What is 2023 ransomware?

2023 is the latest variant of Dharma ransomware that has been spotted in October 2023. If you have not heard about ransomware before, we’ll tell you. Ransomware is a type of virus that encrypts users’ data and then extorts money. Thus, all files on the infected computer become unavailable until they are decrypted. In case if you have been attacked by Locked ransomware, there is no need to contact them and especially to make any concessions. Remember, you are up against fraudsters who don’t care about your files and whose main purpose is to make a profit. Hence, there is a high risk of being left without a decryptor and money. Instead, you may try using this guide to remove 2023 ransomware and decrypt .2023 files.

In addition to encryption, the cryptovirus also changes the file extension, assigning the end of files with .id-xxxxxxxx.[servicehelp@onionmail.org].2023 extension. For example, myfamily.jpg file will turn into myfamily.jpg.id-9ECFA84E.[servicehelp@onionmail.org].2023. Afterward, 2023 ransomware displays a pop-up window and creates README!.txt file in which fraudsters have indicated how to decrypt the files:

The content of the pop-up window:

We downloaded to our servers and encrypted all your databases and personal information!

If you do not write to us within 24 hours, we will start publishing and selling your data on the darknet on hacker sites and offer the information to your competitors
email us: servicehelp@onionmail.org YOUR ID –
If you haven’t heard back within 24 hours, write to this email:datahelp23@msgsafe.io

IMPORTANT INFORMATION!
Keep in mind that once your data appears on our leak site,it could be bought by your competitors at any second, so don’t hesitate for a long time.The sooner you pay the ransom, the sooner your company will be safe..
Guarantee:If we don’t provide you with a decryptor or delete your data after you pay,no one will pay us in the future. We value our reputation.
Guarantee key:To prove that the decryption key exists, we can test the file (not the database and backup) for free.
Do not try to decrypt your data using third party software, it may cause permanent data loss.
Don’t go to recovery companies – they are essentially just middlemen.Decryption of your files with the help of third parties may cause increased price (they add their fee to our) we’re the only ones who have the decryption keys.

We strongly recommend not to comply with their requirements because there are no guarantees that you will obtain your files when the transaction happens. On the contrary, there is a high risk of being deceived and simply left with nothing. The only reliable way to solve the problem is to remove 2023 ransomware from the system using appropriate software in order to stop the malicious actions of the virus and then restore your data from the backup.

The content of FILES ENCRYPTED.txt ransom note:

Your data has been stolen and encrypted!

email us

servicehelp@onionmail.org or datahelp23@msgsafe.io

At the last stage of the infection stage, this ransomware may delete all shadow volumes on your computer. After that, you will not be able to carry out the standard procedure for recovering your encrypted data using these shadow volumes. There are two solutions to remove 2023 Ransomware and decrypt your files. The first is to use an automated removal tool. This method is suitable even for inexperienced users since the removal tool can delete all instances of the virus in just a few clicks. The second is to use the Manual Removal Guide. This is a more complex way that requires special computer skills.

Screenshot of encrypted by 2023 virus files:

How 2023 ransomware gets on my computer?

Cybercriminals use various techniques to deliver the virus to the target computer. Ransomware viruses can infiltrate victims’ computers more than in one or two ways, in most cases, a cryptoviral extortion attack is carried out with the help of the following methods:

• Spam

  This is the most used distribution method. Cybercriminals use fraudulent emails to pose as official organizations or business companies (receipts, winning notifications, confirmation of order; bank messages, and so on) to lure unsuspecting users into clicking on a malicious attachment – just one click to make your files inaccessible. To mislead the user and make it look like an official email, cybercriminals add an extra symbol to the email address, for example, instead of service@paypal.com, you may see service[.]@paypal.com or service[_]@paypal.com. That’s why you should always pay attention to received emails and identify the sender to make sure that this is from a trusted source. Also, the presence of grammatical and typographical errors in the text of the message indicates that this is a fake. If nothing’s wrong, scan the attachment with antivirus software first, and then you can open it. Compliance with all these rules will help you save a lot of nerve, time, and money.
• Software

  Hackers use the special toolkit to exploit known vulnerabilities in systems or applications. That’s why you should always make Windows updates on time and keep them up to date. Remember that these updates close the security holes in the system through which the virus can enter your computer. Make sure that your operating system itself is not outdated and is officially supported, for example, Windows XP, Vista, 7 are no longer supported.
• Malicious

  Various dubious web sources can contain malicious scripts or hyperlinks that can infect your system. Our advice – avoid visiting P2P sites and websites with illegal content (pirated software, movies, music). Use only legitimate services and remember – there’s no free lunch in this world.
• RDP

  Cybercriminals often abuse the built-in Windows feature – Remote Desktop Protocol to infect the computer with ransomware. That way, they access the target computer remotely and install the virus manually. To avoid infection via RDP, you should set a different from 3389 TCP port and use a more strong password.

How to remove 2023 ransomware?

Recommended Solution:

• Removal Tool
• Recovery Tool
• Prevention Tool

Try SpyHunter

SpyHunter is a powerful tool that is able to keep your Windows clean. It would automatically search out and delete all elements related to malware. It is not only the easiest way to eliminate malware but also the safest and most assuring one. The full version of SpyHunter costs $42 (you get 6 months of subscription). By clicking the button, you agree to EULA and Privacy Policy. Downloading will start automatically.

