Remove Java NotDharma ransomware (Removal Guide) - Bonus: Decryption Steps
Java NotDharma ransomware is a crypto-virus which showed up in April 2018
Java NotDharma is a ransomware virus that targets multiple file types on the PC and locks them up using .java extension. The original file that distributes the payload is unknown; however, soon after rooting itself deep within the system, the virus drops ransom note called Decrypt Instructions.txt.
| SUMMARY | |
| Name | Java NotDharma |
|---|---|
| Type | Ransomware |
| Cipher used | AES |
| Demanded ransom | Unknown |
| Extension applied | .java |
| Distribution | Spam emails, Malicious websites, exploits, etc. |
| Elimination | Install Reimage Reimage Cleaner Intego, SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner or Malwarebytes and run it in Safe Mode with Networking |
The victim is explained that he or she has to contact hackers using fgghtdfg@cock.li email address. Typically, cybercriminals demand a ransom to be paid in digital currency, such as Bitcoin or Monero. Allegedly, after the money is transferred, the user is awarded a decryptor that can unlock all the compromised files.
As it appends .java extension to each of the files, it was first speculated that the virus might be a variant of the infamous Dharma ransomware. However, it did not turn out to be true. Hence, security experts gave this ransomware Java NotDharma name.
To be able to boot itself with even launch of the system, Java NotDharma firstly modifies certain operating system configuration files. Quite often, the ransomware affects the computer in a way that allows it to bypass any security software.
If you do not possess any anti-virus program, download and install Reimage Reimage Cleaner Intego, SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner or Malwarebytes. These programs will help you to remove Java NotDharma ransomware. However, you have to boot your PC in Safe Mode with networking before proceeding.
The malicious payload is distributed via phishing emails,[1] rogue software updates, hacked software websites and similar. As soon as Java NotDharma virus enters the targeted machine, it encrypts files using AES[2] cryptography.
Java NotDharma malware can lock up a variety of files, including .avi, .html, .gif, .jpg, .7z, .pdf, .txt and many others. For example, a file on your system called video.avi will be turned into video.avi.java. Remember, the file is not damaged, it merely requires a decryption key which is stored on a remote server by hackers.
The ransom note states the following:
All of your files are encrypted, to decrypt them write us to email: ffgghtdfg@cock.li
The exact amount of ransom is probably provided via e-mail. Typically, it ranges from $300 to $1500 in Bitcoin. Nevertheless, regardless what the size of the demanded payment is, it is not recommended contacting cybercrooks. They might outright ignore you or send you a malicious file that can read all your keystrokes.
Security experts from virusai.lt[3] advise users to ignore hackers and never to contact them. Instead, Java NotDharma removal is recommended. Right after that, users can proceed with file recovery procedure which we described below this article.
Java NotDharma ransomware is a crypto-virus that enters machines without users noticing and renders a variety of files useless
Ransomware distribution methods
Cybercriminals typically rely on spam emails to deliver their malicious payload to multiple computers. It is well-known tactic and is often used to infect hundreds or even thousands of computers. Then, malware can spread further within networks.
To avoid contamination, we advise users to be extremely careful when opening emails from unknown sources. The email provider typically has built-in file scanners. Thus, suspicious emails are usually scanned and flagged up. Do not ignore these warnings! Never open an email and execute the attachment, especially if it is asking to enable macro function.
Additionally, we advise avoiding suspicious websites, such as porn, free online gaming, online dating, gambling, cracked software and other sites. These domains are usually less protected and are not safe to use.
Eliminate Java NotDharma ransomware from your computer and attempt file recovery
Unfortunately, the only secure way to redeem your files is by recovering them from an external drive or a remote server, such as cloud. If you do not have a backup, we provide the list of alternative programs you can use to attempt data recovery. But first, you need to remove Java NotDharma virus from your PC completely.
