| Name | dirtydecrypt.exe |
| Type | Ransomware, Ransomware Trojan |
| Short Description | DirtyDecrypt encrypts the victim’s files and asks for payment. |
| Symptoms | The user’s PC is locked and his files cannot be reached. |
| Distribution Method | Via exploit kits and visiting adult content websites. |
| Detection tool | Download SpyHunter, to See If Your System Has Been Affected By dirtydecrypt.exe |
| 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. |
A Trojan Ransomware called DirtyDecrypt, also known asTrojan.Ransomcrypt.D, Revoyem and dirtydecrypt.exe has been around since July 2013. According to new data, the ransomware has been recently revived. Due to its malicious character, many users refer to the threat as DirtyDecrypt virus but it is indeed a Ransomware Trojan. Various antivirus programs detect the threat under different aliases. Hence, its detection rate is quite high. Revoyem mainly targets computers located in Europe and the United States. However, there is no guarantee that the attacks won’t spread to other continents. After all, we have been witnessing an extensive and aggressive ‘ransomware revolution’, thanks to which many users and businesses have lost millions of dollars.
DirtyDecrypt, dirtydecrypt.exe Detection and Description
According to analysis by Symantec, the systems affected by DirtyDecrypt include:
- Windows 2000
- Windows 7
- Windows NT
- Windows Vista
- Windows XP
Once Revoyem is activated, it may copy itself to these locations:
- %ProgramFiles%\Adobe\[RANDOM CHARACTERS].exe
- %Temp%\[RANDOM CHARACTERS].exe
- %UserProfile%\Local Settings\Application Data\Identities\[RANDOM CHARACTERS].exe
Also, in most of the cases, DirtyDecrypt locks the computer and displays a ransomware image named “DIRTY ALERT.” The message may look like this:
As visible, the user’s image, video, MS Office and PDF files are encrypted and cannot be open. Typically, to have his files decrypted, the victim will be asked for payment. One of the following payment methods should be used:
- Ukash
- PaySafeCard
- MoneyPak
However, we would like remind you that paying the ransom doesn’t mean that the files will be safely deciphered. The safest way to stay secure against file-encrypting threats is periodically backing up important files via cloud services or external memory devices.
DirtyDecrypt.exe Distribution, Encryption Process and Payload
Symantec has reported that the following types of files may be encrypted by Revoyem:
→7z, avi, doc, docm, docx, jpeg, jpg, mpeg, mpg, pdf, png, rar, rtf, wmv, xls, xlsm, xlsx, zip
According to security researchers, DirtyDecrypt is usually spread via porn websites. Security blogger Kafeine has unveiled that once at the porn site, the victim will be redirected to a Child Porn themed page with highly disturbing image content. Styx Exploit Kit is most likely used for the distribution process. Researchers at Enigma Software have called Styx a ‘dangerous Web based malware infection’ used to spread malicious threats. In the present case, Styx is employed to drop the DirtyDecrypt ransomware that locks the computer. A message informing the victim that they just have viewed illegal content even if they have been driven to it against their will may also be presented.
DirtyDecrypt.exe Removal Process, File Decryption and Prevention
As we always highlight, the safest ways to be protected against ransomware are:
- Sustaining and frequently updating a professional anti-malware program on the system.
- Periodically backing up important files via external memory devices or cloud services.
Also, here are easy step-by-step instructions to enable the Microsoft Windows Defense
feature to backup your files and have the ability to restore them immediately to an
earlier state before their encryption:
1) Download a particular anti-malware scanner and remove the dirtydecrypt.exe files from the computer.
2) Open Properties by right-clicking on My Computer
and then choosing it.
3) Open Advanced System Settings
4) Go to System Protection.
5) Mark the HDD partition on which you have necessary files, and you want to defend.
6) Click Configure and then click on Turn On System
Protection.
7) Click OK and you are all set
After you have this protection switched on, if something happens to your data, you
may be able to restore them, using those steps:
1) Right-Click the encrypted file and then choose Properties.
2) Click the Previous Versions button.
3) At this point, you should see an earlier version of the file with a ‘last
modified’ date.
4) Mark the file with the mouse and then choose the down-right button that says
Restore.
IMPORTANT:
If your files were previously encrypted, this software might leave some files, such
as registry values and others on your system. That is why recommendations are to
download a particular anti-malware program that will ensure your protection and
terminate any traces of the malicious software.
Spy Hunter scanner will only detect the threat. If you want the threat to be automatically removed, you need to purchase the full version of the anti-malware tool.Find Out More About SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool / How to Uninstall SpyHunter
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Step 1: Scan for dirtydecrypt.exe with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall dirtydecrypt.exe 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 dirtydecrypt.exe 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 dirtydecrypt.exe 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 dirtydecrypt.exe
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by dirtydecrypt.exe.
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 dirtydecrypt.exe 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.
dirtydecrypt.exe-FAQ
What is dirtydecrypt.exe Ransomware?
dirtydecrypt.exe 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 dirtydecrypt.exe 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 dirtydecrypt.exe Infect?
Via several ways.dirtydecrypt.exe 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 dirtydecrypt.exe 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 .dirtydecrypt.exe files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .dirtydecrypt.exe 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 .dirtydecrypt.exe files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".dirtydecrypt.exe" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .dirtydecrypt.exe 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 dirtydecrypt.exe 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 dirtydecrypt.exe ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .dirtydecrypt.exe 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 dirtydecrypt.exe 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 dirtydecrypt.exe Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this dirtydecrypt.exe 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 dirtydecrypt.exe 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.
- Verify Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter personal profiles.