Home > Ransomware > “All your personal files are LOCKED!”– Remove Fake DMA Locker 3.0
THREAT REMOVAL

“All your personal files are LOCKED!”– Remove Fake DMA Locker 3.0

This article aims to help you remove the fake DMA Locker 3.0 ransomware virus and restore files with the !Encrypt! file marker in their hex.

A ransomware virus, named fake DMA Locker 3.0 has been reported by malware researchers to use the combination of AES and RSA encryption algorithm to encipher the files on the computers infected by the virus. The virus also uses the ransom note of DMA Locker 3.0 which is titled “All your personal files are LOCKED!”, but does not have a name itself. The fake DMA Locker 3.0 ransomware’s end goal is to get the victims of the virus to pay 1 BTC in order to get their files restored back to working state. In case you have been infected by this virus, we advise you to read this article.

Threat Summary

Name Fake DMA Locker 3.0
Type Ransomware, Cryptovirus
Short Description Encrypts the files on the compromised computer after which demands the victims to pay 1 BTC to get them to open again.
Symptoms DMA Locker 3.0 ransom note (on the picture above) is displayed.
Distribution Method Spam Emails, malciious Email Attachments or URLs embedded on e-mails that lead to the infection links or files, executable files, fake setups, fake updates.
Detection Tool See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware

Download

Malware Removal Tool

User Experience Join Our Forum to Discuss Fake DMA Locker 3.0.
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.

Fake DMA Locker 3.0 – Infection Methods

In order to infect it’s victims, the fraudulent DMA Locker 3.0 ransomware may use spam campaigns that help it to come 1 step closer to it’s end goal – to get the victims to pay the ransom. To do this, the cyber-criminals may undertake multiple different activities such as:

  • Distributing the malware via spam e-mails, pretending it is an important invoice attached to the e-mail.
  • Via fake Java or Flash Player updates advertised online or via adware.
  • Through other files, pretending to be key generators, activators or game cracks uploaded on suspicious sites.

Once the victim has opened the malicious file, which is usually a loader, the fake DMA Locker 3.0 drops it’s malicious files on the victim’s computer, among which is the fake process svchosd.exe. It most likely aims to mimic the legitimate process svchost.exe. This malicious file and other files of the fake DMA Locker 3.0 infection may be dropped under different names in various Windows locations, for example:

Fake DMA Locker 3.0 – Analysis

In addition to dropping the files, the Fake DMA Locker 3.0 ransomware virus is responsible for series of malicious activities on the infected computers. The first one of those activities is to obtain administrative permissions via the fake process it executes. Then, the Fake DMA Locker 3.0 virus may modify the registry sub-keys of Windows that are responsible for the running of the file that encrypts data on your computer. The keys are as follows:

  • Run
  • RunOnce

They are located in the Windows Registry Editor. You can use the following command to see which values are added in the Run and RunOnce keys:

→wmic startup get Caption, Location, Command /format:list > 0 & notepad 0

After this it will save the results in a notepad file.

Besides this activity the fake DMA Locker 3.0 virus may also delete the shadow copies of the infected computer, eliminating the option to restore the files via this feature. The commands may be the following:

→ process call create “cmd.exe /c
vssadmin.exe delete shadows /all /quiet
bcdedit.exe /set {default} recoveryenabled no
bcdedit.exe /set {default} bootstatuspolicy ignoreallfailures

Then, the fake DMA Locker virus may proceed with encrypting your files.

Fake DMA Locker’s Encryption Process

The encryption of this virus is a more sophisticated one. It uses a combination of RSA as well as AES encryption algorithms to render the files on the infected computer unable to be opened. The ransomware may attack the following file types:

→ “PNG .PSD .PSPIMAGE .TGA .THM .TIF .TIFF .YUV .AI .EPS .PS .SVG .INDD .PCT .PDF .XLR .XLS .XLSX .ACCDB .DB .DBF .MDB .PDB .SQL .APK .APP .BAT .CGI .COM .EXE .GADGET .JAR .PIF .WSF .DEM .GAM .NES .ROM .SAV CAD Files .DWG .DXF GIS Files .GPX .KML .KMZ .ASP .ASPX .CER .CFM .CSR .CSS .HTM .HTML .JS .JSP .PHP .RSS .XHTML. DOC .DOCX .LOG .MSG .ODT .PAGES .RTF .TEX .TXT .WPD .WPS .CSV .DAT .GED .KEY .KEYCHAIN .PPS .PPT .PPTX ..INI .PRF Encoded Files .HQX .MIM .UUE .7Z .CBR .DEB .GZ .PKG .RAR .RPM .SITX .TAR.GZ .ZIP .ZIPX .BIN .CUE .DMG .ISO .MDF .TOAST .VCD SDF .TAR .TAX2014 .TAX2015 .VCF .XML Audio Files .AIF .IFF .M3U .M4A .MID .MP3 .MPA .WAV .WMA Video Files .3G2 .3GP .ASF .AVI .FLV .M4V .MOV .MP4 .MPG .RM .SRT .SWF .VOB .WMV 3D .3DM .3DS .MAX .OBJ R.BMP .DDS .GIF .JPG ..CRX .PLUGIN .FNT .FON .OTF .TTF .CAB .CPL .CUR .DESKTHEMEPACK .DLL .DMP .DRV .ICNS .ICO .LNK .SYS .CFG”Source:fileinfo.com

After the encryption has been completed, no file extension is added to the encrypted files. The only method to see if the files are encrypted by this specific variant is to check their file marker in a hex editor or reader software. The file marker !Encrypt! is appended to all the encoded documents, videos, audio files and other important documents.

