Domn ransomware: what it is and how to remove it
Domn ransomware - cryptovirus that alters various changes of the system and locks files found on the machine. Those encrypted documents and photos are needed, so criminals behind the threat can demand huge amounts of money for the alleged file decryption.
Facts checked October 6, 2026. Removal steps tested on Windows 11 (26H2) and checked against Microsoft's and the browser makers' current documentation. Sections marked as our earlier report are the original text: they describe the threat as it was then and have not been reviewed since. The 2026 status, the removal steps and the questions are current.
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Domn ransomware: summary
| Distribution | Spam email attachments with infected files – a common way of ransomware distribution. STOP virus family variants are known to be included in software cracks, so when you get video games, applications, OS pay attention to DLL or EXE files loaded during the same installation process |
|---|---|
| Name | Domn ransomware |
| Family | DJVU virus/ STOP virus |
| File marker | .domn gets added to every file stored on the machine. File encryption doesn't affect system files and data stored in those folders |
| Ransom note | The text file named _readme.txt appears on the screen automatically, and the document itself gets placed on the desktop, in various other folders containing encoded files |
| Contact emails | gorentos@bitmessage.ch, gerentoshelp@firemail.cc |
| Removal | Scan the PC with security software to find and remove the malware and anything installed with it. Fortect scans Windows for malware and repairs the system files and settings it damaged. Remove it nowTo use the full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Fortect. The scan is free. |
Show 14 more facts
| Secondary payload | DJVU ransomware family has been known for delivering AZORult malware during the process of infiltration. This virus can affect the machine in the background and interfere with the general system cleaning |
|---|---|
| Possible ways for recovering data | File backups, thrid-party data restoring software, particular software offered by Dr.Web – Rescue Pack |
| Detection names | No Microsoft detection name is known |
| Encrypted file extension | .coharos |
| Decryptor | No free decryptor is known for this variant; check No More Ransom (nomoreransom.org) for updates |
| Damage | Not recorded in the old report |
| Type | File-encrypting ransomware |
| Symptoms | Files renamed with a new extension and a ransom note left in folders |
| Evidence | 4 write-ups by security sites; no sample analysed yet |
| Encrypted files | .coharos |
| Attacker contacts | gorentos@bitmessage.ch |
| Free decryptor | No free decryptor is known (checked 6 October 2026) |
| First seen | 30 October 2020 |
| Facts checked | 6 October 2026 |
- File extension:
.coharos - Note file:
_readme.txt - Contact:
gorentos@bitmessage.ch
From our report of Oct 2020 · not reviewed since
More from our earlier report on Domn ransomware
- Remove Domn ransomware with anti-malware tool.
- There is no better way than automatic malware elimination.
- For virus damage elimination, perform a scan with
How Domn ransomware behaves
From our report of Oct 2020 · not reviewed since
Domn cryptovirus is a newly discovered version of the Stop/Djvu notorious ransomware family
Domn ransomware - cryptovirus that alters various changes of the system and locks files found on the machine.
Those encrypted documents and photos are needed, so criminals behind the threat can demand huge amounts of money for the alleged file decryption. Unfortunately, paying cannot get your files back if developers disappear with your money and encoded data once the ransom is paid.
All threats in Djvu ransomware family are developed by notorious cybercriminals who manage to offer discounts and test decryption, to fake the trust for victims. However, there is no need to believe all the claims the ransom note includes or facts that criminals may provide to you other ways.
Although the ransom note is the same _readme.txt file that was used for previous versions, and contact emails remain to be gorentos@bitmessage.ch, gerentoshelp@firemail.cc, Domn ransomware virus is one of the more updated variants. Encryption process was recently altered, and the initial algorithm slightly changed, so the STOP decryption tool that was capable of decrypting encoded files is not helping victims at the moment.
Domn ransomware virus has no particular symptoms besides the ransom note that gets delivered after file encryption, so the infiltration is the worst thing because it is silent and unnoticeable. The attack starts with a file-locking process and other activities that ransomware performs happen in the background.
STOP ransomware family are known for leaving other threats directly on the machine or injecting the system with a particular personal data-stealing module. Such a script can obtain information stored on the machine or steal details from the browser and other programs.
Domn ransomware modifies the particular host file, so the web browser cannot open antivirus provider pages, forums, or sites like ours, where you can find virus removal guides and download anti-malware tools needed for elimination of the cryptovirus. You need to reset or delete such files, so all legitimate and useful sites can be available. The path where you can find the file is C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc\.
