DearCry Ransomware Virus
The DearCry virus is a data locker ransomware that is using the malicious extension .CRYPT to mark all files it corrupts. All victims are advised to refrain from following the instructions presented by DearCryA’s ransom message. This message will try to convince you to pay a ransom fee for the recovery of .CRYPT files. However, the payment does not guarantee anything.
Read this article to learn more about the DearCry virus and how you can remove DearCry virus infection from an infected computer and how to potentially recovery .CRYPT files.
DearCry Virus Summary
Name | DearCry Virus also known as Win32:RansomX-gen [Ransom], Win32.Trojan-Ransom.DearCry.B, Ransom.Win32.DEARCRY.THCABBA |
File Extension | .CRYPT |
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 | A DearCry ransomware will encrypt your files, append the .CRYPT extension to their names and request a ransom from you. |
Ransom Demanding Note | readme.txt |
Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments, Vulnerable Apps |
Detection Tool |
See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware or other threats. Download
Malware Removal Tool
|
DearCry Virus – Detailed Overview
The propagation of the DearCry virus happens via popular means of distribution. Like most ransomware infections, DearCry may try to land on your computer by being part of a spam email, a torrent file, a fake software update notification, or via hacked website.
The ransomware has been reported to infect computer systems via ProxyLogon vulnerabilities found on Microsoft Exchange servers. Which includes mail and calendaring servers developed by Microsoft. A patch that is addressing the vulnerabilities has been released but still there are thousands of Microsoft Exchange servers unpatched.
Once the malicious file that runs DearCry virus on computer systems is loaded on your PC, it will initiate a long sequence of operations that will seriously disrupt the overall PC security. The main purpose of hackers who stand behind all nasty attacks with this ransomware is gain financial revenue.
That’s why they threat is programmed interferes with essential system settings to lock personal files with a strong cipher algorithm and leave files inaccessible. After encryption, corrupted files will all appear with the .CRYPT extension appended to their original names.
The DearCry ransomware is likely to scan all drives for commonly used types of files as they are supposed to store valuable information. Hence, all of the following may be encrypted by the threat:
- Photos.
- Songs.
- Videos.
- Archives.
- Documents of all types.
- Databases.
- Backup files.
Following data encryption, DearCry virus drops a ransom message to extort a ransom fee. So if you are misfortune to have your PC infected with this ransomware, it is likely that you will find the file readme.txt somewhere on your system.
Here is how it looks like and what it contains:
If you end up encountering the DearCry virus, then it is not advisable to pay the ransom. The main reason for that is you cannot trust or support the activity of those criminals and succumbing to their plan is generally not a good idea.
Remove DearCry Virus and Try to Restore Data
The Xorist ransomware strain associated with .CRYPT extension is a threat with highly complex code that plagues not only your files but your whole system. So you should properly clean and secure your infected system before you could use it regularly again. Below you could find a step-by-step removal guide that may be helpful in attempting to remove this ransomware. Choose the manual removal approach if you have previous experience with malware files. If you don’t feel comfortable with the manual steps select the automatic section from the guide. Steps there enable you to check the infected system for ransomware files and remove them with a few mouse clicks.
If you want to understand how to potentially fix encrypted files with the help of alternative data recovery approaches, make sure to read carefully all details mentioned in the step “Restore files”. We remind you that before you begin with the data recovery process, you should back up all encrypted files to an external drive as this will help you to prevent their irreversible loss.
- Step 1
- Step 2
- Step 3
- Step 4
- Step 5
Step 1: Scan for DearCry Virus with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall DearCry 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 DearCry 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 DearCry 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 DearCry Virus
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by DearCry 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 DearCry 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.
DearCry Virus-FAQ
What is DearCry Virus Ransomware?
DearCry 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 DearCry 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 DearCry Virus Infect?
Via several ways.DearCry 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 DearCry 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 .DearCry Virus files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .DearCry 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 .DearCry Virus files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".DearCry Virus" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .DearCry 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 DearCry 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 DearCry Virus ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .DearCry 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 DearCry 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 DearCry Virus Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this DearCry 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 DearCry 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.
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