DeezNuts Crypter (.deeznuts-crypter.) ransomware virus - removal and decryption options

What is DeezNuts Crypter ransomware?

DeezNuts Crypter is a piece of malicious software classified as ransomware. Our research team found it while inspecting new submissions to VirusTotal.

After being launched on our test machine, this ransomware encrypted files and renamed them by inserting ".deeznuts-crypter" between the original filename and extension. For example, a file initially titled "1.jpg" appeared as "1.deeznuts-crypter.jpg", "2.png" as "2.deeznuts-crypter.png", and so on.

Once this process was completed, DeezNuts Crypter displayed a pop-up window and opened a pastebin (text storage) webpage on the browser.

The text presented in these messages makes it clear that this ransomware's goal is not to collect ransoms. We have concluded, that it might have been developed for the cyber criminals' amusement or released for testing purposes. Fortunately, DeezNuts Crypter is decryptable; the decryption key is "123" (sans quotation marks).

Screenshot of files encrypted by DeezNuts Crypter ransomware:

DeezNuts Crypter ransomware overview

The text presented in the pop-up window is unusual for ransomware. It informs victims that their data has been encrypted and states that the decryption key will cost them zero in Bitcoin cryptocurrency.

As mentioned in the introduction, this version of DeezNuts Crypter is decryptable (that might change if any improved variants are released in the future). The decryption key is "123" (without the quotes).

The opened pastebin website insults the victim and talks about the ransomware. It states that this malware was made intentionally weak, and the decryption key is actually one character - however, it is three characters ("123"). It also repeats the demanded payment is zero. The note is concluded with disjointed lyrics of the English singer Rick Astley's song "Never Gonna Give You Up", which is used in the Internet phenomenon called Rickrolling.

While DeezNuts Crypter is decryptable, that is particularly rare for ransomware. Most encryptions by the malicious programs within this classification - cannot be decrypted without the attackers' involvement.

Furthermore, despite meeting the ransom demands - victims frequently do not receive the promised decryption keys and/or software. Therefore, we strongly advise against ever paying cyber criminals and thus supporting their illegal activities.

Removing ransomware from an operating system will prevent it from encrypting more data. However, removal will not restore already affected files. In these cases, the sole solution is recovering them from a backup, if one was created prior and is stored elsewhere.

Hence, we highly recommend keeping backups in multiple separate locations (e.g., unplugged storage devices, remote servers, etc.) - to avoid permanent data loss.

Ransomware examples

We have analyzed thousands of ransomware-type programs; Kxde, Mxf1bd, Soviet Locker, and Wdlo are merely some examples of our latest finds. While this malware operates practically identically, these programs do have two significant differences in-between - the cryptographic algorithms they use (symmetric or asymmetric) and the ransom size.

How did ransomware infect my computer?

Malware (ransomware included) is primarily proliferated using phishing and social engineering tactics. For example, spam emails/messages can contain virulent files as attachments or downloads links. These files can be executables, archives, Microsoft Office and PDF documents, JavaScript, etc. Once a malicious file is executed, run, or otherwise opened - the infection chain is triggered.

Malicious programs are often disguised as or bundled with ordinary content. They can be distributed through freeware and third-party download websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, and other dubious download channels.

Illegal software activation ("cracking") tools can cause infections rather than activate licensed products. Fake updaters infect systems by abusing outdated program weaknesses and/or by installing malware.

Threat Summary:

Name	DeezNuts Crypter virus
Threat Type	Ransomware, Crypto Virus, Files locker
Encrypted Files Extension	.deeznuts-crypter. (inserted between filenames and their extensions)
Ransom Demanding Message	Text presented in the pop-up window and pastebin site
Ransom Amount	0 (none)
Free Decryptor Available?	Yes; the decryption password - 123
Detection Names	Avast (Win32:Trojan-gen), Combo Cleaner (Generic.Ransom.AIT.Ouroboros.C50292DF), ESET-NOD32 (Multiple Detections), Kaspersky (Trojan-Ransom.Script.Agent.f), Microsoft (Ransom:Win32/CryptoWire!MSR), Full List Of Detections (VirusTotal)
Symptoms	Cannot open files stored on your computer, previously functional files now have a different extension (for example, my.docx.locked). A ransom demand message is displayed on your desktop. Cyber criminals demand payment of a ransom (usually in bitcoins) to unlock your files.
Distribution methods	Infected email attachments (macros), torrent websites, malicious ads.
Damage	All files are encrypted and cannot be opened without paying a ransom. Additional password-stealing trojans and malware infections can be installed together with a ransomware infection.
Malware Removal (Windows)	To eliminate possible malware infections, scan your computer with legitimate antivirus software. Our security researchers recommend using Combo Cleaner. ▼ Download Combo Cleaner To use full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Combo Cleaner. 7 days free trial available. Combo Cleaner is owned and operated by Rcs Lt, the parent company of PCRisk.com read more.

