Ventsislav has been covering the latest malware, software and newest tech developments at SensorsTechForum for 3 years now. He started out as a network administrator. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for discovery of new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management and then Network Administration, he found his passion within cybersecrurity and is a strong believer in basic education of every user towards online safety.
Ventsislav has been covering the latest malware, software and newest tech developments at SensorsTechForum for 3 years now. He started out as a network administrator. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for discovery of new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management and then Network Administration, he found his passion within cybersecrurity and is a strong believer in basic education of every user towards online safety.
Ventsislav has been covering the latest malware, software and newest tech developments at SensorsTechForum for 3 years now. He started out as a network administrator. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for discovery of new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management and then Network Administration, he found his passion within cybersecrurity and is a strong believer in basic education of every user towards online safety.
Note! Your computer might be affected by Dev-Nightmare and other threats.
Threats such as Dev-Nightmare may be persistent on your system. They tend to re-appear if not fully deleted. A malware removal tool like SpyHunter will help you to remove malicious programs, saving you the time and the struggle of tracking down numerous malicious files. SpyHunter’s scanner is free but the paid version is needed to remove the malware threats. Read SpyHunter’s EULA and Privacy Policy
Ventsislav has been covering the latest malware, software and newest tech developments at SensorsTechForum for 3 years now. He started out as a network administrator. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for discovery of new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management and then Network Administration, he found his passion within cybersecrurity and is a strong believer in basic education of every user towards online safety.
A ransomware virus has been detected by the name of “Dev-Nightmare”. The virus uses the .2xx9 file extension after it performs a successful attack on a compromised computer and encrypts t’s files. The files, besides having the abovementioned file extension added to them are encoded based on the mechanism from the HiddenTear ransomware project and luckily for infected user there may be a decryption solution for this virus. Keep reading this article for more information on how to remove this ransomware and try the HiddenTear decryptor to decode your files if they are enciphered by it.
Threat Summary
Name
Dev-Nightmare
Type
Ransomware
Short Description
The ransomware encrypts files with encryption algorithm and asks a ransom for decryption.
Symptoms
Files are encrypted and become inaccessible. A ransom note with instructions for paying the ransom shows as a READ_ME.txt file.
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.
Dev-Nightmare – Distribution
To be spread rapidly, Dev-Nightmare may use several malicious practices. For instance it may use other malware that connects to its command and control servers and download the virus files themselves. Dev-Nightmare may also use an exploit kit that take advantage of malicious exploits In Windows to infect the user and run as a legitimate service while it encrypts the files. Another way it may infect you is by a malicious JavaScript that may be used with the one and only purpose to cause the encryption without having to create any files on your computer.
To distribute those tools, the Dev-Nightmare ransomware may also take advantage of several different methods for replications, which mainly involve spamming malicious URL’s or files. This may be done on comments on forums, other websites and also via shady e-mails that trick users into opening it’s malicious file attachments.
Dev-Nightmare Ransomware – More Information
After it infects a system, Dev-Nightmare may connect remotely to the computer of the cyber-criminals that is controlling it and download the malicious payload of the virus that encrypts files. It primarily may locate it In the %AppData% folder, but similar to other HiddenTear viruses like EDA2, 8lock8DEDCryptor or Strictor this virus may also target other Windows folders:
In addition to that, the virus may also create modified values strings in the Windows Registry Editor to make the malicious file that encrypts files run when you start your computer. The targeted keys for this are mainly the following:
After the encryptor of this virus runs, it may look for a wide variety of files to encipher, Such files may be videos, pictures, database files, Microsoft Office and Adobe Reader documents. Similar to other HiddenTear viruses like it, Dev-Nightmare may also look for the following file extensions to encrypt:
After the files are encrypted the virus ads it’s own distinctive file extension to the enciphered files – 2xx9. The encrypted files look like the following:
Then the virus leaves a hateful ransom note written in extremely poor English message that aims to induce fear in users to pay money to get access back to their files.
