This article has been created in order to help you by showing you how to remove the Defender ransomware virus from your computer and how to restore files that have been encrypted with the .defender file extension added as their suffix.
A new ransomware infection known as the Defender Ransomware has been reported by malware analysts to drop a malicious executable on the computers of victims and then encrypt their files, adding the .defender file extension. The virus also aims to imitate Windows defender, adding a wall, alongside which a corny ransom note is added. If your computer has been infected by Defender Ransomware, you should read the following article in order to learn how to remove it from your computer and how to try and restore files encrypted by it.
Threat Summary
| Name | Defender Ransomware |
| Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
| Short Description | Aims to encrypt the files on your computer and then holds them hostage until the victim pays a hefty ransom fee in order to get the files working. |
| Symptoms | Files are encrypted with the .defender file extension and a ransom note, looking like a wall appears on the victim PC. |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments, Executable files |
| Detection Tool |
See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware
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Malware Removal Tool
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User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss Defender 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. |
Defender Ransomware – Infection Methods
In order to infect a computer, the Defender Ransomware may use malicious spam e-mails which aim to spread the infection files to as many computers as possible. Such e-mails often contain deceitful messages, like the one you are seeing below:
Besides via malicious e-mail attachments, that pretend to be invoices, orders, receipts, Defender Ransowmare’s infection files may also be uploaded as fake:
- Setups of programs or drivers.
- Game installers.
- Key generators.
- Software license activators.
Defender Ransomware – More Information
As soon as Defender Ransomware has been executed on yoru computer, the malware begins to check if there is an Antivirus installed on it. Then the virus begins to query the kernel debugger data in order to evade detection on the victim PC. After this, it creates various different types of malicious files which aim to modify the auto execution of the virus by creating values in the Run keys to run the file MpCmdRun.exe:
With values to run the file: “ %TEMP%\Cache\MpCmdRun.exe”
After this, the virus contacts the command and control servers of the cyber-criminals in order to possibly relay different information about the infected computer.
The activities of Defender Ransomware which follow are not of the plesent ones. The virus then targets several database and desktop.ini files for deletion, as reported in reverse.it. These files are as follows:
→ “%USERPROFILE%\Videos\desktop.ini” for deletion
“%USERPROFILE%\Music\desktop.ini” for deletion
“%USERPROFILE%\Desktop\desktop.ini” for deletion
“%USERPROFILE%\Documents\Database1.accdb” for deletion
“%USERPROFILE%\Documents\desktop.ini” for deletion
“%USERPROFILE%\Pictures\desktop.ini” for deletion
As soon as those are deleted, the virus contacts the server 46.166.139.231 via port 80 and soon after, it creates a file, that is writable in the %Temp% directory, which is naturally the MpCmdRun.exe file. Shortly after this is done, the malware creates the following mutexes:
→ “\Sessions\1\BaseNamedObjects\RasPbFile”
“RasPbFile”
Then, it contacts the host www109.zippyshare.com and from it GTs the ransom note file on the victim’s computer, named Defender_Ransomware.txt. It has the following message:
Text from image:
YOUR FILES HAVE BEEN ENCRYPTED BY DEFENDER RANSOMWARE. THE WALL WILL NOT
FALL. THIS RANSOMWARE IS NOT DECRYPTABLE. SORRY ABOUT THAT.l
In addition to this, the Defender Ransomware also performs modifications on the following Microsoft Windows system files:
→ “%WINDIR%\Microsoft.NET\Framework\v1.0.3705\clr.dll”
“C:\Windows\Microsoft.NET\Framework\v1.0.3705\mscorwks.dll”
“C:\Windows\Microsoft.NET\Framework\v1.1.4322\clr.dll”
“C:\Windows\Microsoft.NET\Framework\v1.1.4322\mscorwks.dll”
