DDSG ransomware is part of STOP/DJVU, one of the largest ransomware-type virus families actively distributed today. These specific threats are designed to take victim’s files hostage by encrypting them. Since many of us keep important files on our computers either work or personal, cybercriminals aim to lock them and extort the victim, threatening to keep files away until the victim pays the ransom. The attackers even suggest test decryption service to prove that they actually can recover victim’s files and also to encourage the victim to pay up. In order to use this service, the victim can send one small encrypted file to criminals as an attachment to an email message. However, the criminals warn not to send files containing valuable information as they would simply refuse to test decrypt these files for the victim. The ransomware operators provide two email addresses – the main and a backup one so that in case one gets shut down, the victim could still contact the criminals using the other. The email addresses are manager@mailtemp.ch and helpmanager@airmail.cc. The criminals suggest that writing to them within 72 hours will guarantee a 50% discount on the file decryption software which will cost $490 in such a scenario. In case the victim fails to communicate with the criminals or pays within this given time period, the decryption price rises to $980. Of course, the attackers want to receive the money in an untraceable way, therefore they ask victims to purchase cryptocurrency for the specified amount of US Dollars and transfer them to their virtual wallet. Geek’s Advice team recommends that you DO NOT PAY THE RANSOM. We must mention that FBI recommends the same. It is simply not worth paying the cybercriminals due to the following reasons:

Cybercriminals can promise you anything they want, but they are not obliged to keep their promises because they cannot be traced down. In worst scenario, your transaction to criminals won’t do anything as they can simply disappear right after receiving your money. In other words, paying the ransom absolutely does not guarantee data recovery.In some countries and states, paying the ransom might be considered illegal.Ransomware-type virus operators collect insane amountas of money each year. The millions they collect attract other people to join the illegal business model as distributors or malware developers. Do not contribute to growth of this!Variants of STOP/DJVU ransomware, including DDSG virus drop AZORULT Trojan on compromised hosts or networks. It is a threat that can be controlled remotely to extract and steal login credentials, browser-saved passwords or even download malware on the victim’s computer.

Ransomware attack: what has been done to your computer, really?

DDSG ransomware uses deceptive techniques to keep the victim calm from the very beginning of the malware execution. The ransomware is even designed to keep any suspicion away by launching a fake Windows update prompt (winupdate.exe process). It is believed that the criminals run this process to force the victim believe that the sudden system slowdown was caused by ongoing operating system updates, while in reality it is the ransomware to be blamed. It silently scans computer folders and to finish file corruption sooner, it encrypts only the first 150KB of each file which is enough to make data inaccessible. However, there are some exceptions and specific file formats such as audio or video files might be restored with minimal data loss at the beginning of the file. During the attack, the ransomware checks each system folder and encrypts files, only bypassing those that are required for the operating system to function. Additionally, the ransomware creates and saves ransom notes in every folder to ensure that the victim notices them and opens one. The ransomware also executes several Command Line tasks to delete Volume Shadow Copies from the compromised computer. This ensures that the victim won’t be able to recover corrupted files using System Restore points. Next, the virus modifies Windows HOSTS file by adding a list of domains to it. This prevents the victim from accessing these domains either directly or via web search. Additionally, the victim will receive DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN error when trying to access one of these domains. It has been noticed that these blocked websites provide information about computers, how-to guides, tutorials and other types of articles that could assist the victim after a ransomware attack. As mentioned previously, DDSG ransomware virus, just like other threats from STOP/DJVU family tend to drop AZORULT Trojan on the infected host or network. This Trojan belongs to Remote Access Trojans’ category, therefore criminals can use it remotely to execute various illegal tasks on victim’s computer. Some of its functionalities are:

Download malware to victim’s computer and run it;Steal Steam, Telegram login credentials;View or delete files on victim’s computer;Steal cryptocurrency wallets;Steal browser cookies, saved passwords, browsing history and more.

To secure your computer instantly, we recommend you to consider getting a robust antivirus solution, such as INTEGO Antivirus. You can read its review here. The software has been approved with VirusBulletin VB100 detection rate, meaning it can excellently detect no less than 99.5% malware samples. You can also find virus removal instructions below the article. Once you remove DDSG ransomware virus, we strongly advise scanning with RESTORO to repair virus damage on the system.