Things that Domn ransomware can alter include Windows registry, files, programs, even system folders. This threat can also install other programs and keep the existing ones from running properly. It affects your antivirus tools or security features significantly, so you may need help for the virus elimination because of this.
Domn ransomware may even reinstall itself and encrypt your files twice to make sure that there is no way to restore them. In most cases, the virus deletes itself after file encryption but leaves particular scripts that can run on the machine in the meantime.
Domn ransomware is the virus that causes your device to run slower and can even result is some unusual RAM or CPU usage. However, no other symptoms can indicate the infiltration of the cryptovirus. This is the unfortunate fact about the ransomware, but you should keep the anti-malware program and run an occasional scan to block such threats before the infiltration.
As for Domn ransomware removal, anti-malware tools are the best solution. Additionally, programs like can scan the machine fully and indicate possible threats, malicious programs, or files that affect the speed and performance of your device. Cryptovirus may get detected by a handful of different names, depending on the particular distribution vector.
The Domn ransomware note
ATTENTION!
Don't worry, you can return all your files!
All your files like photos, databases, documents and other important are encrypted with strongest encryption and unique key.
The only method of recovering files is to purchase decrypt tool and unique key for you.
This software will decrypt all your encrypted files.
What guarantees you have?
You can send one of your encrypted file from your PC and we decrypt it for free.
But we can decrypt only 1 file for free. File must not contain valuable information.
You can get and look video overview decrypt tool:
https://we.tl/t-514KtsAKtH
Price of private key and decrypt software is $980.
Discount 50% available if you contact us first 72 hours, that's price for you is $490.
Please note that you'll never restore your data without payment.
Check your e-mail "Spam" or "Junk" folder if you don't get answer more than 6 hours.
To get this software you need write on our e- mail:
gorentos@bitmessage.ch
Reserve e-mail address to contact us:
gorentos2@firemail.cc
Our Telegram account:
@datarestore
Your personal ID:
How to remove Domn ransomware
Tools you'll need
All of these are free except where noted. Download them on a clean device if the infected PC is offline.
- A USB stick: to keep the ransom note, two or three encrypted files and screenshots off the infected PC.
- Microsoft Defender Offline: built into Windows 11 and Windows 10; scans before Windows starts, so running malware cannot hide.
- Microsoft Safety Scanner: a second, portable scanner with current signatures; each download works for 10 days.
- ID Ransomware: identifies the family from the note and one encrypted file and says whether a decryptor exists.
- No More Ransom: the free decryptors from police and security companies; check it again every few months.
- Fortect (optional): scans Windows for malware and repairs the system files and settings it damaged. The free scan is in the box above.
How to remove Domn ransomware and get your files back
Work in this order.
Disconnecting comes first, removal comes before any restore, and nothing here asks you to contact the attackers.
Step 1: Disconnect the PC and unplug backup drives
Unplug the network cable or turn off Wi-Fi, and disconnect USB drives, external disks and network shares, so Domn ransomware cannot reach more files. Pause OneDrive, Google Drive or Dropbox sync, because synced folders upload the encrypted copies over the good ones.
Leave the PC on but offline while you read the next steps, since a restart can let the ransomware run again. This applies to Windows 11 and Windows 10 alike.
Windows 11: turn off Wi-Fi to take the PC offline. Full procedure with screenshots: Ransomware: first steps, finding a decryptor and recovering files
Step 2: Save the ransom note and confirm the family
Your files now end in
.coharosand the instructions are in_readme.txt. Save both to a USB stick, a copy of the note and two small encrypted files, before anything else.On another device, check them with ID Ransomware or Crypto Sheriff: the family name decides which decryptor, if any, can help. Keep the note's ID and contact line for your report.
Windows 11: the ransom note and encrypted files to copy for identification. Full procedure with screenshots: Ransomware: first steps, finding a decryptor and recovering files
Step 3: Check for a free decryptor
Our last check found that for Domn ransomware, no free decryptor is known (checked 6 October 2026). Look again yourself in the No More Ransom list and the free decryptor pages of Emsisoft, Avast and Kaspersky, which add new families every year.
A decryptor needs the ransomware gone first, or it encrypts the files again. Keep at least one copy of the encrypted files on an external drive, even if no tool works yet.
