This article is created to help with the removal and data recovery of the Digisom ransomware virus, also known as X-Files ransomware.
The Digisom ransomware is a threat of the file encryption type and It has been detected recently by malware researchers. The virus is also known as X-Files and it aims to encrypt files on the victim’s computer to make them un-openable. In addition to this, this ransomware virus also aims to notify users with various demands to make a payment o a hefty ransom fee to get the files back. Everyone who has become a victim of the Digisom ransomware is strongly advised to read the material and learn how to remove the ransomware and try to get the encrypted data back.
Threat Summary
Name | Digisom |
Type | Ransomware |
Short Description | This Digisom ransomware variant encrypts files and asks a ransom payoff for decryption. |
Symptoms | Files are enciphered and become inaccessible by any type of software. A ransom note with instructions for paying the ransom may show on the infected PC. |
Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments, File Sharing Networks, Malicious Executable in Torrent Trackers. |
Detection Tool |
See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware
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Malware Removal Tool
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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. |
Digisom Ransomware – Infection
In order to cause an infection on a given PC, the crooks behind Digisom may target a wide range of users. To do this, they are conducting massive spam campaigns which also contain malicious e-mail attachments. These very files may be either documents with malicious macros or executable file types, like the following:
Furthermore, another method related to this virus which has been reported by malware researchers is to slither onto the computer via updates that are pretending to be legitimate. Such may be advertised on your computer via suspicious websites or come on your screen as a result of having PUA (potentially unwanted application) installed on it.
The Digisom virus might also pretend to be a legitimate installer but actually install the malicious files on your computer instead.
Digisom Virus – What Happens After Infection
After becoming a victim of this ransomware threat, multiple files may be dropped in critical Windows folders, such as:
%Roaming%
%Local%
%LocalRow%
%SystemDrive%
Furthermore, Digisom ransomware might also use different type of scripts to perform modification on different Windows Registries, like the Run and RunOnce sub-keys, for example which run the malicious files of Digisom on Windows Startup. After the malware runs on startup it begins to encrypt the files on the compromised computer. The virus then may begin the encryption process of the files.
For it to work, Digisom ransomware uses an assymetric cryptography which generates unique private and public decryption keys. These keys are then sent out to the cyber-criminals command and control server. The malware then encrypts the files and they appear similar to the image below:
After this has been done, Digisom leaves a ransom note, named Digisom Readme0.txt and other notes like it with the numbers 1,2… until 9 written at the end of the file.
When opened, the web link leads to a page which requests the victim to pay roughly 0.07 BTC to get the files back. Experts strongly advise against it.
Remove Digisom Ransomware and Restore Files That Have Been Encrypted
Digisom ransomware can be removed if you follow the removal instructions below. They are organized in a way that will help you isolate the virus by booting into Safe Mode and then decide to look for the files yourself or do the removal automatically. Malware analysts strongly advise victims to use an advanced anti-malware program since it will ensure the successful removal of Digisom ransomware from your computer automatically and fully.
For the file recovery, at the moment there is no free decryption available. If you still want to try and recover the lost files, there are several alternative methods which you can try to get the data back. They are located in step “2. Restore files encrypted by Digisom” below.
- Step 1
- Step 2
- Step 3
- Step 4
- Step 5
Step 1: Scan for Digisom with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall Digisom 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 Digisom 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 Digisom 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 Digisom
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by Digisom.
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 Digisom 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.
Digisom-FAQ
What is Digisom Ransomware?
Digisom 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 Digisom 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 Digisom Infect?
Via several ways.Digisom 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 Digisom 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 .Digisom files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .Digisom 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 .Digisom files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".Digisom" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .Digisom 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 Digisom 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 Digisom ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .Digisom 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 Digisom 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 Digisom Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Digisom 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 Digisom 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.
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