.qwex Files Virus (Dharma) – How to Remove It

by Ventsislav Krastev | February 1, 2019 | 0 Comments Dharma, file-encryption, malware, ransomware

Threat Summary Dharma .qwex Ransomware – Infection Methods .qwex File Ransomware – More Information .qwex Dharma Ransomware – Encryption Remove Dharma Ransomware and Try Restoring .qwex Files

This blog post has been created with the main goal to help you learn what is the .qwex files virus and how you can remove it from your PC plus how you can remove it effectively.

A new version of Dharma ransomware, carrying the .qwex file extension on the computers of victims was recently reported by users. The ransomware aims to infect users via multiple different types of methods and activities and then encrypt their files. The ransomware then drops a ransom note file containing the extortionist message of Dharma and this message aims to do nothing other than ask victims to pay ransom in order to get their files to work once again. In the events that your computer has been infected by Dharma .qwex ransomware, we recommend that you read this article thoroughly.

Threat Summary

Name	.qwex Dharma Virus
Type	Ransomware, Cryptovirus
Short Description	Aims to encrypt the files on your computer and then get you to pay ransom in order to get the files to work.
Symptoms	Files have the .qwex file extension added to them. A ransom note is dropped with payment instructions.
Distribution Method	Spam Emails, Email Attachments, Executable files
Detection Tool	See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware Download Malware Removal Tool
User Experience	Join Our Forum to Discuss .qwex Dharma Virus.
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.

Dharma .qwex Ransomware – Infection Methods

The main infection mean of this version of Dharma ransomware is conducted via malicious e-mails that contain the infection file as an e-mail attachment. The e-mails are cleverly designed to pose as seemingly important e-mails created to outline the attachments as crucial documents that must be opened, for example:

Besides via e-mail, an infection with the Dharma .qwex ransomware may infect users by having it’s malicious files uploaded on low-rep or compromised third-party sites, where it may pretend to be:

A crack.
Patch.
License activator.
Fake setup.
Update for a program.
Portable installer of software.

.qwex File Ransomware – More Information

Once the .qwex files virus has already conducted an infection, the malware may start to create various different types of modules on the victim’s computer. The main malicious file of the .qwex Dharma ransomware has the following information:

→ SHA-256: b50caa0122798f2ac48d63af82676f57ac2bdbe1f5d9662a1d14cff55f444b17
File name: LogSession.exe
File size: 328 KB

In addition to this file, other malicious objects may also be dropped in the following Windows directories:

%AppData%
%Local%
%LocalLow%
%Roaming%
%Temp%

Once these files are dropped on the computers of victims, the virus may perform the following malicious activities:

Create mutexes.
Interact with system files of Windows, like lsass.exe and sysdm.cpl.
Perform privilege escalation.
Modify Windows Task Scheduler.
Interact with Windows Registry Editor.

And last but not least, the Dharma .qwex ransomware may run the following commands in Windows command prompt that aim to delete the shadow copies on the infected machine:

→ sc stop VVS
sc stop wscsvc
sc stop WinDefend
sc stop wuauserv
sc stop BITS
sc stop ERSvc
sc stop WerSvc
cmd.exe /C bcdedit /set {default} recoveryenabled No
cmd.exe /C bcdedit /set {default} bootstatuspolicy ignoreallfailures
C:\Windows\System32\cmd.exe” /C vssadmin.exe Delete Shadows /All /Quiet

.qwex Dharma Ransomware – Encryption

In order to encrypt the files on the computers compromised by it, the .qwex variant of Dharma ransomware may use a strong encryption mode whose primary goal is to overwrite the core structure of the files themselves, making them seem like they are corrupt. Dharma is a clever virus too, scanning only for the files that are used often by victims while in the same time skipping the files in system directories, like %Windows%, %AppData%, %Temp%, %Roaming%.

The following file types are eligible for encryption:

Documents.
Videos.
Images.
Audio files.
Archives.
Virtual drive file types.

As soon as Dharma .qwex ransomware has encrypted the files on your computer, the virus adds the e-mail backdata@qq.com and the .qwex extension:

Remove Dharma Ransomware and Try Restoring .qwex Files

If you want to remove the .qwex Dharma ransomware, we would recommend following the removal instructions underneath. They have been created to assist you in removing the .qwex variant of Dharma ransomware either manually or automatically(recommended) from your computer. For maximum effectiveness it is strongly advisable to follow the removal instructions underneath this article. They have been created with the main idea in mind to help you remove the virus by using the power of an anti-malware scanner. Such software aims to automatically detect all malicious objects related to the .qwex Dharma ransomware and then ensure that your computer remains protected against any infections that might occur in the future.

In addition to this, we would also advise that you see the alternative recover methods mentioned in the “Try to restore” step below. They may not be 100% effective to recover all your files, but with their aid, you might be able to restore at least some of your data.

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.

How to Remove .qwex Dharma Virus from Windows.

