How to remove DiskDoctor ransomware

DiskDoctor ransomware – a new addition to Scarab virus family

Disk Doctor ransomware is a file-encrypting virus that belongs to the group of Scarab ransomware viruses. The virus came to the world in June 2018 and started encrypting victims' files with AES cipher. During the encryption, it adds .DiskDoctor file extension to each document, picture or other records. As soon as ransomware^[1] finishes encrypting files, it downloads a ransom note “HOW_TO_RECOVER_ENCRYPTED_FILES.txt” in every folder that contains encrypted files. 

DiskDoctor ransomware virus usually spreads via malicious spam emails that contain an infected attachment. If a person opens it, malware is dropped on the system and starts causing system changes. Once it settles in Windows OS, it starts scanning the system looking for the targeted files for the encryption. 

When all files are locked with .DiskDoctor extension, malware drops a ransom note in the text file. This document includes information about data recovery instructions and threatens not to use any other methods to retrieve stolen data: 

Warning all your files is encrypted are !!! 
The receive the decoder's the To, a must you the send an email to  the email address with your personal ID: 
DiskDoctor@protonmail.com 
with In response you will of the receive Further instructions. 
ATTENTION !!! 
The Do not Attempt * to uninstall the program or the run  antivirus software. 
Attempts to the self *-decrypt the files is will of of result in the  loss of your data. 
Decoders of OTHER * the users are Incompatible with your  data, as with the each user has a unique encryption key. 

DiskDoctor ransomware gives each victim a unique identification number which is provided in the ransom note. As you can see from the quote above, developers of the virus require to send it to the contact email address. Crooks are supposed to respond with data decryption solution.

There's no doubt that criminals will ask to pay a specific amount of money in Bitcoins or other cryptocurrencies. The size of the ransom is unknown, but it might differ from victim to victim based on the amount and importance of the encrypted data. The most important part is that payment does not guarantee that you will get a needed decryption software.

Cybersecurity specialists from Senzavirus.it^[2] inform that cyber criminals might disappear as soon as they get the payment. These people are only interested in getting an easy money; data recovery is optional for them. Thus, you should not risk. No one can guarantee that crooks will give you a mercy and release encrypted files. 

We highly recommend focusing on DiskDoctor removal instead of looking for the ways to decrypt data. Currently, the official and safe to use decryptor is not released yet. The only possibility to restore all files is to use backups. However, if you do not have them, there's still a possibility to recover at least some of them. We have provided a couple of alternative methods that might help.

However, before trying data recovery options, you have to remove DiskDoctor from the machine. While it sits inside the computer, it might encrypt your files again and again. This malicious program runs every time when a device is turned on. Hence, begin system scan with FortectIntego and get rid of the cyber threat in order to try recovery methods and protect new files from the encryption.

Spam emails might contain not so innocent attachments

Various research data tell that ransomware is most likely to strike from malicious email attachments. This distribution method is the most popular one for a couple of years. Unfortunately, it's the most effective too. Crooks learned how to use social engineering and create convincing emails that trick users into opening an obfuscated attachment.

Usually, these letters seem legitimate and contain safe-looking files, for instance, Microsoft Word. However, even such innocent file can contain malicious macros that install malware payload on the system immediately. So, it's important to be careful with received emails. We highly recommend keeping away from spam folder: do not open these letters and keep away from all clickable content inside of it.

In some rare occasions, developers of ransomware use other distribution strategies, such as:

• displaying malware-laden ads on legitimate and high-risk websites;
• upload obfuscated programs to file-sharing^[3] programs;
• deliver fake security or update alerts asking to download specific content;
• launch brute-force attacks.

Hence, following basic cyber security tips is needed to minimize the risk of the attack. Creating backups is also important. If you fail to identify phishing email or install bogus programs and let ransomware inside, you don't need to worry about lost files. They are safely stored in external or cloud drive.

DiskDoctor ransomware elimination guide for Windows users

To remove DiskDoctor correctly we advise you to use professional anti-malware tools, for instance, FortectIntego, SpyHunterCombo Cleaner, MalwarebytesMalwarebytes. However, if you want to use other software, feel free to do that as well. No matter what tool you choose, you should be aware of the fact that ransomware can block it. So, you will need to disable the virus first.

Our specialists have created detailed instructions that should help to remove DiskDoctor from Windows. Please follow them attentively. Once you install anti-malware software, do not update it before running a system scan. Outdated software might leave some ransomware-related components or do not identify cyber infection on your PC.