Desync ransomware (Virus Removal Guide) - Recovery Instructions Included

What is Desync ransomware?

Desync ransomware is a cryptovirus that mostly targets corporate devices and encrypts data with AES + RSA algorithms

Desync ransomware is a file locking virus that is believed to be a product of Indrik ransomware authors

Desync ransomware is a file locking virus that was first spotted in January 2019, although the attackers updated malware – a new version was released in November of the same year. Upon infecting the targeted machine, the virus applies sophisticated encryption algorithms – AES and RSA and encrypts all documents, databases, pictures, spreadsheets, and other files, also appending .DESYNC marker.

Such modified files can no longer be accessed by Desync virus victims, and, for them to be aware of what happened to their computers/networks, a ransom note # HOW TO DECRYPT YOUR FILES #.txt is dropped on desktops. The text file serves as the first mean of communication between hackers and users, which states that only “a special decryption service” could unlock all files. What Desync ransomware developers mean is payment in Bitcoin or another cryptocurrency – to be made after contacting hackers via desync@airmail.cc or yeahdesync@airmail.cc email.

While there is no Desync ransomware decryptor developed yet, paying ransom to crooks is dangerous, as receiving a tool that does not work or not receiving one at all is one of the outcomes that victims can face. Instead of paying the ransom, users can first remove Desync ransomware and then apply alternative file recovery methods provided below.

It is yet unknown how Desync ransomware is distributed, as there were very few incidents in the wild. However, because malicious actors mainly target organizations, it is highly likely that they use of the following delivery methods:

• Brute-force attacks via Remote Desktop^[1]
• Targeted phishing emails
• Software vulnerabilities^[2]

As soon as Desync ransomware gains access to the targeted machine, drops files like Desync.exe, final.exe, [random].exe into the system's %Temp% folder and implements various changes to it. For example, it modifies the Windows registry to establish persistence, deletes Shadow Volume Copies to prevent quick recovery, etc.

It is also important to note that one of the mutexes created by Desync ransomware is named “Global/Indrik,” and security researchers managed to find other similarities with Indrik ransomware – there is a chance that same threat actors started distributing new malware for monetary gain.

Desync is ransomware-type of malware that encrypts all data on computer networks and then asks ransom of $500 in Bitcoin for decryption software

Once the necessary changes are completed, Desync ransomware encrypts all the files on the device/network and drops a ransom note # HOW TO DECRYPT YOUR FILES #.txt. Malware-affected files are easy to spot, as they are all appended with .DESYNC extension (for example, a picture.jpg is turned into picture.jpg.DESYNC). One of the most recent notes that victims received reads the following:

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
*** PLEASE READ THIS FILE IF YOU WANT TO GET BACK YOUR FILES ***
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

All your files are encrypted on your network using a powerful and highly sophisticated encryption algorithm.
No way to recover your files without buy special decryption service that we have made for you!

If you are looking for internet. You will see nothing except scam websites want you to install their software and waste your money for them.
Any change in encrypted files completely breaks your file for every.

Will free guarantee our decryption service, we have to offer you 'ONE FREE FILE DECRYPTION'
You can send us one of any of your encrypted files in the first contact with us.

But, if you want to recover all your files need to make payment.
Full decryption cost is $500 in Bitcoin.

Now go to your email and send your 'PERSONAL IDENTIFIER' to following e-mail address:
yeahdesync@airmail.cc

—–BEGIN PERSONAL IDENTIFIER—–
[redacted]
—–END PERSONAL IDENTIFIER—–

Considering that the “Big Game Hunting” ransomware examples like Sodinokibi, SamSam, Ryuk, LockerGoga, etc., demand ransom sums of tens of thousands of dollars, $500 payment might seem like nothing much. However, be aware that Desync ransomware authors may never send the required decryption tool, or it might not work. Instead, examine alternative file recovery options we provide below – beware that Desync ransomware removal should be performed prior to that.

For that, use anti-malware software that could detect and delete Desync ransomware.^[3] Finally, security experts^[4] also recommend scanning the affected devices with a PC repair tool FortectIntego to avoid system failures after the infection is terminated.

Once Desync virus encrypts data, recovering it without paying criminals or restoring from backups is hardly possible

Protect your computer from ransomware attacks

File locking malware that targets organisations can be a deadly blow to its operations and cost thousands of dollars in recovery costs. Therefore, it is best to make sure that no ransomware enters the corporate computers in the first place.

As mentioned above, companies and businesses usually get infected via targeted attacks – malicious emails, brute-forcing or software vulnerabilities. To prevent malware attacks, it is vital to keep the healthy approach when it comes to cybersecurity and also rely on powerful anti-malware solutions. Here's what to do:

• To prevent targeted email campaigns, users should be aware about their existence and treat most of the emails with suspicious, especially “when they don't feel right.” Hackers can use email spoofing technique, so just looking at the sender address is no longer enough. It is vital to not enable macro feature on malware-infused MS Office documents or click on embedded links within PDF files;
• RDP connections are often used inside organisations due to its convenience. However, these remote connections are sometimes poorly protected and are great finds for cybercriminals – they scan the internet for connections using the default TCP port, apply a predetermined list of easily-guessable passwords and then install malware manually. To avoid that, RDP needs to be properly configured and protected by secure passwords;
• Finally, all the company-wide software and the operated system should be patched with the most recent security updates to avoid hackers from exploiting common vulnerabilities.
• Backup all server data at all times!

Desync ransomware removal steps

Many ransomware viruses are programmed to self-delete after the infection. Nevertheless, some malware might keep running its operations post-infection in order to encrypt all the incoming files. Additionally, many ransomware payloads come combined with other threats, such as banking trojans or backdoors. Thus, Desync ransomware removal is important and should be performed as soon as possible. It is also important to note that the action may break the encrypted files completely, so it is vital to make backups of the locked data before proceeding.

To remove Desync ransomware safely, victims should access Safe Mode with Networking as explained below and perform a full system scan with anti-malware software – it should find all the malicious components and terminate them. However, anti-malware software does not really fix corrupted Windows OS files, so for that job, we recommend using FortectIntego.