What Is Divsouth Virus
Disvouth virus is the name of a ransomware infection that aims to get in your computer undetected and encrypt the important files in it. This virus is particularly dangerous due to the fact that it uses your files against you. The criminals who have designed this virus have made it to extort you for your files. Other infections, similar to Disvouth virus include Foo Virus, AXI Virus and Milleni5000 ransomware.
Make sure to check this post out in order to learn more about Divsouth virus and how you can remove it and try to get your .divsouth files to work again.
Divsouth Summary
Name | Divsouth, also known as Trojan[Ransom]/Win32.Ako, Trojan.Ransom.MedusaLocker, Generic.Ransom.MedusaLocker.942644D7, Win32:RansomX-gen [Ransom], Win.Ransomware.MedusaLocker-9811280-1 – VirusTotal |
File Extension | .divsouth |
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 Divsouth ransomware will encrypt your files by appending the .divsouth extension to them. |
Ransom Demanding Note | Recovery_Instructions.html |
Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments |
Detection Tool |
See If Your Computer Has Been Affected by Divsouth
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Malware Removal Tool
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User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss Divsouth. |
Divsouth Virus – What We Know About It
The Divsouth virus is a cryptovirus. It typically infects computers by being sent to victims as some form of a legitimate document. Such can end up being e-mail attachments of some sort that may only appear like they are essential documents. However, the situation is that Divsouth ransomware may use malicious macros to turn those fake documents into a weapon against your computer. Such files pretend to be invoices, plane tickets or anything else that might make you curious into downloading and running the fake document.
Another way to end up with the Divsouth virus is to get the malware added on your computer by being downloaded from a low reputation site. Such websites often promote cracks for software, patches, portable apps or installers that may be the virus.
Once Divsouth ransomware has infected your computer system, this malware may begin to create different types of virus files in it. These are used so that it could encode your files without any interruptions and run processes as administrator without your consent. The files may be located in the aforementioned Windows directories:
- %AppData%
- %LocalLow%.>
- %Temp%.
- %Roaming%.
- %Local%
- %ProgramData%.
- %Windows%.
- %System%.
- %system32%.
Once Divsouth ransomware is already set up, it may start encrypting your files. The way it works is this virus scans for files outside of the Windows system folders and encrypts them, replacing data from the file with data from the encryption algorithm used. Then, this malware drops a ransom note, called Recovery_Instructions.html. It contains the following demands made by these cyber-criminals:
.Divsouth Files
When this ransomware encrypts your files, they become useless. The only way to revert the decryption is to use the decryption key that is generated by this virus. The cyber-crooks promise to deliver you this key for a solid BitCoin payment but be advised that they are not to be trusted.
The files that are encrypted by this cryptovirus start to look like the following:
Be advised that if you have encountered the Divsouth virus, you should not fall to these criminals’ demands. Usually, cyber-security researchers come up with a decryptor for such viruses sooner or later, so we suggest that you backup your files and use the guides below to remove this virus, and try getting your files back.
Remove Divsouth Virus and Try to Restore Files
Divsouth virus can be deleted if you follow the step-by-step guide that is posted below. This guide is made with the main purpose of helping you remove this threat safely. Experts’ advice is to download and run a scan with a professional anti-malware application for the best results. Such an advanced security program has been created to scan for and automatically detect and delete all virus files from your PC and protect them in the future.
Furthermore, we also advise that you try to recover your files using the alternative file recovery steps that are posted underneath this article. They may not be a 100% solution to recover your files, but with their aid, you could be able to get back at least some of your files to work again.
- Step 1
- Step 2
- Step 3
- Step 4
- Step 5
Step 1: Scan for Divsouth with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall Divsouth 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 Divsouth 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 Divsouth 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 Divsouth
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by Divsouth.
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 Divsouth 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.
Divsouth-FAQ
What is Divsouth Ransomware?
Divsouth 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 Divsouth 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 Divsouth Infect?
Via several ways.Divsouth 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 Divsouth 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 .Divsouth files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .Divsouth 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 .Divsouth files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".Divsouth" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .Divsouth 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 Divsouth 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 Divsouth ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .Divsouth 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 Divsouth 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 Divsouth Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Divsouth 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 Divsouth 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.