.WSHLP Virus Files – Dharma Ransomware Variant
Dharma ransomware is back with a new cryptovirus variant. The current version of the Dharma family ransomware encrypts files by appending the .WSHLP extension to them, making them inaccessible. It also may add a unique identification number as previous versions do. All encrypted files will receive the new extension as a secondary one. The ransomware drops a ransom note, which gives instructions to victims on how they can allegedly recover their files.
.WSHLP virus Summary
| Name | .WSHLP virus |
| File Extension | .WSHLP |
| Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
| Short Description | The ransomware encrypts files on your computer system and demands a ransom to be paid to allegedly recover them. |
| Symptoms | The ransomware will encrypt your files by appending the .WSHLP extension to them, along with a unique identification number placing the new .WSHLP extension as a secondary. |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments |
| Detection Tool |
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User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss .WSHLP virus. |
.WSHLP File Virus (Dharma Ransomware) – What Is It and How Did I Get It?
The .WSHLP Dharma ransomware is a new iteration of this malware family. It has recently been captured in an ongoing attack campaign against computer users worlwide. Like previous versions it uses popular infection tactics in order to intrude onto the target computers. Some of the common tactics are the following:
- Virus-Infected Files — The .WSHLP Dharma ransomware code can be inserted in different types of files. When they are run the virus infection will start immediately. Some of the possible variants are macro-infected documents which are of all popular file formats. The hackers may also add in the malware in application installers of popular programs.
- Phishing Contents — The hackers will prepare contents that will mask as legitimate messages that have been sent by famous companies and services. This is usually done via email or special redirect pages which are hosted on similar sounding domain names. To manipulate the victims into thinking that they are viewing safe and legitimate pages the hackers can copy down design and text, as well as integrate self-signed security certificates. The email messages are usually sent in bulk in distinct SPAM campaigns.
- Files Uploading — The .WSHLP virus code and all associated files can be uploaded to various online places where data is commonly downloaded from. The criminals typically make use of BitTorrent trackers which are used to share legitimate and pirate files online. All malware data can also be hidden in file downloads published on download portals. Advanced tactics may make use of online communities — the criminals can use fake or stolen credentials and post the files in public posts, groups or send links to them in private messages.
When the virus has infected a given computer the built-in infection sequence will begin. As this is a Dharma ransomware variant the hackers will likely include the most frequent components and actions. While there is no information regarding the identity of the hackers, it is possible that the group has bought a custom variant from the developers of the malware or have acquired the original code and modified it to include the designated actions.
Dharma ransomware viruses usually start with a data harvesting module used to hijack sensitive information from the infected hosts. The component will do this by accessing applications data, users files and other data that may contain finanial or identity related information. It will be relayed to the criminals and allow them to conduct various criminal activity.
Dharma viruses like the .WSHLP malware can additionally modify the boot options — this will install the threat as a persistent threat. Ransomware variants that are of this type will run automatically when the computer is powered on. Additionally the hackers may limit access to the recovery boot options. This will make it very hard to follow most manual user removal guides and techniques.
.WSHLP virus file is ransomware that encrypts your files and shows a ransomware note. The virus is a variant of the Dharma ransomware family to which the previous iterations are .blm Virus File and .gold Virus File (Dharma Ransomware).
This particular sample may also carry out any of these system-related actions:
- Operating System Changes — This can include the modification or creation of entries of the Windows Registry values. Modification of existing information may lead to severe performance issues and the inability to use some of the services.
- Data Removal — The malware can delete important files from the host computer. Examples are backups, shadow volume copies and etc.
- Additional Infections — Many of the Dharma ransomware can be used as conduits for other infections. Some of the former samples have been used to install Trojans, viruses that will overtake control of the machines and allow the hackers to spy on the victims and steal their files.
Dharma ransomware infections like the .WSHLP files virus will encrypt users data based on the malware’s built-in algorithm and cipher. The resulting files will not be accessible, the wide range of affected file types will be based on a built-in list of target extensions. The resulting files will be renamed with the relevant .WSHLP extension.
The victims will then be extorted to pay the hackers a decryption fee which will be requested in digital currency for privacy reasons. The blackmail may be done via text messages or window pop-ups.
Remove .WSHLP File Virus (Dharma)
If your computer got infected with the .WSHLP File Virus, you should be experienced in removing malware manually. You should get rid of this ransomware as fast as possible before it can have the opportunity to spread further and infect more machines. You should remove the ransomware and follow the instructions guide provided with easy-to-follow steps below.
Martin Beltov
Martin graduated with a degree in Publishing from Sofia University. As a cyber security enthusiast he enjoys writing about the latest threats and mechanisms of intrusion.
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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 .WSHLP virus from Windows.
Step 1: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove .WSHLP virus
Step 2: Uninstall .WSHLP 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:
Follow the instructions above and you will successfully uninstall most programs.
Step 3: Clean any registries, created by .WSHLP 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 .WSHLP virus 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 .WSHLP virus with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 5 (Optional): Try to Restore Files Encrypted by .WSHLP virus.
Ransomware infections and .WSHLP 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 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 .WSHLP virus from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall .WSHLP 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:
- 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 .WSHLP 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:
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 .WSHLP virus.
Ransomware infections and .WSHLP 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 top, choose Data Recovery - Data Recovery Wizard for Windows or Mac (depending on your OS), and then download and run the tool.
.WSHLP virus FAQ
What is .WSHLP virus ransomware and how does it work?
.WSHLP 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 .WSHLP virus ransomware infect my computer?
Via several ways..WSHLP 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 .WSHLP 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 ..WSHLP virus files?
You can't. At this point the ..WSHLP 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 ..WSHLP virus files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
One way to restore files, encrypted by .WSHLP 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 "..WSHLP 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 ..WSHLP 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 .WSHLP 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 .WSHLP virus ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important ..WSHLP virus files.
Also, keep in mind that viruses like .WSHLP 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.