How to protect yourself from ransomware infections?

We strongly advise against opening the attachments and links found in suspicious/irrelevant emails and messages, as they can contain malware. Furthermore, all downloads must be performed from official and verified sources.

Another recommendation is activating and updating programs with tools provided by legitimate developers, as those obtained from third-parties may cause system infections.

We must emphasize the importance of having a reputable anti-virus installed and kept updated. This software has to be used to run regular system scans and to remove detected/potential threats. If your computer is already infected with DeezNuts Crypter, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate this ransomware.

Screenshot of DeezNuts Crypter ransomware's pop-up window:

Text presented in this pop-up:

deeznutsransom

Your files has been safely deez nutted

[Buy Bitcoins] [Decrypt Files]

The only way you can deezcover your files is to buy a decryption key
The payment method is: Bitcoins.  The price is: $0 = 0 Bitcoins

Click on the 'Buy decryption key' button.

The appearance of pastebin website opened by DeezNuts Crypter ransomware (GIF):

Text presented in this page:

you are an idiot hahaha
you are an idiot hahaha
you are an idiot hahaha
you are an idiot hahaha
for running the wirus
you are an idiot hahaha

your files have been encrypted by the wirus you ran
to get ur files bak
you need a decryption key
i the maker of the wirus made the key weak
intencionaly
the algorithem is aes
the key is
one charater
it may use special charaters
it could be a capital or lower case
good luck idiot

and dont download cracks and hax next time

this ransomware is more relaxed than other ransomwares
0 bitcoin payment
i hope no bug happens from that

------message for victim here-----
Threat is a mirror of security gaps. Cyber-threat is mainly a reflection of our weaknesses.
An accurate vision of digital and behavioral gaps is crucial for a consistent cyber-resilience.
and If you spend more on coffee than on IT security, you will be hacked. What's more, you deserve to be hacked

------message for the law enforcement here-----
the following message has been encrypted

down up and Gonna GOnna hurt desert a GOnna YoU YOU GOnna tell up AND AND you tell let NEVER desert NEVER YOU AND down Never rickroll up desert down turn give desert gonna gonna lie up Gonna YOU and NEver hurt AND gonna YOU lie and GOnna around up GOnna You AND give let rickroll AND NEver GONNA rickroll gonna up You desert tell YoU Never down you lie YOU NEVER desert never YOU give around let Gonna desert let YoU NEVER GONNA Never GOnna YOU up NEver gonna NEVER hurt You let and tell AND and let YoU YoU GOnna GONNA tell YoU down up desert AND NEver NEver tell around NEVER a Gonna let never turn NEver AND never NEVER gonna NEVER and Gonna and GOnna tell You YOU and down let gonna YoU you down tell up NEver YoU you NEver up desert YOU YoU desert never a never GONNA let and NEVER YoU tell Gonna YOU AND YOU NEver let and down and let gonna Never lie around hurt Never turn NEver around let YOU lie YoU let never a desert never gonna turn YOU GOnna NEver down AND YOU You desert let AND around turn NEVER AND you down up GOnna GONNA never YOU GONNA turn Never NEVER around never rickroll GONNA you gonna up tell rickroll let NEVER you You and YOU AND AND tell YOU AND turn NEVER GOnna GONNA hurt give gonna hurt never NEver gonna gonna never You hurt AND You GONNA around GOnna GONNA tell NEVER YoU You AND up You GOnna rickroll turn tell turn Gonna AND around NEVER up up and NEVER GONNA YoU lie AND let rickroll YoU NEVER let turn and NEver up you Gonna gonna YoU Gonna never Gonna YOU let up AND tell turn YOU hurt Gonna give never down hurt let never YOU never GOnna YOU hurt a You a around never rickroll turn a GOnna rickroll Never AND YOU give turn tell GOnna around desert GONNA desert rickroll you NEver AND YOU YoU tell up tell rickroll up a AND around Gonna GOnna around gonna you tell hurt never give desert gonna Never GONNA and up tell up and let you GOnna never up never and a up desert GOnna YoU You around NEVER Gonna down Gonna YOU tell YOU around and gonna lie gonna NEver never Never Never GONNA You a YoU around you Gonna lie lie never give around GONNA around YOU you NEVER AND Never You NEver a YOU turn You hurt NEVER never lie hurt rickroll You GOnna let hurt GONNA YoU YOU desert tell lie up turn Gonna never gonna and give down and gonna lie