The ransomware also adds the DMA Locker 3.0’s ransom note which is as follows:

“All your personal files are LOCKED!
WHAT’S HAPPENED?
* All your important files(including hard disks, network disks, flash, USB) are encrypted.
* All of files are locked with asymetric algorithm using AES-256 and then RSA-2048 cipher.
* You are not possible to unlock your files because all your backups are removed.
* Only way to unlock your files is to pay us 1500 GBP in Bitcoin currency ( 1.0 BTC ).
After payment we will send you decryption key automatically, which allow you to unlock files.
HOW TO PAY US AND UNLOCK YOUR FILES?
1. Please read the steps carefully.
2. To pay us, you have to use Bitcoin currency. You can easily buy Bitcoins at following sites:
* https://www.coinfloor.co.uk/
* https://localbitcoins.com/
* https://www.coinbase.com/
3. If you already have Bitcoins, pay us 1.0 BTC (1500 GBP) on following Bitcoin address:
1EEHF6uucK2UNtbwxTyAzZ74wNudApYWQm
4. After payment, necessarily contact with us to get your decryption key:
data0001@tuta.io In mail title write your unigue ID:
01:07:91:50:32:25:30:07
5. We will automatically send you decryption key file after bitcoin transfer .
When you receive your decryption key file, press “OPEN” button and choose your received
decryption key file.
Then, press the “UNLOCK FILES” button and it will start unlocking all your files.
* You have 96 hours to pay us!
* After this time ransom will grow to
200 percent
* Ransom grow time:”

Remove Fake DMA Locker 3.0 and Get Back Your Files

After this ransomware has been identified, you can remove it by following the removal instructions down below. They are divided in manual and automatic instructions and experts strongly suggest to remove the virus automatically for best results.

After removing this threat, it is strongly advisable to focus on restoring the files encrypted by it using alternative methods, like the ones below in step “2. Restore files encrypted by Fake DMA Locker 3.0”. They are specifically designed to assist you in recovering at least some of the encrypted files since at the moment there is no decrypter for this virus that can directly decode the files. However, we advise you to check this article often as we will update it as soon as there is one available.

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.

More Posts - Website

Follow Me:
Twitter


  • Step 1
  • Step 2
  • Step 3
  • Step 4
  • Step 5

Step 1: Scan for Fake DMA Locker 3.0 with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool

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


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.

scan for and delete ransomware virus step 2


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

scan for and delete ransomware virus step 3


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.

scan for and delete ransomware virus step 4

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

Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide

Step 2: Uninstall Fake DMA Locker 3.0 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:


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


2. In the field type in "appwiz.cpl" and press ENTER.
delete ransomware from windows step 2


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"
delete ransomware from windows step 3Follow the instructions above and you will successfully delete most unwanted and malicious programs.


Step 3: Clean any registries, created by Fake DMA Locker 3.0 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 Fake DMA Locker 3.0 there. This can happen by following the steps underneath:

1. Open the Run Window again, type "regedit" and click OK.
delete ransomware virus registries step 1


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


3. You can remove the value of the virus by right-clicking on it and removing it.
delete ransomware virus registries step 3 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: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove Fake DMA Locker 3.0

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.
remove ransomware in safe mode step 1


2. The "Run" Window will appear. In it, type "msconfig" and click OK.
remove ransomware in safe mode step 2


3. Go to the "Boot" tab. There select "Safe Boot" and then click "Apply" and "OK".
remove ransomware in safe mode step 3
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.
remove ransomware in safe mode step 4


5. You can recognise Safe Mode by the words written on the corners of your screen.
remove ransomware in safe mode step 5


Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by Fake DMA Locker 3.0.

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:

stop ransomware decryptor step 1

2. Agree with the license terms:

stop ransomware decryptor step 2

3. Click on "Add Folder" and then add the folders where you want files decrypted as shown underneath:

stop ransomware decryptor step 3

4. Click on "Decrypt" and wait for your files to be decoded.

stop ransomware decryptor step 4

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 Fake DMA Locker 3.0 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 recommended Data Recovery software by clicking on the link underneath:

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.


Fake DMA Locker 3.0-FAQ

What is Fake DMA Locker 3.0 Ransomware?

Fake DMA Locker 3.0 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 Fake DMA Locker 3.0 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 Fake DMA Locker 3.0 Infect?

Via several ways.Fake DMA Locker 3.0 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 Fake DMA Locker 3.0 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 .Fake DMA Locker 3.0 files?

You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .Fake DMA Locker 3.0 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 .Fake DMA Locker 3.0 files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.

Can I Restore ".Fake DMA Locker 3.0" Files?

Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .Fake DMA Locker 3.0 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 Fake DMA Locker 3.0 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 Fake DMA Locker 3.0 ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .Fake DMA Locker 3.0 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 Fake DMA Locker 3.0 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 Fake DMA Locker 3.0 Research

The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Fake DMA Locker 3.0 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 Fake DMA Locker 3.0 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.

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This website uses cookies to improve user experience. By using our website you consent to all cookies in accordance with our Privacy Policy.
I Agree