This article has been created in order to help you by explaining how to remove the .doubleoffset files virus from your PC and how to restore encrypted files.
A new version of the notorious Cryakl ransomware has been detected in the wild. The version is v1.5.1.0 and aims to encrypt the files on the victimized computers. In addition to this, the .doubleoffset file extension is also added to the encrypted files along with possibly a ransom note which demands from victims to pay a hefty ransom fee in order to decrypt the encrypted files. In case you computer is among the ones infected by the .doubleoffset files virus, recommendations are to read the following article and focus on removing this malware from your computer and restoring your files.
Threat Summary
| Name | .doubleoffset Virus |
| Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
| Short Description | A variant of the Cryakl Ransomware family. Aims to encrypt the files on your computer and ask for a hefty ransom payoff in order to restore them. |
| Symptoms | The files on the infected computer are encrypted with an extension, pointing to the e-mail dorispackman@tuta.io and .doubleoffset suffix is added to them. |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments, Executable files |
| Detection Tool |
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Malware Removal Tool
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User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss .doubleoffset Virus. |
| 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. |
.doubleoffset Files Virus — April 2019 Update
In April 2019 a new outbreak of the .doubleoffset ransomware has been detected using a new ransomware note. This means that it is very likely that a different hacking collective is likely to be behind them. The reason for this is probably that the Cryakl ransomware code has been released in the dark underground markets and available for customization. Hacking collectives can offer their services for this or the hackers can create the new samples by themselves.
As soon as the included modules have finished running the ransomware operations will commence thus encrypting the files with the .doubleoffset extension.
.doubleoffset Ransomware – Distribution Methods
The Cryakl ransomware infection is the type of malware that can slither into your PC via a multitude of ways. For starters, the virus may use obfuscation methods which can help it to remain undetected by antivirus engines. In addition to this, the ransomware infection also may use other forms of infection files which enter your computer via a Remote Desktop Protocols, a malicious infection kit and exploits for Windows vulnerabilities. The infection process may be conducted by sending you an e-mail which may contain a malicious e-mail attachment (the infection file) pretending to be a:
- Receipt.
- An invoice.
- Order receipt.
- Fake banking statement.
If you receive the file via an e-mail, the file may be a JavaScript type, a .vbs type of a script or even a disguised .docm type of file for Microsoft Word which can infect your computer via malicious macros. In addition to this, the cyber-criminals can also imitate the e-mail is coming from a large company to increase the trust in victims, for example:
In addition to via e-mail, this variant of Cryakl may also be uploaded online, imitating a legitimate type of programs, like:
- Setups of software or games.
- Game or program patches, cracks, key generators or other forms of license activators.
.doubleoffset Files Virus – More Information
As soon as infection has been performed, the variant of Cryakl drops it’s malicious files on the compromised computer, similar to what other variants of this virus do. During this process, the computer of victims may stagger and even freeze for a brief moment. The malicious files of the .doubleoffset files virus may be dropped in the following Windows folders under different filenames:
As soon as the .doubleoffset files virus has completed the file dropping process, the ransomware may begin to perform malicious tasks on the victim’s computer, among which may be the following:
- Create mutexes.
- Touch important Windows files.
- Interfere with the Windows Registry Editor.
The virus may target the Run and RunOnce Windows Registry sub-keys in order to add registry values with their corresponding data which makes it possible for the malicious files of the .doubleoffset ransomware to run automatically on system boot. The locaton of the sub-keys in most Windows Versions is the following and in them you may find the value strings with random names:
→ 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
In addition to interfering with the Windows Registry sub-keys, the ransomware may also perform other activities on the compromised computer, such as disable the Windows recovery services and delete the shadow volume copies within the infected PC in order to sabotage file recovery via those methods. The virus may do this by executing the following administrator commands in Windows Command Prompt:
→ process call create “cmd.exe /c vssadmin.exe delete shadows /all /quiet & bcdedit.exe /set {default} recoveryenabled no & bcdedit.exe /set {default} bootstatuspolicy ignoreallfailures”
.doubleoffset Files Virus – Encryption Procedure
The Cryakl .doubleoffset ransomware aims to perform different activities prior to encrypting files. Firstly, the virus checks if it’s running on a virtual drive of some sort and if this is not the case, the malware immediately deletes itself. If not, the .doubleoffset ransomware may scan for and encrypt the following types of files on your computer:
- Audio files.
- Videos.
- Pictures.
- Archives.
- Microsoft Office and other document file types.
The virus may also have a whitelist of Windows system folders on which it does not encrypt files at all, such as %Windows% and other types of folders.
After the Cryakl ransomware has attacked your computer and encrypted the files on it, it may leave them with a rather long file extension and an e-mail, like the picture below shows:
As visible from the picture above, the virus aims to get the victims to open it’s README.txt file, containing what appears to be instructions on what to do to get your files back. Researchers, strongly recommend not to pay the ransom and to remove this ransomware virus and try to restore your files via other methods as well.
Remove Cryakl Ransomware and Restore .doubleoffset Files
In order to eliminate this ransomware infection completely from your computer system, recommendations are to follow the removal instructions underneath this article. They are specifically created in order to help you delete the virus files either manually or automatically, based on how much experience you have in removing malware. If you lack such experience or do not feel confident that you have removed this ransomware completely, experts always outline that using an anti-malware software to remove this ransomware automatically is the best method to go for.
If you want to restore .doubleoffset encrypted files on your PC, do not panic, because there is more than one method to do so. You can try the alternative methods underneath this article in step “2. Restore files, encrypted by .doubleoffset Virus” down belw. They may not be a 100% solution to recovering your data, but may help you restore as many encrypted files as possible.
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 .doubleoffset Virus with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall .doubleoffset Virus 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 .doubleoffset Virus 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 .doubleoffset Virus 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 .doubleoffset Virus
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by .doubleoffset Virus.
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 .doubleoffset Virus 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.
.doubleoffset Virus-FAQ
What is .doubleoffset Virus Ransomware?
.doubleoffset Virus 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 .doubleoffset Virus 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 .doubleoffset Virus Infect?
Via several ways..doubleoffset Virus 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 .doubleoffset Virus 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 ..doubleoffset Virus files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the ..doubleoffset Virus 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 ..doubleoffset Virus files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore "..doubleoffset Virus" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore ..doubleoffset Virus 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 .doubleoffset Virus 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 .doubleoffset Virus ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important ..doubleoffset Virus 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 .doubleoffset Virus 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 .doubleoffset Virus Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this .doubleoffset Virus 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 .doubleoffset Virus 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.