.ETH ransomware decryptor and removal

In a recent move, the operators of the Dharma ransomware have launched a new variant that uses the .ETH file extension, so here’s how to sort things out.

1. What is .ETH ransomware?
2. .ETH ransomware automated removal and data recovery
3. .ETH ransomware manual removal and file recovery
4. Ransomware Prevention Tips

What is .ETH ransomware?

The crypto ransomware family dubbed Dharma, or CrySiS, is one of the few “timeless” species that stays afloat regardless of the tough competition and trends in the software extortion landscape. Interestingly, it hasn’t got a substantial overhaul of the modus operandi for years, which simply proves that the strain is well designed and the campaign is competently orchestrated. The only tweaks made during its evolution are minor and pertain to the extensions being appended to the locked-down files. The contamination routine and the cryptographic facet are inherited and passed on to every new spinoff. The latest one, which supersedes the .adobe file virus oldie, blemishes encoded data with the .ETH extension. This suffix is still prepended with the victim’s unique ID and email address of the attackers. For instance, a document named study.pdf will assume a form similar to study.pdf.id-00D36BC8.[datadecrypt@qq.com].ETH, study.pdf.id-241A303B.[raphaeldupon@aol.com].ETH etc.

The victims who aren’t familiar with the specifics of the rampant ransomware epidemic may have the illusion that the changes are external only and can be undone by editing filenames to ensure the format becomes correct. This is certainly a no-go, because the data is crippled in a much more severe way, and it’s cryptography that actually makes the information inaccessible. The extension string is simply a method to give the user a heads-up and provide the details to get started on paid recovery. The prerequisite of decryption is the secret key retained on the criminals’ Command and Control server. This highly random piece of information is what the malefactors try to sell for 0.1-0.5 Bitcoin, which is worth about $400-$2,000. The amount depends on who the victim is: if it’s an enterprise, the ransom is going to be higher than for a home user.

The .ETH ransomware interacts with its preys in several ways. One is a popup window that’s actually an application named Info.hta. It splashes up on its own after the incursion, providing the crooks’ contact email in the header and listing a few essentials of the data restoration in its body. Among other things, it includes the plagued user’s alphanumeric ID; a few links to buy Bitcoin cryptocurrency; and some tips to keep the files recoverable, such as to refrain from renaming them. Additionally, the alert offers a free decryption of one file as guarantee that the deal isn’t fiction. One more copy of the ransom note is the FILES ENCRYPTED.txt document that can be found on the desktop. It’s not nearly as verbose and says, “All your data has been locked us [sic]. You want to return? Write email raphaeldupon@aol.com”. By the way, the email address may vary, which aligns with the distribution of the Dharma virus on a RaaS (Ransomware-as-a-Service) basis by different “affiliates”. A few alternative ones include datadecrypt@qq.com, helpfilerestore@india.com and stopencrypt@qq.com.

The process of contamination with the .ETH ransomware is something that makes this lineage stand out from the rest. The felons are banking on RDP hacks to deposit their payload. In plain words, they scan the Internet for unprotected or improperly secured remote desktop connection ports, only to exploit them for incorporating the infection into the vulnerable computers manually. Unlike spam that’s a throw of the dice in a way, this vector makes the onslaught quite targeted. Speaking of the aftermath, there is no entirely reliable way to reinstate the ciphered .ETH files without the private decryption key owned by the perpetrators. Several techniques, though, may help restore data in case the ransomware has failed to complete its crypto workflow for whatever reason. Read more to find out what those methods are and how to remove the malicious program.

.ETH ransomware automated removal and data recovery

When faced with ransomware like .ETH, one of the best shortcuts in terms of removal is to use Combo Cleaner, a lightweight and incredibly effective application with PC security and optimization features under the hood. It detects and thoroughly deletes threats while giving you insights into the overall health of your computer.

This program’s protection power spans modules that forestall all known types of malware, including ransomware and browser hijackers, and take your online security to the next level by blocking phishing sites and other suspicious web pages. Follow these simple steps to eliminate the infection for good:

1. Download Combo Cleaner installer.

Download .ETH remover

^{Combo Cleaner scans your PC with no strings attached, but you’ll have to buy its fully functional version to remove the threats it detects. The disk optimization tools that find large files and duplicates are free to use.}

2. Open the CCSetup.exe file to get started. Several subsequent screens will allow you to make initial customizations so that the program works exactly as you need from the get-go.

3. The installation will be followed by an update of malware signatures. Once this process is through, click the Start Scan button in the left-hand sidebar.

4. Combo Cleaner will then check system locations that are most often polluted by Windows malware. The first scan can take a while to finish.

5. Combo Cleaner will display a system tray notification as soon as the scan is over. Click the Resolve found threats button to view the results.

6. The scan summary shows the names and types of the detected threats as well as their statuses and locations. Click the Remove all threats button and follow further on-screen prompts to get rid of these items.

Data recovery toolkit to the rescue

Some strains of ransomware are known to delete the original files after the encryption routine has been completed. As hostile as this activity appears, it can play into your hands. There are applications designed to revive the information that was obliterated because of malfunctioning hardware or due to accidental removal. The tool called Stellar Data Recovery features this type of a capability and therefore it can be applied in ransom attack scenarios to at least get the most important files back. So use the app to get an idea of what data can be restored and let it do the recovery job. Here is a step-by-step walkthrough:

1. Download and install Stellar Data Recovery.

Download Stellar Data Recovery

2. Open the application, select the types of recoverable files to look for, and click Next.

3. Choose the areas you want the tool to recover from and click the Scan button.

4. Having scanned the specified locations, the program will display a notification about the total amount of recoverable data. Close the dialog and click the Recover button. This will hopefully help you get some of your valuable files back.

.ETH ransomware manual removal and file recovery

Some ransomware strains terminate themselves after completing the encryption job on a computer, but some don’t. Furthermore, the .ETH virus may prevent victims from using popular antimalware tools in order to stay on board for as long as possible. Under the circumstances, it may be necessary to utilize the Safe Mode with Networking or System Restore functionality.

Be advised that even after the ransomware is removed, files will still be encrypted and inaccessible. The malicious code cleanup part, however, is important because it keeps a relapse of the infection from occurring further on and eliminates all opportunistic malware.

Ways of non-ransom recovery of .ETH files

Cracking the crypto used by this ransom Trojan is more of a science fiction thing rather than an attainable prospect for the masses. This is why the troubleshooting in predicaments of this sort is a matter of two approaches: one is to pay the ransom, which isn’t an option for many victims; and the other is to apply instruments that take advantage of the ransomware’s possible weaknesses. If the latter is your pick, the advice below is a must-try.

Ransomware Prevention Tips

To avoid .ETH ransomware and other file-encrypting infections in the future, follow several simple recommendations:

These techniques are certainly not a cure-all, but they will add an extra layer of ransomware protection to your security setup.

Revise your security status

Post-factum assessment of the accuracy component in malware removal scenarios is a great habit that prevents the comeback of harmful code or replication of its unattended fractions. Make sure you are good to go by running an additional safety checkup. Another benefit of using the antimalware tool is that it will keep ransomware threats from intruding on your computer further on.

Download .ETH removal tool