A ransomware virus, known as Deadly has been detected by malware researchers recently. The virus was reported to create several different files on the computer after which encrypt the important data in it and drop a ransom note demanding $500 payment in BitCoin to decrypt the AES-256 enciphered data. Even though it is not yet confirmed that Deadly ransomware is on the loose and began infecting users, it is strongly advisable to not pay any ransom money if you have already encountered it. Instead it is advisable to remove Deadly ransomware on sight and attempt alternative methods to restore your documents, photos as well as other files if they have been enciphered by this nasty virus
Threat Summary
| Name | Deadly |
| Type | Ransomware |
| Short Description | The ransomware encrypts files on infected computers with the AES-256 encryption algorithm and asks 500$ ransom payoff to decrypt them. |
| Symptoms | Files are encrypted and become inaccessible. A ransom note with instructions for paying the ransom shows. |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments, File Sharing Networks. |
| Detection Tool |
See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware
Download
Malware Removal Tool
|
| 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. |
Deadly Ransomware – Spread
Allegedly, Deadly ransomware may spread a malicious executable which contains an exploit kit or a .js file containing JavaScript. These files may be spread via a malicious e-mail attachment or fake setups uploaded online. Another form of spreading the files is via fake websites that advertise them as helpful software or free setups. In addition to this, the viruses may also spread via other methods such as malicious URLs spammed on social media as well as on forums and others. To perform a successful infection, cyber criminals such as the ones behind Deadly ransomware could use several different tools to cause a successful infections, like spam bots, malware obfuscators, injectors, file joiners and others, depending on which method they have decided to spread the malware with. This is why it is advisable to use a non-commercial advanced anti-malware solution which has active shields in real time and will stop such attacks on their tracks.
Deadly Ransomware – More Information About the Virus
Deadly Ransomware is a threat that may act in a file-less manner via JavaScript and immediately get to the point of encrypting files of the infected computer. The virus may begin to look for widely used types of files that are often used such as:
- Videos.
- Images.
- Audio files.
- Documents.
- Files associated with programs the user has installed.
After the encryption by Deadly ransomware has been completed, the virus renders the files unusable by appending an AES-256 encryption algorithm on them. This changes the structure code of the files, making them no longer openable by any program. Upon opening, Windows begins to seek the proper software to open the file with:
After the encryption process has completed, the Deadly virus drops it’s ransom note with a long and detailed demand towards the victim:
→“Your files have been safely encrypted on this PC: photos, videos, documents, etc. Click “Show encrypted files” Button to view a complete list of encrypted files, and you can personally verify this. Encryption was produced using a unique public key AES-256 generated for this computer. To decrypt files, you need to obtain the private key. The only copy of the private key, which will allow you to decrypt your files is located on a secret server on the Internet; the server will eliminate the key after a time period specified in this window. Once this has been done, nobody will ever be able to restore files… To decrypt the file you will need to send $500 USD in the form of BTC to the following bitcoin address:
{Payment Information}
After payment contact {e-mail} with your transaction details and “USER ID.” Once the payment is confirmed you will receive decryption key along with decryption software. Any attempt to remove or corrupt this software will result in immediate elimination of the private key by the server. Beware.”
Judging by the ransom note, cyber-criminals threaten to destroy the decryption keys if the infection is eradicated from the computer. This is not always the case and paying the cyber-criminals may not solve the problem and decrypt your files as well. Furthermore, the note does not have a specific e-mail for contact, which immediately points out that this ransomware is being sold online in the deep web as a service and may be used by many ransomware operators who paid for it. Infections are expected to rise in the future.
Remove Deadly Ransomware and Restore Encrypted Files
To remove Deadly ransomware, we strongly recommend that you follow our removal instructions below. In case you have a hard time locating the ransomware or believe it has not created any permanent files or objects on the computer, malware researchers recommend scanning your computer for malware. The best method to do this is to use an advanced anti-malware program which will detect any files encrypted by this virus and eradicate them completely.
Just like other non-decryptable viruses, at the moment there Is no free way to decrypt files that have been encoded by Deadly Ransomware. However, there are alternative methods that may help you recover your files partially. We have mentioned some of those methods in step “2. Restore files encrypted by Deadly” below and strongly advise you to attempt them, even though they are not 100% guaranteed to be restore every file.
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.
Follow Me:
- Step 1
- Step 2
- Step 3
- Step 4
- Step 5
Step 1: Scan for Deadly with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall Deadly 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 Deadly 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 Deadly 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 Deadly
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by Deadly.
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 Deadly 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.
Deadly-FAQ
What is Deadly Ransomware?
Deadly 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 Deadly 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 Deadly Infect?
Via several ways.Deadly 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 Deadly 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 .Deadly files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .Deadly 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 .Deadly files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".Deadly" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .Deadly 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 Deadly 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 Deadly ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .Deadly 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 Deadly 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 Deadly Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Deadly 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 Deadly 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.