.DOCM ransomware is the newest virus that is descending from the Globe Imposter family of threats. At the moment, there is no information about the criminal collective, which gives us the impression that the most popular hacking strategies are to be used.
This includes the coordination of phishing emails, which are modeled after the notifications that have been sent in by well-known companies and services. A similar strategy is the creation of malicious websites that are made to pose as popular and safe web portals, search engines, and landing pages. To make them appear as safe and legitimate sites, they can be hosted on domains that sound familiar to the end-users. Some of them may also include stolen or self-signed certificates.
Threat Summary
| Name | .DOCM Ransomware |
| Type | Cryptovirus |
| Short Description | The malware encrypts files on your computer machine and demands a ransom to be paid to allegedly restore them. |
| Symptoms | Cybercriminals will try to blackmail the victims to pay them a decryption fee. Sensitive user data may be encrypted. |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments |
| Detection Tool |
See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware
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Malware Removal Tool
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User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss .DOCM Ransomware. |
| 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. |
The infections can also be caused through the insertion of the necessary code in various payload carriers, the two most popular ones are the following:
- Software Installers — The hackers can embed the necessary code into the setup files of popular software: system utilities, productivity apps and even computer games.
- Malware Documents — They can be of any of the popular file formats: rich text documents, presentations, databases and spread sheets. As soon as they are opened a prompt will appear asking them the victim users to enable the interactive content. If this is done the virus infection will begin.
More massive infections can be caused by browser hijackers, which represent dangerous web browser plugins that are made compatible with the most popular software and spread to their repositories. Commonly fake user reviews and developer credentials are used to making the samples appear more realistic. Whenever they are installed, the dangerous code will be deployed.
As soon as the .DOCM ransomware is installed on a given computer; it will launch its built-in sequence of dangerous components. A standard routine starts with data harvesting, which can retrieve sensitive information about the users and machines. The collected data can be used to generate a unique ID that can be assigned to each computer. On the other hand, any personal information acquired can lead to crimes such as financial abuse and identity theft.
The collected data can then be used to scan the file system for any security applications which can be bypassed. Usually, this includes all kinds of anti-virus engines, firewalls, sandbox environments, and virtual machine hosts.
At this point all kinds of malicious actions can follow:
- Persistent Installation — The virus engine can reprogram the operating system in order to launch itself every time the computer is booted. This is referred to as a persistent installation. It can also block access to certain recovery menus and options which can render most manual user removal instructions non-working.
- Windows Registry Changes — They can modify both values belonging to the operating system and third-party applications. As such the users may experience serious data loss, problems with accessing certain functions and errors.
- Additional Malware Delivery — Globe Imposter infections like the .DOCM ransomware can be used to install all kinds of other viruses to the computers. The list includes all manners of Trojans, miners and redirects. In addition this can be coupled with removal of sensitive files such as backups and shadow volume copies.
When all components have finished running, the actual encryption phase will start. Using a robust target user data will be processed and made non-accessible for the users. Usually, the most common file types will be affected: images, music, videos, databases, archives, and databases. When this step is completed, the encrypted files will be renamed with the associated .DOCM extension. The ransom note designed to coerce the victims into paying the hackers a decryption fee is called Restore-My-Files.txt in this release.
.DOCM Ransomware – What Does It Do?
.DOCM ransomware could spread its infection in various ways. A payload dropper which initiates the malicious script for this cryptovirus is being spread around the Internet. .DOCM virus might also distribute its payload file on social media and file-sharing services. Freeware, found on the Web, can be presented as helpful and hide the malicious script of the cryptovirus.
.DOCM ransomware that encrypts your files and shows a window with instructions on your computer screen. The extortionists want you to pay a ransom for the alleged restoration of your files. The main engine could make entries in the Windows Registry to achieve persistence and interfere with Windows processes.
The .DOCM ransomware virus is programmed to encrypt user data. As soon as all modules have finished running in their prescribed order, the lock screen will launch an application frame that will prevent the users from interacting with their computers. It will display the ransom note to the victims.
You should NOT under any circumstances pay any ransom sum. Your files may not get recovered, and nobody could give you a guarantee for that.
The .DOCM malware could be set to erase all the Shadow Volume Copies from the Windows operating system with the help of the following command:
→vssadmin.exe delete shadows /all /Quiet
If your computer device was infected with this threat and your files are locked, read on through to find out how you could potentially restore your files back to normal.
.DOCM Ransomware – Update November 2020
The .DOCM malware is rather old, and almost one full year has passed since its last huge activity was observed. However, a new version has been spotted by malware researchers, and they are not even sure if the malware code is the same as the original cryptovirus. The latest threat that encrypts and places the .docm extension is called Hentai OniChan Version King Engine. It has a new message with extortion instructions:
As you can see from the picture shown above, the ransom demand is 50 BitCoins and uses an image of the “King” character from the Japanese anime and comics series One Punch Man. No correlation exists between the animation or comics with the actual virus.
Remove .DOCM Ransomware
If your computer system got infected with the .DOCM Files virus, you should have a bit of experience in removing malware. You should get rid of it as quickly as possible before it can have the chance to spread further and infect other computers. You should remove the threat and its files by following the step-by-step instructions guide provided below.
Martin Beltov
Martin graduated with a degree in Publishing from Sofia University. As a cyber security enthusiast he enjoys writing about the latest threats and mechanisms of intrusion.
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Step 1: Scan for .DOCM Ransomware with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall .DOCM Ransomware 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 .DOCM Ransomware 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 .DOCM Ransomware 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 .DOCM Ransomware
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by .DOCM Ransomware.
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 .DOCM Ransomware 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.
.DOCM Ransomware-FAQ
What is .DOCM Ransomware Ransomware?
.DOCM Ransomware 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 .DOCM Ransomware 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 .DOCM Ransomware Infect?
Via several ways..DOCM Ransomware 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 .DOCM Ransomware 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 ..DOCM Ransomware files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the ..DOCM Ransomware 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 ..DOCM Ransomware files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore "..DOCM Ransomware" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore ..DOCM Ransomware 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 .DOCM Ransomware 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 .DOCM Ransomware ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important ..DOCM Ransomware 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 .DOCM Ransomware 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 .DOCM Ransomware Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this .DOCM Ransomware 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 .DOCM Ransomware 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.
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