What Is Dewd Virus?
Dewd virus is a STOP/DJVU ransomware variant. These are cryptoviruses with the main purpose to get inside your computer system and begin encrypting your files in order to make a profit by extorting you in the bank the criminals a ransom in the form of Bitcoin which is hundreds of dollars worth. This particular version of the virus uses the .dewd file extension and _readme.txt ransom note. The main objective of this note is to contain all of the necessary information directed toward the victims that contain the demands of the criminals.
Read this article if you want to understand more information about how this virus got into your computer in the first place, how it locks your files and what you can do to recover them and make them functional.
Dewd Virus Summary
Name | Dewd virus, also known as UDS:Trojan.Win32.Chapak.gen, Ransom:Win32/StopCrypt.KM!MTB, Win32:PWSX-gen [Trj], Win32:PWSX-gen [Trj], A Variant Of Win32/GenKryptik.FHJB – more detections of this virus on VirusTotal |
File Extension | .dewd |
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 | The Dewd Virus ransomware will encrypt your files by appending the .Dewd extension to them. |
Ransom Demanding Note | _readme.txt |
Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments |
Detection Tool |
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Dewd Virus – How Did I Get Infected?
Dewd virus it’s very similar to the other versions of this nasty infection family, like the recently detected .hajd, .qall and .ghas ones, for instance.
Dewd virus may end up on your computer system via one of the two following ways which have been the reasons for most of the reports related to this threat:
- If downloaded from some shady third-party software download site.
- If you have received it in the form of an e-mail attachment or a URL in your e-mail inbox.
If your computer was infected by this virus as a result of an email attachment that may have been sent to you, then it is very likely that this file pretends to be one of the following kinds of documents:
- Invoice files.
- Receipt documents.
- Work-related documents.
- E-Tickets of some kind (flights, train, events).
Downloading and executing such a file may trigger the following infection process, including malicious macro code:
Another method via which this virus may cause an infection on your computer system is very likely if it downloaded on your computer system via some type of a third-party website that may have made it appear as if it is an executable file that is legitimate, for example:
- Patches for programs or games.
- SFX (self extracting) or regular archive files.
- Cracked applications or portable apps.
- Crack-fixes or activators for software or games.
- Keyegens or key generators.
Dewd Virus – What Does It Do?
Once the Dewd virus causes infection on your computer system, it may connect to a remote server, from where it could initiate a silent download of its malicious payload files, also known as modules.
- %SystemDrive%
- %Local%
- %LocalLow%
- %AppData%
- %Windows%
- %Temp%
- %System%
- %system32%
Among the files that are left on your machine is also the Dewd _readme.txt ransom note of this virus, which has the following instructional message for victims:
The virus may also cause changes in the Windows Registry Editor. There it may set value entries in different sub-keys, like the following:
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
What Are .dewd Files
The .dewd files are encoded using the AES Encryption algorithm. The virus may target the following files based on the file extensions they have:
- Files that are archives (.zip, .rar, etc).
- Various sorts of documents (.docx, .pptx, etc.).
- Audio file formats (.mp3, .wav, etc.).
- Different picture file types (.jpg, .png, .etc).
- Video file formats (.mp4, .avi, etc.).
- Other files.
Dewd virus then leaves the files in the following appearance:
Picture.jpg.dewd
How to Remove Dewd Virus?
Dewd virus can be removed from your computer system if you follow the removal steps beneath. They are created to contain the information that is necessary to get rid of this threat either by yourself or automatically. If you want the best possible solution, then we recommend that you remove the virus automatically by scanning your computer using professional anti-malware software. Such a program has been designed to perform a thorough check and automatically get rid of any malicious files and objects belonging to the virus.
How to Decrypt .dewd Files?
If you want to decrypt .dewd virus files that are encrypted, then we strongly recommend that you follow the STOP Ransomware Decryption Steps. They include instructions on how to use the STOP Decrypter, tool created by independent malware researchers and designed in order to decrypt all of your files that have an offline key. If your decryption key is online, then we suggest trying the alternative file recovery methods below. They are designed in order to help you try and restore as many files as possible, even though you should know they do not come with a 100% chance of file recovery success.
Video guide for using the STOP Ransomware Decryptor:
- Step 1
- Step 2
- Step 3
- Step 4
- Step 5
Step 1: Scan for Dewd with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall Dewd 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 Dewd 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 Dewd 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 Dewd
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by Dewd.
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 Dewd 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.
Dewd-FAQ
What is Dewd Ransomware?
Dewd 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 Dewd 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 Dewd Infect?
Via several ways.Dewd 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 Dewd 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 .Dewd files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .Dewd 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 .Dewd files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".Dewd" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .Dewd 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 Dewd 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 Dewd ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .Dewd 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 Dewd 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 Dewd Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Dewd 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 Dewd 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.