DEADbyDAWN ransomware virus - removal and decryption options
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of malware is DEADbyDAWN?
While inspecting malware samples submitted to VirusTotal, our team discovered DEADbyDAWN - ransomware designed to encrypt files. Also, DEADbyDAWN alters file names by replacing them with a random string of characters and appending its unique extension. It is important to note that different samples of DEADbyDAWN append different extensions to filenames.
Additionally, DEADbyDAWN drops fifty text files onto the desktop, labeled sequentially from "README0.txt" to "README50.txt". Each of these files contains an identical ransom note. An example of how DEADbyDAWN renames files: it changes "1.jpg" to "11ab8ba41c795a7da222ba7005fc7405.OGUtdoNRE", "2.png" to "d33e68b8101c81f1e51c640baea47623.OGUtdoNRE", and so forth.
Screenshot of files encrypted by this ransomware:
DEADbyDAWN ransom note overview
The ransom note claims to be from the Contact DEADbyDAWN Team. It states that the team has successfully breached the victim's infrastructure and has extracted all data, including confidential and personally identifiable information (PII), to external servers.
The note further mentions that the team has encrypted the victim's data and has the ability to publicize the breach in mass media and social media platforms. The team offers the victim services, such as providing a universal decryption tool for the data and assisting with infrastructure restoration.
They assure the victim that the restoration process will not take more than one business day. They also promise silence in mass media regarding the incident and provide a security report and recommendations to prevent future incidents.
The note warns the victim that the data will be published or sold to third parties in case of no cooperation. It invites the victim to join a chat accessible through the Tor page by following a specific link. It provides a chat link and an email address (deritim@proton.me) for communication. The note mentions that the estimated cost of restoring the network infrastructure is 5 BTC (Bitcoins).
More details about ransomware
In ransomware attacks, the usual course of action for file restoration involves the involvement of the attackers unless a third-party decryption tool or a backup of the data is accessible. Paying a ransom is strongly discouraged, as there is no guarantee that the attackers will fulfill their promise to provide the necessary decryption tools.
Additionally, it is important to remove ransomware from the system to prevent further file encryption and potential attacks on other devices (computers connected to a local network).
Ransomware in general
Ransomware is a type of malicious software designed to encrypt files, making them inaccessible to victims. In these attacks, cybercriminals typically provide instructions on contacting them and making a payment, acquiring decryption tools, and regaining access to encrypted files.
The variations in ransomware attacks mainly revolve around the specific ransom amounts demanded and the cryptographic algorithms utilized to encrypt the files. Examples of different ransomware variants are Miza, NURRI, and Available_for_trial.
How did ransomware infect my computer?
Users commonly introduce ransomware to their computers by opening malicious email attachments or clicking on suspicious links embedded within emails. Another prevalent source of infection is downloading files from untrustworthy sources such as P2P networks, third-party downloaders, free file hosting sites, and websites offering pirated software.
Threat actors employ various deceptive tactics to trick users into infecting their computers. Other tactics involve using Trojans, fake installers, and fraudulent software updates. Their ultimate goal is to manipulate users into downloading and executing ransomware on their systems.
Ransomware utilizes a wide range of file types to propagate, including malicious Microsoft Office and PDF documents, JavaScript files, executable files, ISO files, and compressed archives such as ZIP and RAR.
| Name | DEADbyDAWN virus |
| Threat Type | Ransomware, Crypto Virus, Files locker |
| Encrypted Files Extension | Random extension |
| Ransom Demanding Message | Text files onto the desktop, labeled sequentially from "README0.txt" to "README50.txt" |
| Free Decryptor Available? | No |
| Ransom Amount | 5 BTC (it may vary) |
| Cyber Criminal Contact | deritim@proton.me, chat on the provided Tor website |
| Detection Names | Avast (FileRepMalware [Inf]), Combo Cleaner (Trojan.GenericKD.68224946), Emsisoft (Trojan.GenericKD.68224946 (B)), Kaspersky (Trojan.Win32.DelShad.lmk), Microsoft (Ransom:Win32/Genasom), 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. |
| Additional Information | Different DEADbyDAWN samples append different extensions to filenames |
| 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. |
How to protect yourself from ransomware infections?