Manual Java NotDharma ransomware removal is hardly possible and is very complicated. Therefore, you should trust this operation to a powerful security tool. As we already mentioned, the virus might prevent a normal startup of the program. Thus, reboot your PC in Safe Mode with Networking, as explained below.
To remove Java NotDharma virus, follow these steps:
Remove Java NotDharma using Safe Mode with Networking
To enable your anti-virus program, reboot your PC in Safe Mode with Networking:
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Step 1: Reboot your computer to Safe Mode with Networking
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.
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Select Safe Mode with Networking 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 Networking in Startup Settings window.
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Step 2: Remove Java NotDharma
Log in to your infected account and start the browser. Download Reimage Reimage Cleaner Intego or other legitimate anti-spyware program. Update it before a full system scan and remove malicious files that belong to your ransomware and complete Java NotDharma removal.
If your ransomware is blocking Safe Mode with Networking, try further method.
Remove Java NotDharma using System Restore
You can try to delete Java NotDharma ransomware by using System Restore function:
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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.
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Step 2: Restore your system files and settings
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Once the Command Prompt window shows up, enter cd restore and click Enter.
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Now type rstrui.exe and press Enter again..
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When a new window shows up, click Next and select your restore point that is prior the infiltration of Java NotDharma. After doing that, click Next.
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Now click Yes to start system restore.
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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 Java NotDharma from your computer. To recover your encrypted files, we recommend using a detailed guide prepared by 2-spyware.com security experts.Do not contact cybercriminals no matter how tempting it might be. Instead, try out the following data recovery methods.
If your files are encrypted by Java NotDharma, you can use several methods to restore them:
Data Recovery Pro might help
Data Recovery Pro was created to recover files that got accidentally deleted or damaged in other ways. However, it was proven to be effective in some ransomware infection cases.
- 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 Java NotDharma ransomware;
- Restore them.
Try Windows Previous Versions feature
This method will only work if you had System Restore function enabled before your computer was attacked by the virus.
- 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”.
ShadowExplorer might be the answer
ShadowExplorer is only useful if Shadow Volume copies were not deleted by the virus.
- 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.
Decryptor is not available yet
Finally, you should always think about the protection of crypto-ransomwares. In order to protect your computer from Java NotDharma and other ransomwares, use a reputable anti-spyware, such as Reimage Reimage Cleaner Intego, SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner or Malwarebytes
Access your website securely from any location
When you work on the domain, site, blog, or different project that requires constant management, content creation, or coding, you may need to connect to the server and content management service more often. It is a hassle when your website is protected from suspicious connections and unauthorized IP addresses.
The best solution for creating a tighter network could be a dedicated/fixed IP address. If you make your IP address static and set to your device, you can connect to the CMS from any location and do not create any additional issues for server or network manager that need to monitor connections and activities. This is how you bypass some of the authentications factors and can remotely use your banking accounts without triggering suspicious with each login.
VPN software providers like Private Internet Access can help you with such settings and offer the option to control the online reputation and manage projects easily from any part of the world. It is better to clock the access to your website from different IP addresses. So you can keep the project safe and secure when you have the dedicated IP address VPN and protected access to the content management system.
Backup files for the later use, in case of the malware attack
Computer users can suffer various losses due to cyber infections or their own faulty doings. Software issues created by malware or direct data loss due to encryption can lead to problems with your device or permanent damage. When you have proper up-to-date backups, you can easily recover after such an incident and get back to work.
It is crucial to create updates to your backups after any changes on the device, so you can get back to the point you were working on when malware changes anything or issues with the device causes data or performance corruption. Rely on such behavior and make file backup your daily or weekly habit.
When you have the previous version of every important document or project you can avoid frustration and breakdowns. It comes in handy when malware occurs out of nowhere. Use Data Recovery Pro for the system restoring purpose.
About the author
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References
- ^ Email Phishing Scams. WebRoot. Cybersecurity experts.
- ^ Advanced Encryption Standard (AES). SearchSecurity. Online information about security.
- ^ Virusai. Virusai. Lithuanian security researchers.
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