How to remove TheDarkEncryptor ransomware virus

TheDarkEncryptor ransomware on a hunt for unsuspecting victims

TheDarkEncryptor virus is a malicious program that we assigned to ransomware category. Once installed, it silently scans all computer folders and encrypts files stored in them, excluding the system folders only. During this process, each affected file gets additional file extension – .tdelf. After encrypting the data, the virus replaces desktop wallpaper with a message from cyber criminals, which features a picture of JigSaw and says: “All your files have been encrypted by THE DARK ENCRYPTOR using a military grade encryption algorithm.” The rest of the message says that the only data recovery solution is paying a ransom worth $100 in Bitcoins. The virus stores additional information in a ransom note placed on the desktop. The virus then launches a program window that types out the same message supplemented with several warnings not to use antivirus programs to remove TheDarkEncryptor virus. However, we believe that it is exactly what you should do to clean up your computer after ransomware attack. Even if the ransomware promises to increase the price of the ransom to 350 USD after five days, it doesn’t mean you should hurry up. We want to remind you that ransomware authors tend to ignore the victims once they pay the ransom; it means that your files would be lost forever and it won’t be possible to get your money back as well. 

TheDarkEncryptor ransomware uses the same theme as JigSaw ransomware, however, the analysis shows that these two viruses are not related. The Dark Encryptor doesn’t delete files as the infamous Jigsaw does; instead, it keeps them under encryption lock and urges the victim pay the ransom. As we mentioned, paying up does not give you any guarantees that your files will be restored. Another incentive not to pay is the fact that paying means funding further ransomware projects. With more money, scammers are capable of buying whatever malicious tools they want or even educate themselves and use their skills for evil purposes. Therefore, as you probably understood, we are not supporting the idea of satisfying criminals’ needs. We suggest you launch anti-spyware or anti-malware software for TheDarkEncryptor removal to delete its executive and associated files at once.

Ransomware is transmitted using several main techniques

If you’re wondering how ransomware spreads, you should know that it mainly travels in the form of a malicious email attachment. Malicious spam has always been the most efficient technique of malware transmission, and so it is now. However, the ransomware developers also rely on more sophisticated techniques such as malvertising^[1], exploit kits, RDP attacks, and Trojans. These methods help experienced developers, but nowadays we see a lot of amateurish attempts to develop ransomware, which means that such malware samples are distributed via malspam. We assume that the public interest in ransomware increased after the cyber attack launched on May 12, 2017^[2], which rapidly infected over 400,000 machines worldwide. It is, however, quite simple to protect yourself from ransomware attack, but many people tend to underestimate this type of malware. All it takes to protect yourself is to install an anti-malware, avoid vague email messages, bypass suspicious websites, ads, and URLs, create a data backup and set strong passwords for accounts with Remote Desktop access rights.

TheDarkEncryptor removal tutorial

It is essential to remove TheDarkEncryptor virus as soon as possible because keeping this sophisticated piece of malware on a computer puts your security and privacy at risk. You can never know whether the virus broke into your PC alone or accompanied by several malware samples such as Trojans, keyloggers, or other viruses. To wipe all the junk that poses a threat to you, run a full system scan with anti-malware software. You can find a complete TheDarkEncryptor removal guide below.