This article is created with the main idea to help explain what is the latest Dharma Ransomware variant and how you can remove it plus restore .bgtx encrypted files.
Dharma ransomware does not sleep and it has proven that again with a new dangerous variant that has been set loose. The new Dharma now appends the .bgtx file extension which it adds to the encrypted files and retains the extension format, like the older .combo variant – Filename.id{ID-here}.[decrypt@fros.cc].bgtx. The new ransomware variant of Dharma aims to encrypt the files on your computer thus making them unable to be opened and then leaves behind a ransom note which aims to extort victims to pay ransom to get their files back. If your computer has been infected by the .bgtx file variant of Dharma ransomware, we recommend that you read this article completely and learn how to remove this Dharma ransomware variant and how to try and restore files, encrypted by it on your PC.
Threat Summary
| Name | Dharma .bgtx Ransomware |
| Type | Ransomware |
| Short Description | New Dharma/CrySiS ransomware virus. Uses sophisticated encryption to extort victims to pay in BitCoin for their encrypted files. |
| Symptoms | Encrypts documents, images, videos and other important files and adds the .bgtx file suffix plus a unique ID and the e-mail to pay the ransom. |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments, Executable files |
| Detection Tool |
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Malware Removal Tool
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User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss Dharma .bgtx Ransomware. |
| 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. |
.combo Dharma Ransomware – Information Database:
.bgtx Dharma Virus – Infection Methods
Dharma ransomware is no ordinary virus, hence it uses no ordinary infection methods. The main indicator of compromise that has been detected to drop the malicious files of Dharma is reported at VirusTotal to have the following specifications to it:
SHA-256:7e623dca8a26a45440c331e383ac6ce3783d5c1bd60b91ee91ce0cc5841633e2
File size:219.5 KB
The file may be spread via different methods, but the main suspect is to be replicated via e-mail. This happens when the crooks carefully disguise an e-mail to contain a malicious attachment. Usually most attachments pretend to be .PDF or .docx files and they pose as legitimate files of great importance, for example:
- Order rejection details.
- Invoice for a purchase
- Receipt for something you may have bought.
- Important security document from your bank.
- Document from your boss or a collegue.
These e-mails are carefully made so that they appear to come from big companies, like FedEx, PayPal, LinkedIn or other big companies. Some of the e-mails pretend as If they come from a reputable person or someone on your e-mail list of contacts. The messages always urge to open the attachment as it is “very important”:
Furthermore, .bgtx Dharma virus is also detected to use a very complicated infection method, attaching russian-speaking tarets and disguising messages as some form of accounting information. The contents of the e-mails appear as if senders send some type of spreadsheet or data information that is important. The files are always attached to the message and if not, they are linked to an external Dropbox or other file-sharing account.
The crooks are also able to deliver archived files, which do contain files that pretend to be documents. When opened, they may automatically initiate connection with the payload download server or extract the payload of Dharma directly on the victim PC.
In addition to this, the .bgtx variant of Dharma ransomware may also be spread via different programs that are uploaded on low-reputation sites, such as software cracks, patches, license activators, loaders, portable versions of freeware apps and many other .exe files, so be careful and always check files before downloading them.
Dharma .bgtx Ransomware- Malicious Activity
Dharma ransomware viruses have been active for significant time and they have gained quite the name for themselves as being one of the most widespread ones. They derive from the CrySiS ransomware family with the first Dharma variant, naturally carrying the .dharma file suffix it used to append to the files and the variant itself was decryptable. But the Dharma makers did not stop there and have now released a lot of other variants of the malware, most of which are not decryptable. Some of these variants can be seen below:
- Dharma .wallet variant.
- Dharma .arena variant.
- Dharma .cezar variant(used to make this version).
- Dharma .arrow variant.
- Dharma .onion version.
- Dharma .java virus.
- Dharma .block variant.
- Dharma .cobra variant.
- Dharma .bip variant (latest before .combo)
- Dharma v2 variant (a strange one).
And now we come to this point, where the current Dharma variant uses the .bgtx file extension which it ads to the encrypted files alongside a new e-mail address.
After an infection with the .bgtx Dharma variant occurs, not much is changed in the malicious actions the virus performs on your computer:
- Creation of several mutexes.
- Creating value strings with custom data in Windows Registry Editor.
- Deleting bakckups and shadow copy files.
- Scheduling tasks to run maliciou files or it’s ransom note on startup.
- Disabling restore points and system recovery.
- Changing your wallpaper.
- Modifying sysem files (touching).
Dharma .bgtx ransomware may also drop it’s malicious files under different, often random names in the commonly targeted Windows directories:
When Dharma ransomware has dropped it’s files, the malware also interferes with the Windows Registry Editor by creating registry value entries in the Run and RunOnce sub-keys of Windows Registry Editor. They have the following location:
→ HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\
When Dharma .bgtx variant creates value strings in those sub-keys, the virus adds the location of the encryption file, so finding them is a crucial step towards finding where the malicious file of the malware is located.
