Devon ransomware (Removal Instructions) - Improved Guide

What is Devon ransomware?

Devon ransomware – a Phobos family member that deactivates the restoring features of Windows while booting the computer

Devon ransomware is a notorious parasite that can delete the Shadow Volume Copies of encrypted files

Devon ransomware is a malware string that belongs to the Phobos category and has a complex operation module. The encryption process starts by employing a unique encryption cipher and once it succeeds, all the files get the .Devon extension added to their filenames. Afterward, a secondary extension [decryptfiles@qq.com].devon is attached. Furthermore, Devon virus displays a ransom text in the info.txt message and the info.html file.

The criminals provide the decryptfiles@qq.com email address as the primary way to make contact and include the decryptfiles@hot-chill.eu email in case there is no response. Devon ransomware encourages users to obtain Bitcoin cryptocurrency for paying the ransom price and allows people to send five small files (the total size cannot exceed 4MB) for free decryption if they need some proof of the decryption tool's existence.

Devon ransomware is capable of running multiple commands. Once it appears on the system, it deactivates the recovery feature while Windows is at the boot position. Continuously, the malware makes sure that the default antivirus program is also disabled and the ransomware virus can successfully avoid getting detected by the security tool.

According to VirusTotal information,^[1] 55 AV engines out of the total 67 are capable of detecting Devon ransomware by names such as Win32:Malware-gen, Trojan.Ransom.Phobos.F, Trojan.Encoder.29362, Win32/Filecoder.Phobos.C, HEUR:Trojan.Win32.Generic, Trojan.TR/Crypt.XPACK.Gen, AI:Packer.0842B7F81E, W32/Phobos.C.gen!Eldorado, etc.

Devon malware - ransomware that mostly gets distributed through email spam and malicious email message attachments, links

Continuously, Devon ransomware can delete the Shadow Volume Copies of encrypted data by running commands via PowerShell service. This way the victims' chances of recovering their data by using alternative software decrease. The malware might also try to prevent the users from visiting security-related websites by damaging the hosts file.

Also, Devon ransomware can modify the Windows Task Manager and use the mshta.exe process to execute its commands. Alterings can also be spotted in the Windows Registry section where the malware might add misleading keys.

The info.hta ransom message announces that if the user tries to decrypt data with alternative software, the ransom demands might increase. Devon ransomware also threatens the users no to try other products as files can be permanently lost:

All your files have been encrypted!
All your files have been encrypted due to a security problem with your PC. If you want to restore them, write us to the e-mail decryptfiles@qq.com
Write this ID in the title of your message 1E857D00-2609
If there is no response from our mail, you can install the Jabber client and write to us in support of decryptfiles@hot-chilli.eu
You have to pay for decryption in Bitcoins. The price depends on how fast you write to us. After payment we will send you the tool that will decrypt all your files.
Free decryption as guarantee
Before paying you can send us up to 5 files for free decryption. The total size of files must be less than 4Mb (non archived), and files should not contain valuable information. (databases,backups, large excel sheets, etc.)
How to obtain Bitcoins
The easiest way to buy bitcoins is LocalBitcoins site. You have to register, click 'Buy bitcoins', and select the seller by payment method and price.
hxxps://localbitcoins.com/buy_bitcoins
Also you can find other places to buy Bitcoins and beginners guide here:
hxxp://www.coindesk.com/information/how-can-i-buy-bitcoins/
Jabber client installation instructions:
Download the jabber (Pidgin) client from hxxps://pidgin.im/download/windows/
After installation, the Pidgin client will prompt you to create a new account.
“Click “Add”
In the “Protocol” field, select XMPP
In “Username” – come up with any name
In the field “domain” – enter any jabber-server, there are a lot of them, for example – exploit.im
Create a password
At the bottom, put a tick “Create account”
Click add
If you selected “domain” – exploit.im, then a new window should appear in which you will need to re-enter your data:
User
password
You will need to follow the link to the captcha (there you will see the characters that you need to enter in the field below)
If you don't understand our Pidgin client installation instructions, you can find many installation tutorials on youtube – hxxps://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=pidgin+jabber+install
Attention!
Do not rename encrypted files.
Do not try to decrypt your data using third party software, it may cause permanent data loss.
Decryption of your files with the help of third parties may cause increased price (they add their fee to our) or you can become a victim of a scam.

Devon ransomware has only one goal – to collect money from its victims. Regarding this fact, you should know that the cybercriminals might scam the victims and run off with their money. Even though the accurate ransom price is not provided in the message, the crooks can later on urge for an amount anywhere near $50 and $2000.

Our recommendation would be to ignore Devon ransomware demands and threatenings and use alternative software that also might be helpful for you. The criminals urge for a Bitcoin transfer as these types of processes allow the crooks to remain anonymous. Thus, you would not be able to receive your lost money if the hackers do not hand you the decryption key.

Devon ransomware can also install other malware by opening backdoors to your computer system. Most often, where there is one cyber threat, there will show up another one. Ransomware infections are able to bring other virtual parasites such as Trojan horses, spyware that might result in permanent data/money loss, system/software corruption.

Devon ransomware is a dangerous malware form that is a variant of Phobos ransomware

Devon ransomware removal is a way to avoid this type of risk. What you have to do here is to be ready to invest little bit in your automatical security. Purchase a strong and reliable antimalware tool that will be able to detect and remove the ransomware. These programs will make sure that the virus does not show up after the next computer boot process.

When you remove Devon ransomware from your computer system, you should check the machine for possible damage. If you find any compromised entries, you can try fixing them with software such as FortectIntego. Also, we have provided some data recovery techniques that are waiting for you at the end of this article.

Be aware of phishing messages and their attachments

Technology specialists from LosVirus.es^[2] state that ransomware viruses are sneaked into computer systems through phishing email messages. The cybercriminals pretend to be from reliable shipping organizations such as FedEx and DHL or well-known healthcare, banking companies in order to create a feeling of trust. However, not everything is as pretty as it might seem from the first view.

Once you receive an unexpected email message, you should always investigate it first. Check if the sender's email address is an official one and if the message does not include any grammar mistakes. Most importantly, do not click any inserted hyperlinks that you are not sure about and do not open any clipped attachments without scanning them with antimalware software as there usually he malicious payload is planted.

Furthermore, ransomware infections can get distributed through software cracks from peer-to-peer networks^[3] such as The Pirate Bay, BitTorrent, and eMule. Be careful with these third-party downloading sources as they offer software, games, and movies for free but they will not always be the regular product as malicious actors are very likely to use these types of sources for malware spreading. The Pirate Bay already has experienced some attacks.

Continuously, ransomware viruses can be distributed through more than one source at a time. When the developers seek to infect a big number of potential victims, they plant their malicious products in various places. Besides the already mentioned sources, ransomware can also get delivered through exploit kits,^[4] outdated products, fake software updates, malvertising, infectious links online, PUPs, and other malware.

The advanced removal techniques of Devon ransomware

If you have been dealing with Devon ransomware lately, you have to hurry up and get rid of the parasite before it causes any damage. For this purpose, we recommend employing only automatical software that you can trust.

Keep in mind that manual Devon ransomware removal might not be a possibility as the process is a complex one to complete. Additionally, the virus might fill various locations such as the Windows Registry, Task Manager, User's folder, Desktop with malicious content that also needs to be found and eliminated.

If you are having any trouble with the removal process of this ransomware virus, you should boot your computer in Safe Mode with Networking or activate System Restore to diminish malicious processes. When you properly remove Devon ransomware, you can search for corrupted areas with software such as SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner and Malwarebytes. If these tools discover any damage, try repairing the objects with the help of FortectIntego.