RansomwareRemoval Guide

Remove DEAL Virus (+Decrypt .[hanesworth.fabian@aol.com].deal files) – Phobos Ransomware

DEAL Virus – Details

The DEAL mean a ransomware-type infection. The infection comes from the Phobos ransomware family. DEAL was elaborated particularly to encrypt all major file types. As soon as the file is encrypted people are not able to use them. DEAL adds the “.[hanesworth.fabian@aol.com].deal” extension for each file encrypted by it. For example, the file “myphoto.jpg“, when encrypted by DEAL, will be renamed into “myphoto.jpg.[hanesworth.fabian@aol.com].deal“. As quickly as the encryption is completed, DEAL places a special text file into every folder containing the encrypted data.

The message given by DEAL text file requesting the ransom is absolutely the like the statements given by other ransomware representatives coming from the Phobos clan. It literally points out that the info is encrypted which the only way to restore it is to use a an unique decryption key. Unfortunately, this is absolutely true. The type of cryptography mechanism used by DEAL is still not correctly examined. Still, it is absolutely certain that each victim may be given the specific decryption key, which is completely unique. It is difficult to bring back the files without the key available.

Another trick of DEAL is that the victims cannot get to the key. The key is saved on a specific server run by the frauds connected with DEAL ransomware. To get the key and recover the important information people need to pay the ransom.

Nevertheless, regardless of the requested amount, people must stay away from paying the ransom. Cyber frauds are not fair, so they tend to entirely disregard what their victims feel about the issue, even when the payment reaches their pockets. This is why paying the ransom normally does not provide any positive outcome and people just lose their money for nothing.

We highly 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 DEAL ransomware and to recover the data data totally free. Therefore, the only best decision is to recover the lost data from the available backup.

Virus Summary

NameDEAL Ransomware
File Extension.[hanesworth.fabian@aol.com].deal
TypeRansomware
FamilyPhobos
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 [hanesworth.fabian@aol.com].deal extension to all the files modified by it.
Distribution MethodSpam Emails, Email Attachments
Similar InfectionsCaleb, Acton, 1500dollars
Removal Tool   GridinSoft Anti-Malware

Bear in mind that the internet is now overwhelmed with threats that look similar to DEAL ransomware. It is similar Caleb and many other ransomware-type threats. Malicious programs of such kind are normally elaborated to encrypt crucial data and to set forth the demand 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.

Therefore, as long as the ransomware is still being developed or has some hidden bugs, manually recovering the information is simply not feasible. The only way to avoid the loss of your essential information is to frequently create backups of your important information.

Bear in mind that even if you create such backups, they should be placed into a special storage utility not connect to your main PC. You may use the USB Memory Stick or external disk drive for this purpose, or refer to the help of the cloud storage. If you store your backup files on your common system they may be encrypted together with other files, so it’s definitely not a good storage location.

How did ransomware infect my system?

There are several ways used by online frauds to distribute DEAL virus. Although it doubts how exactly DEAL injects your computer, there are some leaks through which it may infiltrate the system:

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

Often DEAL virus might exist as some legitimate software, for example, in the pop-ups instructing users to implement some essential software updates. This is the common trick used by online frauds to persuade people into downloading and installing DEAL infection manually, by means of their direct participation in the installation process.

Furthermore, the criminals may describe various email spam techniques to inject harmful codes into systems. So, they may refer to to sending unsolicited spam e-mails 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 files or clicking on such dangerous links may significantly damage the PC. Fictitious Adobe Flash Player update informs may result in DEAL ransom injection. As for the cracked software, these illegally downloaded programs may likewise consist of malicious codes causing DEAL secret installation. Finally, injection of DEAL may occur by ways of Trojans that covertly get injected into the system and set up harmful tools without the user’s authorization.

Is there any method to prevent the injection of DEAL ransomware?

Despite the fact that there is no 100% guarantee to prevent your PC from getting infected, there are some pieces of guidance we wish to share with with you. First off, be very careful when you surf the web and specifically while downloading free apps. Keep 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 consist of other unwanted utilities in the package, so they may be harmful. Make sure that your current antivirus software and your entire OS is always duly updated.

Naturally, downloading pirated software is prohibited and may lead to essential damage to be made for your system. Thus, stay away from downloading cracked software. You are also highly advised to reconsider your existing security software and perhaps switch to another security solution that can render better services of defending your system.

Below please find the quotation from the DEAL text file:

All your files have been encrypted!
All your files have been encrypted due to a security problem with your PC. If you want to restore them, write us to the e-mail hanesworth.fabian@aol.com
Write this ID in the title of your message
In case of no answer in 24 hours write us to this e-mail: hanesworth.fabian@aol.com
You have to pay for decryption in Bitcoins. The price depends on how fast you write to us. After payment we will send you the tool that will decrypt all your files.
Free decryption as guarantee
Before paying you can send us up to 5 files for free decryption. The total size of files must be less than 4Mb (non archived), and files should not contain valuable information. (databases,backups, large excel sheets, etc.)
How to obtain Bitcoins
The easiest way to buy bitcoins is LocalBitcoins site. You have to register, click ‘Buy bitcoins’, and select the seller by payment method and price.
hxxps://localbitcoins.com/buy_bitcoins
Also you can find other places to buy Bitcoins and beginners guide here:
hxxp://www.coindesk.com/information/how-can-i-buy-bitcoins/
Attention!
Do not rename encrypted files.
Do not try to decrypt your data using third party software, it may cause permanent data loss.
Decryption of your files with the help of third parties may cause increased price (they add their fee to our) or you can become a victim of a scam.

Screenshot of files with “.[hanesworth.fabian@aol.com].deal” extension added by the ransomware:
DEAL Ransomware - encrypt files with .[hanesworth.fabian@aol.com].deal extension

Use GridinSoft Anti-Malware to remove DEAL 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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