What Is Dfwe Virus?
The Dfwe virus is a variant of the well-known ransomware family STOP/DJVU. The main goal of it is to get inside your device and use sophisticated encryption algorithm to make your files no longer working. It generates a unique decryption key which the criminals hold against you and ask you to pay a lot of money in its ransom note, called _readme.txt. The virus also ads the .dfwe file extension and only a decryptor can fix the files, because their data is changed.
Read this article if you want to learn more information about how this virus works and what you can do to get your funds back without having to pay these criminals.
Dfwe Virus Summary
| Name | Dfwe 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 | .dfwe |
| 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 Dfwe Virus ransomware will encrypt your files by appending the .dfwe extension to them. |
| Ransom Demanding Note | _readme.txt |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments |
| Detection Tool |
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Dfwe Virus – How Did I Get Infected?
Just like other STOP Ransomware variants, such as .bbbw, .ckae, .bbbr and .avyu, the Dfwe virus may also be spread on your computer by being either downloaded from a shady site or sent to you via email. Two of the most common methods that are used to infect computers with this malware are the following:
- By being downloaded from a shady site.
- If it is sent to you as an e-mail attachment or a URL.
If the virus gets sent to you in the form of an email attachment, there is a high probability that in my pretend to be one of the following kinds of files:
- Receipts.
- Work-related files.
- Invoices.
- E-Tickets for events or flights.
These files are very often documents that one opens May triggered the following infection procedure:
Another way this virus can end up on your devices by being download it from some type of software download side, where it may pretend to be a file that you may have been looking for, like:
- Cracked portable versions of apps.
- Software or game cracks.
- Software patches.
- Self extracting archives or regular archives.
- Fake installation files.
- Key generator (or Keygen).
Dfwe Virus – What Does It Do?
Once Dfwe virus is in your device, it may establish a connection via an unsecured port to the server of the cyber criminals who are behind the threat. There is my downloads the malicious files, also known as payload and they me existing the following Windows directories under different names:
- %LocalLow%
- %AppData%
- %Windows%
- %SystemDrive%
- %Local%
- %Temp%
- %System%
- %system32%
Among the files that are left in your device by this virus is also the ransom note, also known as _readme.txt:
Dfwe virus also likely attacks the Registries of Windows. It may perform certain modifications in the following windows registry subkeys:
- 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
Doing so will allow the Dfwe ransomware to run each time Windows starts.
What Are .Dfwe Files
The .Dfwe files are encrypted by this variant of STOP ransomware via AES encryption algorithm. This is a sophisticated cipher that makes it very hard for computers to reverse the process and fix the files, whose data has been altered. The virus scans for files, like the following for encryption:
- Archive file formats (.zip, .rar, etc).
- Documents of different types (.docx, .pptx, etc.).
- Audio (.mp3, .wav, etc.).
- Picture file kinds (.jpg, .png, .etc).
- Videos (.mp4, .avi, etc.).
- Others.
After the files are encrypted, the ransom ware leaves them looking at the following:
Picture.jpg.dfwe
Keep reading this article to understand more about how you can remove this virus and try to get your files to work once again.
How to Remove Dfwe Virus?
To delete .dfwe virus, one way is to follow the removal instructions that have been created and posted underneath this article. These are steps that have been made with the main idea to help you manually or automatically fix your computer and delete this threat. If you want a removal with maximum effectiveness, our main suggestion is to get rid of the virus by using advanced anti-malware software. Such a program is designed to automatically scan your device and get it rid of any malicious files, while ensuring protection in the future as well.
How to Decrypt .dfwe Files?
If the keys that are generated for decrypting your files are off-line, then you are welcome to try the STOP Ransomware Decryption Steps or the video guide below. They have been designed using the official decryption software, that has been created by independent malware researchers for this virus in particular. If the key is online, then you are welcome to try the alternative file recovery methods, that are posted beneath this article in the gate. They may not come with a 100% guarantee to be able to recover all your files, but with the help he could restore at least some of them.
Video guide for using the STOP Ransomware Decryptor:
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 Dfwe with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall Dfwe 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 Dfwe 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 Dfwe 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 Dfwe
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by Dfwe.
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 Dfwe 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.
Dfwe-FAQ
What is Dfwe Ransomware?
Dfwe 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 Dfwe 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 Dfwe Infect?
Via several ways.Dfwe 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 Dfwe 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 .Dfwe files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .Dfwe 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 .Dfwe files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".Dfwe" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .Dfwe 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 Dfwe 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 Dfwe ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .Dfwe 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 Dfwe 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 Dfwe Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Dfwe 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 Dfwe 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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