This article will aid you to remove Desu ransomware absolutely. Follow the ransomware removal instructions provided at the end of the article.
Desu is a virus that encrypts your files and demands money as a ransom to get your files recovered. The Desu cryptovirus will encrypt your data and files, while placing the .desu extension to every one of them. After encryption the MBR file of your computer system will be tampered and load a message upon restart. Continue reading the article and see how you could try to potentially recover some of your files.
Threat Summary
| Name | Desu |
| Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
| Short Description | The ransomware encrypts files on your computer system and demands a ransom to be paid to allegedly recover them describing its terms in a note. |
| Symptoms | The ransomware will encrypt your files by placing the .desu extension to them. |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments |
| 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 Desu. |
| 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. |
Desu Ransomware – Update January 2019
Desu Ransomware – Update August 2018
Desu ransomware continues to be spread and already has a few versions with small variations being released at the beginning of August. The ransom note messages have changed their names to:
- @_RESTORE_PC_1.txt
- @_RESTORE_PC_2.txt
- @_RESTORE_PC_3.txt
The email address for contacting the cybercriminals has changed to hellstaff@india.com and may differ with each new variant of Desu ransomware. Other than the fact that more and more iterations are being found in the wild faster and gaining some sort of momentum, nothing else can be added about the Desu ransomware developments for the time being.
Desu Ransomware – Methods of Distribution
Desu ransomware might distribute its malicious files by using various methods. A payload dropper which initiates the malicious script for this ransomware is being spread around the World Wide Web, and researchers have gotten their hands on a malware sample. If that file lands on your computer system and you somehow execute it – your computer device will become infected.
In the screenshot given below, you can see the payload of the ransomware being detected by multiple security engines on the VirusTotal service:
Freeware which is found on the Web can be presented as helpful also be hiding the malicious script for the cryptovirus. Refrain from opening files right after you have downloaded them. You should first scan them with a security tool, while also checking their size and signatures for anything that seems out of the ordinary. You should read the tips for preventing ransomware located at the corresponding forum thread.
Desu Ransomware – Technical Description
Desu is a virus that encrypts your files and places a .txt file, with instructions inside it, about the compromised computer device. The extortionists want you to pay a ransom fee for the alleged restoration of your files.
Desu ransomware could make entries in the Windows Registry to achieve persistence, and could launch or repress processes in a Windows environment. Such entries are typically designed in a way to launch the virus automatically with each start of the Windows operating system.
After encryption the Desu virus shows a ransom message located inside the following file:
- @_DECRYPT_@.txt
You can see the contents of the @_DECRYPT_@.txt file, from the following screenshot provided below:
The ransom message states the following:
==============================# desu ransomware #==============================
SORRY! Your files are encrypted.
File contents are encrypted with random key.
we STRONGLY RECOMMEND you NOT to use any “decryption tools”.
These tools can damage your data, making recover IMPOSSIBLE.
Also we recommend you not to contact data recovery companies.
They will just contact us, buy the key and sell it to you at a higher price.
If you want to decrypt your files, you have to get private key.
In order to get private key, write here:
j0ra@protonmail.com
And send me your id: [redacted] ! !
And pay 200$ on 1ARDXRQsvnsYiM5jZczFagtCrAzSFC1Qmy wallet
If someone else offers you files restoring, ask him for test decryption.
Only we can successfully decrypt your files; knowing this can protect you from fraud.
You will receive instructions of what to do next.
==============================# desu ransomware #==============================
As seen above, the following e-mail address is being used:
- j0ra@protonmail.com
By observing the note, the email for contact and the opinions of some malware researchers, it is very possible that the Desu ransomware is a variant of the Animus Ransomware Virus.
The note of the Desu ransomware virus states that your files are encrypted. You are demanded to pay 200 US dollars to allegedly restore your files. However, you should NOT under any circumstances pay any ransom sum. Your files may not get recovered, and nobody could give you a guarantee for that. Adding to that, giving money to cybercriminals will most likely motivate them to create more ransomware viruses or commit different criminal activities. That may even result to you getting your files encrypted all over again after payment.
Desu Ransomware – Encryption Process
What is known for the encryption process of the Desu ransomware is that every file that gets encrypted will become simply unusable. All encrypted files will receive the “.desu” extension appended to them. The malware researcher Michael Gillespie believes that the Tiny Encryption Algorithm (TEA) or the Extended Tiny Encryption Algorithm (XTEA) is being used for the encryption process, but that remains to be proved.
A list with the targeted extensions of files which are sought to get encrypted is currently known to be the following:
→.pdf, .db, .doc, .docx, .js, .mp3, .jpg, .png, .xls, .xlsx,
However, if the list becomes more complete, the article will get duly updated with the new additions.
The files used most by users and which are probably encrypted are from the following categories:
- Audio files
- Video files
- Document files
- Image files
- Backup files
- Banking credentials, etc
On top of that the MBR (Master Boot Record) will be overwritten and the following message will be displayed upon restarting the operating system:
The Desu cryptovirus could be set to erase all the Shadow Volume Copies from the Windows operating system with the help of the following command:
→vssadmin.exe delete shadows /all /Quiet
In case the above-stated command is executed that will make the effects of the encryption process more efficient. That is due to the fact that the command eliminates one of the prominent ways to restore your data. If a computer device was infected with this ransomware and your files are locked, read on through to find out how you could potentially restore some files back to their normal state.
Remove Desu Ransomware and Restore .desu Files
If your computer system got infected with the Desu ransomware virus, you should have a bit of experience in removing malware. You should get rid of this ransomware as quickly as possible before it can have the chance to spread further and infect other computers. You should remove the ransomware and follow the step-by-step instructions guide provided below.
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Tsetso Mihailov is a tech-geek and loves everything that is tech-related, while observing the latest news surrounding technologies. He has worked in IT before, as a system administrator and a computer repair technician. Dealing with malware since his teens, he is determined to spread word about the latest threats revolving around computer security.
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Step 1: Scan for Desu with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall Desu 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 Desu 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 Desu 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 Desu
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by Desu.
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 Desu 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.
Desu-FAQ
What is Desu Ransomware?
Desu 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 Desu 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 Desu Infect?
Via several ways.Desu 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 Desu 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 .Desu files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .Desu 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 .Desu files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".Desu" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .Desu 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 Desu 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 Desu ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .Desu 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 Desu 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 Desu Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Desu 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 Desu 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.
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