RansomwareRemoval Guide

Harma Virus Removal Guide (+Decode .harma files) – Dharma Ransomware

Harma – Ransomware

The Harma stands for a ransomware-type infection. The virus comes from the Dharma ransomware family. Harma was elaborated specifically to encrypt all major file types. When the file is encrypted people are unable to use them. Harma adds the “.harma” extension for each file encrypted by it. For example, the file “myphoto.jpg“, as soon as encrypted by Harma, will be renamed into “myphoto.jpg.harma“. As soon as the encryption is completed, Harma places a special text file into every folder containing the encrypted data.

The message given by Harma text file requesting for the ransom is definitely the same as the statements given by other ransomware virus representatives coming from the Dharma clan. It literally discusses that the information is encrypted and that the only way to restore it is to use a a special decryption key. Unfortunately, this is absolutely true. The kind of cryptography mechanism used by Harma is still not correctly examined. Still, it is definitely particular that each victim may be given the specific decryption key, which is totally unique. It is impossible to bring back the files without the key available.

Another technique of Harma is that the victims cannot get to the key. The key is stored on a specific server run by the frauds associated with Harma ransomware. To get the key and recover the important information people have to pay the ransom.

Nonetheless, regardless of the requested quantity, people must stay away from paying the ransom. Cyber frauds are not fair, so they tend to entirely ignore what their victims feel about the issue, even when the payment reaches their pockets. This is why paying the ransom normally does not give any positive result and people simply lose their money for nothing.

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

Virus Summary

NameHarma Ransomware
File Extension.harma
TypeRansomware
FamilyDharma
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 harma extension to all the files modified by it.
Distribution MethodSpam Emails, Email Attachments
Similar InfectionsBeets, Qbx, Dharma
Removal Tool   GridinSoft Anti-Malware

Remember that the internet is now overwhelmed with threats that look similar to Harma ransomware. It is similar Beets and many other ransomware-type threats. Destructive programs of such kind are usually elaborated to encrypt important 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 comparable algorithm to produce the unique decryption key for files decryption.

Hence, 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 important data is to regularly 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 Memory Stick 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 in addition to other files, so it’s definitely not a good storage place.

How did ransomware infect my PC?

There are numerous ways used by online frauds to distribute Harma ransom virus. Even though it is uncertain how precisely Harma 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 unidentified senders;
  • sites rendering free hosting services;
  • pirated peer-to-peer (P2P) downloads.

Typically Harma virus may exist as some genuine software application, for instance, in the pop-ups instructing users to carry out some crucial software updates. This is the common technique used by online frauds to persuade people into downloading and installing Harma infection manually, by ways of their direct participation in the installation process.

In addition, the criminals may describe various e-mail spam strategies to inject malicious codes into systems. So, they may describe 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 encouraging users to open some receipts, documents, tax reports or invoices.

Needless to mention, opening such files or clicking on such dangerous links may severely damage the PC. Fictitious Adobe Flash Player update notifies may result in Harma ransom injection. When it comes to the cracked software, these illegally downloaded programs may likewise include destructive codes causing Harma secret installation. Lastly, injection of Harma may take place by ways of Trojans that covertly get injected into the system and install malicious utilities without the user’s permission.

Is there any way to avoid the injection of Harma ransom virus?

Despite the fact that there is no 100% guarantee to avoid your computer from getting infected, there are some pieces of recommendations we want to show with you. First off, be really mindful when you browse 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 consist of other unwanted utilities in the package, so they may be destructive. Ensure that your current antivirus and your entire OS is always duly updated.

Naturally, downloading pirated software is unlawful and may lead to vital damage to be produced your PC. For this reason, stay away from downloading cracked software. You are likewise highly advised to reconsider your existing security software and perhaps switch to another security solution that can render far better services of defending your computer.

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

Use GridinSoft Anti-Malware to remove Harma 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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