Desu ransomware (Virus Removal Instructions) - Recovery Instructions Included
Desu virus Removal Guide
What is Desu ransomware?
Desu ransomware – malware which modifies the Windows Registry to perform damaging actions
Desu ransomware is a dangerous virus which can initiate numerous changes to computer's Windows Registry. Once activated, the file-encrypting virus blocks various data and adds the .desu file extension to each corrupted file. It can affected audio, video, text documents, and similar data which becomes unusable because of RSA or similar encryption algorithm. After such intruding activity, Desu virus displays a ransom message which announces about the secret infiltration of malware and the corruption of numerous files. Cybercriminals urge users to contact them via j0ra@protonmail[.]com and transfer $200 in Bitcoin in order to receive a decryption key for encrypted data.
| Name | Desu ransomware |
|---|---|
| Type | Cryptovirus |
| Danger level | Very high. Infiltrates the system, blocks files, and turns them unusable |
| Extension appended | .desu file extension |
| Files affected | Video, audio, documents, images, etc. |
| j0ra@protonmail[.]com | |
| Ransom | $200 BTC |
| OS affected | Windows OS, Mac OS X |
| Changes are located in | Windows Registry |
| Elimination | Use FortectIntego to terminate the virus |
Each time Desu ransomware creators manage to invade the computer system, they use different and unique encryption key to lock target victim's files. Encryption and decryption tools are stored on external servers that can be accessed only by them. Asa result, victim's files become unreachable for anyone except the cybercriminals. This is the main reason, why data recovery is so hard to carry out without having backups of the important files.[1].
However, even if you are truly desperate to get important data back, do not rush the whole process because you cen get into a bigger trouble. According to NoVirus.uk[2], IT specialists, cybercrooks and similar criminals are often trying to scam users and leave them with nothing right after the money is transferred to their accounts. In most of the cases, there is no ability to catch them as payments are made in cryptocurrency and remain secret.
What you need to do after you spot files with the .desu extension, is cleaning your computer system from such hazardous infection. Remove Desu ransomware from your PC as soon as possible. Consider downloading and installing an anti-malware tool. We suggest using FortectIntego or any other similar program.
After you perform the Desu ransomware removal, you need to take care of corrupted files. Even though you might not be able to restore all of them – do not fall for the cybercriminal's trick and do not transfer the money. Try using third-party software which offers some data recovery methods. You can read about them below this article.
You can recognize the ransom message of this cyber threat from such text:
SORRY! Your files are encrypted.
File contents are encrypted with random key.
<…>
If you want to decrypt your files, you have to get private key.
In order to get private key, write here:
j0ra@protonmail[.]com
Phishing messages are used to spread ransomware
Ransomware-type viruses are commonly spread through spam emails. Cybercrooks send such messages to numerous victims. They come with a damaging attachment clipped together or with a virus activation link inside that does not look suspicious at all. Be careful and do not get tricked by such phishing emails. If you receive one, you need to check it carefully to make sure that it is not hazardous and does not carry anything unwanted or harmful with it.
Some advice would be to avoid clicking on questionable pages and links. If you have encountered such website – eliminate it and do not return. Furthermore, download and install an antivirus. It will secure your computer from various malware[3] that might try to invade into your PC system.
Delete Desu ransomware from your PC
To remove Desu ransomware, you will need to download and install anti-malware help. Programs such as FortectIntego or Malwarebytes will help you deal with the serious file-encrypting virus. Professional help is required as this ransomware cannot be removed manually. Remember, avoid contacting the cybercrooks as it will bring more losses than anything beneficial.
After you proceed with the Desu ransomware removal, be sure to refresh your computer system. Do some backups to check if all malware-related content is eliminated for good. Moreover, try using some secondary software which might be helpful and let you recover some of your locked documents.
Getting rid of Desu virus. Follow these steps
Manual removal using Safe Mode
Activate Safe Mode with Networking to disable the ransomware-type virus:
Important! →
Manual removal guide might be too complicated for regular computer users. It requires advanced IT knowledge to be performed correctly (if vital system files are removed or damaged, it might result in full Windows compromise), and it also might take hours to complete. Therefore, we highly advise using the automatic method provided above instead.
Step 1. Access Safe Mode with Networking
Manual malware removal should be best performed in the Safe Mode environment.
Windows 7 / Vista / XP
- Click Start > Shutdown > Restart > OK.
- When your computer becomes active, start pressing F8 button (if that does not work, try F2, F12, Del, etc. – it all depends on your motherboard model) multiple times until you see the Advanced Boot Options window.
- Select Safe Mode with Networking from the list.
Windows 10 / Windows 8
- Right-click on Start button and select Settings.
- Scroll down to pick Update & Security.
- On the left side of the window, pick Recovery.
- Now scroll down to find Advanced Startup section.
- Click Restart now.
- Select Troubleshoot.
- Go to Advanced options.
- Select Startup Settings.
- Press Restart.
- Now press 5 or click 5) Enable Safe Mode with Networking.
Step 2. Shut down suspicious processes
Windows Task Manager is a useful tool that shows all the processes running in the background. If malware is running a process, you need to shut it down:
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc on your keyboard to open Windows Task Manager.
- Click on More details.
- Scroll down to Background processes section, and look for anything suspicious.