Full procedure with screenshots: Ransomware: first steps, finding a decryptor and recovering files
Step 4: Remove the ransomware before you restore or decrypt
Removing Domn ransomware does not bring the files back, but it has to come first. Start with Defender's Full scan, then the offline scan from the same Scan options page, which checks the disk before Windows loads.
If the scan cannot start, use Safe Mode with Networking. Delete the ransom notes only after you have saved a copy, because removal tools sometimes leave them behind on Windows 11 and Windows 10.
Windows 11: Windows Security > Virus & threat protection > Scan options. Full procedure with screenshots: Run a Microsoft Defender Offline scan
Step 5: Look for shadow copies of the files
Windows keeps shadow copies for restore points and backups, and some ransomware fails to delete them.
vssadmin list shadowsin an administrator Command Prompt tells you at once whether any exist.If they do, right-click the folder that held your files, open Properties > Previous Versions, select a version from before the attack, and click Open to check it before you Restore or copy the files out. Windows 11 and Windows 10 both have the tab.
Windows 11: vssadmin list shadows shows whether shadow copies exist. Full procedure with screenshots: Ransomware: first steps, finding a decryptor and recovering files
Step 6: Restore the files from a backup or recover deleted originals
A backup made before the attack is the surest way back. Connect it only once the PC is clean, then restore from File History, Windows Backup, OneDrive's Restore your OneDrive or your own external copies.
Without a backup, try file recovery: the originals that Domn ransomware deleted may still be on the disk until something overwrites them. Install nothing new on the drive you want to recover from on the Windows 11 or Windows 10 PC.
Full procedure with screenshots: Recover deleted files (Recycle Bin, backups, OneDrive) On uGetFix
Instructions for each browser and system
The detailed steps for every browser and system this guide covers. Open the one you use.
Manual removal using Safe Mode
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.
From our report of Oct 2020 · not reviewed since
Decryption tool no longer supported: alternate methods
Criminals behind this Djvu virus changed recent malware versions and made decryption impossible.
Proper asymmetrical encryption algorithms are used from now on, and offline keys are no longer used. Previously these helped victims to get their files back using STOP virus decryption tool that is no longer updated and supported. Researchers released final keys that have been extracted and starting the version with .coharos extension there is no service that Michael Gillespie can provide for victims.
Methods for Domn ransomware decryption with offline keys and online keys remain little. Experts are working on ways to get to use those offline keys. For now, all you can do is save your encoded data and wait for a newly developed decryption tool.
Check the availability here. Researchers constantly update such tools and develop new ones to help victims, so you can store your affected files and clean the machine in the meantime.
As alternative virus removal and decryption method, Dr.Web researchers offer their services for victims for 150 euro. The service is called a Rescue Pack and provides personal decryption and 2-year service of security tool. This works for documents, PDF files, but cannot recover images or audio, video data. You can try to recover the test file and get back your money if the service is failing to help.
Remember that you need to remove Domn ransomware before you recovery data or attempt any other processes for system restoring. Active ransomware can affect your files or even damage them permanently of your try to add backed up files on the infected system.
From our report of Oct 2020 · not reviewed since
Ransom note analysis
After the file-locking, this virus is designed to provide the victim with further instructions and deliver a ransom note. _readme.txt file shows up on the desktop, in various folders that contain encoded files. This message is not changed for a while and DJVU virus developers try to create the trust between them and the victim with the soft tone of the note.
The message that Domn ransomware displays remains the same as previous versions and reads the following:
All those guarantees are not true, and often criminals can fake the decryption be sending you a copy of a file instead of recovering the one on the machine. Even the discount is offered to make people more willing to pay up, bet when you pay the ransom they get your particular data and can even demand a bigger sum.
Cybercriminals also claim that the decryption tool they have is the only solution for your encoded files, but researches have encountered a few examples when ransomware creators don't even have software capable of recovering those files.
There is no reason to trust any of those claims, especially when it comes to Domn ransomware. This DJVU family released more than 160 versions over the course of 2019, and there is no sign that developers are going to stop anytime soon.
From our report of Oct 2020 · not reviewed since
Content from sketchy sites, craked downloads, and spam emails deliver malicious ransomware scripts
Update requests, pirated content, and cracks or software and even malicious sites deliver content filled with malware.
Warning: Your machine can get easily infected if you don't pay attention to such content.
Other infections like Trojans, worms, and malware can also load a secondary script of cryptovirus or even set to infiltrate the machine with ransomware.
