How to remove D0ggerofficial Ransomware and decrypt .locked files

What is D0ggerofficial Ransomware

D0ggerofficial is a ransomware virus that runs encryption of data using AES-256 algorithms. While doing so, it also renames all targeted files (documents, videos, images, etc.) with the .locked extension. For instance, a file originally named 1.pdf will change to 1.pdf.locked and reset its original icon. Following this, D0ggerofficial displays a pop-up window with decryption instructions.

Cybercriminals say victims have to make a payment of 0.25 BTC (roughly 4,200) in order to retrieve a special decryption key from the cybercriminals’ remote server. Victims can also obtain more detailed information by contacting the attackers via their Telegram channel (@d0ggerofficial). It is also said that if victims fail to contact the extortionists before the timer in the pop-up window expires, the decryption key will be destroyed and access to data will be lost permanently. Unfortunately, this can be the truth since ransomware developers are the only figures having access to proper decryption keys. As a rule, it is rarely possible to decrypt data without the help of attackers standing behind encryption. At the moment of writing this article, victims can only recover their data from backup – if such is available on external storage (USB Pendrive, flash cards, etc.). If there is no alternative recovery method up for use, you can also try some reputable third-party/recovery tools from our guide, however, as was already mentioned about difficulties with manual decryption, it is less likely they will be able to help. If you are going to recover your data without the help of ransomware developers, it is first important to remove the virus from your computer. Follow our guidelines below to do so correctly and read about possible recovery options as well.

How D0ggerofficial Ransomware infected your computer

Ransomware infections are notoriously proliferated through e-mail spam letters, trojans, deceptive third-party downloads, fake software updates/installers, backdoors, keyloggers, botnets, system exploits, and a number of other distribution channels. Users often become victims of phishing e-mail messages or websites asking to execute some attachment, click on a link, or download ostensibly “useful” software. E-mail phishing techniques are usually the most popular to tease out of this list. Such e-mails are usually disguised as legitimate companies or entities (e.g., delivery companies, tax authorities, banks, and so forth). Unfortunately, doing so will likely expose you to facing an imminent ransomware infection. Files with .DOCX, .XLSX, .PDF, .EXE, .ZIP, .RAR, .JS, and other extensions are often the ones cybercriminals misuse for dropping various infections. While such formats have nothing to do with malware on the initial basis, cybercriminals know how to modify them for storing and deploying installations of malware. Note that some file types like MS Office documents have the so-called “Protected View” designed by Microsoft to protect users from possible infections. Since its introduction in 2010, users can only be infected if they bypass this mode. Until then, users have a chance to close the document and prevent possible infection. Think twice whenever you receive such attachments for no expected reason and try to download software only from official or trusted resources. You can also read our guide below to learn about security tips that will protect you from such threats in the future.

1. Download D0ggerofficial Ransomware Removal Tool
2. Get decryption tool for .locked files
3. Recover encrypted files with Stellar Data Recovery Professional
4. Restore encrypted files with Windows Previous Versions
5. Restore files with Shadow Explorer
6. How to protect from threats like D0ggerofficial Ransomware

D0ggerofficial Ransomware files:


pop-up window
{randomname}.exe


D0ggerofficial Ransomware registry keys:

no information

How to decrypt and restore .locked files

Use automated decryptors

Download Kaspersky RakhniDecryptor

Use following tool from Kaspersky called Rakhni Decryptor, that can decrypt .locked files. Download it here:

Download RakhniDecryptor

There is no purpose to pay the ransom because there is no guarantee you will receive the key, but you will put your bank credentials at risk.

Dr.Web Rescue Pack

Famous antivirus vendor Dr. Web provides free decryption service for the owners of its products: Dr.Web Security Space or Dr.Web Enterprise Security Suite. Other users can ask for help in the decryption of .locked files by uploading samples to Dr. Web Ransomware Decryption Service. Analyzing files will be performed free of charge and if files are decryptable, all you need to do is purchase a 2-year license of Dr.Web Security Space worth $120 or less. Otherwise, you don’t have to pay.

If you are infected with D0ggerofficial Ransomware and removed from your computer you can try to decrypt your files. Antivirus vendors and individuals create free decryptors for some crypto-lockers. To attempt to decrypt them manually you can do the following:

Use Stellar Data Recovery Professional to restore .locked files

1. Download Stellar Data Recovery Professional.
2. Click Recover Data button.
3. Select type of files you want to restore and click Next button.
4. Choose location where you would like to restore files from and click Scan button.
5. Preview found files, choose ones you will restore and click Recover.

Download Stellar Data Recovery Professional

Using Windows Previous Versions option:

1. Right-click on infected file and choose Properties.
2. Select Previous Versions tab.
3. Choose particular version of the file and click Copy.
4. To restore the selected file and replace the existing one, click on the Restore button.
5. In case there is no items in the list choose alternative method.

Using Shadow Explorer:

1. Download Shadow Explorer program.
2. Run it and you will see screen listing of all the drives and the dates that shadow copy was created.
3. Select the drive and date that you want to restore from.
4. Right-click on a folder name and select Export.
5. In case there are no other dates in the list, choose alternative method.

If you are using Dropbox:

1. Login to the DropBox website and go to the folder that contains encrypted files.
2. Right-click on the encrypted file and select Previous Versions.
3. Select the version of the file you wish to restore and click on the Restore button.

How to protect computer from viruses, like D0ggerofficial Ransomware , in future

1. Get special anti-ransomware software

Use ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware

Famous antivirus brand ZoneAlarm by Check Point released a comprehensive tool, that will help you with active anti-ransomware protection, as an additional shield to your current protection. The tool provides Zero-Day protection against ransomware and allows you to recover files. ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware is compatible with all other antiviruses, firewalls, and security software except ZoneAlarm Extreme (already shipped with ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware) or Check Point Endpoint products. The killer features of this application are: automatic file recovery, overwrite protection that instantly and automatically recovers any encrypted files, file protection that detects and blocks even unknown encryptors.

Download ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware

2. Back up your files

As an additional way to save your files, we recommend online backup. Local storage, such as hard drives, SSDs, flash drives, or remote network storage can be instantly infected by the virus once plugged in or connected to. D0ggerofficial Ransomware uses some techniques to exploit this. One of the best services and programs for easy automatic online backup is iDrive. It has the most profitable terms and a simple interface. You can read more about iDrive cloud backup and storage here.

3. Do not open spam e-mails and protect your mailbox

Malicious attachments to spam or phishing e-mails are the most popular method of ransomware distribution. Using spam filters and creating anti-spam rules is good practice. One of the world leaders in anti-spam protection is MailWasher Pro. It works with various desktop applications and provides a very high level of anti-spam protection.

Download MailWasher Pro