Step 1: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove .qwex Dharma Virus

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

1. Hold Windows key() + R

2. The "Run" Window will appear. In it, type "msconfig" and click OK.

3. Go to the "Boot" tab. There select "Safe Boot" and then click "Apply" and "OK".

Tip: Make sure to reverse those changes by unticking Safe Boot after that, because your system will always boot in Safe Boot from now on.

4. When prompted, click on "Restart" to go into Safe Mode.

5. You can recognise Safe Mode by the words written on the corners of your screen.

Step 2: Uninstall .qwex Dharma Virus 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:

1. Hold the Windows Logo Button and "R" on your keyboard. A Pop-up window will appear.

2. In the field type in "appwiz.cpl" and press ENTER.

3. This will open a window with all the programs installed on the PC. Select the program that you want to remove, and press "Uninstall"

Follow the instructions above and you will successfully uninstall most programs.

Step 3: Clean any registries, created by .qwex Dharma Virus 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 .qwex Dharma Virus there. This can happen by following the steps underneath:

1. Open the Run Window again, type "regedit" and click OK.

2. When you open it, you can freely navigate to the Run and RunOnce keys, whose locations are shown above.

3. You can remove the value of the virus by right-clicking on it and removing it.

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.

IMPORTANT!
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 .qwex Dharma Virus with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool

1. Click on the "Download" button to proceed to SpyHunter's download page.

Download

Malware Removal Tool

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.

2. After you have installed SpyHunter, wait for it to update automatically.

3. After the update process has finished, click on the 'Malware/PC Scan' tab. A new window will appear. Click on 'Start Scan'.

4. 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.

If any threats have been removed, it is highly recommended to restart your PC.

Step 5 (Optional): Try to Restore Files Encrypted by .qwex Dharma Virus.

Ransomware infections and .qwex Dharma Virus 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.

1. Download the reccomended Data Recovery software by clicking on the link underneath:

EaseUS Data Recovery Software

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.

Windows Mac OS X

Get rid of .qwex Dharma Virus from Mac OS X.

Step 1: Uninstall .qwex Dharma Virus and remove related files and objects

OFFER

Manual Removal Usually Takes Time and You Risk Damaging Your Files If Not Careful!

We Recommend To Scan Your Mac with SpyHunter for Mac

Keep in mind, that SpyHunter for Mac needs to purchased to remove the malware threats. Click on the corresponding links to check SpyHunter’s EULA and Privacy Policy

1. Hit the ⇧+⌘+U keys to open Utilities. Another way is to click on “Go” and then click “Utilities”, like the image below shows:

2. Find Activity Monitor and double-click it:

3. In the Activity Monitor look for any suspicious processes, belonging or related to .qwex Dharma Virus:

Tip: To quit a process completely, choose the “Force Quit” option.

4. Click on the "Go" button again, but this time select Applications. Another way is with the ⇧+⌘+A buttons.

5. In the Applications menu, look for any suspicious app or an app with a name, similar or identical to .qwex Dharma Virus. If you find it, right-click on the app and select “Move to Trash”.

6: Select Accounts, after which click on the Login Items preference. Your Mac will then show you a list of items that start automatically when you log in. Look for any suspicious apps identical or similar to .qwex Dharma Virus. Check the app you want to stop from running automatically and then select on the Minus (“-“) icon to hide it.

7: Remove any left-over files that might be related to this threat manually by following the sub-steps below:

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 .qwex Dharma Virus 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:

Disclaimer! If you are about to tamper with Library files on Mac, be sure to know the name of the virus file, because if you delete the wrong file, it may cause irreversible damage to your MacOS. Continue on your own responsibility!

1: Click on "Go" and Then "Go to Folder" as shown underneath:

2: Type in "/Library/LauchAgents/" and click Ok:

3: Delete all of the virus files that have similar or the same name as .qwex Dharma Virus. If you believe there is no such file, do not delete anything.

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.

Click the button below below to download SpyHunter for Mac and scan for .qwex Dharma Virus:

Download

SpyHunter for Mac

Step 3 (Optional): Try to Restore Files Encrypted by .qwex Dharma Virus.

1. Download the reccomended Data Recovery software by clicking on the link underneath:

EaseUS Data Recovery Software

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.

.qwex Dharma Virus FAQ

What is .qwex Dharma Virus ransomware and how does it work?

.qwex Dharma Virus 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 .qwex Dharma Virus ransomware infect my computer?

Via several ways..qwex Dharma Virus 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 .qwex Dharma Virus 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 ..qwex Dharma Virus files?

You can't. At this point the ..qwex Dharma Virus 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 ..qwex Dharma Virus files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.

One way to restore files, encrypted by .qwex Dharma Virus 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 "..qwex Dharma Virus" files (Other Methods)?

Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore ..qwex Dharma Virus 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 .qwex Dharma Virus 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 .qwex Dharma Virus ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important ..qwex Dharma Virus files.

Also, keep in mind that viruses like .qwex Dharma Virus 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.