DEcovid19bot Ransomware
DEcovid19bot is a ransomware infection that has been lurking around the web for some time now. Its creators have decided to misuse the name of the nasty virus that has changed the world in 2020. Like the physical infection, this ransomware causes permanent damage to its victims.
It invades computer systems and obtains the rights to corrupt various essential settings. The worst impact caused by the so-called DEcovid19bot ransomware is victims’ data staying encrypted by the threat. Quite logically, the ransomware is developed to mark files it compromises with the extension .covid19.
Since .covid19 files are very likely to initially store valuable information the tool that can recover them has a price. Like a typical ransomware infection, the DEcovid19bot creates its ransom demanding noted on compromised systems and extorts a ransom payment from victims.
If you want to secure your PC and attempt to recover .covid19 files, keep up with this ransomware removal guide and avoid acting as expected by hackers.
DEcovid19bot Ransomware Summary
| Name | DEcovid19bot |
| Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
| Short Description | A data locker ransomware that utilizes combination of two sophisticated cipher algorithms to encrypt valuable files stored on devices it infects and requests payment for .covid19 files recovery. |
| Symptoms | Important files are corrupted and renamed with the .covid19 or .locked extension. Ransom note appears on screen to extors a ransom payment. |
| Ransom Notes | !DECRYPT_FILES.txt / ATTENTION!!!.txt |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments, Corrupted Web Pages |
| 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 DEcovid19bot 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. |
DEcovid19bot Virus in More Details
Hackers utilize various shady methods for the spread of the DEcovid19bot virus. All these methods are designed in a way to trick you into starting the ransomware payload on your PC without thinking that it will corrupt your whole system and data.
The main spread method is believed to be malwspam. It enables hackers to send spam email messages to a large number of people. These messages usually pretend to be sent by legitimate companies/businesses like internet providers, banking institutions, popular websites, delivery companies, and sometimes governmental institutions.
The malicious program is likely to establish a bunch of files in order to become able to complete its complex attack. By activating its malicious files, the ransomware can find a way to prevent being detected, obtain rights to load on every system start, and trick the PC to load its ransom note at the end of the attack.
Malicious files installed by the DEcovid19bot ransomware could be found inside the following system folders:
- \Desktop\
- \User_folders\
- \%TEMP%\
As reported this infection presents its victims with two different notes. So if you are a victim of this threat, you are likely to find the file !DECRYPT_FILES.txt or ATTENTION!!!.txt somewhere on the infected machine. Below you can see screenshots of these two notes:
And
These notes contain details on how to contact hackers (via DEcovid19bot chat channel on Telegram), how much time you have to pay the ransom, and other details about the negotiation process.
.covid19 Files
The main stage of the whole attack is the data encryption. It transforms files by making them completely inaccessible. Unfortunately, an infection with this crypto virus could lead to the corruption of valuable files including but not limiting to your:
- Audio files;
- Video files;
- Document files;
- Image files;
- Backup files;
- Banking credentials, etc.
Upon encryption, all corrupted files appear with three extensions the last of which is the extension .covid19. Another variant of the same threat is known to use the malicious extension .locked to mark files it corrupts. The two variants of DEcovid19bot or simply Covid19 ransomware use the ransom notes variants presented above to request a ransom fee.
Remove DEcovid19bot Ransomware Virus and Restore Data
Below you could find how a step-by-step DEcovid19bot ransomware removal guide. Since the manual removal approach demands a bit of technical experience and knowledge of how to recognize malicious traits left on the system, we included an automatic approach for all of you who don’t feel like dealing with ransomware manually. Beware that ransomware is a threat with highly complex code that plagues not only your files but your whole system. This, in turn, prevents you from using the infected machine securely until the moment when you clean all malware files from it.
Beware that before beginning the data recovery process shown in the guide you should back up all encrypted files to an external drive. This step is important as it will help you to prevent irreversibly losing your files.
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.
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Step 1: Scan for DEcovid19bot Ransomware with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall DEcovid19bot 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 DEcovid19bot 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 DEcovid19bot 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 DEcovid19bot Ransomware
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by DEcovid19bot 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 DEcovid19bot 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.
DEcovid19bot Ransomware-FAQ
What is DEcovid19bot Ransomware Ransomware?
DEcovid19bot 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 DEcovid19bot 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 DEcovid19bot Ransomware Infect?
Via several ways.DEcovid19bot 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 DEcovid19bot 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 .DEcovid19bot Ransomware files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .DEcovid19bot 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 .DEcovid19bot Ransomware files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".DEcovid19bot Ransomware" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .DEcovid19bot 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 DEcovid19bot 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 DEcovid19bot Ransomware ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .DEcovid19bot 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 DEcovid19bot 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 DEcovid19bot Ransomware Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this DEcovid19bot 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 DEcovid19bot 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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