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. |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments, File Sharing Networks. |
| Detection Tool |
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Malware Removal Tool
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| User Experience | Join our forum to Discuss Dev-Nightmare 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. |
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, 8lock8 DEDCryptor 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:
→HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
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:
→ .txt, .doc, .docx, .xls, .xlsx, .ppt, .pptx, .odt, .jpg, .png, .csv, .sql, .mdb, .sln, .php, .asp, .aspx, .html, .xml, .psd, .dll, .lnk, .pdf Source: Symantec
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 devnightmare2xx9@gmail.com
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.
Ventsislav Krastev
Ventsislav is a cybersecurity expert at SensorsTechForum since 2015. He has been researching, covering, helping victims with the latest malware infections plus testing and reviewing software and the newest tech developments. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for learning new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management, Network Administration and Computer Administration of System Applications, he found his true calling within the cybersecrurity industry and is a strong believer in the education of every user towards online safety and security.
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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 Dev-Nightmare from Windows.
Step 1: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove Dev-Nightmare
Step 2: Uninstall Dev-Nightmare 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 Dev-Nightmare 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 Dev-Nightmare 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 Dev-Nightmare with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 5 (Optional): 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 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 Dev-Nightmare from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall Dev-Nightmare 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 Dev-Nightmare 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 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 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.
Dev-Nightmare FAQ
What is Dev-Nightmare ransomware and how does it work?
Dev-Nightmare 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 Dev-Nightmare ransomware infect my computer?
Via several ways.Dev-Nightmare 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 Dev-Nightmare 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 .Dev-Nightmare files?
You can't. At this point the .Dev-Nightmare 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 .Dev-Nightmare files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
One way to restore files, encrypted by Dev-Nightmare 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 ".Dev-Nightmare" files (Other Methods)?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .Dev-Nightmare 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 Dev-Nightmare 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 Dev-Nightmare ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .Dev-Nightmare files.
Also, keep in mind that viruses like Dev-Nightmare 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.
