Dodger Ransomware - How to remove

Dodger ransomware is a file-encrypting virus released by the people behind the [email protected] e-mail. Dodger seems to be a new virus, probably still in development, which is why it’s laking some of the usual ransomware features — like the ransom part of the virus.

What a Dodger infection looks like

Dodger-encrypted files can be recognized by the double extension, with the second one being “.dodger”.

picture.jpg.dodger

Real decryption does more than just add an extension — the files are scrambled unrecognizably. You can try it with an unimportant file. If you rename the file, does it open? If not, your Dodger infection is serious and the files really are locked. The encryption used is usually the type that absolutely requires the private decryption key to unlock the files. And the private key is stored with the extortionists.

After the files are locked, Dodger creates a pop-up with a message. The extortionists show their victims the [email protected] e-mail address, but, unlike normal ransomware, no demands for money or a timeline for the decryption keys being deleted. Dodger just displays a window with some text:

Oh no!

Looks like your files are screwed now…
There is nothing much to do about it…
It’s your own fault.

SUPPORT

And if you click on the SUPPORT button, an alert pops up:

Feel free to send hate : [email protected]

Ransomware usually asks for money. DJVU asks for $980, Sysfrog asks for $3000, Ppam wants $700. but Dodger only provides an e-mail address. It’s probably a bad idea to try to contact the extortionists. If you can’t afford to lose your files and you don’t have backups, I still recommend you follow the guide below this article to see if you can restore the files yourself. Dealing with criminals can be risky and there’s never a guarantee that they won’t just take your money and block you (and since they all demand cryptocurrencies, you can’t even revoke your payment).

Dodger-encrypted files

Ransomware viruses usually properly encrypt most files which are not essential to the operating system, but if Dodger is still new, technical difficulties and bugs are expected. If it does encrypt files, it’s not certain if they can be restored.

On one hand, any bugs in the Dodger cryptovirus might make it possible for a free and independent decryptor to be developed. It’s not unprecedented, for example, the Globe cryptovirus was defeated by Emsisoft (though new versions of the cryptovirus haven’t been cracked).

On the other hand, the Dodger-encrypted files could be irreversibly broken. If the encryption wasn’t properly implemented, or Dodger’s developers haven’t developed a proper decryptor yet, some of the Dodger files could be completely broken. If Dodger’s developers delete decryption keys, the files could remain permanently corrupted, too.

That’s why all cybersecurity experts underline the importance of backups. If the files that Dodger corrupted can be easily replaced by still-functioning files from a backup, a lot of grief and worry could be avoided. If you don’t have a habit of backing your files, I suggest you take a bit of time to look into it.

How dangerous are cryptoviruses?

Generally, ransomware is still a serious threat. For example, the new variant of Robbinhood that has been holding the Baltimore city (USA) government hostage. Organizations and companies, and especially small businesses are targeted by ransomware developers increasingly because of their ability to pay very large ransoms and the inability to lose time or their files. A ransomware infection can be devastating for a business.

Individuals should be aware of the cryptovirus threat, too. Losing all of your files can be very devastating if you don’t have copies to replace them. Free programs that bundle malware, malicious ads and fake online security warnings, infected cracked software and pirated files, phishing e-mails that spread infected documents and archives can all result in some serious virus infecting your computer, and even if you know how it all works, everyone can be vulnerable. We all have our moments of poor judgment.

How to remove Dodger

Despite being new, Dodger is already recognized by most serious antivirus programs and can be removed using one of them (like Spyhunter, or another program that you trust).

Once you know that your device is clear of ransomware, you can go ahead and replace the Dodger-encrypted files. If you don’t have copies of your files, try the methods outlined below, you can proably restore at least some of your files.

How to recover Dodger Ransomware 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 DodgeR Ransomware has infiltrated to your system and then click “Next”.
• To start System restore click “Yes”.

 

Step 2. Complete removal of Dodger Ransomware

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 DodgeR Ransomware. You can check other tools here.  

Step 3. Restore Dodger Ransomware 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 DodgeR Ransomware 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 Dodger Ransomware 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.