RansomwareRemoval Guide

Remove DoctorHelp Virus (.doctorhelp Files Ransomware)

DoctorHelp – Ransomware

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

The message given by DoctorHelp text file asking for the ransom is definitely the like the statements given by other ransomware virus representatives. It actually mentions that the information is encrypted which the only way to bring back it is to use a a distinct decryption key. Unfortunately, this is definitely true. The sort of cryptography mechanism used by DoctorHelp is still not properly examined. Still, it is absolutely certain that each victim might be given the specific decryption key, which is absolutely distinct. It is difficult to restore the files without the key available.

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

Nevertheless, regardless of the asked for amount, people should stay away from paying the virus. Cyber frauds are unfair, so they tend to entirely ignore what their victims feel about the problem, even when the payment reaches their pockets. This is why paying the ransom typically does not give any positive outcome and people simply lose their money for 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 DoctorHelp ransomware and to recover the information data free of charge. Therefore, the just right decision is to recover the lost information from the available backup.

Virus Summary

NameDoctorHelp Ransomware
File Extension.doctorhelp
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 doctorhelp extension to all the files modified by it.
Distribution MethodSpam Emails, Email Attachments
Removal Tool   GridinSoft Anti-Malware

Bear in mind that the web is now overwhelmed with threats that look similar to DoctorHelp ransomware. Destructive programs of such kind are usually elaborated to encrypt important information and to state the demand before the user to pay the ransom. The peculiarity of all such ransomware threats is that all apply a similar algorithm to produce the unique decryption key for files decryption.

Thus, as long as the ransomware is still being developed or has some hidden bugs, by hand recovering the information is just not feasible. The only method to avoid the loss of your important files is to frequently create backups of your important information.

Keep in mind that even if you create such backups, they need to be put into a special storage utility not connect to your main computer. You may use the USB Flash Drive or external hard 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 along with other files, so it’s definitely not a good storage location.

How did ransomware infect my PC?

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

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

Typically DoctorHelp ransomware might exist as some legitimate software application, for instance, in the pop-ups advising users to implement some crucial software application updates. This is the typical trick used by online frauds to persuade people into downloading and installing DoctorHelp infection manually, by methods of their direct participation in the installation process.

Additionally, the criminals might refer to different email spam strategies to inject destructive codes into systems. So, they may refer to to sending unsolicited spam e-mails with tricky notifications promoting users to download the attachments or click on certain download links, for example, the ones encouraging users to open some video, files, tax reports or invoices.

Needless to mention, opening such documents or clicking on such dangerous links may severely damage the PC. Fictitious Adobe Flash Player update informs may result in DoctorHelp virus injection. When it comes to the cracked applications, these illegally downloaded programs may also include harmful codes resulting in DoctorHelp secret installation. Lastly, injection of DoctorHelp may take place by means of Trojans that secretly get injected into the system and install destructive utilities without the user’s consent.

Is there any way to avoid the injection of DoctorHelp ransomware?

Despite the fact that there is no 100% guarantee to prevent your system from getting infected, there are some pieces of advice we want to show with you. To start with, be very careful when you surf the web and particularly while downloading complimentary apps. 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. Make certain that your current anti-virus and your entire OS is always appropriately updated.

Obviously, downloading pirated software is unlawful and may lead to essential damage to be made for your system. For this reason, stay away from downloading cracked software. You are also strongly recommended to reconsider your existing security software and possibly switch to another security solution that can render much better services of defending your Windows.

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

Use GridinSoft Anti-Malware to remove DoctorHelp 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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