How to remove DoNex Ransomware and decrypt encrypted files

What is DoNex Ransomware

DoNex Ransomware is a type of malicious software that falls under the category of ransomware, which is designed to encrypt data on a victim’s computer, rendering files inaccessible until a ransom is paid. This particular variant of ransomware has been identified by information security researchers as a threat that encrypts user data and demands payment for the possibility of decryption. DoNex appends a unique victim’s ID to the file extensions of encrypted files. For example, a file named myphoto.jpg would be renamed to something like myphoto.jpg.5GlA66BK7 after encryption by DoNex. While specific details about the encryption algorithm used by DoNex are not yet known, ransomware typically employs strong cryptographic algorithms, either symmetric or asymmetric, to lock files. DoNex leaves a ransom note named Readme.[victim’s_ID].txt on the victim’s computer, which contains instructions on how to contact the attackers, usually through a specific communication channel like Tox messenger, and the demands for payment.

As of the information available, there are no decryption tools for DoNex ransomware. Victims are generally advised against paying the ransom as it does not guarantee the recovery of encrypted files and may encourage further criminal activity. Without a decryption tool, decrypting files encrypted by DoNex ransomware is not feasible. The best course of action is to restore files from backups that were not connected to the network at the time of infection. It is also recommended to keep multiple backups in different locations to prevent data loss. If a victim does not have backups, they may lose access to their files permanently unless a decryption tool is developed in the future.

How DoNex Ransomware infects computers

Ransomware like DoNex typically spreads through several common methods:

Phishing Emails: These are deceptive emails that appear legitimate and contain malicious attachments or links.
Drive-By Downloads: Occurs when a user visits an infected website, and malware is downloaded and installed without their knowledge.
Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) and Credential Abuse: Attackers use brute-force attacks or stolen credentials to access systems remotely and deploy ransomware.
Software Vulnerabilities: Exploiting unpatched or outdated software to gain access to systems.
Malvertising: Injecting malicious code into digital ads to redirect users to corrupted web pages or install malware directly.

1. Download DoNex Ransomware Removal Tool
2. Get decryption tool for encrypted 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 DoNex Ransomware

DoNex Ransomware files:


Readme.[victim's_ID].txt
{randomname}.exe


DoNex Ransomware registry keys:

no information

How to decrypt and restore encrypted files

Use automated decryptors

Download Kaspersky RakhniDecryptor

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

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 encrypted 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 DoNex 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 encrypted 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.

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 are no items in the list choose an 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 an 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 DoNex Ransomware, in future

1. Get special anti-ransomware software

Use ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware

ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware Dashboard

ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware Alert

ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware Blocked

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.

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. DoNex 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.