This article will aid you to remove Defray 2018 Virus. Follow the ransomware removal instructions provided at the end of the article.
Defray 2018 Virus is one that encrypts your data and demands money as a ransom to get it restored. Files will receive the .***777 extension. The Defray 2018 Virus will leave ransomware instructions as a desktop wallpaper image. Keep on reading the article and see how you could try to potentially recover some of your locked files and data.
Threat Summary
| Name | Defray 2018 |
| Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
| Short Description | The ransomware encrypts files by placing the .***777 before the affected files on your computer system and demands a ransom to be paid to allegedly recover them. |
| Symptoms | The ransomware will encrypt your files and leave a ransom note with payment instructions. |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments |
| 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 Defray 2018. |
| 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. |
Defray 2018 Virus – Distribution Techniques
The Defray 2018 virus is a ransomware that is launched by an unknown group of hackers. The detected attack campaigns seem to target mainly English-speaking in a limited campaign. It is very possible that future releases will use use the most popular distribution methods.
A common strategy is to coordinate SPAM email messages that make use of phishing tactics. They are designed to appear as being sent by a well-known company or service and almost all scenarios will coerce the victims into opening the attached file or click on a link in the body contents. The design of the messages and text contents will be just like a regular notification. In most cases it my be very hard to distinguish between a real and a fake message.
The hackers can construct fake web pages that impersonate vendor download pages and popular web portals. The Defray 2018 virus files can be spread via other methods like file-sharing networks, one of the most popular places where the files can be spread is BitTorrent.
En-mass ransomware infections can also be spread by infecting other files and using them as payload carriers. A typical example is the use of documents of all popular type: spreadsheets, text documents, presentations and databases. Whenever they are opened a notification prompt will appear asking the users to enable the built-in scripts. If this is done they the scripts will download the payload from a remote server and execute it.
The other popular payload type is the malicious installer. The criminals will take the legitimate setup files of popular apps from the official sources and modify them to include the virus download code. After that they will spread as legitimate and safe downloads.
Large-scale campaigns make use of browser hijackers — malicious extensions made for the most popular web browsers. To coerce the victims into installing them the hackers will use fake developer credentials and user reviews. When they are installed on the computers typically changes to the installed browsers will take place — they will change the default options to redirect the users to a hacker-controlled page. Alongside this action the Defray 2018 virus will also be deployed.
Defray 2018 Virus – Detailed Analysis
Once the Defray 2018 virus is deployed it will initiate a typical ransomware infection behavior pattern. It appears to originate from an older release called “Defray” which shows that it might be made by the same hacker or criminal group. The captured samples appear to be early testing releases which can be updated in future campaigns.
The current version of the Defray 2018 virus includes only the bare ransomware module. We anticipate that future releases will include more components.
Future releases of the Defray 2018 virus can start with the information gathering module. It will scan the infected system for sensitive information that can be harvested. The first category of data is one that is related to the personal information of the victim user. The hackers can use it to expose their identity and conduct crimes such as identity theft or financial abuse. Example contents include the following: their real name, address, location and any stored username and password combinations.
The other type of data that is collected is related to the generation of an unique victim ID. It is usually made by creating a report of the installed hardware components, user configuration and regional settings.
This information can be used by the next module in the pattern — security bypass. It will scan the local contents for any security software that can interfere with the virus’s execution. Typically it will scan for apps like anti-virus, firewalls, debug environments and virtual machine hosts. Their real-time engines can be disabled or entirely removed. In some configurations if the virus is unable to do so it can remove itself to avoid detection.
At this point the Defray 2018 virus will be able to obtain full control of the infected machine. A list of the possible actions is the following:
- Windows Registry Changes — The engine will modify values belonging both to the operating system and any third-party installed apps. This can make them inaccessible or cause severe performance issues.
- Persistent Virus Installation — The ransomware threat may be installed in a way which will automatically start it once the computer boots. The additional danger here is that this step can disable access to certain recovery menu options. This will make most manual user removal instructions ineffective.