- Right-click and select Open file location.
- Go back to the process, right-click and pick End Task.
- Delete the contents of the malicious folder.
Step 3. Check program Startup
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc on your keyboard to open Windows Task Manager.
- Go to Startup tab.
- Right-click on the suspicious program and pick Disable.
Step 4. Delete virus files
Malware-related files can be found in various places within your computer. Here are instructions that could help you find them:
- Type in Disk Cleanup in Windows search and press Enter.
- Select the drive you want to clean (C: is your main drive by default and is likely to be the one that has malicious files in).
- Scroll through the Files to delete list and select the following:
Temporary Internet Files
Downloads
Recycle Bin
Temporary files - Pick Clean up system files.
- You can also look for other malicious files hidden in the following folders (type these entries in Windows Search and press Enter):
%AppData%
%LocalAppData%
%ProgramData%
%WinDir%
After you are finished, reboot the PC in normal mode.
Remove Desu using System Restore
Use the System Restore feature to prevent damaging consequences:
-
Step 1: Reboot your computer to Safe Mode with Command Prompt
Windows 7 / Vista / XP- Click Start → Shutdown → Restart → OK.
- When your computer becomes active, start pressing F8 multiple times until you see the Advanced Boot Options window.
-
Select Command Prompt from the list
Windows 10 / Windows 8- Press the Power button at the Windows login screen. Now press and hold Shift, which is on your keyboard, and click Restart..
- Now select Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Startup Settings and finally press Restart.
-
Once your computer becomes active, select Enable Safe Mode with Command Prompt in Startup Settings window.
-
Step 2: Restore your system files and settings
-
Once the Command Prompt window shows up, enter cd restore and click Enter.
-
Now type rstrui.exe and press Enter again..
-
When a new window shows up, click Next and select your restore point that is prior the infiltration of Desu. After doing that, click Next.
-
Now click Yes to start system restore.
-
Once the Command Prompt window shows up, enter cd restore and click Enter.
Bonus: Recover your data
Guide which is presented above is supposed to help you remove Desu from your computer. To recover your encrypted files, we recommend using a detailed guide prepared by 2-spyware.com security experts.If you found files with the .desu appendix, you can be sure that your computer is infected by the Desu ransomware and your data needs recovery. Try some data restoring methods that you can see below.
If your files are encrypted by Desu, you can use several methods to restore them:
Restore files with Data Recovery Pro:
Use this tool if wanted to recover important data. If used according to directions, this method might work for file recovery.
- Download Data Recovery Pro;
- Follow the steps of Data Recovery Setup and install the program on your computer;
- Launch it and scan your computer for files encrypted by Desu ransomware;
- Restore them.
Consider using Windows Previous Versions feature:
This feature might help get some blocked files back to their starter positions. Notice, this recovery method will work only if you have enabled the System Restore function before the virus managed to spread.
- Find an encrypted file you need to restore and right-click on it;
- Select “Properties” and go to “Previous versions” tab;
- Here, check each of available copies of the file in “Folder versions”. You should select the version you want to recover and click “Restore”.
Use Shadow Explorer to unblock files:
Recover individual files with Shadow Explorer. However, this method is useful only if the cryptovirus did not erase Shadow Volume Copies of corrupted documents.
- Download Shadow Explorer (http://shadowexplorer.com/);
- Follow a Shadow Explorer Setup Wizard and install this application on your computer;
- Launch the program and go through the drop down menu on the top left corner to select the disk of your encrypted data. Check what folders are there;
- Right-click on the folder you want to restore and select “Export”. You can also select where you want it to be stored.
There is no official Desu ransomware decryptor released yet. However, do not consider contacting cybercriminals for file decryption as there is a big risk of getting scammed.
Finally, you should always think about the protection of crypto-ransomwares. In order to protect your computer from Desu and other ransomwares, use a reputable anti-spyware, such as FortectIntego, SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner or Malwarebytes
How to prevent from getting ransomware
Choose a proper web browser and improve your safety with a VPN tool
Online spying has got momentum in recent years and people are getting more and more interested in how to protect their privacy online. One of the basic means to add a layer of security – choose the most private and secure web browser. Although web browsers can't grant full privacy protection and security, some of them are much better at sandboxing, HTTPS upgrading, active content blocking, tracking blocking, phishing protection, and similar privacy-oriented features. However, if you want true anonymity, we suggest you employ a powerful Private Internet Access VPN – it can encrypt all the traffic that comes and goes out of your computer, preventing tracking completely.
Lost your files? Use data recovery software
While some files located on any computer are replaceable or useless, others can be extremely valuable. Family photos, work documents, school projects – these are types of files that we don't want to lose. Unfortunately, there are many ways how unexpected data loss can occur: power cuts, Blue Screen of Death errors, hardware failures, crypto-malware attack, or even accidental deletion.
To ensure that all the files remain intact, you should prepare regular data backups. You can choose cloud-based or physical copies you could restore from later in case of a disaster. If your backups were lost as well or you never bothered to prepare any, Data Recovery Pro can be your only hope to retrieve your invaluable files.
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- ^ Back up and restore your PC. Microsoft Windows Support.
- ^ NoVirus. Malware prevention techniques.
- ^ Malware explanation. Wikipedia. The free encyclopedia.