by Ventsislav Krastev | March 17, 2017 | 0 Comments file-encryption, malware, Protection, ransomware

This material is created to show you how DH File Locker Ransomware works, how to remove it, protect yourself from it and restore locked files.

A ransomware builder kit, called DH File Locker with a lots of settings, obfuscation and many features has been released on the deep web and surfaced on multiple web forums. The virus aims to provide full access to even inexperienced cyber-criminals on how to create their own version of this ransomware infection. This is a strong indication that infections by variants of DH File Locker will begin to surface online. We have decided to download the ransomware builder and run it to test it’s capabilities and show what aspects of this virus should you beware of and how to protect yourself from it.

Threat Summary

Name	DH File Locker
Type	Ransomware Builder / Ransomware Family
Short Description	The malware locks victims files adding a custom unlock password. Has avoiding and anti techniques.
Symptoms	Custom file extension and ransom note are added, depending on what the cyber-criminal configures it to do.
Distribution Method	Via an Exploit kit, Dll file attack, malicious JavaScript or a drive-by download of the malware itself in an obfuscated manner.
Detection Tool	See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware Download Malware Removal Tool
User Experience	Join our forum to Discuss DH File Locker.
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.

DH File Locker – Technical Insight

The aim of the DH File Locker ransomware is to lock potential victims out of their files and to perform this, the virus also has an extra within it. It generates random passwords for each file that is blocked by it to make decoding of the files significantly more difficult.

When the ransomware builder kit is download, it is contained in a .RAR archive in which are the virus’s program files:

The main interface of this ransomware is well-designed and has very easy access to all features of this virus, making it user-friendly for any cyber-crook wannabe.

The virus comes with a per-embedded message which can be changed for the victim to see. This message is also known as a ransom note and it may contain different ransom instructions for the victim to see, like a payment “request” for different BitCoin amount to an anonymous BTC wallet.

As visible from the screenshot below, the configuration also includes a folder in which the infected files are hidden and a unique unlock password which is the only one that can unlock your files. In addition to this, DH File Locker can also be configured to run on system startup and hide the locked files as well.

Another interesting function of this ransomware builder is called UAC Tricky which aims to perform different evasion techniques of the User Account Control:

The functions of it can be either switched on or switched off in terms of how it responds when the UAC is off.

Another DH File Locker “function” is to allow it’s creator to choose where the malicious files of the virus will be extracted:

The virus also has a feature, known as FilePumper, aslo associated with the encryption procedure of the files. Furthemore, DH File Locker has multiple other functions, like Extension Spoofer or a function that allows for a custom file extension to be added to the locked files and in addition to it, the virus can also change their icon with a custom one, to further scare the victim.

But this is not all when it comes to DH File Locker. The malware also comes packed with a kit that allows it to run obfuscation against different programs that may allow it’s research. The programs it can fool are:

Virtual PC software.
Virtual Box drives.
Wireshark.
Debug.
Anubis.
Kaspersky.
VMWare.
OllyDbg.

In addition to this extra, DH File Locker can also directly disable different Windows services too. The services it can shut down by force are:

UAC (User Account Control).
Regedit.
Windows Firewall.
Windows Command Prompt.
Windows Run Window.
Windows Task Manager.
System Configuration service.
Windows Registry Editor.
Windows Update Service.

DH File Locker – Conclusion and How To Protect Yourself

Since this virus is still out in the wild and may be re-modified and reused in many different versions, we advise you to take multiple measures in order to protect yourself from it. Here are some of the advices which we would definitely recommend you follow.

Download anti-malware software which will decrease infection possibility.
Learn how to protect yourself from malicious e-mail attachments and web links, by watching the following video.
Learn how to safely store your files by visiting our educational material with different methods to backup in a safe manner.

What If My PC Has Already Been Infected?

In case you were infected by the DH File Locker ransomware, the first thing you should do is to focus on backing up the encrypted files. Then we advise you to follow our removal instructions below. They are carefully designed to help you remove DH File Locker’s malicious files from your computer. In case you do not have the experience in malware removal, experts always recommend using an advanced anti-malware program that will take care of this virus automatically.

If your files have already be locked by DH File Locker, do not despair, because we have suggested several alternative methods below that can help you recover a big chunk of the files if you are in luck, until malware researchers come up with a 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.

How to Remove DH File Locker from Windows.

Step 1: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove DH File Locker

OFFER

Manual Removal Usually Takes Time and You Risk Damaging Your Files If Not Careful!

We Recommend To Scan Your PC with SpyHunter

Keep in mind, that SpyHunter’s scanner is only for malware detection. If SpyHunter detects malware on your PC, you will need to purchase SpyHunter's malware removal tool to remove the malware threats. Read our SpyHunter 5 review. Click on the corresponding links to check SpyHunter's EULA, Privacy Policy and Threat Assessment Criteria

1. Hold Windows key() + R

2. The "Run" Window will appear. In it, type "msconfig" and click OK.

3. Go to the "Boot" tab. There select "Safe Boot" and then click "Apply" and "OK".

Tip: Make sure to reverse those changes by unticking Safe Boot after that, because your system will always boot in Safe Boot from now on.