Dev-Nightmare’s ransom note:
→Congratulations!!!… Your System is inficated with Dev-Nightmare 2xx9 Ransomware Your All Files and database are encrypted. If you want you files back contact me at [email protected] Send me some money or bitcoins And I hate fake peoples.
Dev-Nightmare – Remove It and Decrypt Your Files
However, since this is a HiddenTear variant, there has been a decryptor released for which’s usage we have provided instructions in step “2. Decrypt files encrypted by Dev-Nightmare” below. But before decrypting your files, we strongly suggest following methodologically the instructions to remove Dev-Nightmare ransomware and other infections that may currently be residing on your computer. Malware analysts also strongly advise scanning your computer with an anti-malware program initially to effectively secure your computer after infection with Dev-Nightmare and protect it in the future as well.
Note! Your computer system may be affected by Dev-Nightmare and other threats. Scan Your PC with SpyHunter SpyHunter is a powerful malware removal tool designed to help users with in-depth system security analysis, detection and removal of threats such as Dev-Nightmare. 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.
To remove Dev-Nightmare follow these steps:
1. Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove Dev-Nightmare files and objects
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
Boot Your PC Into Safe Mode
1. For Windows XP, Vista and 7. 2. For Windows 8, 8.1 and 10. Fix registry entries created by malware and PUPs on your PC.
For Windows XP, Vista and 7 systems:
1. Remove all CDs and DVDs, and then Restart your PC from the “Start” menu. 2. Select one of the two options provided below:
– For PCs with a single operating system: Press “F8” repeatedly after the first boot screen shows up during the restart of your computer. In case the Windows logo appears on the screen, you have to repeat the same task again.
– For PCs with multiple operating systems: Тhe arrow keys will help you select the operating system you prefer to start in Safe Mode. Press “F8” just as described for a single operating system.
3. As the “Advanced Boot Options” screen appears, select the Safe Mode option you want using the arrow keys. As you make your selection, press “Enter“.
4. Log on to your computer using your administrator account
While your computer is in Safe Mode, the words “Safe Mode” will appear in all four corners of your screen.
Step 1: Open up the Start Menu.
Step 2: Click on the Power button (for Windows 8 it is the little arrow next to the “Shut Down” button) and whilst holding down “Shift” click on Restart.
Step 3: After reboot, a blue menu with options will appear. From them you should choose Troubleshoot.
Step 4: You will see the Troubleshoot menu. From this menu choose Advanced Options.
Step 5: After the Advanced Options menu appears, click on Startup Settings.
Step 6: From the Startup Settings menu, click on Restart.
Step 7: A menu will appear upon reboot. You can choose any of the three Safe Mode options by pressing its corresponding number and the machine will restart.
Some malicious scripts may modify the registry entries on your computer to change different settings. This is why cleaning your Windows Registry Database is recommended. Since the tutorial on how to do this is a bit long and tampering with registries could damage your computer if not done properly you should refer and follow our instructive article about fixing registry entries, especially if you are unexperienced in that area.
2. Find files created by Dev-Nightmare on your PC
Find files created by Dev-Nightmare
1. For Windows 8, 8.1 and 10. 2. For Windows XP, Vista, and 7.
For Newer Windows Operating Systems
Step 1:
On your keyboard press + R and write explorer.exe in the Run text box and then click on the Ok button.
Step 2:
Click on your PC from the quick access bar. This is usually an icon with a monitor and its name is either “My Computer”, “My PC” or “This PC” or whatever you have named it.
Step 3:
Navigate to the search box in the top-right of your PC’s screen and type “fileextension:” and after which type the file extension. If you are looking for malicious executables, an example may be “fileextension:exe”. After doing that, leave a space and type the file name you believe the malware has created. Here is how it may appear if your file has been found:
N.B. We recommend to wait for the green loading bar in the navination box to fill up in case the PC is looking for the file and hasn’t found it yet.
For Older Windows Operating Systems
In older Windows OS’s the conventional approach should be the effective one:
Step 1:
Click on the Start Menu icon (usually on your bottom-left) and then choose the Search preference.
