The extension .0day is associated with a computer infection called Dharma ransomware. Dharma .0day is a data locker ransomware that plagues main computer system settings with the goal to encrypt personal files and demand a ransom fee for their recovery. Since it uses a strong cipher algorithm for files corruption, it leaves encrypted files completely inaccessible. Once it finishes the infection processes .0day ransomware virus drops a ransom message and loads it on the screen. This message tries to lure you into paying a ransom fee to cybercriminals. Beware that any negotiations with cyber criminals are to be avoided. None of their promises should be taken for granted.
In this article, you will find more information about .0day virus as well as a step-by-step guide on how to remove malicious files from the infected system and how to potentially recover files encrypted by this ransomware.
Threat Summary
Name | .0day |
Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
Short Description | A data locker ransomware designed to damage computer systems and encrypt valuable personal fles. |
Symptoms | Important files are locked and renamed with a string of a few extensions the last of which is .0day Ransom message insists on payment for a files decryption tool. |
Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments |
Detection Tool |
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Malware Removal Tool
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User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss .0day. |
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. |
.0day Files Virus (Dharma Ransomware) – Distribution and Impact
The .0day files viurs is a newly discovered cryptovirus that originates from [wplinkpreview url=”https://sensorstechforum.com/remove-mers-files-virus/”] Dharma ransomware family.
Currently, there are many .0day virus samples that are lurking on the web. Since the techniques used for the spread of .0day ransomware virus are unknown, we will present you several common methods preferred by hackers. Among these techniques should be mentioned malspam, malvertising, freeware installers, fake software update notifications, and corrupted web pages.
The most preferred one is likely to be malspam. It is realized via massive email spam campaigns that attempt to deliver malicious code on targeted PCs. Usually, emails that are part of such nasty campaigns have traits that indicate that signify the presence of malicious content. Once you know them you are more likely to prevent falling victim to ransomware/malware attacks.
First, the email could display a URL address to a corrupted web page. The URL may appear in the form of a link, clickable button, in-text link, or a direct link to the corrupted web page. Second, it could have an attached file that is designed to activate the malicious the moment it is loaded on the device. Third, both the email sender and email address are likely to be spoofed. Cybercriminals often configure the emails to display the names of well-known businesses and institutions.
The moment .0day files virus’s activation file somehow manages to loads on the computer system, it triggers a long sequence of malicious operations that enable it to evade detection, misuse system functionalities and eventually encode valuable personal files.
As a part of Dharma ransomware family, .0day virus encrypts target files by utilizing the strong cipher algorithm AES. The encryption process is realized with the help of a built-in cipher module. That module is designed to scan all drives for certain types of files so it can apply changes to their code.
Due to the complexity of applied changes, encrypted files remain inaccessible until their code is reverted back to its original state. Unfortunately, you may not be able to view the information stored by the following files of yours:
- Audio files
- Video files
- Document files
- Image files
- Backup files
- Banking credentials, etc
One way to recognize an encrypted file is by the appearance of the extension .0day in its name. Additionally, you could see the email address my0day@aol.com as an extension. This email address is associated with cyber criminals who stand behind .0day ransomware attacks. It could be also noticed in the ransom message that appears at the end of the infection process.
We know that you need to restore .0day files but what we should recommend you is to refrain from transferring your money to cybercriminals. Otherwise, you risk losing both your valuable files and money.
For the sake of your security, it is advisable to clean your computer from present malicious files and consider the help of alternative data recovery methods.
Remove .0day Ransomware Virus and Attempt to Restore Data
The so-called .0day files virus is a threat with highly complex code that heavily damages both essential system settings and valuable data. So the only way to use your infected system securely again is to remove all malicious files and objects created by the ransomware. For the purpose, you could follow our step-by-step removal guide.
In the event that you want to attempt to restore .0day files with the help of alternative data recovery methods, do check step four – Try to Restore files encrypted by .0day Files Virus. We remind you to back up all encrypted files to an external drive before the recovery process.
- Step 1
- Step 2
- Step 3
- Step 4
- Step 5
Step 1: Scan for .0day with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall .0day 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 .0day 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 .0day 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 .0day
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by .0day.
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 .0day 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.
.0day-FAQ
What is .0day Ransomware?
.0day 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 .0day 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 .0day Infect?
Via several ways..0day 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 .0day 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 ..0day files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the ..0day 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 ..0day files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore "..0day" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore ..0day 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 .0day 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 .0day ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important ..0day 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 .0day 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 .0day Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this .0day 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 .0day 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.