“C:\Windows\Microsoft.NET\Framework\v2.0.50727\clr.dll”
“C:\Windows\Microsoft.NET\Framework\v2.0.50727\mscorwks.dll”
“C:\Windows\Microsoft.NET\Framework\v4.0.30319\Config\machine.config”
“C:\Windows\Globalization\Sorting\SortDefault.nls”
“C:\Windows\assembly\NativeImages_v4.0.30319_32\mscorlib\77f338d420d067a26b2d34f47445fc51\mscorlib.ni.dll.aux”
“C:\Windows\assembly\pubpol107.dat”
“C:\Windows\assembly\NativeImages_v4.0.30319_32\System\0b2f69b43a576b9edcc807a30872bd91\System.ni.dll.aux”
“C:\Windows\assembly\NativeImages_v4.0.30319_32\System.Core\7aa0dcace3b5d10b626540709537d280\System.Core.ni.dll.aux”
“C:\Windows\assembly\NativeImages_v4.0.30319_32\System.Windows.Forms\fb36278a0a934ae244f843b62229421c\System.Windows.Forms.ni.dll.aux”
“C:\Windows\assembly\NativeImages_v4.0.30319_32\System.Drawing\3c20a6b0ca532bcc6271bf4b7ad0b4d9\System.Drawing.ni.dll.aux”
“C:\Windows\assembly\NativeImages_v4.0.30319_32\System.Configuration\ce9750286ad44cbfb2acf176df9df0a2\System.Configuration.ni.dll.aux”
But this is not the part where the activity ends, since Defener Ransomware also aims to modify the following Windows Registry key in order to allow it to further edit your Registry Editor:
→ HKLM\SYSTEM\CURRENTCONTROLSET\SERVICES\TCPIP\PARAMETERS
Defender Ransomware – Encryption Process
The Defender Ransomware is no different than any other ransom virus out there when it comes to files encryption. The malware hunts for the most commonly used files on the victim’s computer, based on their file extensions, which may as well be the following:
→ “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 .PRF Encoded Files .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 .OBJ R.BMP .DDS .GIF .JPG ..CRX .PLUGIN .FNT .FON .OTF .TTF .CAB .CPL .CUR .DESKTHEMEPACK .DLL .DMP .DRV .ICNS .ICO .LNK .SYS .CFG”
After the encryption is finished, you can no longer open your favorite documents, archives, images, videos and other vital files, since their data has been replaced by an advanced cipher and this procedure can be reverted by having the private decryption keys which are known to the cyber-criminals exclusively. After the encryption, the files assume the .defender file extension and begin to appear like the following:
The bad news is that researchers are yet to develop a free decrypter for this ransomware virus, since it’s not decryptable so far. However, we will update this article with decryption information if available and in the meantime we advise you to use the alternative methods to recover files while backing up all of the data.
Remove Defender Ransomware and Restore Encrypted Files
In order to remove this malware from your PC, we would suggest that you focus on follow the manual or automatic removal instructions down below. They are specifically crated in order to help you by showing step by step how to perform the elimination process while using the information stated in this article. If you lack the experience in removing Defender Ransomware manually, security analysts strongly recommend to do so automatically, preferrably by downloading an advanced anti-malware software, which will ensure automatic scan and removal plus future protection against malware as well.
After having removed this malware, you should know that there are alternative methods on how to restore as many files as you can without having to pay the ransom, but without any guarantees. You can see some of the methods we have suggested down below in step “2. Restore files, encrypted by Defender Ransomware”.
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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Attention! SensorsTechForum strongly recommends that all malware victims should look for assistance only by reputable sources. Many guides out there claim to offer free recovery and decryption for files encrypted by ransomware viruses. Be advised that some of them may only be after your money.
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.
- Guide 1: How to Remove Defender Ransomware from Windows.
- Guide 2: Get rid of Defender Ransomware from Mac OS X.
How to Remove Defender Ransomware from Windows.
Step 1: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove Defender Ransomware
Step 2: Uninstall Defender Ransomware and related software 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 uninstall most programs.