- Additional Threats Installation — Active Defray 2018 ransomware infections can be used to deploy other malware. This is especially useful when the main threat has disabled the security software and has total system control.
- Trojan Instance — The Defray 2018 virus can be used to load a Trojan virus infection. It will setup a secure and encrypted connection to a certain hacker-controlled server. It allows the operators to take over control of the infected hosts at any given time, hijack user data and also spy on the victims.
To make recovery more difficult the engine can also delete sensitive user data such as System Restore Points or Shadow Volume Copies. In these cases the hackers will need to use both an anti-spyware utility along with a data recovery software.
Defray 2018 Virus – Encryption Process
As soon as all modules have completed execution the encryption engine will be started. Like other malware it will use a built-in list of target file type extensions that will be processed with a strong cipher. The resulting data will be inaccessible and the victims will be blackmailed into a “decryption fee”. An example list will usually target the following data types:
- Archives
- Backups
- Documents
- Music
- Videos
- Photos
- Databases
All processed files will be renamed with the .***777 extension. The following ransomware note will be created in folders where the ransomware process has been started — !!!_Read_Me_How_To_DeCrypt_Files_!!!.tXt. Its contents reads the following:
Hello, *****!
Don’t panic, read this and contact someone from IT department.
Your computer has been infected with a virus known as ransomware.
All files including your personal, confidential or business documents, backups and projects are encrypted.
We have also downloaded all information about your clients including their personal data.
If you want to restore all your files, avoid harm to your reputation (which may lead you to bankrupt), save your Intellectual property and personal data of your clients, you need to make the payment.
Otherwise, all you files including your customer’s information, will be posted on the Internet.
We can decrypt for you one of the files (about 50kb) for free, so you have no doubts in data security and possibility to restore the files any time.
After the full payment, all data will be restored on all computers of your network.
We accept payments in Bitcoin.
Make sure to make payment as soon as possible to avoid any penalty.
Don’t hesitate to contact us.
Our e-mail: *****@yandex.ru
In case we don’t respond to an email within one day, download application called BitMessage and reach to us for the fastest response.
BitMessage identity: BM-2cXL8BPGoPKnTvoUVGDwFXmUoQmkVdzsGm
BitMessage homelink: https://bitmessage.org
#################################################
This is custom developed ransomware, decrypter won’t be made by an antivirus company.
This one doesn’t even have a name.
It uses AES-256 for encrypting files, RSA-4096 for storing encrypted AES-256 password.
It’s written in C and have passed many quality assurance tests.
#################################################
IN ORDER TO PREVENT DATA DAMAGE:
– DO NOT MODIFY ENCRYPTED FILES
– DO NOT CHANGE DATA BELOW
Remove Defray 2018 Virus and Try to Restore Data
If your computer system got infected with the .***777 ransomware virus, you should have a bit of experience in removing malware. You should get rid of this ransomware as quickly as possible before it can have the chance to spread further and infect other computers. You should remove the ransomware and follow the step-by-step instructions guide provided below.
Martin Beltov
Martin graduated with a degree in Publishing from Sofia University. As a cyber security enthusiast he enjoys writing about the latest threats and mechanisms of intrusion.
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Step 1: Scan for Defray 2018 with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall Defray 2018 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 Defray 2018 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 Defray 2018 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 Defray 2018
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by Defray 2018.
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 Defray 2018 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.
Defray 2018-FAQ
What is Defray 2018 Ransomware?
Defray 2018 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 Defray 2018 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 Defray 2018 Infect?
Via several ways.Defray 2018 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 Defray 2018 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 .Defray 2018 files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .Defray 2018 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 .Defray 2018 files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".Defray 2018" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .Defray 2018 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 Defray 2018 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 Defray 2018 ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .Defray 2018 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 Defray 2018 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 Defray 2018 Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Defray 2018 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 Defray 2018 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.