4. When prompted, click on "Restart" to go into Safe Mode.

5. You can recognise Safe Mode by the words written on the corners of your screen.

Step 2: Uninstall DH File Locker 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:

1. Hold the Windows Logo Button and "R" on your keyboard. A Pop-up window will appear.

2. In the field type in "appwiz.cpl" and press ENTER.

3. This will open a window with all the programs installed on the PC. Select the program that you want to remove, and press "Uninstall"

Follow the instructions above and you will successfully uninstall most programs.

Step 3: Clean any registries, created by DH File Locker 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 DH File Locker there. This can happen by following the steps underneath:

1. Open the Run Window again, type "regedit" and click OK.

2. When you open it, you can freely navigate to the Run and RunOnce keys, whose locations are shown above.

3. You can remove the value of the virus by right-clicking on it and removing it.

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.

IMPORTANT!
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 DH File Locker with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool

1. Click on the "Download" button to proceed to SpyHunter's download page.

Download

Malware Removal Tool

It is recommended to run a scan before purchasing the full version of the software to make sure that the current version of the malware can be detected by SpyHunter. Click on the corresponding links to check SpyHunter's EULA, Privacy Policy and Threat Assessment Criteria.

2. After you have installed SpyHunter, wait for it to update automatically.

3. After the update process has finished, click on the 'Malware/PC Scan' tab. A new window will appear. Click on 'Start Scan'.

4. After SpyHunter has finished scanning your PC for any files of the associated threat and found them, you can try to get them removed automatically and permanently by clicking on the 'Next' button.

If any threats have been removed, it is highly recommended to restart your PC.

Step 5 (Optional): Try to Restore Files Encrypted by DH File Locker.

Ransomware infections and DH File Locker 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.

1. Download the reccomended Data Recovery software by clicking on the link underneath:

EaseUS Data Recovery Software

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.

Windows Mac OS X

Get rid of DH File Locker from Mac OS X.

Step 1: Uninstall DH File Locker and remove related files and objects

OFFER

Manual Removal Usually Takes Time and You Risk Damaging Your Files If Not Careful!

We Recommend To Scan Your Mac with SpyHunter for Mac

Keep in mind, that SpyHunter for Mac needs to purchased to remove the malware threats. Click on the corresponding links to check SpyHunter’s EULA and Privacy Policy

1. Hit the ⇧+⌘+U keys to open Utilities. Another way is to click on “Go” and then click “Utilities”, like the image below shows:

2. Find Activity Monitor and double-click it:

3. In the Activity Monitor look for any suspicious processes, belonging or related to DH File Locker:

Tip: To quit a process completely, choose the “Force Quit” option.

4. Click on the "Go" button again, but this time select Applications. Another way is with the ⇧+⌘+A buttons.

5. In the Applications menu, look for any suspicious app or an app with a name, similar or identical to DH File Locker. If you find it, right-click on the app and select “Move to Trash”.

6: Select Accounts, after which click on the Login Items preference. Your Mac will then show you a list of items that start automatically when you log in. Look for any suspicious apps identical or similar to DH File Locker. Check the app you want to stop from running automatically and then select on the Minus (“-“) icon to hide it.

7: Remove any left-over files that might be related to this threat manually by following the sub-steps below:

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 DH File Locker 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:

Disclaimer! If you are about to tamper with Library files on Mac, be sure to know the name of the virus file, because if you delete the wrong file, it may cause irreversible damage to your MacOS. Continue on your own responsibility!

1: Click on "Go" and Then "Go to Folder" as shown underneath:

2: Type in "/Library/LauchAgents/" and click Ok:

3: Delete all of the virus files that have similar or the same name as DH File Locker. If you believe there is no such file, do not delete anything.

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.

Click the button below below to download SpyHunter for Mac and scan for DH File Locker:

Download

SpyHunter for Mac

Step 3 (Optional): Try to Restore Files Encrypted by DH File Locker.

1. Download the reccomended Data Recovery software by clicking on the link underneath:

EaseUS Data Recovery Software

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.

DH File Locker FAQ

What is DH File Locker ransomware and how does it work?

DH File Locker 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 DH File Locker ransomware infect my computer?

Via several ways.DH File Locker 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 DH File Locker 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 .DH File Locker files?

You can't. At this point the .DH File Locker 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 .DH File Locker files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.

One way to restore files, encrypted by DH File Locker 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 ".DH File Locker" files (Other Methods)?

Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .DH File Locker 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 DH File Locker 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 DH File Locker ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .DH File Locker files.

Also, keep in mind that viruses like DH File Locker 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.

DH File Locker Ransomware Builder Kit Released (Protection, Review and Removal)