Download software and files solely from official websites and trusted app stores. Keep your operating system and installed programs up to date to mitigate vulnerabilities. Be cautious when handling unsolicited emails from unfamiliar addresses, particularly if they contain attachments or links.
Exercise caution when encountering advertisements and links on suspicious websites. Regularly scan your computer for potential threats using reliable antivirus software to ensure a safe computing environment.
If your computer is already infected with DEADbyDAWN, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate this ransomware.
The appearance of DEADbyDAWN's ransom note (GIF):
Text in DEADbyDAWN's ransom note (labeled sequentially from "README0.txt" to "README50.txt")
Title: We have encrypted your network - DEADbyDAWN Team
Hello Abdo,
This is Contact DEADbyDAWN Team.
As you may have already seen we have succesfully breached your infrastructure.
Let's discuss the current situation:
Our monitoring tool reported:
- We have breached your network.
- All the data, including confidential and PII documents were extracted to external servers.
- We finally encrypted at your end and exfiltrated the data.
- We have the capabilities to announce the leak in mass media and social media, including Twitter and Facebook.Our team can offer you the following services:
- Provide the universal decryption tool for the data
- Assist with infrastructure restoreFrom our side we can confirm the following:
- Infrastructure and the data restore will take not more than 1 business day
- Silence in Mass Media about the accident and the data itself
- Security report and recommendations will be provided to avoid accidents in the future
- Proofs of the data removing on our endOtherwise, the data will published or sold to the 3rd parties.
We will continue to publish on mass Media and clients, partners and others will be informed.
Please, transfer information to your management (especially about data extraction) and double-check if you are authorized to keep financial part of the negotiations.
After the confirmation we will provide you the amount for our services we think is fair
We provided all the necessary evidence (you can see in the We provided all the necessary evidence (you can see in the chat) and are ready to discuss the problems with you. We are waiting for you in the chat (for access to the chat you need to download the Toruster hxxps://www.torproject.org and follow the link below)) and are ready to discuss the problems with you. We are waiting for you in the chat (for access to the chat you need to download the Toruster hxxps://www.torproject.org and follow the link below)
chat : vqfgxpvvyqpbc******************7r5aoc23qgqd.onion and email deritim@proton.me
We estimate the cost of our assistance in restoring your network infrastructure in :
We encourage you not to contact Police or any agency, since the consequences of such action will be catastrophic for your business.
Best Regards.
Video showing how to remove DEADbyDAWN ransomware using Combo Cleaner:
DEADbyDAWN ransomware removal:
Instant automatic malware removal:
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Video suggesting what steps should be taken in case of a ransomware infection:
Quick menu:
- What is DEADbyDAWN 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.
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?
Cybercriminals frequently conceal ransomware executables in cracked software distribution websites, deceptively leading users to unknowingly download and execute the malware on their systems. Ransomware is also disseminated through other means, including malicious links and files sent via email, fake software updates, malicious ads, drive-by downloads, etc.
How to open files encrypted by DEADbyDAWN?
Your files have been encrypted due to a ransomware infection, rendering them inaccessible. To regain access and utilize your files, a decryption process is necessary.
Where should I look for free decryption tools for DEADbyDAWN ransomware?
In case of a ransomware attack you should check the No More Ransom project website (more information above).
I can pay you a lot of money, can you decrypt files for me?
We do not offer decryption services. In most cases, files encrypted by ransomware cannot be decrypted without the involvement of the attackers unless there are flaws in the ransomware's encryption. It is important to be cautious of any third party claiming to provide paid decryption services, as they may act as intermediaries or attempt to deceive you.
Will Combo Cleaner help me remove DEADbyDAWN ransomware?
Combo Cleaner can scan your computer and efficiently eliminate any active ransomware infections. Nevertheless, it is crucial to understand that while using an antivirus program is an essential first step in recovering from a ransomware attack, security software alone does not possess the capability to decrypt encrypted files.
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