Step 3: Clean any registries, created by Defender 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 Defender 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: Scan for Defender Ransomware with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 5 (Optional): Try to Restore Files Encrypted by Defender Ransomware.
Ransomware infections and Defender 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 top, choose Data Recovery - Data Recovery Wizard for Windows or Mac (depending on your OS), and then download and run the tool.
Get rid of Defender Ransomware from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall Defender Ransomware and remove related files and objects
1. Hit the ⇧+⌘+U keys to open Utilities. Another way is to click on “Go” and then click “Utilities”, like the image below shows:
- Go to Finder.
- In the search bar type the name of the app that you want to remove.
- Above the search bar change the two drop down menus to “System Files” and “Are Included” so that you can see all of the files associated with the application you want to remove. Bear in mind that some of the files may not be related to the app so be very careful which files you delete.
- If all of the files are related, hold the ⌘+A buttons to select them and then drive them to “Trash”.
In case you cannot remove Defender Ransomware via Step 1 above:
In case you cannot find the virus files and objects in your Applications or other places we have shown above, you can manually look for them in the Libraries of your Mac. But before doing this, please read the disclaimer below:
You can repeat the same procedure with the following other Library directories:
→ ~/Library/LaunchAgents
/Library/LaunchDaemons
Tip: ~ is there on purpose, because it leads to more LaunchAgents.
Step 3 (Optional): Try to Restore Files Encrypted by Defender Ransomware.
Ransomware infections and Defender 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 top, choose Data Recovery - Data Recovery Wizard for Windows or Mac (depending on your OS), and then download and run the tool.
Defender Ransomware FAQ
What is Defender Ransomware ransomware and how does it work?
Defender 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 algorithm how 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.
How does Defender Ransomware ransomware infect my computer?
Via several ways.Defender Ransomware Ransomware infects computers by being sent via phishing e-mails, 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.
After you download and execute this attachment, a drive-by download occurs and your computer is infected with the ransomware virus.
Another way, you may become a victim of Defender 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 .Defender Ransomware files?
You can't. At this point the .Defender Ransomware files are encrypted. You can only open them once they are decrypted.
Decryptor did not decrypt my data. What now?
Do not panic and backup the files. If a decryptor did not decrypt your .Defender Ransomware files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
One way to restore files, encrypted by Defender Ransomware ransomware is to use a decryptor for it. But since it's a new virus, advised that the decryption keys for it may not be out yet and available to the public. We will update this article and keep you posted as soon as this decryptor is released.
How Do I restore ".Defender Ransomware" files (Other Methods)?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .Defender Ransomware files.
These methods are in no way 100% guarantee that you will be able to get your files back. But if you have a backup, your chances of success are much greater.
How do I get rid of Defender Ransomware ransomware virus?
The safest way and the most efficient one for the removal of this ransomware infection is the use a professional anti malware software. It will scan for and locate Defender Ransomware ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .Defender Ransomware files.
Also, keep in mind that viruses like Defender Ransomware ransomware also install Trojans and keyloggers that can steal your passwords and accounts. Scanning your computer with an anti-malware software will make sure that all of these virus components are removed and your computer is protected in the future.
What to Do If nothing works?
There is still a lot you can do. If none of the above methods seem to work for you, then try these methods:
- Try to find a safe computer from where you can can login on your own line accounts like One Drive, iDrive, Google Drive and so on.
- Try to contact your friends, relatives and other people so that they can check if they have some of your important photos or documents just in case you sent them.
- Also, check if some of the files that were encrypted it can be re-downloaded from the web.
- Another clever way to get back some of your files is to find another old computer, a flash drive or even a CD or a DVD where you may have saved your older documents. You might be surprised what will turn up.
- You can also go to your email account to check if you can send any attachments to other people. Usually what is sent the email is saved on your account and you can re-download it. But most importantly, make sure that this is done from a safe computer and make sure to remove the virus first.
More tips you can find on our forums, where you can also asks any questions about your ransomware problem.
How to 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.