Dharma .bgtx ransomware may also execute a script as an administrator in Windows Command Prompt. The script aims to delete the shadow volume copies in Windows and disable any backups. It may consist of the following commands:
→ sc stop VVS
sc stop wscsvc
sc stop WinDefend
sc stop wuauserv
sc stop BITS
sc stop ERSvc
sc stop WerSvc
cmd.exe /C bcdedit /set {default} recoveryenabled No
cmd.exe /C bcdedit /set {default} bootstatuspolicy ignoreallfailures
C:\Windows\System32\cmd.exe” /C vssadmin.exe Delete Shadows /All /Quiet
Dharma .bgtx Ransomware Virus – Encryption
When Dharma ransomware encrypts files, the virus may employ the Advanced Encryption Standard, also known as AES. The cipher uses an asymmetric key generation which produces a key that is then masked and cannot be read by the victim. The algorithm is a very tough one to decrypt as it’s classified as a Suite.B type of cipher, used by government agencies to encrypt files that are sensitive. The cipher could however be decrypted if there is a bug in the code of Dharma .bgtx that allows it do be done.
The encryption process of Dharma .bgtx ransomware begins with scanning for the specific file types the virus will encrypt. These file types include often used files, such as files with the following extensions:
“PNG .PSD .PSPIMAGE .TGA .THM .TIF .TIFF .YUV .AI .EPS .PS .SVG .INDD .PCT .PDF .XLR .XLS .XLSX .ACCDB .DB .DBF .MDB .PDB .SQL .APK .APP .BAT .CGI .COM .EXE .GADGET .JAR .PIF .WSF .DEM .GAM .NES .ROM .SAV CAD Files .DWG .DXF GIS Files .GPX .KML .KMZ .ASP .ASPX .CER .CFM .CSR .CSS .HTM .HTML .JS .JSP .PHP .RSS .XHTML. DOC .DOCX .LOG .MSG .ODT .PAGES .RTF .TEX .TXT .WPD .WPS .CSV .DAT .GED .KEY .KEYCHAIN .PPS .PPT .PPTX ..INI .PRFEncodedFiles .HQX .MIM .UUE .7Z .CBR .DEB .GZ .PKG .RAR .RPM .SITX .TAR.GZ .ZIP .ZIPX .BIN .CUE .DMG .ISO .MDF .TOAST .VCD SDF .TAR .TAX2014 .TAX2015 .VCF .XML Audio Files .AIF .IFF .M3U .M4A .MID .MP3 .MPA .WAV .WMA Video Files .3G2 .3GP .ASF .AVI .FLV .M4V .MOV .MP4 .MPG .RM .SRT .SWF .VOB .WMV 3D .3DM .3DS .MAX .OBJR.BMP .DDS .GIF .JPG ..CRX .PLUGIN .FNT .FON .OTF .TTF .CAB .CPL .CUR .DESKTHEMEPACK .DLL .DMP .DRV .ICNS .ICO .LNK .SYS .CFG”
Dharma ransomware may skip encrypting files in the folders we mentioned below, as they are system folders of Windows and the victim still needs his or her computer to pay the ransom:
- %Local%
- %Temp%
- %Windows%
- %System%
- %Program Files%
- %System32%
The encryption process itself comprises of several chain of actions that take place. To sum those up, Dharma simply creates a copy of your original file, which it encrypts and adds the .bgtx file extension plus a unique ID and the e-mail of the crooks(decrypt@fros.cc). Dharma ransomware then deletes the original file, leaving only the encrypted file, looking like the image below shows:
How to Remove Dharma and Restore .bgtx Encrypted Files
Removing Dharma ransomware does require some technical expertise. This is why, before trying the removal yourself, we do advise that you backup your files, even if they are encoded.
For the removal, you can follow the instructions we have prepared for you below and use them plus the data in this article to help you remove Dharma manually. If manual removal does not seem to help or you feel unsure that you have removed Dharma from your PC, the best method according to researchers is to remove the virus files, using an advanced anti-malware program. Such specific tool will try to scan for and automatically get rid of all Dhamra .bgtx – related files and objects and then erase them permanently. It also has protection mechanisms that will actively protect your PC against future intrusive programs or viruses.
If you want to decrypt files, encrypted by Dharma, we strongly recommend that you follow the instructions in step “2. Try to restore files..” below. It is no guarantee to help you restore all of the files encrypted by this Dharma variant, but it may help you recover at least some of the files.
Ventsislav Krastev
Ventsislav is a cybersecurity expert at SensorsTechForum since 2015. He has been researching, covering, helping victims with the latest malware infections plus testing and reviewing software and the newest tech developments. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for learning new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management, Network Administration and Computer Administration of System Applications, he found his true calling within the cybersecrurity industry and is a strong believer in the education of every user towards online safety and security.
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Step 1: Scan for Dharma .bgtx Ransomware with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall Dharma .bgtx Ransomware 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 Dharma .bgtx Ransomware 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 Dharma .bgtx Ransomware 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 Dharma .bgtx Ransomware
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by Dharma .bgtx Ransomware.
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 Dharma .bgtx Ransomware 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.
Dharma .bgtx Ransomware-FAQ
What is Dharma .bgtx Ransomware Ransomware?
Dharma .bgtx Ransomware 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 Dharma .bgtx Ransomware 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 Dharma .bgtx Ransomware Infect?
Via several ways.Dharma .bgtx Ransomware 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 Dharma .bgtx Ransomware 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 .Dharma .bgtx Ransomware files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .Dharma .bgtx Ransomware 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 .Dharma .bgtx Ransomware files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".Dharma .bgtx Ransomware" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .Dharma .bgtx Ransomware 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 Dharma .bgtx Ransomware 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 Dharma .bgtx Ransomware ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .Dharma .bgtx Ransomware 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 Dharma .bgtx Ransomware 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 Dharma .bgtx Ransomware Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Dharma .bgtx Ransomware 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 Dharma .bgtx Ransomware 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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