Coms Virus (Dharma Ransomware)
Dharma ransomware is back with a new strain. This time hackers choose the name Coms for the threat. This name is a derivative of the malicious extension .coms that the ransomware appends to files it corrupts. Files encrypted by Coms virus files are inaccessible. The threat will also add a unique identification number and an email address as previous Dharma versions do. The ransomware drops a ransom note (FILES ENCRYPTED.txt), which gives instructions to victims on how to act to recover files.
Coms Virus Summary
| Name | Coms Virus |
| File Extension | .id-K876E869.[golbnaty@aol.com].coms |
| 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 ransomware will encrypt your files by appending the Coms extension to them, along with a unique identification number placing the new Coms extension as a secondary. |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments, Suspicious Torrent Files |
| Detection Tool |
See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware
Download
Malware Removal Tool
|
Coms Virus – What Is It and How Did I Get It?
The Coms virus is a new malicious app that originates from the Dharma ransomware family. An unknown hacking group stands behind its release. Still, it is likely to follow the same attack pattern as some of its predecessors – Fresh, Bdev and Pirat.
Reports on previous ransomware samples based on the Dharma/CrySiS cryptovirus suggest that that the following distribution strategies may be misused for attack campaigns:
- Phishing Email Messages – Suspicious email messages sent by hackers. They can feature faked layouts, malicious attachments, and links.
- Payload Files – The virus code can be inserted in different types of files that could be downloaded and run from the Web. Another popular alternative is the creation of virus-infected program installers. They deliver executable files that contain the virus code.
- Websites and Internet Services – The Coms virus can be uploaded to different download portals or online communities including forums, social networks, chat rooms, etc. Hackers can misuse fake or stolen online accounts to promote the files in public or private conversations.
When the infection runs on a given computer, its attack flow begins. Many ransomware viruses tend to begin the infection by activating a local information gathering module. This module will scan the hard drive to generate a report of the installed hardware components. When hackers obtain this information, they receive the chance to hijack personal sensitive details and also to generate a unique ID for every infected computer.
The moment, Coms ransomware finishes the corruption of system components and their settings, it starts a component which encrypts user data. This component uses a very strong cipher. The list of files that are to be encrypted is very likely to contain all commonly used types of files. All processed files will receive the respective .coms extension. The victims will be blackmailed to pay a ransom decryption fee by looking at specially created text files or an instituted lock screen instance.
We recommend that active infections are removed as fast as possible to prevent further infections.
Remove Coms Virus Files (Dharma)
If your computer got infected with the Coms Virus, you should be experienced in removing malware manually. You should get rid of this ransomware as fast as possible before it can have the opportunity to spread further and infect more machines. You should remove the ransomware and follow the instructions guide provided with easy-to-follow steps below.
Gergana Ivanova
Highly motivated writer with 5+ years of experience writing for ransomware, malware, adware, PUPs, and other cybersecurity-related issues. As a writer, I strive to create content that is based on thorough technical research. I find joy in the process of creating articles that are easy to understand, informative, and useful. Follow me on Twitter (@IRGergana) for the latest in the field of computer, mobile, and online security.
Follow Me:
Attention! SensorsTechForum strongly recommends that all malware victims should look for assistance only by reputable sources. Many guides out there claim to offer free recovery and decryption for files encrypted by ransomware viruses. Be advised that some of them may only be after your money.
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.
How to Remove Coms Virus from Windows.
Step 1: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove Coms Virus
Step 2: Uninstall Coms Virus and related software 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 uninstall most programs.
Step 3: Clean any registries, created by Coms 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 Coms 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: Scan for Coms Virus with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 5 (Optional): Try to Restore Files Encrypted by Coms Virus.
Ransomware infections and Coms 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 top, choose Data Recovery - Data Recovery Wizard for Windows or Mac (depending on your OS), and then download and run the tool.
Get rid of Coms Virus from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall Coms Virus and remove related files and objects
1. Hit the ⇧+⌘+U keys to open Utilities. Another way is to click on “Go” and then click “Utilities”, like the image below shows:
- Go to Finder.
- In the search bar type the name of the app that you want to remove.
- Above the search bar change the two drop down menus to “System Files” and “Are Included” so that you can see all of the files associated with the application you want to remove. Bear in mind that some of the files may not be related to the app so be very careful which files you delete.
- If all of the files are related, hold the ⌘+A buttons to select them and then drive them to “Trash”.
In case you cannot remove Coms Virus via Step 1 above:
In case you cannot find the virus files and objects in your Applications or other places we have shown above, you can manually look for them in the Libraries of your Mac. But before doing this, please read the disclaimer below:
You can repeat the same procedure with the following other Library directories:
→ ~/Library/LaunchAgents
/Library/LaunchDaemons
Tip: ~ is there on purpose, because it leads to more LaunchAgents.
Step 3 (Optional): Try to Restore Files Encrypted by Coms Virus.
Ransomware infections and Coms 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 top, choose Data Recovery - Data Recovery Wizard for Windows or Mac (depending on your OS), and then download and run the tool.
Coms Virus FAQ
What is Coms Virus ransomware and how does it work?
Coms 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 algorithm how 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.
How does Coms Virus ransomware infect my computer?
Via several ways.Coms Virus Ransomware infects computers by being sent via phishing e-mails, 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.
After you download and execute this attachment, a drive-by download occurs and your computer is infected with the ransomware virus.
Another way, you may become a victim of Coms 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 .Coms Virus files?
You can't. At this point the .Coms Virus files are encrypted. You can only open them once they are decrypted.
Decryptor did not decrypt my data. What now?
Do not panic and backup the files. If a decryptor did not decrypt your .Coms Virus files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
One way to restore files, encrypted by Coms Virus ransomware is to use a decryptor for it. But since it's a new virus, advised that the decryption keys for it may not be out yet and available to the public. We will update this article and keep you posted as soon as this decryptor is released.
How Do I restore ".Coms Virus" files (Other Methods)?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .Coms Virus files.
These methods are in no way 100% guarantee that you will be able to get your files back. But if you have a backup, your chances of success are much greater.
How do I get rid of Coms Virus ransomware virus?
The safest way and the most efficient one for the removal of this ransomware infection is the use a professional anti malware software. It will scan for and locate Coms Virus ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .Coms Virus files.
Also, keep in mind that viruses like Coms Virus ransomware also install Trojans and keyloggers that can steal your passwords and accounts. Scanning your computer with an anti-malware software will make sure that all of these virus components are removed and your computer is protected in the future.
What to Do If nothing works?
There is still a lot you can do. If none of the above methods seem to work for you, then try these methods:
- Try to find a safe computer from where you can can login on your own line accounts like One Drive, iDrive, Google Drive and so on.
- Try to contact your friends, relatives and other people so that they can check if they have some of your important photos or documents just in case you sent them.
- Also, check if some of the files that were encrypted it can be re-downloaded from the web.
- Another clever way to get back some of your files is to find another old computer, a flash drive or even a CD or a DVD where you may have saved your older documents. You might be surprised what will turn up.
- You can also go to your email account to check if you can send any attachments to other people. Usually what is sent the email is saved on your account and you can re-download it. But most importantly, make sure that this is done from a safe computer and make sure to remove the virus first.
More tips you can find on our forums, where you can also asks any questions about your ransomware problem.
How to 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.