DeezNuts Crypter ransomware removal:

Instant automatic malware removal: Manual threat removal might be a lengthy and complicated process that requires advanced IT skills. Combo Cleaner is a professional automatic malware removal tool that is recommended to get rid of malware. Download it by clicking the button below:
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Video suggesting what steps should be taken in case of a ransomware infection:

Quick menu:

• What is DeezNuts Crypter virus?
• STEP 1. Reporting ransomware to authorities.
• STEP 2. Isolating the infected device.
• STEP 3. Identifying the ransomware infection.
• STEP 4. Searching for ransomware decryption tools.
• STEP 5. Restoring files with data recovery tools.
• STEP 6. Creating data backups.

Reporting ransomware to authorities:

If you are a victim of a ransomware attack we recommend reporting this incident to authorities. By providing information to law enforcement agencies you will help track cybercrime and potentially assist in the prosecution of the attackers. Here's a list of authorities where you should report a ransomware attack. For the complete list of local cybersecurity centers and information on why you should report ransomware attacks, read this article.

List of local authorities where ransomware attacks should be reported (choose one depending on your residence address):

•  USA - Internet Crime Complaint Centre IC3
•  United Kingdom - Action Fraud
•  Spain - Policía Nacional
•  France - Ministère de l'Intérieur
•  Germany - Polizei
•  Italy - Polizia di Stato
•  The Netherlands - Politie
•  Poland - Policja
•  Portugal - Polícia Judiciária

Isolating the infected device:

Some ransomware-type infections are designed to encrypt files within external storage devices, infect them, and even spread throughout the entire local network. For this reason, it is very important to isolate the infected device (computer) as soon as possible.

Step 1: Disconnect from the internet.

The easiest way to disconnect a computer from the internet is to unplug the Ethernet cable from the motherboard, however, some devices are connected via a wireless network and for some users (especially those who are not particularly tech-savvy), disconnecting cables may seem troublesome. Therefore, you can also disconnect the system manually via Control Panel:

Navigate to the "Control Panel", click the search bar in the upper-right corner of the screen, enter "Network and Sharing Center" and select search result:

Click the "Change adapter settings" option in the upper-left corner of the window:

Right-click on each connection point and select "Disable". Once disabled, the system will no longer be connected to the internet. To re-enable the connection points, simply right-click again and select "Enable".

Step 2: Unplug all storage devices.

As mentioned above, ransomware might encrypt data and infiltrate all storage devices that are connected to the computer. For this reason, all external storage devices (flash drives, portable hard drives, etc.) should be disconnected immediately, however, we strongly advise you to eject each device before disconnecting to prevent data corruption:

Navigate to "My Computer", right-click on each connected device, and select "Eject":

Step 3: Log-out of cloud storage accounts.

Some ransomware-type might be able to hijack software that handles data stored within "the Cloud". Therefore, the data could be corrupted/encrypted. For this reason, you should log-out of all cloud storage accounts within browsers and other related software. You should also consider temporarily uninstalling the cloud-management software until the infection is completely removed.

Identify the ransomware infection:

To properly handle an infection, one must first identify it. Some ransomware infections use ransom-demand messages as an introduction (see the WALDO ransomware text file below).

This, however, is rare. In most cases, ransomware infections deliver more direct messages simply stating that data is encrypted and that victims must pay some sort of ransom. Note that ransomware-type infections typically generate messages with different file names (for example, "_readme.txt", "READ-ME.txt", "DECRYPTION_INSTRUCTIONS.txt", "DECRYPT_FILES.html", etc.). Therefore, using the name of a ransom message may seem like a good way to identify the infection. The problem is that most of these names are generic and some infections use the same names, even though the delivered messages are different and the infections themselves are unrelated. Therefore, using the message filename alone can be ineffective and even lead to permanent data loss (for example, by attempting to decrypt data using tools designed for different ransomware infections, users are likely to end up permanently damaging files and decryption will no longer be possible even with the correct tool).

Another way to identify a ransomware infection is to check the file extension, which is appended to each encrypted file. Ransomware infections are often named by the extensions they append (see files encrypted by Qewe ransomware below).

