How to remove Dom ransomware

Dom ransomware can use encryption algorithms to lock users' personal files

Dom ransomware is a dangerous file-locking virus that can encrypt users' personal files, like photos, videos, and documents. It appends the affected files with the .dom extension, unique ID, and the cybercriminals' email. If a file was previously named picture.jpg, after encryption, it would something look like this – picture.jpg.[uniqueID].[dekrypt666@onionmail.org].dom.

The icons are also changed to white pages so thumbnails become unavailable. It is recommended to eliminate the intruder as soon as possible so that the infection would not result in further system damage. Read our guide fully to learn how such malware is spread and how to remove it.

Distribution methods

People most often get infected with ransomware by installing “cracked” software^[1] from Torrent websites or peer-to-peer file-sharing platforms. This activity is illegal so it is unregulated. It is impossible to know if the packages you are downloading are safe.

It is best to use official web stores and developer websites. Even though it may get costly, you should save in the long run by keeping your system running smoothly. We recommend avoiding shady sites in general. For example, pages that engage in illegal activities might be full of deceptive ads and sneaky redirects. Some illegal streaming websites may even display fake “Download” and “Play” buttons.

The ransom note

Dom ransomware generates a ransom note ENCRYPTED.txt which reads as follows:

!!! ALL YOUR FILES ARE ENCRYPTED !!!

All your files, documents, photos, databases and other important files are encrypted.

You are not able to decrypt it by yourself! The only method of recovering files is to purchase an unique private key.
Only we can give you this key and only we can recover your files.

Do you really want to restore your files?
You can write us to our mailboxes: dekrypt666@onionmail.org
(in subject line please write your MachineID: – and LaunchID: -)

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.

People are informed that their files have been encrypted, and the only way to decrypt them is to purchase a unique private key.^[2] The ransom amount is not specified in the note. Of course, ransomware developers always want to get paid in cryptocurrencies because it provides them anonymity.

However, we strongly advise against contacting cybercriminals because they cannot be trusted. Many previous ransomware attack victims say that they never received the promised decryption tools after paying. Although it is almost impossible to get the data back without the threat actors' help, in some cases, third-party recovery tools help. We have detailed instructions for it below.

Use professional security tools to eliminate ransomware

The critical thing to do is disconnect the affected machine from the local network. For home users, disconnecting the ethernet cable should do the job. If this happened at your workplace, doing that might be complicated, so we have instructions for corporate environments at the bottom of this post.

If you try to recover your data first, it can result in permanent loss. It can also encrypt your files the second time. It will not stop until you remove the malicious files causing it first. You should not attempt removing the malicious program yourself unless you have experience.

Use anti-malware tools like SpyHunterCombo Cleaner or MalwarebytesMalwarebytes to scan your system. This security software should find all the related files and entries and remove them automatically for you. In some cases, malware is not letting you use antivirus in normal mode, so you need to access Safe Mode and perform a full system scan from there:

Windows 7 / Vista / XP

1. Click Start > Shutdown > Restart > OK.
2. When your computer becomes active, start pressing the 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.
3. Select Safe Mode with Networking from the list.

Windows 10 / Windows 8

1. Right-click on the Start button and select Settings.
   
2. Scroll down to pick Update & Security.
3. On the left side of the window, pick Recovery.
4. Now scroll down to find the Advanced Startup section.
5. Click Restart now.
6. Select Troubleshoot.
7. Go to Advanced options.
8. Select Startup Settings.
9. Click Restart.
10. Press 5 or click 5) Enable Safe Mode with Networking.

Fix system errors

Performance, stability, and usability issues, to the point where a complete Windows reinstall is required, are expected after a malware infection. These types of infections can alter the Windows registry database, damage vital bootup, and other sections, delete or corrupt DLL files, etc. Once a system file is damaged by malware, antivirus software is not able to repair it. 

This is why FortectIntego was developed. It can fix a lot of the damage caused by an infection like this. Blue Screen errors,^[3] freezes, registry errors, damaged DLLs, etc., can make your computer completely unusable. By using this maintenance tool, you could avoid Windows reinstallation.

• Download the application by clicking on the link above
• Click on the ReimageRepair.exe
  
• If User Account Control (UAC) shows up, select Yes
• Press Install and wait till the program finishes the installation process
• The analysis of your machine will begin immediately
• Once complete, check the results – they will be listed in the Summary
• You can now click on each of the issues and fix them manually
• If you see many problems that you find difficult to fix, we recommend you purchase the license and fix them automatically.

File recovery software

Many people think that they can fix their files with anti-malware tools, but that is not what they are designed for. All the security tools can do is detect suspicious processes in your system and eliminate malicious files. The truth is, that the files can be restored only with a decryption key or software that only cybercriminals have.

If you did not back up your data previously, you possibly lost your files forever. You can try using data recovery software, but third-party programs cannot always decrypt the files. We suggest at least trying this method. Before proceeding, you have to copy the corrupted files and place them in a USB flash drive or another storage. And remember – only do this if you have already removed the Dom ransomware.

Before you begin, several pointers are essential while dealing with this situation:

• Since the encrypted data on your computer might permanently be damaged by security or data recovery software, you should first make backups of it – use a USB flash drive or another storage.
• Only attempt to recover your files using this method after you perform a scan with anti-malware software.

Install data recovery software

1. Download Data Recovery Pro.
2. Double-click the installer to launch it.
3. Follow on-screen instructions to install the software.
4. As soon as you press Finish, you can use the app.
5. Select Everything or pick individual folders where you want the files to be recovered from.
6. Press Next.
7. At the bottom, enable Deep scan and pick which Disks you want to be scanned.
8. Press Scan and wait till it is complete.
9. You can now pick which folders/files to recover – don't forget you also have the option to search by the file name!
10. Press Recover to retrieve your files.