RansomwareRemoval Guide

Remove D0nut Virus (.d0nut Files Ransomware)

D0nut – Ransomware

The D0nut stands for a ransomware-type infection. D0nut was elaborated particularly to encrypt all major file types. Once the file is encrypted people are unable to use them. D0nut adds the “.d0nut” extension for each file encrypted by it. For example, the file “myphoto.jpg“, when encrypted by D0nut, will be renamed into “myphoto.jpg.d0nut“. As quickly as the encryption is completed, D0nut places a special text file into every folder containing the encrypted data.

The message given by D0nut text file requesting the ransom is absolutely the like the statements given by other ransomware virus representatives. It literally points out that the info is encrypted and that the only way to restore it is to use a a distinct decryption key. Unfortunately, this is absolutely true. The kind of cryptography mechanism applied by D0nut is still not properly examined. Still, it is absolutely specific that each victim might be given the specific decryption key, which is absolutely unique. It is impossible to restore the files without the key available.

Another technique of D0nut is that the victims cannot get to the key. The key is kept on a particular server run by the frauds connected with D0nut ransomware. To get the key and recover the important information people need to pay the ransom.

However, irrespective of the requested amount, people need to stay away from paying the virus. Cyber frauds are not fair, so they tend to completely ignore what their victims feel about the issue, even when the payment reaches their pockets. This is why paying the ransom typically does not give any positive outcome and people simply waste their money for nothing.

We strongly advise that you do not contact these crooks and absolutely do not transfer money into their accounts. It is said to admit that there are no utilities able to crack D0nut ransomware and to recover the data data totally free. Therefore, the just best decision is to recover the lost information from the available backup.

Virus Summary

NameD0nut Ransomware
File Extension.d0nut
TypeRansomware
Short DescriptionThe ransomware encrypts all the data stored on your system and requires a ransom to be paid on your part supposedly to recover your important files.
SymptomsFile encryption by the ransomware is performed by means of the AES and RSA encryption algorithms. Once the encryption is completed, the ransomware adds its special d0nut extension to all the files modified by it.
Distribution MethodSpam Emails, Email Attachments
Removal Tool   GridinSoft Anti-Malware

Remember that the internet is now overwhelmed with threats that look comparable to D0nut ransomware. Malicious programs of such kind are generally elaborated to encrypt essential information and to set forth the need prior to the user to pay the ransom. The peculiarity of all such ransomware threats is that all apply a similar algorithm to generate the special decryption key for information decryption.

Thus, as long as the ransomware is still being developed or has some hidden bugs, manually recovering the information is merely not feasible. The only method to prevent the loss of your crucial data is to routinely create backups of your important information.

Bear in mind that even if you create such backups, they must be placed into a special storage utility not connect to your main PC. You may use the USB Flash Drive or external hard disk for this purpose, or refer to the help of the cloud storage. If you keep your backup files on your common system they may be encrypted in addition to other files, so it’s certainly not a good storage place.

How did ransomware infect my system?

There are a number of methods used by online scams to distribute D0nut ransom virus. Despite the fact that it doubts how precisely D0nut injects your PC, there are some leaks through which it may infiltrate the system:

  • integration with third-party software application, especially freeware;
  • spam emails from unidentified senders;
  • sites rendering free hosting services;
  • pirated peer-to-peer (P2P) downloads.

Often D0nut ransomware might exist as some genuine software application, for example, in the pop-ups instructing users to implement some crucial software application updates. This is the typical trick used by online scams to persuade people into downloading and installing D0nut infection manually, by ways of their direct participation in the installation process.

Additionally, the criminals might refer to various e-mail spam techniques to inject destructive codes into Windows PC. So, they may refer to to sending unsolicited spam emails with tricky notifications promoting users to download the attachments or click on certain download links, for example, the ones motivating users to open some receipts, documents, tax reports or invoices.

Needless to mention, opening such documents or clicking on such dangerous links may badly damage the system. Fictitious Adobe Flash Player upgrade alerts may result in D0nut ransom injection. As for the cracked software, these illegally downloaded programs may likewise include destructive codes resulting in D0nut secret installation. Lastly, injection of D0nut may happen by ways of Trojans that secretly get injected into the system and set up harmful tools without the user’s authorization.

Is there any way to prevent the injection of D0nut ransom virus?

Despite the fact that there is no 100% guarantee to avoid your computer from getting infected, there are some pieces of guidance we wish to show with you. First off, be very careful when you surf the web and specifically while downloading free programs. Stay away from opening suspicious email attachments, especially when the sender of the email is not familiar to you.

Keep in mind that some freeware installers may contain other unwanted utilities in the bundle, so they may be harmful. Ensure that your current antivirus software and your entire OS is always duly updated.

Naturally, downloading pirated software is prohibited and may result in necessary damage to be made for your system. Thus, stay away from downloading cracked software. You are also strongly advised to reconsider your existing security software and possibly switch to another security solution that can render much better services of protecting your PC.

Below please find the quotation from the D0nut text file:

ATTENTION!!! The system is locked.

All data is already encrypted. In order to avoid losses, we recommend that you carefully read the instructions.

Your personal ID: -
It is also the password to access the chat.

Press OK button to download the chat app where you can get more support.

ATTENTION: hxxps://transfer.sh should not be in a blocklist.

Luck
[OK]

Screenshot of files with “.d0nut” extension added by the ransomware:
D0nut Ransomware - encrypt files with .d0nut extension

Use GridinSoft Anti-Malware to remove D0nut ransomware from your computer

1.Download GridinSoft Anti-Malware.

You can download GridinSoft Anti-Malware by clicking the button below:

  GridinSoft Anti-Malware

2. Double-click on the setup file.

When setup file has finished downloading, double-click on the setup-antimalware-ag.exe file to install GridinSoft Anti-Malware on your computer.
GridinSoft Anti-Malware
An User Account Control asking you about to allow GridinSoft Anti-Malware to make changes to your device. So, you should click “Yes” to continue with the installation.
GridinSoft Anti-Malware Setup

3. Press Install button for run GridinSoft Anti-Malware.

GridinSoft Anti-Malware Install

3.Once installed, GridinSoft Anti-Malware will automatically run.

GridinSoft Anti-Malware  Start

4. Wait for the GridinSoft Anti-Malware scan to complete.

GridinSoft Anti-Malware will automatically start scanning your computer for Win Speedup 2018 and other malicious programs. This process can take a 20-30 minutes, so we suggest you periodically check on the status of the scan process.
GridinSoft Anti-Malware Scan

5. Click on “Clean Now”.

When the scan has completed, you will see the list of infections that GridinSoft Anti-Malware has detected. To remove them click on the “Clean Now” button in right corner.
GridinSoft Anti-Malware Scan Result

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Daniel Zimmermann

Daniel Zimmermann has been writing on security and malware subjects for many years and has been working in the security industry for over 10 years. Daniel was educated at the Saarland University in Saarbrücken, Germany and currently lives in New York.

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