This method is only effective, however, when the appended extension is unique - many ransomware infections append a generic extension (for example, ".encrypted", ".enc", ".crypted", ".locked", etc.). In these cases, identifying ransomware by its appended extension becomes impossible.

One of the easiest and quickest ways to identify a ransomware infection is to use the ID Ransomware website. This service supports most existing ransomware infections. Victims simply upload a ransom message and/or one encrypted file (we advise you to upload both if possible).

The ransomware will be identified within seconds and you will be provided with various details, such as the name of the malware family to which the infection belongs, whether it is decryptable, and so on.

Example 1 (Qewe [Stop/Djvu] ransomware):

Example 2 (.iso [Phobos] ransomware):

If your data happens to be encrypted by ransomware that is not supported by ID Ransomware, you can always try searching the internet by using certain keywords (for example, a ransom message title, file extension, provided contact emails, crypto wallet addresses, etc.).

Search for ransomware decryption tools:

Encryption algorithms used by most ransomware-type infections are extremely sophisticated and, if the encryption is performed properly, only the developer is capable of restoring data. This is because decryption requires a specific key, which is generated during the encryption. Restoring data without the key is impossible. In most cases, cybercriminals store keys on a remote server, rather than using the infected machine as a host. Dharma (CrySis), Phobos, and other families of high-end ransomware infections are virtually flawless, and thus restoring data encrypted without the developers' involvement is simply impossible. Despite this, there are dozens of ransomware-type infections that are poorly developed and contain a number of flaws (for example, the use of identical encryption/decryption keys for each victim, keys stored locally, etc.). Therefore, always check for available decryption tools for any ransomware that infiltrates your computer.

Finding the correct decryption tool on the internet can be very frustrating. For this reason, we recommend that you use the No More Ransom Project and this is where identifying the ransomware infection is useful. The No More Ransom Project website contains a "Decryption Tools" section with a search bar. Enter the name of the identified ransomware, and all available decryptors (if there are any) will be listed.

Restore files with data recovery tools:

Depending on the situation (quality of ransomware infection, type of encryption algorithm used, etc.), restoring data with certain third-party tools might be possible. Therefore, we advise you to use the Recuva tool developed by CCleaner. This tool supports over a thousand data types (graphics, video, audio, documents, etc.) and it is very intuitive (little knowledge is necessary to recover data). In addition, the recovery feature is completely free.

Step 1: Perform a scan.

Run the Recuva application and follow the wizard. You will be prompted with several windows allowing you to choose what file types to look for, which locations should be scanned, etc. All you need to do is select the options you're looking for and start the scan. We advise you to enable the "Deep Scan" before starting, otherwise, the application's scanning capabilities will be restricted.

Wait for Recuva to complete the scan. The scanning duration depends on the volume of files (both in quantity and size) that you are scanning (for example, several hundred gigabytes could take over an hour to scan). Therefore, be patient during the scanning process. We also advise against modifying or deleting existing files, since this might interfere with the scan. If you add additional data (for example, downloading files/content) while scanning, this will prolong the process:

Step 2: Recover data.

Once the process is complete, select the folders/files you wish to restore and simply click "Recover". Note that some free space on your storage drive is necessary to restore data:

Create data backups:

Proper file management and creating backups is essential for data security. Therefore, always be very careful and think ahead.

Partition management: We recommend that you store your data in multiple partitions and avoid storing important files within the partition that contains the entire operating system. If you fall into a situation whereby you cannot boot the system and are forced to format the disk on which the operating system is installed (in most cases, this is where malware infections hide), you will lose all data stored within that drive. This is the advantage of having multiple partitions: if you have the entire storage device assigned to a single partition, you will be forced to delete everything, however, creating multiple partitions and allocating the data properly allows you to prevent such problems. You can easily format a single partition without affecting the others - therefore, one will be cleaned and the others will remain untouched, and your data will be saved. Managing partitions is quite simple and you can find all the necessary information on Microsoft's documentation web page.

Data backups: One of the most reliable backup methods is to use an external storage device and keep it unplugged. Copy your data to an external hard drive, flash (thumb) drive, SSD, HDD, or any other storage device, unplug it and store it in a dry place away from the sun and extreme temperatures. This method is, however, quite inefficient, since data backups and updates need to be made regularly. You can also use a cloud service or remote server. Here, an internet connection is required and there is always the chance of a security breach, although it's a really rare occasion.

We recommend using Microsoft OneDrive for backing up your files. OneDrive lets you store your personal files and data in the cloud, sync files across computers and mobile devices, allowing you to access and edit your files from all of your Windows devices. OneDrive lets you save, share and preview files, access download history, move, delete, and rename files, as well as create new folders, and much more.