Step 2:
After the search window appears, choose More Advanced Options from the search assistant box. Another way is by clicking on All Files and Folders.
Step 3:
After that type the name of the file you are looking for and click on the Search button. This might take some time after which results will appear. If you have found the malicious file, you may copy or open its location by right-clicking on it.
Now you should be able to discover any file on Windows as long as it is on your hard drive and is not concealed via special software.
Use SpyHunter to scan for malware and unwanted programs
3. Scan for malware and unwanted programs with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Scan your PC and Remove Dev-Nightmare with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool and back up your data
1. Install SpyHunter to scan for Dev-Nightmare and remove them.2. Scan with SpyHunter, Detect and Remove Dev-Nightmare. Back up your data to secure it from malware in the future.
Step 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.
Step 2: Guide yourself by the download instructions provided for each browser.
Step 3: After you have installed SpyHunter, wait for it to update automatically.
Step 1: After the update process has finished, click on the ‘Malware/PC Scan’ tab. A new window will appear. Click on ‘Start Scan’.
Step 2: 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.
Step 3: If any threats have been removed, it is highly recommended to restart your PC.
Back up your data to secure it against attacks in the future
IMPORTANT! Before reading the Windows backup instructions, we highly recommend to back up your data with a cloud backup solution and insure your files against any type of loss, even from the most severe threats. We recommend you to read more about it and to download SOS Online Backup.
4. Try to Restore files encrypted by Dev-Nightmare
Try to Restore Files Encrypted by Dev-Nightmare
Ransomware infections and Dev-Nightmare aim to encrypt your files using an encryption algorithm which may be very difficult to decrypt. This is why we have suggested several alternative methods that may help you go around direct decryption and try to restore your files. Bear in mind that these methods may not be 100% effective but may also help you a little or a lot in different situations.
Method 1: Scanning your drive’s sectors by using Data Recovery software. Another method for restoring your files is by trying to bring back your files via data recovery software. Here are some suggestions for preferred data recovery software solutions:
Method 2: Trying Kaspersky and EmsiSoft’s decryptors. If the first method does not work, we suggest trying to use decryptors for other ransomware viruses, in case your virus is a variant of them. The two primary developers of decryptors are Kaspersky and EmsiSoft, links to which we have provided below:
To restore your data in case you have backup set up, it is important to check for Volume Shadow Copies, if ransomware has not deleted them, in Windows using the below software:
Method 4: Finding the decryption key while the cryptovirus sends it over a network via a sniffing tool.
Another way to decrypt the files is by using a Network Sniffer to get the encryption key, while files are encrypted on your system. A Network Sniffer is a program and/or device monitoring data traveling over a network, such as its internet traffic and internet packets. If you have a sniffer set before the attack happened you might get information about the decryption key. See how-to instructions below:
Ventsislav has been covering the latest malware, software and newest tech developments at SensorsTechForum for 3 years now. He started out as a network administrator. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for discovery of new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management and then Network Administration, he found his passion within cybersecrurity and is a strong believer in basic education of every user towards online safety.
Ventsislav has been covering the latest malware, software and newest tech developments at SensorsTechForum for 3 years now. He started out as a network administrator. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for discovery of new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management and then Network Administration, he found his passion within cybersecrurity and is a strong believer in basic education of every user towards online safety.
A ransomware virus has been detected by the name of “Dev-Nightmare”. The virus uses the .2xx9 file extension after it performs a successful attack on a compromised computer and encrypts t’s files. The files, besides having the abovementioned file extension added to them are encoded based on the mechanism from the HiddenTear ransomware project and luckily for infected user there may be a decryption solution for this virus. Keep reading this article for more information on how to remove this ransomware and try the HiddenTear decryptor to decode your files if they are enciphered by it.
1. For Windows XP, Vista and 7.
2. For Windows 8, 8.1 and 10.
Fix registry entries created by malware and PUPs on your PC.
1. Install SpyHunter to scan for Dev-Nightmare and remove them.
Back up your data to secure it from malware in the future.
