Remove Dharma (.WHY) ransomware

Is this a serious threat

The ransomware known as Dharma (.WHY) ransomware is classified as a serious threat, due to the amount of damage it might do to your computer. It’s possible it is your first time coming across this type of malware, in which case, you may be in for a huge surprise. Strong encryption algorithms may be used for data encryption, stopping you from accessing files. Because data encoding malicious software could mean permanent file loss, it is classified as a very dangerous infection. You’ll be provided the option to decrypt files if you pay the ransom, but that isn’t the recommended option. There are numerous cases where a decryptor wasn’t provided even after pay. It may be naive to believe that crooks will feel obligated to aid you recover files, when they don’t have to.

That money would also go into future malware projects. Do you really want to support the kind of criminal activity. People also realize that they can make easy money, and the more victims give into the demands, the more appealing file encrypting malware becomes to those types of people. You may find yourself in this type of situation again sometime in the future, so investing the demanded money into backup would be wiser because you wouldn’t need to worry about your files. You can then simply uninstall Dharma (.WHY) ransomware and restore data. You could also not be familiar with how file encoding malicious program are distributed, and we will discuss the most common ways in the below paragraphs.

Ransomware spread methods

Email attachments, exploit kits and malicious downloads are the spread methods you need to be cautious about the most. Quite a lot of data encrypting malware rely on people hastily opening email attachments and don’t need to use more elaborate methods. Nevertheless, some ransomware could be distributed using more elaborate methods, which require more effort. Cyber criminals don’t have to put in much effort, just write a generic email that appears somewhat credible, attach the contaminated file to the email and send it to future victims, who may believe the sender is someone legitimate. Money related problems are a common topic in those emails as people take them more seriously and are more inclined to engage in. It’s quite frequent that you’ll see big company names like Amazon used, for example, if Amazon sent an email with a receipt for a purchase that the user did not make, he/she wouldn’t wait to open the attachment. Because of this, you need to be cautious about opening emails, and look out for hints that they may be malicious. It’s important that you make sure the sender is reliable before you open the file they’ve sent you. If you do know them, ensure it is actually them by carefully checking the email address. Also, be on the look out for mistakes in grammar, which can be pretty evident. Take note of how the sender addresses you, if it is a sender who knows your name, they will always use your name in the greeting. The ransomware can also infect by using certain weak spots found in computer programs. Weak spots in programs are regularly identified and vendors release fixes to fix them so that malicious software makers cannot exploit them to infect devices with malicious software. As WannaCry has shown, however, not everyone is that quick to update their programs. It is very essential that you frequently patch your programs because if a weak spot is serious, Severe weak spots could be easily used by malware so make sure all your software are patched. Regularly having to install updates might get troublesome, so you can set them up to install automatically.

How does it behave

When ransomware contaminated your computer, it will scan for specific files types and soon after they’re located, they’ll be encrypted. If you initially did not realize something going on, you’ll certainly know when you can’t open your files. Check the extensions added to encrypted files, they should show the name of the data encoding malware. Unfortunately, it isn’t always possible to decrypt data if powerful encryption algorithms were used. You will see a ransom note placed in the folders with your data or it’ll appear in your desktop, and it ought to explain that your files have been locked and how you may decrypt them. The decryption program offered won’t be for free, of course. The note ought to plainly display the price for the decryption program but if it doesn’t, it’ll give you a way to contact the cyber crooks to set up a price. As we have already discussed, we do not suggest paying for a decryption program, for reasons we have already discussed. Before even considering paying, look into all other options first. Try to recall maybe backup is available but you’ve forgotten about it. Or, if you’re lucky, a free decryption program could be available. A decryption tool might be available for free, if the data encrypting malware got into many computers and malware specialists were able to crack it. Take that option into consideration and only when you are certain a free decryptor is not available, should you even think about complying with the demands. It would be wiser to purchase backup with some of that money. If backup is available, just remove Dharma (.WHY) ransomware and then unlock Dharma (.WHY) ransomware files. If you wish to avoid ransomware in the future, become aware of how it could infect your device. Stick to legitimate download sources, pay attention to what kind of email attachments you open, and make sure you keep your programs up-to-date at all times.

