This article explains the issues that occur when .USA files virus infects a target system. It also provides a step-by-step guide on how to remove malicious files and how to potentially recover files encrypted by this ransomware.
A data locker ransomware dubbed after the extension it uses to mark corrupted files .USA files virus has been spotted in the wild. As identified by security researchers it belongs to the infamous Dharma ransomware family. In case of infection with this threat, you all your important files will remain inaccessible until their code is reverted back to original state. Once they are encrypted they will appear with the specific extension .USA at the end of their names. In addition, a ransom message will load on the screen to extort a ransom fee.
Threat Summary
| Name | .USA Files Virus |
| Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
| Short Description | A version of the CrySyS/Dharma ransomware that is designed to encrypt valuable files stored on infected computers and then extort a ransom from victims. |
| Symptoms | Important files are encrypted and renamed with the extension .USA A ransom note appears on PC screen to present ransom payment instructions. |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments |
| Detection Tool |
See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware
Download
Malware Removal Tool
|
User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss .USA Files 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. |
.USA Files Virus (Dharma) – Distribution
Security researchers’ reports indicate that this .USA Dharma ransomware is currently circling around the net in active attack campaigns. Attack campaigns could be set against users worldwide. As of the distribution channels used by hackers they are likely to be some of the most common ones such as malspam, malvertising, freeware installers, corrupted web pages, fake software updates, and other.
The most probable one remains the malspam. It is a technique that enables hackers to deliver their malicious code on users’ devices with the help of specially crafted emails. Such emails usually contain one or more of the following components:
- A link to compromised web page that is set to download and execute infection files directly on the PC. The URL address to this page may be presented in the form of an in-text link, banner, image, button or full URL address.
- A malicious file attachment that is presented as legitimate document by the text message. It could be uploaded in a .rar or .zip archive. Such a file could be set to evade active security measures and trick you into running the ransomware on your PC.
Additional spread techniques that may be currently spreading this sample of Dharma ransomware are fake software installers, fake update notifications, compromised software setups, files shared on forums and other techniques may download and activate the ransomware module.
.USA Files Virus (Dharma) – Overview
The .USA files virus is a nasty ransomware infection that plagues computer systems in order to reach users’ files and encode them with the help of sophisticated cipher algorithm. According to analyses conducted by security researchers, it is a strain of the infamous Dharma ransomware.
In order that the infection process with .USA cryptovirus could begin, the ransomware payload should be started on the system. The moment this happens, the threat becomes able to contaminate various system settings that will eventually help it to reach data encryption stage.
In addition to the payload file that contains a set of different commands, several other malicious files are likely to be established during the attack. The locations of these files may be some of the following system folders:
- %AppData%
- %Local%
- %LocalLow%
- %Roaming%
- %Temp%
Beware that if you choose to remove this ransomware manually, you may not be able to find all malicious files and objects created on your infected system. On one hand, .USA files virus could name some of its files after legitimate system files. On the other hand, after acquiring administrative rights it could hide them somewhere deep on the system. And in case that some of its associated files remain on the system, they will continue endangering the security of your device and data.
By executing its malicious files in a strictly defined order, .USA Dharma ransomware becomes able to manipulate the functionalities of various system components which eventually enables it to evade detection while passing through its different infection stages. One system component that is probably set as a target of this ransomware is the Registry Editor or its Run and RunOnce keys in particular. This could be explained by the fact that these registry keys manage the automatic execution of all files listed under their directories:
→ 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
So once .USA files virus has its malicious values there, it starts loading them on every next system power on. Another reason for the contamination of the registry key RunOnce is the automatic display of a ransom note. This usually happens at the end of the attack.
The purpose of this note is to extort a ransom payment for the recovery of encrypted files. At this point, it is only clear that hackers present the email usacode@aol.com for contact. No matter of the amount of the demanded ransom, we advise you to avoid transferring it to hackers as this action does not guarantee the recovery of .USA files. Keep reading to find some alternative methods that are secure and may be useful as well.
.USA Files Virus (Dharma) – Encryption Process
Like some previous versions of Dharma ransomware ([wplinkpreview url=”https://sensorstechforum.com/combo-files-virus-dharma-ransomware-remove-restore-files/”].combo, [wplinkpreview url=” https://sensorstechforum.com/adobe-files-virus-dharma-remove/”].adobe, [wplinkpreview url=”https://sensorstechforum.com/bkp-files-virus-dharma-ransomware-remove-restore-data/”].bkp, etc.), Dharma .USA crypto virus primary goal is to reach data encryption stage. During this stage it activates a built-in encryption module that utilizes a single cipher algorithm or a combination of two cipher algorithms to encode target types of files.