You can back up your most important folders and files on your PC (your Desktop, Documents, and Pictures folders). Some of OneDrive’s more notable features include file versioning, which keeps older versions of files for up to 30 days. OneDrive features a recycling bin in which all of your deleted files are stored for a limited time. Deleted files are not counted as part of the user’s allocation.

The service is built using HTML5 technologies and allows you to upload files up to 300 MB via drag and drop into the web browser or up to 10 GB via the OneDrive desktop application. With OneDrive, you can download entire folders as a single ZIP file with up to 10,000 files, although it can’t exceed 15 GB per single download.

OneDrive comes with 5 GB of free storage out of the box, with an additional 100 GB, 1 TB, and 6 TB storage options available for a subscription-based fee. You can get one of these storage plans by either purchasing additional storage separately or with Office 365 subscription.

Creating a data backup:

The backup process is the same for all file types and folders. Here’s how you can back up your files using Microsoft OneDrive

Step 1: Choose the files/folders you want to backup.

Click the OneDrive cloud icon to open the OneDrive menu. While in this menu, you can customize your file backup settings.

Click Help & Settings and then select Settings from the drop-down menu.

Go to the Backup tab and click Manage backup.

In this menu, you can choose to backup the Desktop and all of the files on it, and Documents and Pictures folders, again, with all of the files in them. Click Start backup.

Now, when you add a file or folder in the Desktop and Documents and Pictures folders, they will be automatically backed up on OneDrive.

To add folders and files, not in the locations shown above, you have to add them manually.

Open File Explorer and navigate to the location of the folder/file you want to backup. Select the item, right-click it, and click Copy.

Then, navigate to OneDrive, right-click anywhere in the window and click Paste. Alternatively, you can just drag and drop a file into OneDrive. OneDrive will automatically create a backup of the folder/file.

All of the files added to the OneDrive folder are backed up in the cloud automatically. The green circle with the checkmark in it indicates that the file is available both locally and on OneDrive and that the file version is the same on both. The blue cloud icon indicates that the file has not been synced and is available only on OneDrive. The sync icon indicates that the file is currently syncing.

To access files only located on OneDrive online, go to the Help & Settings drop-down menu and select View online.

Step 2: Restore corrupted files.

OneDrive makes sure that the files stay in sync, so the version of the file on the computer is the same version on the cloud. However, if ransomware has encrypted your files, you can take advantage of OneDrive’s Version history feature that will allow you to restore the file versions prior to encryption.

Microsoft 365 has a ransomware detection feature that notifies you when your OneDrive files have been attacked and guide you through the process of restoring your files. It must be noted, however, that if you don’t have a paid Microsoft 365 subscription, you only get one detection and file recovery for free.

If your OneDrive files get deleted, corrupted, or infected by malware, you can restore your entire OneDrive to a previous state. Here’s how you can restore your entire OneDrive:

1. If you're signed in with a personal account, click the Settings cog at the top of the page. Then, click Options and select Restore your OneDrive.

If you're signed in with a work or school account,  click the Settings cog at the top of the page. Then, click Restore your OneDrive.

2. On the Restore your OneDrive page, select a date from the drop-down list. Note that if you're restoring your files after automatic ransomware detection, a restore date will be selected for you.

3. After configuring all of the file restoration options, click Restore to undo all the activities you selected.

The best way to avoid damage from ransomware infections is to maintain regular up-to-date backups.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How was my computer hacked and how did hackers encrypt my files?

Ransomware is mainly spread through drive-by downloads, spam mail, untrustworthy download channels (e.g., unofficial and freeware sites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.), online scams, illegal program activation tools ("cracks"), and fake updates. What is more, ransomware executables are typically disguised as or bundled with regular programs - hence, victims commonly execute (open) these files themselves.

How to open ".deeznuts-crypter." files?

Ransomware-encrypted files can only be opened/used after they are decrypted.

Where should I look for free decryption tools for DeezNuts Crypter ransomware?

DeezNuts Crypter is a decryptable ransomware, the decryption password is "123" (without the quotation marks). It is noteworthy that some developers improve and rerelease their ransomware; hence, it might be that this password will no longer decrypt DeezNuts Crypter' encryptions in the future.

Will Combo Cleaner help me remove DeezNuts Crypter ransomware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan devices and eliminate detected ransomware infections. However, it has to be stressed that while using anti-virus software is the first step in ransomware recovery - security programs are incapable of restoring encrypted files.

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