This virus family, in particular, is known for distribution way including software cracks, malicious files loaded in packs with cheat codes, serial numbers of video games, and so on. If you choose this fraudulent way, you need to know about the risk of getting malicious program planted on the machine. Especially, when you are not sure about the source the software, serial numbers or games come from.
However, the more common ransomware spreading method includes spam email attachments and malicious macros. Emails that supposedly contain financial information, order details or shipping updates have documents attached to the notification that deliver ransomware directly on the machine. Experts recommend deleting suspicious emails, especially when attachments claim about some questionable order or service.
From our report of Oct 2020 · not reviewed since
Terminate Domn ransomware virus with anti-malware tools and improve the performance of your machine
To get rid of all the damage that Domn ransomware virus caused, you need a full scan on the machine.
There is no other way than the automatic elimination of the cryptovirus because this is the best way to tackle all the parts of the machine and fix parts that got affected by the threat.
The process of Domn ransomware removal includes getting a full malware check on the machine with professional anti-malware program. Such tools can find and eliminate malware, PUPs, malicious files, and fic system errors or virus damage completely.
Unfortunately, there is no official tool capable of decrypting these files, but you can save encrypted files and check the availability here from time to time, or pay for Dr.Web researchers' service. Don't forget to terminate the Domn virus first.
[GI=method-1]Remove Domn ransomware by eliminating all threats. Safe Mode with Networking may help to achieve that
[GI=method-2]Try System Restore feature and recover the system to a previous state when Domn ransomware was not on the machine
Windows Previous Versions help with files affected by Domn ransomware
If you enabled System Restore before, Windows Previous Versions can help to get them back to normal state
ShadowExplorer for your encrypted files
When Domn ransomware encrypts files it sometimes deletes Shadow Volume Copies too. If not, you can employ ShadowExplorer and restore data
Decryption is not possible for Domn ransomware
Report it and recover your files
Report it
Report the attack even if you do not expect the files back: insurers and banks ask for the report number, and police use the contacts in the note to link cases.
- United States
- FBI IC3 · FTC ReportFraud
- United Kingdom
- Report Fraud (formerly Action Fraud) · NCSC
- Australia
- ReportCyber (ASD)
- EU countries
- Europol: national reporting sites
Give the victim ID, the note and the date the files were encrypted. A business that holds personal data may also have to notify its data protection authority, in the EU within 72 hours.
Protect the files you restore
Restore only after the scans are clean and the PC no longer shows files that end in .coharos and no longer open; otherwise the restored copies can be damaged again.
Then build a backup that survives the next infection:
- one copy in the cloud with version history
- one on an external drive that is disconnected between backups
- the working copy on the PC
Version history matters because a backup that syncs damaged files overwrites the good ones.
How to do this with the tools built into Windows: the 3-2-1 backup rule on Windows.
Do not let government spy on you
The government has many issues in regards to tracking users' data and spying on citizens, so you should take this into consideration and learn more about shady information gathering practices.
Avoid any unwanted government tracking or spying by going totally anonymous on the internet.
You can choose a different location when you go online and access any material you want without particular content restrictions. You can easily enjoy internet connection without any risks of being hacked by using VPN.
Control the information that can be accessed by government any other unwanted party and surf online without being spied on. Even if you are not involved in illegal activities or trust your selection of services, platforms, be suspicious for your own security and take precautionary measures by using the VPN service.
Backup files for the later use, in case of the malware attack
Computer users can suffer from data losses due to cyber infections or their own faulty doings.
Ransomware can encrypt and hold files hostage, while unforeseen power cuts might cause a loss of important documents. If you have proper up-to-date backups, you can easily recover after such an incident and get back to work. It is also equally important to update backups on a regular basis so that the newest information remains intact - you can set this process to be performed automatically.
When you have the previous version of every important document or project you can avoid frustration and breakdowns. It comes in handy when malware strikes out of nowhere. Use for the data restoration process.
Questions about Domn ransomware
How do I open .coharos files?
You cannot open them by renaming or with another program, because the content of files ending in .coharos has been encrypted. The only ways back are a working decryptor for the family, or clean copies from elsewhere:
- OneDrive versions
- File History
- an offline backup drive
- Previous Versions if the ransomware did not delete them
Identify the family first by uploading the ransom note and one encrypted file to ID Ransomware or No More Ransom. Avoid websites and programs that promise to open any encrypted file; they do not work and some are scams.
Should I pay the ransom in _readme.txt?