Ransomware Summary

Common ransomware distribution methods

Ransomware-type viruses are distributed using typical malware proliferation techniques. Learning about them can help you to avoid getting infected in the future. DDSG ransomware, just like previous STOP/DJVU variants is mostly distributed via illegal online downloads. To be precise, these threats can easily be found in software or game cracks, keygens, or KMSPICO variants. In other words, operators of this ransomware strain tend to craft up deceptive files and upload them on shady torrent sharing sites. They target people who are looking to get paid software versions for free. Such files can be can be downloaded via peer-to-peer file-sharing programs such as uTorrent, BitTorrent or others. While not malicious themselves, these programs do not check whether files transmitted over the P2P network are safe or malicious. What strengthens the success of this malware distribution technique is that many users tend to whitelist such downloads and proceed to open them even if their security programs warn about potentially malicious file contents. The thing is, users falsely believe that security programs mark every archive containing word ‘crack’ as malicious while it is not. Sadly, even if everything seems normal after installing such illegally downloaded software version, you might already be infected with so-called silent malware such as cryptocurrency miner, RAT or rootkit. We strongly recommend picking legitimate and trustworthy sources to download computer software. You should only get these either from official Windows store or program’s developer’s or official distributor’s websites only. The criminals get very creative with their message topics, besides, users should take note that malware can be injected in many file formats nowadays. Believing that image, document or spreadsheed cannot contain malware is wrong. In fact, PDF and WORD files are one of the most popular formats used to transmit malicious payloads nowadays. Moreover, identifying the scam can be exceptionally hard due to email spoofing techniques that criminals use. This technique helps to display fake sender’s email address and pretend to be someone else. You can learn more about email address spoofing here. Finally, we must mention that operators of other ransomware strains, such as ZORAB, have been noticed using fake STOP/DJVU decryption tools to lure victims into download second ransomware payload on their computers. In other words, users who go too far looking for non-existent decryption tools can get their computers infected with even more malware.

Remove DDSG ransomware virus and decrypt or repair your files

Use the free guide provided below to remove DDSG ransomware virus with ease. Our experts advise removing such complicated threats automatically using robust antivirus software such as INTEGO Antivirus. Additionally, we advise scanning your computer with RESTORO to repair virus damage on Windows OS files. Once DDSG virus removal is done, we suggest that you to take the following steps:

Inform your local authority responsible for handling cybercrime incidents about the ransomware attack. We have provided some references below this guide.Consider using data backups if you have created them prior to the ransomware attack. Just make sure you remove malware from your computer before plugging your storage device to it.Use these instructions to decrypt or repair files affected by STOP/DJVU versions.We suggest changing all of your passwords (especially for accounts saved in browser) due to the Azorult Trojan’s activity.

OUR GEEKS RECOMMEND Our team recommends a two-step rescue plan to remove ransomware and other remaining malware from your computer, plus repair caused virus damage to the system: GeeksAdvice.com editors select recommended products based on their effectiveness. We may earn a commission from affiliate links, at no additional cost to you. Learn more. Get INTEGO ANTIVIRUS for Windows to remove ransomware, Trojans, adware and other spyware and malware variants and protect your PC and network drives 24/7. This VB100-certified security software uses state-of-art technology to provide protection against ransomware, Zero-Day attacks and advanced threats, Intego Web Shield blocks dangerous websites, phishing attacks, malicious downloads and installation of potentially unwanted programs. Use INTEGO Antivirus to remove detected threats from your computer. Read full review here. RESTORO provides a free scan that helps to identify hardware, security and stability issues and presents a comprehensive report which can help you to locate and fix detected issues manually. It is a great PC repair software to use after you remove malware with professional antivirus. The full version of software will fix detected issues and repair virus damage caused to your Windows OS files automatically. RESTORO uses AVIRA scanning engine to detect existing spyware and malware. If any are found, the software will eliminate them. Read full review here.

Method 1. Enter Safe Mode with Networking

Before you try to remove DDSG ransomware virus virus, you must start your computer in Safe Mode with Networking. Below, we provide the easiest ways to boot PC in the said mode, but you can find additional ones in this in-depth tutorial on our website – How to Start Windows in Safe Mode. Also, if you prefer a video version of the tutorial, check our guide How to Start Windows in Safe Mode on Youtube. Instructions for Windows XP/Vista/7 users Instructions for Windows 8/8.1/10/11 users Now, you can search for and remove DDSG ransomware virus files. It is very hard to identify files and registry keys that belong to the ransomware virus, Besides, malware creators tend to rename and change them repeatedly. Therefore, the easiest way to uninstall such type of a computer virus is to use a reliable security program such as INTEGO Antivirus. For virus damage repair, consider using RESTORO.

