworld 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.
Darkworld-FAQ
What is Darkworld Ransomware?
Darkworld 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 Darkworld 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 Darkworld Infect?
Via several ways.Darkworld 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 Darkworld 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 .Darkworld files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .Darkworld 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 .Darkworld files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".Darkworld" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .Darkworld 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 Darkworld 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 Darkworld ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .Darkworld 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 Darkworld 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 Darkworld Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Darkworld 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 Darkworld 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.