Not before you have tried everything else. Identify the family from _readme.txt and one encrypted file, check No More Ransom for a free decryptor, and look for clean copies in OneDrive, backups and Previous Versions.
Paying funds further attacks, may be illegal if the group is sanctioned, and is no promise of a working key: many victims get partial or broken decryption. If you consider paying for business-critical data, involve the police and a professional incident responder first, and never pay through intermediaries who promise their own decryption.
Is there a free Domn ransomware decryptor?
We last checked on 6 October 2026, and for Domn ransomware no free decryptor is known. We check No More Ransom, which collects free tools from police and security companies, and the decryptor pages of the major antivirus vendors. A working decryptor exists only when the encryption has a flaw or the keys were leaked or seized.
Ignore sites and videos that offer a "Domn ransomware decryptor" for download or for a fee: these are usually scams or malware. Real decryptors are free and come from known security companies or law enforcement. Keep the encrypted files in case a tool appears later.
Did Domn ransomware steal my files or passwords?
We do not know yet. Nothing published so far shows data theft by Domn ransomware, but the only confirmed sign is files that end in .coharos and no longer open, which says nothing about what happened before. Many current ransomware attacks copy files or run a password stealer first, so it is wise to act as if they did.
From a clean device, change the passwords that were saved in the browsers on this PC, starting with e-mail and banking, sign out of all sessions and turn on two-step verification. Watch bank statements and account activity for the next few weeks.
Can a data-recovery company decrypt my files for a fee?
Only if a decryptor already exists or the company pays the attackers for you. Some "ransomware recovery" services advertise that they can decrypt families with no known flaw; in practice they negotiate with the attackers and add their own fee. Others use the same free tools listed on No More Ransom.
Before you hire anyone, ask in writing how they will recover the files, whether they will contact the attackers and what happens if they fail. A legitimate service answers clearly. If a free decryptor exists for your family, you can run it yourself.
How did Domn ransomware get on my computer?
The way Domn ransomware spreads has not been documented yet, so look at your own recent activity. On home PCs, ransomware most often comes with cracked programs, game cheats, key generators and fake updates, or with an e-mail attachment that was opened. On business networks, attackers usually log in through Remote Desktop with a stolen or guessed password.
Think back to what was downloaded or installed in the days before files that end in .coharos and no longer open, and check the Downloads folder and Installed apps sorted by date. Keep anything suspicious for your report, but do not run it again.
Is Domn ransomware the same as other ransomware with a similar name?
Not necessarily. Ransomware names come from the file extension, the note or a word in the code, so unrelated families often end up with similar names, and one family can appear under several names. The difference matters: a decryptor or advice for one family does not fit another and can damage files.
Compare the ending added to your files and the exact name of the note with the summary table at the top of this guide, then upload the note and one encrypted file to ID Ransomware from a clean device. If the result names another family, follow the guide for that family instead.
Should I open _readme.txt?
Reading it is fine if you open it in Notepad. A plain text _readme.txt cannot harm the PC. Be careful with notes in HTA or HTML format: double-clicking those runs them in a window that can contain scripts, so right-click and choose Open with > Notepad instead.
The note tells you the contact addresses, the claimed amount and the deadline. Do not visit links or write to the addresses from this PC. Use the note to identify the family and check for a free decryptor first.
Should I reinstall Windows after the .coharos attack?
Reinstalling removes the ransomware but not the encryption: your files ending in .coharos stay encrypted afterwards. So first copy the encrypted files and the ransom note to a separate drive, in case a decryptor appears later. Then decide:
- a clean-up with an offline scan is often enough for home PCs
- while a full reset is safer if remote access was involved
- scans keep finding new items
Restore your backups only after the PC is clean, and change passwords from another device.
Will Fortect remove Domn ransomware?
Fortect scans Windows for malware and unwanted programs and repairs the system files and settings they change, and its free scan shows what it finds on your PC before you decide anything.
For Domn ransomware, follow the plan above as well: the browser steps take back permissions and settings that no scanner treats as a threat, and uninstalling the program that brought it removes the source.
Run Microsoft Defender's full scan and, if anything was found, its offline scan as a second opinion. If the symptoms are gone after the plan and both scans are clean, there is nothing more to do.
Sources
- Techtarget: Macro virus (read October 6, 2026)
- Virusai: Virusai (read October 6, 2026)
- CISA: StopRansomware (read October 6, 2026)
- No More Ransom (read October 6, 2026)
- FTC: How to recognize, remove and avoid malware (read October 6, 2026)