How to Remove & Restore Data infected from .Wallet Virus ?

Summary: What to do when .Wallet file virus (Dharma Ransomware) infects your PC? This blog post helps you to remove .Wallet virus file ransomware and to restore your encrypted files.

What is .Wallet File Virus?

Dharma Ransomware also known as .Wallet file virus is a typical ransomware virus which encrypts certain data stored on the system by utilizing strong AES encipher algorithm, therefore, making them inaccessible by any existing program and user. The crypto-malware adds .wallet.lock file extensions to the files after using AES and RSA encryption algorithm to make them unreadable so that the hackers can extort victims for a ransom. The only way to unlock files is to pay the ransom to the attacker.

The .wallet virus is feared by cyber security experts because of the complexity and difficulty of breaching the encryptions. Also, it runs without any detectable symptoms. Once the files are infected by the virus, then they cannot be accessed.

How .Wallet Virus Infects File?

The infection starts with the execution of a file that is designed to look like something useful. The attackers undertake different approaches as mentioned below:

• They would send messages with malicious attachments or links on social media platforms
• Send spam emails
• Integrate it with other legitimate sites (E-bay, PayPal, Banking sites etc.)
• Messages on business communication utilities (Skype, Outlook etc.)
• Uploading fake files on torrent (crack or patch generators for video games)

Unknowingly, people click or access the links. Such messages contain embedded scripts or malicious codes that are disguised as legitimate files. Once the file is opened, it executes the malicious code which then scans the entire system. The vicious code utilizes AES encryption algorithm making the files inaccessible.  During the scanning process, the virus searches for specific file related to the victim’s personal information and then encrypts these files with the .wallet file extensions.

Extensions of .Wallet Virus

Attackers have become adept in masking the malicious codes into the legitimate software or links and actually are successful in tricking people into believing that they have received an important mail or messages stating that they are eligible for a discount or that they have just won a prize or something else of that scale, and, to claim it, they need to respond to the mail or message.

You might be wondering how does the extension of .wallet file ransomware virus looks like, isn’t it? The .wallet file virus looks like this:

 ‘(Contact email).wallet’

 Following are some examples of the file extensions used by .wallet file ransomware virus:

• webmafia@india.com
• interlock@india.com
• stopper@india.com
• blacklist@india.com
• braker@plague.life
• hitman@foxmail.com
• pay4help@india.com
• amagnus@india.com

As soon as the victim opens the attached file, the built-in JavaScript or VBA script initiates the infection process. The email addresses used by the attackers isn’t the only way to reach out to the victim. The .wallet virus reiterates the information in the Readme.txt or Readme.jpg as well which are included in each folder with encrypted data, informing the victim that they have been attacked and to pay the ransom to get back the access.

Is there anything you can do to prevent the virus?

You can prevent the virus attack by following some precautionary steps:

• Paying close attention to every detail of incoming emails and messages
• Taking note of the sender’s name and addresses
• Even if you have the slightest doubt, better delete the message without opening it
• To ensure that it has come from a reliable source, compose a new message asking for the sender’s address to confirm the intention. Again do not open the message or email.
• Backup the files and create several copies of them

.Wallet File Virus removing techniques

Below are some of the techniques which you can use to remove .wallet file virus and restore encrypted files:

1. Start the PC in the Safe Mode with Network:

This will isolate the affected files so as to stop the virus from creating further damage.

• Open the command prompt and type “msconfig” and hit enter
• Next, choose the “boot” tab
• Check “Safe Boot” option. Go to “Network” and check it too
• Press “Apply > OK”

2. Windows Task Manager:

You can stop the process through Windows Task Manager as well. Follow the commands shown below:

• Press the combination: CTRL+SHITFT+ESC
• Go to “Processes”
• After finding the suspicious process, right-click on it and select “Open File Location”
• Go to Task Manager and end the process by clicking on “End Process”
• Go to the file location and delete that file

3. Delete the file from Windows Registry:

• Press the combination: Windows key + R to open the Run window
• Type in “regedit” and hit “Enter” to open the Windows Registry

• Locate and delete the registry files created by .Wallet file virus extensions

4. Reboot your system to Safe Mode with Command Prompt:

• Press the “Power” button and press and hold “Shift” and click “Restart”
• Select Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Startup Settings and press “Restart”
• Once the system is active, select “Enable Safe Mode With Command Prompt”

Manually removing .Wallet virus which can lead to permanent system damage as you need to delete files from system registries. There are chances that instead of mitigating the issue, you end up making the situation worse. There is always a risk associated with these steps; however, you may succeed in addressing the issue but only to some extent.

When the complexity rises, the issue demands more professional and advanced techniques. Under certain circumstances, you may require. Wallet virus data recovery services provider and Stellar Data Recovery is the leading data recovery service provider which not only effectively removes the .Wallet file virus but also restores the encrypted files as well.