Download SpyHunter

Try Stellar Data Recovery

Stellar Data Recovery is one of the most effective tools that can recover lost and corrupted files — documents, emails, pictures, videos, audio files, and more — on any Windows device. The powerful scan engine can detect compromised files and finally save them to specified destination. Despite its advancedness, it’s very concise and simple so that even the most inexperienced user can figure it out.

Download Stellar Data Recovery

Try MailWasher

Email security is the first line of defense against ransomware viruses. To do this, we recommend that you use MailWasher. MailWasher blocks ransomware viruses coming through spam and phishing, and automatically detects malicious attachments and URLs. In addition, malicious messages can be blocked even before the recipient opens them. Since the main source of the spread of ransomware viruses are infected emails, antispam significantly reduces the risk of a virus appearing on your computer.

Download MailWasher

After the virus is completely removed from your system, you can begin the process of restoring your files.

How to decrypt files infected by 2023 Ransomware?

Most regrettably, there are no free decryption tools that will be able to decrypt files encrypted by any Dharma Ransomware variants. All of the methods listed below do not guarantee full file recovery. Nevertheless, due to the lack of other ways than to pay the ransom, we advise you to perform them, maybe they will help at least partially restore your data.

Method 1. Restore your files with the help of Recovery Tool

In case your PC has been attacked by ransomware, you may restore your files by using file recovery software. Stellar Data Recovery is one of the most effective tools that can recover lost and corrupted files — documents, emails, pictures, videos, audio files, and more — on any Windows device. The powerful scan engine can detect compromised files and finally save them to the specified destination. Despite its advancedness, it’s very concise and simple so that even the most inexperienced user can figure it out.

1. 1. Run Stellar Data Recovery.
   2. Select type of files you want to restore and click Next.

1. 1. Select the drive and folder where your files are located and date that you want to restore them from and press Scan.

1. 1. Once the scanning process is done, click Recover to restore your files.

1. 1. After this, select a destination and click Start Saving to save restored data.

Since new ransomware-type viruses appear almost every day, there is no technical possibility to issue a decryptor for each virus. In this case, the recovery tool comes to the rescue. Despite the fact that this is one of the most effective methods in the absence of a decryptor, this is not 100 percent and not the only way.

Method 2. Restore the system using System Restore

Although the latest versions of 2023 Ransomware can remove system restore files, this method may help you partially restore your files. Give it a try and use standard System Restore to revive your data. The entire process is preferably carried out in Safe Mode with Command Prompt:

For Windows XP/Vista/7 users:

Restart your computer and before your system starts – hit F8 several times. This will prevent system from loading and will show Advanced boot options screen. Choose Safe mode with Command Prompt option from the options list using up and down arrows on your keyboard and hit Enter.

For Windows 8/10 users:

1. 1. Click the Start button, then select Settings
   2. Click Update & Security, then select Recovery and click Restart now.
   3. After your device reboots, go to Troubleshoot > Advanced options >Startup Settings > Restart

1. After your PC restarts, you should press F5 key to Enable Safe Mode with Command Prompt.

After the system is loaded in Safe Mode with Command Prompt, do following:

1. 1. In the Command Prompt window, type cd restore and hit Enter.

1. 1. Then type rstrui.exe and hit Enter again.

1. 1. Once a new window shows up, click Next.

1. 1. Choose the date before the infection appearance and click Next again

1. 1. In the opened pop-up window, click Yes to start system restore.

Method 4. Roll the files back to the previous version

Previous versions can be copies of files and folders created by Windows Backup (if it is active) or copies of files and folders created by System Restore. You can use this feature to restore files and folders that you accidentally modified or deleted, or that were damaged. This feature is available in Windows 7 and later versions.

1. Click the encrypted file and choose Properties
2. Open the Previous Version tab
3. Select the latest version and click Copy
4. Click Restore

How to prevent your system from Ransomware?

No one is safe from infection with a virus that secretly encrypts your data. But in order to minimize this risk, you need to follow the rules:

1. Always make Windows updates on time and keep them up to date. Remember that these updates close the security holes in the system through which the virus can enter your computer.

2. The most efficient way to avoid data loss is of course to make a backup of all important data from your computer. It is enough just to synchronize the necessary folders with one of the cloud services, so as not to be afraid to see the text requiring the payment of bitcoins in exchange for a decryption key. It can be a cloud or a remote hard drive on the network. If you store all your files on the Internet, the likelihood of virus infection will be lower. Do not make copies to external hard drives, as this could damage them.

3. Since spam email is the most popular form of spreading ransomware-type viruses, the user should never open email attachments without first having scanned them with antivirus. Just clicking on the link or opening the attachment can damage the operating system (Windows) in a few minutes, damage important data and infect other machines with the virus.

4. All previous methods do not matter if you do not have a reliable antivirus. The presence of anti-virus protection on your computer can prevent all these unpleasant surprises. Anti-virus protection will protect you from malware, money loss, time loss, invasion of your personal life. Now the antivirus protection is so huge that it is difficult to make a choice in favor of one of them. If you have not decided who to give preference to, we suggest you familiarize yourself with our Top 5 Antivirus Software for Windows