What are .stun files? What is the virus, using .stun file extension? How to remove .stun files ransomware? How to try and restore .stun encrypted files?
The .stun files virus is a ransomware that is part of the Dharma family of malware. The virus aims to encrypt the files on the computers it has already infected and then add the .stun file extension to them. Dharma ransomware also leaves the unlockdata@foxmail.com alongside the .stun extension on the encrypted files so that victims can contact them. The aim of Dharma ransomware is to induce fear that you may never see your files again, until you pay ransom to retrieve them. If your files have the .stun ransomware and your computer is infected by Dharma ransomware, you should read the following article.
Threat Summary
Name | .stun Dharma Virus |
Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
Short Description | Aims to encrypt files on your computer and then extort you into paying ransom to get them to work again. |
Symptoms | Files have the .stun extension and cannot be opened. |
Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments, Executable files |
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 .stun 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. |
.stun Files Virus – How Did I Get It and What Does It Do?
The .stun ransomware may enter your computer as a result of you opening its virus file. Such infection fles may be spread either via e-mail as an attachment or by being uploaded on a website, pretending to be a legitimate software download. They often mimick invoices, receipts, documents from a bank, reports, job-related documents, setups for programs, portable software, cracks, patches and many other file types. The goal is to trick you as a potential victim to download and run the files.
Once the .stun variant of Dharma ransomware infects your computer, it may immediately drop the virus files in different Windows directories and under different file names. The most targeted directories often turn out to be:
- %AppData%
- %Local%
- %LocalLow%
- %Temp%
- %Roaming%
After the virus files of the .stun Dharma ransomware variant are already dropped, the virus may obtain administrator rights on the computer it has infected, only to begin encrypting files. The files that may be encrypted by this variant of Dharma ransomware could be of the following file types:
- Videos.
- Images.
- Audio files.
- Documents.
- Archives.
Once Dharma .stun ransomware encrypts your files, they start to appear like the following:
After this variant of Dharma ransomware has finished with its encryption, the ransomware may show the convention ransom note used by it:
To eliminate any chances of you recovering your files via Windows backup and recovery services, Dharma .stun ransomware may execute the following Windows commands that may delete the shadow copies and disable and stop Windows recovery services:
→ 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
Remove Dharma Ransomware and Restore .stun Encrypted Files
Be advised that removing Dharma ransomware may take some skill and time. You can follow the removal steps 1 and 2 below and manually search for and remove the virus files of Dharma ransomware. However, with manual removal you risk damaging your files, because Dharma .stun ransomware may have mechanisms that trigger fail-safe scripts. This is why according to security experts, the best course of action towards removing Dharma ransomware is to skip step 1 and 2 and proceed to remove the virus automatically by downloading an advanced anti-malware program. This tool will not only save you a lot of time compared to manual removal, but it will also effectively and safely delete Dharma .stun ransomware from your computer plus protect it against future infections too.
When it comes to your files, be advised that at this point, files, encrypted with the .stun extension added cannot be decrypted for free. But this does not mean that paying the ransom will solve your problem – it is NOT recommended. Instead, we advise you to backup the .stun files on your computer and wait for a free decryptor to be released by malware analysts. When it has been, we will update this article with a download link. In the meantime, you can try to recover your files by the alternative methods we have posted underneath. They may not be with a 100% recovery success rate, but they might be able to help you get at least some of your files back.
- Step 1
- Step 2
- Step 3
- Step 4
- Step 5
Step 1: Scan for .stun Dharma Virus with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall .stun Dharma Virus 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:
Step 3: Clean any registries, created by .stun 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 .stun Dharma Virus there. This can happen by following the steps underneath:
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 .stun Dharma Virus
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by .stun Dharma Virus.
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 .stun 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.
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.
.stun Dharma Virus-FAQ
What is .stun Dharma Virus Ransomware?
.stun 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 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 .stun Dharma Virus 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 .stun Dharma Virus Infect?
Via several ways..stun Dharma Virus 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 .stun 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 ..stun Dharma Virus files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the ..stun Dharma Virus 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 ..stun Dharma Virus files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore "..stun Dharma Virus" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore ..stun Dharma Virus 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 .stun Dharma Virus 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 .stun Dharma Virus ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important ..stun Dharma Virus 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 .stun Dharma Virus 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 .stun Dharma Virus Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this .stun Dharma Virus 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 .stun Dharma Virus 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.
Hi
My PC infected with .stun
Wanted to decrupt is that possible.
Regards
Dk
Hello, My PC infected with .stun
any one can help??
my pc is infected with admin@fentex virus
i removed virus through quick heal total security but i am unablr to get my files back
please give me a solution
Hi vivek,
Here is more information about the ransomware sensorstechforum.com/remove-admin-fentex-net-money-virus/. This is another variant of Dharma ransomware family, which unfortunately is not decryptable at the moment.