Dharma (.WHY) ransomware removal

an anti-malware utility will be necessary if you want to fully get rid of the file encoding malware if it still remains on your device. If you aren’t knowledgeable when it comes to computers, you could end up accidentally damaging your computer when attempting to fix Dharma (.WHY) ransomware virus manually. Thus, opting for the automatic method would be a wiser idea. It might also help prevent these kinds of threats in the future, in addition to helping you remove this one. Find a suitable utility, and once it’s installed, scan your computer for the the infection. Sadly, those programs will not help with data decryption. When your device is free from the infection, start to routinely back up your data.

Learn how to remove Remove Dharma (.WHY) ransomware from your computer

• Step 1. Delete ransomware via anti-malware
• Step 2. Delete Remove Dharma (.WHY) ransomware using System Restore
• Step 3. Recover your data

Step 1. Delete ransomware via anti-malware

• a) Windows 7/Windows Vista/Windows XP
• b) Windows 8/Windows 10

a) Windows 7/Windows Vista/Windows XP

1. Start menu -> Shut down -> Restart.
2. Press and keep pressing F8 until Advanced Boot Options loads.
3. Select Safe Mode with Networking and press Enter.
4. When your computer boots, download anti-malware software via your browser.
5. Launch the program, scan your computer and delete the infection.

b) Windows 8/Windows 10

1. Press the Windows key on your keyboard and click on the power icon.
2. Select Restart while holding the Shift key.
3. Choose Troubleshoot and then Advanced options.
4. In Advanced options, choose Startup Settings and select Enable Safe mode with Networking (or just Safe Mode).
5. Press Restart.

Step 2. Delete Remove Dharma (.WHY) ransomware using System Restore

• a) Windows 7/Windows Vista/Windows XP
• b) Windows 8/Windows 10

a) Windows 7/Windows Vista/Windows XP

1. Start menu -> Shut down -> Restart.
2. Press and keep pressing F8 until Advanced Boot Options load.
3. Select Safe Mode with Command Prompt, and press Enter.
4. In Command Prompt, type in cd restore and press Enter.
5. Then type in rstrui.exe and press Enter again.
6. A new window will appear where you will have to choose a restore point. Choose one dating back prior to infection and press Next, and then Finish.

b) Windows 8/Windows 10

1. Press the Windows key on your keyboard and click on the power icon.
2. Select Restart while holding the Shift key.
3. Select Troubleshoot and then Advanced options.
4. In Advanced options, choose Startup Settings and select Enable Safe mode with Command Prompt.
5. In the Command Prompt window that appears, type in cd restore and press Enter.
6. Then type in rstrui.exe and press Enter again.
7. In the window that appears, you will have to select a restore point dating back prior to infection. Select one and press Next, then Finish.

Step 3. Recover your data

• a) Method 1. Data Recovery Pro
• b) Method 2. Windows Previous Versions
• c) Method 3. Shadow Explorer

When your files are encrypted by ransomware, you may be able to recover them. Below, you will find methods that could help you with file decryption. However, bear in mind that file decryption is not guaranteed. These methods are not always reliable, thus the best way to recover files would be via backup. And if you don't already have it, we suggest you invest in it.

a) Method 1. Data Recovery Pro

1. Download the Data Recovery Pro program.
2. Install and run the program.
3. Press Start Scan to see if data can be recovered.
4. If it finds recoverable files, you can restore them.

b) Method 2. Windows Previous Versions

If you had System Restore enabled prior to infection, your files should be recoverable through Windows Previous Versions.

1. Find a file you want to recover and right-click on it.
2. Properties -> Previous Versions.
3. Choose a version from the list and press Restore.

c) Method 3. Shadow Explorer

Some ransomware does not delete automatically created copies of your files, which are known as Shadow Copies. If they were not deleted, you should be able to recover them via Shadow Explorer.

1. Download Shadow Explorer from a reliable source.
2. Install and run the program.
3. Choose a disk that contains encrypted files and if it contains folders with recoverable files, press Export.