Method 2. Use System Restore

In order to use System Restore, you must have a system restore point, created either manually or automatically. Instructions for Windows XP/Vista/7 users Instructions for Windows 8/8.1/10/11 users After restoring the system, we recommend scanning the system with antivirus or anti-malware software. In most cases, there won’t be any malware remains, but it never hurts to double-check. In addition, we highly recommend checking ransomware prevention guidelines provided by our experts in order to protect your PC against similar viruses in the future.

Alternative software recommendations

Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Removing spyware and malware is one step towards cybersecurity. To protect yourself against ever-evolving threats, we strongly recommend purchasing a Premium version of Malwarebytes Anti-Malware, which provides security based on artificial intelligence and machine learning. Includes ransomware protection. See pricing options and protect yourself now.

System Mechanic Ultimate Defense If you’re looking for an all-in-one system maintenance suite that has 7 core components providing powerful real-time protection, on-demand malware removal, system optimization, data recovery, password manager, online privacy protection and secure driver wiping technology. Therefore, due to its wide-range of capabilities, System Mechanic Ultimate Defense deserves Geek’s Advice approval. Get it now for 50% off. You may also be interested in its full review.

Disclaimer. This site includes affiliate links. We may earn a small commission by recommending certain products, at no additional cost for you. We only choose quality software and services to recommend.

Decrypt DDSG files

Fix and open large DDSG files easily:

It is reported that STOP/DJVU ransomware versions encrypt only the beginning 150 KB of each file to ensure that the virus manages to affect all files on the system. In some cases, the malicious program might skip some files at all. That said, we recommend testing this method on several big (>1GB) files first.

STOP/DJVU decryption tool usage guide

STOP/DJVU ransomware versions are grouped into old and new variants. DDSG ransomware virus is considered the new STOP/DJVU variant, just like BPTO, ISWR, ISZA, BPSM, ZOUU, MBTF, ZNSM (find full list here). This means full data decryption is now possible only if you have been affected by offline encryption key. To decrypt your files, you will have to download Emsisoft Decryptor for STOP DJVU, a tool created and maintained by a genius security researcher Michael Gillespie. Note! Please do not spam the security researcher with questions whether he can recover your files encrypted with online key - it is not possible. In order to test the tool and see if it can decrypt DDSG files, follow the given tutorial.

Meanings of decryptor’s messages

The DDSG decryption tool might display several different messages after failed attempt to restore your files. You might receive one of the following messages: Error: Unable to decrypt file with ID: [example ID] This message typically means that there is no corresponding decryption key in the decryptor’s database. No key for New Variant online ID: [example ID]Notice: this ID appears to be an online ID, decryption is impossible This message informs that your files were encrypted with online key, meaning no one else has the same encryption/decryption key pair, therefore data recovery without paying the criminals is impossible. Result: No key for new variant offline ID: [example ID]This ID appears to be an offline ID. Decryption may be possible in the future. If you were informed that an offline key was used, but files could not be restored, it means that the offline decryption key isn’t available yet. However, receiving this message is extremely good news, meaning that it might be possible to restore your DDSG extension files in the future. It can take a few months until the decryption key gets found and uploaded to the decryptor. We recommend you to follow updates regarding the decryptable DJVU versions here. We strongly recommend backing up your encrypted data and waiting.

Victims of DDSG ransomware virus should report the Internet crime incident to the official government fraud and scam website according to their country:

In the United States, go to the On Guard Online website.In Australia, go to the SCAMwatch website.In Germany, go to the Bundesamt für Sicherheit in der Informationstechnik website.In Ireland, go to the An Garda Síochána website.In New Zealand, go to the Consumer Affairs Scams website.In the United Kingdom, go to the Action Fraud website.In Canada, go to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.In India, go to Indian National Cybercrime Reporting Portal.In France, go to the Agence nationale de la sécurité des systèmes d’information.

If you can’t find an authority corresponding to your location on this list, we recommend using any search engine to look up “[your country name] report cyber crime”. This should lead you to the right authority website. We also recommend staying away from third-party crime report services that are often paid. It costs nothing to report Internet crime to official authorities. Another recommendation is to contact your country’s or region’s federal police or communications authority.