How to remove V (Dharma) Ransomware and decrypt .V files

What is V (Dharma) Ransomware

V (Dharma) Ransomware is a type of malicious software that belongs to the notorious Dharma ransomware family. This ransomware encrypts files and appends a distinctive file extension, specifically .V, to the compromised files. When a file such as document.doc is encrypted, it is renamed to something like document.doc.id-XXXXXXXX.[attacker_email].V, where the “id-XXXXXXXX” represents the victim’s unique identification key, and the email address directs victims to the contact point for ransom negotiations. The encryption process involves sophisticated algorithms that effectively lock the victim’s files, rendering them inaccessible without an appropriate decryption key. As part of its modus operandi, the ransomware also creates a ransom note typically named info.txt and a pop-up message that appears on the victim’s desktop, detailing the demands and steps to communicate with the attackers.

Currently, there are no publicly available decryption tools for files encrypted by V (Dharma) Ransomware. This particular strain, like others in the Dharma family, makes use of robust encryption methods, leaving victims with limited options. Information about decrypting .V files is scarce due to the complexity of the encryption algorithms utilized by the ransomware. Often, the ransom note will discourage victims from attempting to use third-party tools to avoid further file corruption or data loss. Given these circumstances, victims may feel pressured to pay the ransom; however, it is generally advised against making payments to cybercriminals, as this does not guarantee the retrieval of encrypted data and may further incentivize future attacks. For those affected, the best course of action remains in pursuing professional cybersecurity assistance and exploring data recovery methods while enhancing preventive security measures against future ransomware incidents.

How V (Dharma) Ransomware infects computers

V (Dharma) Ransomware, part of the notorious Dharma family, primarily infiltrates computers through compromised Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) services, where cybercriminals exploit weak or easily guessed login credentials via brute force attacks. Additionally, this ransomware is often distributed through email attachments containing malicious macros, which activate the payload once opened, or through links leading to infected websites. Users may also encounter this malware via software vulnerabilities, deceptive advertisements, and downloads from unofficial sources such as peer-to-peer networks, third-party downloaders, and free file hosting sites. In some cases, the ransomware is spread through compromised USB drives or technical support scams that trick users into executing malicious software. To mitigate the risk of infection, it’s crucial to maintain strong, unique passwords, regularly update software to patch vulnerabilities, and exercise caution when handling unsolicited emails and downloads from untrustworthy sources.

1. Download V (Dharma) Ransomware Removal Tool
2. Get decryption tool for .V 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 V (Dharma) Ransomware

V (Dharma) Ransomware files:


info.txt
{randomname}.exe


V (Dharma) Ransomware registry keys:

no information

How to decrypt and restore .V files

Use automated decryptors

Download Kaspersky RakhniDecryptor

Use the following tool from Kaspersky called Rakhni Decryptor, that can decrypt .V 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 .V 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 V (Dharma) 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 .V files

1. Download Stellar Data Recovery Professional.
2. Click Recover Data button.
3. Select the type of files you want to restore and click Next button.
4. Choose the 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 a 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 a 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 V (Dharma) 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. V (Dharma) 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