Following encryption, valuable files become inaccessible due to significant changes in their original code. Unfortunately, all of your important files could be affected by the ransomware including all your:
- Documents.
- Audio files.
- Videos.
- Image files.
- Databases.
- Archives.
- Banking files.
Corrupted files could be recognized by the distinctive extension .USA appended to their names. Your access to information stored by .USA files is restricted and that’s why hackers attempt to blackmail you into paying a ransom for decryption tool. However, there is no guarantee that they could provide you with a working solution as the code of their threat could be broken. So what we could recommend you is the help of alternative data recovery methods some of which are available in our removal guide.
Remove .USA Files Virus and Restore Data
This Dharma ransomware strain associated with .USA extension is a threat with highly complex code that plagues not only your files but your whole system. So you should properly clean and secure your infected system before you could use it regularly again. Below you could find a step-by-step removal guide that may be helpful in attempting to remove this ransomware. Choose the manual removal approach if you have previous experience with malware files. If you don’t feel comfortable with the manual steps select the automatic section from the guide. Steps there enable you to check the infected system for ransomware files and remove them with a few mouse clicks.
In order to keep your system safe from ransomware and other types of malware in future, you should consider the installation of a reliable anti-malware program. As an additional security layer that could prevent the occurrence of ransomware attacks you could install an [wplinkpreview url=”https://sensorstechforum.com/the-most-popular-free-anti-ransomware-tools/”]anti-ransomware tool.
If you want to understand how to potentially fix encrypted files with the help of alternative data recovery approaches, make sure to read carefully all details mentioned in the step “Restore files”. We remind you that before you begin with the data recovery process, you should back up all encrypted files to an external drive as this will help you to prevent their irreversible loss.
Gergana Ivanova
Highly motivated writer with 5+ years of experience writing for ransomware, malware, adware, PUPs, and other cybersecurity-related issues. As a writer, I strive to create content that is based on thorough technical research. I find joy in the process of creating articles that are easy to understand, informative, and useful. Follow me on Twitter (@IRGergana) for the latest in the field of computer, mobile, and online 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.
About the .USA Files Virus Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this .USA Files 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 .USA Files 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.
References
1. How to Recognize Spam Emails with Ransomware
2. How Does Ransomware Encryption Work?
3. How to Decrypt Ransomware Files
4. Ransomware Getting Greedier and Bigger, Attacks Increase by 40%
5. 1 in 5 Americans Victim of Ransomware
- Guide 1: How to Remove .USA Files Virus from Windows.
- Guide 2: Get rid of .USA Files Virus from Mac OS X.
How to Remove .USA Files Virus from Windows.
Step 1: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove .USA Files Virus
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".
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 .USA Files 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 .USA Files 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 .USA Files 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.
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 .USA Files Virus with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
1. Click on the "Download" button to proceed to SpyHunter's download page.
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.
Video Guide for Automatic and Fast Removal
Step 5 (Optional): Try to Restore Files Encrypted by .USA Files Virus.
Ransomware infections and .USA Files 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 recommended Data Recovery software by clicking on the link underneath:
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.
Step 6: How to Restore Files Encrypted by Ransomware (Video Guide)
Get rid of .USA Files Virus from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall .USA Files Virus 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:
2. Find Activity Monitor and double-click it:
3. In the Activity Monitor look for any suspicious processes, belonging or related to .USA Files Virus:
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 .USA Files 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 .USA Files 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 .USA Files 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:
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 .USA Files 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.
Step 3 (Optional): Try to Restore Files Encrypted by .USA Files Virus.
Ransomware infections and .USA Files 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 recommended Data Recovery software by clicking on the link underneath:
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.
.USA Files Virus FAQ
What is .USA Files Virus ransomware and how does it work?
.USA Files 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 .USA Files Virus ransomware infect my computer?
Via several ways..USA Files 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 .USA Files 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 ..USA Files Virus files?
You can't. At this point the ..USA Files 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 ..USA Files Virus files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
One way to restore files, encrypted by .USA Files 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 "..USA Files 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 ..USA Files 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 .USA Files 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 .USA Files Virus ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important ..USA Files Virus files.
Also, keep in mind that viruses like .USA Files 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.