Diamond Computer Encryption ransomware virus - How to remove

Diamond Computer Encryption ransomware virus is a unique infection despite functioning on a similar level as the preceding infections we have discussed. Exactly like ABCLocker or KillSwitch malware samples, the new variant is based on Hidden Tear open source project. Without any surprise, such copycats of HiddenTear usually direct an AES cipher to encode executables that are located in ‘\test’ directory. After this crypto-virus encodes all files, it inserts _READ_IT_FOR_RECOVER_FILES.html file which loads up in users’ preferred browser.

Diamond Computer Encryption malware is a severe threat

The domain that gets loaded will display a picture of a diamond, allowing people to select a specific language in case they do not understand the language set by default: English. For translation, Google Translate will be exploited; therefore, there might be some inconsistencies with the texts, adjusted to people from other countries. Furthermore, this devastating virtual infection of Diamond Computer Encryption was crafted with .net framework, and it has a capacity of damaging VirtualBox guest entries.

Much to our concern, TeamViewer remote monitoring application is appended into terrorized operating systems, presumably Windows OSs. TeamViewer is exploited by thousands of people around the world; however, figures in charge of development and distribution of this software have investigated reports about ransomware infections, entering devices thanks to some sort of glitches in TeamViewer. Diamond Computer Encryption crypto-virus might not enter due to TeamViewer, but it could be exploited by hackers for the purpose of establishing remote connection.

A unique extension to all casualties of Diamond Computer Encryption crypto-virus: how to recover them?

Naturally, the encrypted data will be marked with randomly generated extensions, consisting of 6 digits: a template for it appears to be [a-z0-9]. This means that there is no specific extension that shall be applicable to all victims of this crypto-virus. For instance, a file homeworkassignment.doc after AES encryption will be remodeled as homeworkassignment.doc.a2z079.

Due to this feature, some people might feel confused about which ransomware infection has invaded your operating system. However, thanks to the rather unusual background image, Diamond Computer Encryption crypto-infection should be recognized just fine.

Currently, we have not stumbled upon information, suggesting that a free decryption tool is available for usage. Malware-creators demand 0.1BTC which translates into 340.26 US dollars. In the .html file that we have discussed above, we also noticed an exact bitcoin address in which the sum is supposed to rest in peace. However, technical analysis of this infections has revealed a disturbing truth: authors of Diamond Computer Encryption crypto-malware cannot find out which victims have paid.

Therefore, it is now evident that these hackers are attempting to pull off a pure scam, aiming at victims’ money. File-recovery options are discussed at the end of this article and we hope that you will find them helpful. Before any of them are put in motion, remember that a ransomware infection has to be eliminated.

Stay safe from ransomware infections

These menacing virtual diseases have recently become more devastating that ever. Therefore, we have to emphasize online backup storages that have become one true salvation for many people all over the world, suffering from consequences of ransomware. If you have alternative sources for your files, there will be no issue in file-recovery. You will be able to simple delete the infection and retrieve files from the location you placed the important executables. Exploit Spyhunter for the purpose of cleaning your operating system from malware infections.

Before files that Diamond Computer Encryption ransomware has ruined is attempted to be restored, we hope you will get rid of the infection. Please remember that email spam letters could be one of the reasons why your hard drive content has become encrypted. Do not download malicious attachments or visit links that are found in these deceptive messages.

How to recover Diamond Computer Encryption ransomware virus encrypted files and remove the virus

Step 1. Restore system into last known good state using system restore

1. Reboot your computer to Safe Mode with Command Prompt:

for Windows 7 / Vista/ XP

• Start → Shutdown → Restart → OK.
• Press F8 key repeatedly until Advanced Boot Options window appears.
• Choose Safe Mode with Command Prompt.

for Windows 8 / 10

• Press Power at Windows login screen. Then press and hold Shift key and click Restart.
• Choose Troubleshoot → Advanced Options → Startup Settings and click Restart.
• When it loads, select Enable Safe Mode with Command Prompt from the list of Startup Settings.

 

2.Restore System files and settings.

• When Command Prompt mode loads, enter cd restore and press Enter.
• Then enter rstrui.exe and press Enter again.
• Click “Next” in the windows that appeared.
• Select one of the Restore Points that are available before Diamond Computer Encryption ransomware virus has infiltrated to your system and then click “Next”.
• To start System restore click “Yes”.

 

Step 2. Complete removal of Diamond Computer Encryption ransomware virus

After restoring your system, it is recommended to scan your computer with an anti-malware program, like Spyhunter and remove all malicious files related to Diamond Computer Encryption ransomware virus. You can check other tools here.  

Step 3. Restore Diamond Computer Encryption ransomware virus affected files using Shadow Volume Copies

If you do not use System Restore option on your operating system, there is a chance to use shadow copy snapshots. They store copies of your files that point of time when the system restore snapshot was created. Usually Diamond Computer Encryption ransomware virus tries to delete all possible Shadow Volume Copies, so this methods may not work on all computers. However, it may fail to do so. Shadow Volume Copies are only available with Windows XP Service Pack 2, Windows Vista, Windows 7, and Windows 8. There are two ways to retrieve your files via Shadow Volume Copy. You can do it using native Windows Previous Versions or via Shadow Explorer. a) Native Windows Previous Versions Right-click on an encrypted file and select Properties → Previous versions tab. Now you will see all available copies of that particular file and the time when it was stored in a Shadow Volume Copy. Choose the version of the file you want to retrieve and click Copy if you want to save it to some directory of your own, or Restore if you want to replace existing, encrypted file. If you want to see the content of file first, just click Open.

b) Shadow Explorer It is a program that can be found online for free. You can download either a full or a portable version of Shadow Explorer. Open the program. On the left top corner select the drive where the file you are looking for is a stored. You will see all folders on that drive. To retrieve a whole folder, right-click on it and select “Export”. Then choose where you want it to be stored.

Step 4. Use Data Recovery programs to recover Diamond Computer Encryption ransomware virus encrypted files

There are several data recovery programs that might recover encrypted files as well. This does not work in all cases but you can try this:

• We suggest using another PC and connect the infected hard drive as slave. It is still possible to do this on infected PC though.
• Download a data recovery program.
• Install and scan for recently deleted files.

Note: In many cases it is impossible to restore data files affected by modern ransomware. Thus I recommend using decent cloud backup software as precaution. We recommend checking out Carbonite, BackBlaze, CrashPlan or Mozy Home.