RansomwareRemoval Guide

Remove DarkSide Virus

DarkSide – General Info

The DarkSide mean a ransomware-type infection. DarkSide was elaborated particularly to encrypt all major file types. As quickly as the encryption is completed, DarkSide places a special text file into every folder containing the encrypted data.

The message given by DarkSide text file requesting for the ransom is absolutely the like the statements given by other ransomware virus representatives. It literally discusses that the information is encrypted and that the only way to bring back it is to use a a special decryption key. Unfortunately, this is absolutely true. The type of cryptography mechanism applied by DarkSide is still not correctly examined. Still, it is definitely certain that each victim may be given the specific decryption key, which is absolutely distinct. It is difficult to restore the files without the key available.

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

However, irrespective of the requested amount, people should keep away from paying the virus. Cyber frauds are unfair, so they tend to totally ignore what their victims feel about the problem, even when the payment reaches their pockets. This is why paying the ransom generally does not give any positive result and people just waste their money for absolutely nothing.

We strongly encourage 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 DarkSide ransomware and to recover the information data totally free. Therefore, the only best decision is to recover the lost information from the available backup.

Virus Summary

NameDarkSide Ransomware
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.
Distribution MethodSpam Emails, Email Attachments
Removal Tool   GridinSoft Anti-Malware

Remember that the internet is now overwhelmed with threats that look similar to DarkSide ransomware. Harmful programs of such kind are generally elaborated to encrypt important data and to state the need before the user to pay the ransom. The peculiarity of all such ransomware threats is that all apply a similar algorithm to create the unique decryption key for data decryption.

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

Keep in mind that even if you create such backups, they must be put into a special storage utility not connect to your main computer. You may use the Memory Stick or external hard disk drive 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 definitely not a good storage location.

How did ransomware infect my system?

There are a number of ways used by online scams to distribute DarkSide virus. Despite the fact that it doubts how exactly DarkSide injects your PC, there are some leaks through which it may penetrate the system:

  • integration with third-party apps, especially freeware;
  • spam e-mails from unknown senders;
  • sites rendering free hosting services;
  • pirated peer-to-peer (P2P) downloads.

Typically DarkSide ransomware may be presented as some genuine software, for example, in the pop-ups advising users to implement some crucial software application updates. This is the common technique used by online scams to persuade people into downloading and installing DarkSide infection manually, by ways of their direct participation in the installation process.

Additionally, the criminals might refer to different email spam tactics to inject malicious codes into systems. So, they may describe to sending unsolicited spam emails with tricky notices promoting users to download the attachments or click on certain download links, for example, the ones motivating users to open some photos, files, tax reports or invoices.

Needless to mention, opening such documents or clicking on such dangerous links may badly damage the PC. Fictitious Adobe Flash Player update informs may result in DarkSide virus injection. When it comes to the cracked software, these illegally downloaded programs may also include destructive codes resulting in DarkSide secret installation. Finally, injection of DarkSide may occur by ways of Trojans that privately get injected into the system and install malicious tools without the user’s permission.

Is there any method to avoid the injection of DarkSide ransom virus?

Despite the fact that there is no 100% guarantee to prevent your system from getting infected, there are some pieces of recommendations we wish to share with with you. First of all, be extremely careful when you browse the web and specifically while downloading complimentary apps. Stay away from opening suspicious email attachments, especially when the sender of the email is not familiar to you.

Bear in mind that some freeware installers may contain other unwanted utilities in the package, so they may be harmful. Ensure that your current antivirus software and your entire operating system is always appropriately updated.

Of course, downloading pirated software is prohibited and may result in important damage to be produced your system. Thus, stay away from downloading cracked software. You are also highly encouraged to reconsider your existing security software and potentially switch to another security solution that can render far better services of defending your Windows.

Below please find the quotation from the DarkSide text file:

----------- [ Welcome to Dark ] ------------->
What happend?
----------------------------------------------
Your computers and servers are encrypted, backups are deleted. We use strong encryption algorithms, so you cannot decrypt your data.
But you can restore everything by purchasing a special program from us - universal decryptor. This program will restore all your network.
Follow our instructions below and you will recover all your data.
Data leak
----------------------------------------------
First of all we have uploaded more then 100 GB data.
Example of data:
 - Accounting data
 - Executive data
 - Sales data
 - Customer Support data
 - Marketing data
 - Quality data
 - And more other...
Your personal leak page: http://darksidedxcftmqa.onion/blog/article/id/***
The data is preloaded and will be automatically published if you do not pay.
After publication, your data will be available for at least 6 months on our tor cdn servers.
We are ready:
- To provide you the evidence of stolen data
- To give you universal decrypting tool for all encrypted files.
- To delete all the stolen data.
What guarantees?
----------------------------------------------
We value our reputation. If we do not do our work and liabilities, nobody will pay us. This is not in our interests.
All our decryption software is perfectly tested and will decrypt your data. We will also provide support in case of problems.
We guarantee to decrypt one file for free. Go to the site and contact us.
How to get access on website? 
----------------------------------------------
Using a TOR browser:
1) Download and install TOR browser from this site: https://torproject.org/
2) Open our website: http://darksidfqzcuhtk2.onion/***
When you open our website, put the following data in the input form:
Key:
***
!!! DANGER !!!
DO NOT MODIFY or try to RECOVER any files yourself. We WILL NOT be able to RESTORE them. 
!!! DANGER !!!

Use GridinSoft Anti-Malware to remove DarkSide 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

Sending
User Review
0 (0 votes)
Comments Rating 0 (0 reviews)

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.

Related Articles

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Sending

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Back to top button