Dharma Ransomware Removal Guide

A new version of Dharma Ransomware has emerged, and it is just as malicious and dangerous. The previous version of this malicious threat added the “[e-mail].dharma” extension to the corrupted files, but the new one uses the “.[lavandos@dr.com].wallet” extension, which is why some users recognize the threat as the Lavandos Ransomware. According to the most recent research, this threat is spread via spam emails, which is not all that strange or surprising, considering that hundreds – if not thousands – of other ransomware infections are spread in the same way. A few other threats worth mentioning are M0on Ransomware, Crypton Ransomware, and Telecrypt Ransomware. These threats are executed via files that are attached to misleading spam emails. As you probably understand, the victims launch the threat themselves. Once the infection is in, it encrypts all files, and that can be devastating for you if your files are not backed up. Although you cannot actually decrypt your files by removing Dharma Ransomware, you need to delete this threat as soon as possible.

According to our malware experts, Dharma Ransomware does not encrypt system files. In fact, it evades all files in the %WINDIR% directory. The bad news is that all your personal files can be corrupted by this malicious threat. AES – or Advanced Encryption Standard – is used for the encryption of your personal data, and this algorithm is very complex. It is unlikely that third-party file decryptors will be able to decrypt your files, and some users will not even attempt looking at third-party decryptors because of the ransom note that is represented. This ransom note is displayed via a background wallpaper, as well as a TXT file (“Hallo our dear friend.txt”) that is found on the Desktop. According to the notification on the screen, your data would be corrupted if you tried using third-party “recovering software.” It is also stated that you only have 72 hours to fulfill the demands of Dharma Ransomware creators before the decryption key is removed. The first demand is to email cyber criminals at lavandos@india.com or lavandos@dr.com (this email address is represented as a backup option). If you do, you will receive a new demand instructing you to pay a ransom fee.

What happens if you pay the ransom requested by Dharma Ransomware? According to our malware experts, it appears that this ransomware was created by someone who does not know what they are doing. These days, anyone with basic knowledge can build a ransomware infection using the information found online. Because of that, amateurs are getting involved as well. Unfortunately, they often are unable to decrypt the files after the ransom payments are received. As you might have noticed, the ransom note on the Desktop informs that you need to disclose your ID when you email cyber criminals, but the problem is that this ID does not exist! It is quite possible that this could affect the chances of getting your files decrypted. Of course, there are no guarantees that cyber crooks would provide you with the decryptor even if they could because, at the end of the day, they care only about the money, and they can move on as soon as they receive the ransom payment. Due to this, we do not recommend paying the ransom. Unfortunately, you do not have other options.

If your files are very important for you, you might decide to pay the ransom requested by Dharma Ransomware. If you are thinking about this, make sure you weigh all outcomes beforehand because you do not want to be wasting your money without thinking things through. Hopefully, your files are taken care of, and you can access them via cloud storage or an external drive. If your files are not backed up, this might mean that they are lost for good. In any case – whether or not you recover your files – you need to remove Dharma Ransomware from your operating system, and that is not a complicated task. All you need to do is remove the malicious launcher. Although the threat should not copy itself, it is smart to run a full system scan to check for leftovers. After you get rid of the ransomware, you might have to reinstall some applications as well. Note that if all of your browsers are encrypted, you can use a flash drive to transfer installers. You can use this tip for the installation of anti-malware software as well.

How to delete Dharma Ransomware

1. Right-click the malicious launcher (use a malware scanner if you cannot find it yourself).
2. Delete the malicious launcher file.
3. Delete the ransom note file called Hallo our dear friend.txt.
4. Install a legitimate malware scanner to inspect your PC and check for leftovers.