Dharma Ransomware (audit24@qq.com variation)

Users who come across Dharma Ransomware (audit24@qq.com variation) should know the malicious application not only encrypts all private files with a robust encryption algorithm but also erases shadow copies. Consequently, restoring data from shadow copies is out of the question. The malware was programmed to perform this task to leave fewer options for the user, as the only other way to recover enciphered data is to replace it with backup copies. All of this is needed to convince the user to put up with the hackers’ demands. At first, they wish to be contacted via email, but we suspect they would ask for ransom later too. It would be dangerous to comply with such demands, as you could lose your savings in vain, which is the main reason why we advise to ignore the malware’s ransom note. Also, we recommend removing Dharma Ransomware (audit24@qq.com variation) from the system with the deletion instructions available below or your chosen antimalware tool.

We do not know how Dharma Ransomware (audit24@qq.com variation) is distributed, but we suspect it could be spread though Spam emails, malicious setup files or advertisements, etc. A lot of users who have never encountered such threats before think it will not happen to them. Unfortunately, if you are not careful enough sooner or later, you may regret it. There are a few things each of us can do to lessen the chances of coming across threats like Dharma Ransomware (audit24@qq.com variation). To begin with, it is essential to watch out for suspicious email attachments. If the sender looks familiar, but the email’s contents appear to be strange, you should inspect the sender’s address to make sure it is not forged. As for attachments from unknown senders, you should be extremely careful with them. It is best to remove suspicious files or scan them with a reliable antimalware tool before opening.

Moreover, some ransomware applications travel with malicious setup files and advertisements, and it is entirely possible Dharma Ransomware (audit24@qq.com variation) could be distributed with such content too. Thus, the best course of action for those seeking to avoid it is to stay away from potentially dangerous content, for example, the material found on torrent or other unreliable file-sharing sites. In other words, if you are not sure the website and the content on it can be trusted, you should not interact with it. There are also threats that enter the computer by exploiting its vulnerabilities. As a result, it is vital to make sure you do everything in your power to strengthen the system. To be more precise, it is crucial to keep all software, including the operating system up to date as well as replace weak passwords, and so on.

If Dharma Ransomware (audit24@qq.com variation) slips in, it should settle in by creating data listed in our removal instructions. Next, it should start encrypting all user’s documents, photos, archives, and other private data. All of it is supposed to be marked with the {unique user id}.[audit24@qq.com].RISK extension. Eventually, the malicious application should open a ransom note explaining what to do. It says if you want to restore your files to the way they were, you have to contact the hackers behind the malware. As said at the beginning of the article, they may promise to help you decrypt data if you pay a ransom. However, there are no reassurances they will hold on to their end of the bargain.

Therefore, paying money to the hackers could end up badly. For users who do not like the idea of being scammed, we advise erasing the malicious application. It will not restore your files, but this way you will not have to risk your money and fund the hackers behind Dharma Ransomware (audit24@qq.com variation). Also, removing the threat will clean up and secure the system, which should allow you to use the infected computer again without having to fear the malware could encrypt new data. If you want to erase it manually, you should follow the steps available below, although if the task seems to be too complicated, you should use a reliable antimalware tool instead.

Eliminate Dharma Ransomware (audit24@qq.com variation)

1. Click Ctrl+Alt+Delete.
2. Choose Task Manager and select Processes.
3. Find a process belonging to the threat.
4. Mark it and click End Task.
5. Exit Task Manager.
6. Click Win+E.
7. Find these paths:
   %TEMP%
   %USERPROFILE%\Downloads
   %USERPROFILE%\Desktop
8. Locate the malicious application’s launcher.
9. Right-click it and select Delete.
10. Find these locations:
    %APPDATA%\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Startup
    %ALLUSERSPROFILE%\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Startup
    %ALLUSERSPROFILE%\Application Data\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Startup
    %WINDIR%\System32
    %APPDATA%
11. Locate files called Info.hta, right-click them and select Delete.
12. Find these folders:
    %HOMEDRIVE%
    %PUBLIC%\Desktop
    %USERPROFILE%\Desktop
13. Search for text files named FILES ENCRYPTED.txt, right-click them and select Delete.
14. Find these specific Startup directories:
    %WINDIR%\System32
    %APPDATA%\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Startup
    %ALLUSERSPROFILE%\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Startup
    %ALLUSERSPROFILE%\Application Data\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Startup
15. Find suspicious executable files, for example, file.exe; right-click them and choose Delete.
16. Exit File Explorer.
17. Press Win+R.
18. Insert Regedit and click Enter.
19. Find the given directory: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
20. Locate a value name dropped by the threat, for example, file.exe.
21. Right-click this value name and press Delete.
22. Find two other value names in the HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run location.
23. For example, {random title}.exe, right-click malicious value names and select Delete.
24. Exit Registry Editor.
25. Empty your Recycle Bin.
26. Restart the computer.