.dalle file virus | How to remove it from affected system

Understanding the .dalle File Virus

.dalle file virus is a new ransomware, which targets the networks of schools, big organizations, businesses and hospitals. Similar to other ransomware-type programs, it encrypts the data and makes them unusable by the user. Once, it infiltrates the system, it scans every inch of your computer and search for the targeted files. This cryptovirus adds a unique extension to the filenames, which restricts their access. The ultimate aim of hackers behind this evil project is to extort money from you.

The cryptography algorithm used by dalle ransomware generates a unique key for every locked file. This private key is the way to decrypt file locked by the malicious virus. Unfortunately, it is kept on the server where only the developer can access it. Hence, getting it is not a piece of cake! The .dalle file virus victims have to purchase the key in exchange of the asked ransom. Cyber criminals demand the hefty ransom amount in the form of bitcoins, a cryptocurrency. Hackers say, if you don’t pay the amount, your data will be deleted permanently. Hence, the dalle ransomware victims get ready to pay the ransom amount. However, the reality has a different face!

Scroll down, to gather more information about the malicious .dalle ransomware.

Threat Summary

Distribution Techniques

A tech savvy mind knows it well that, the primary portal of dalle virus is the spam e-mails. These e-mails are sent with a catchy subject line and have deceptive messages within them. The e-mails may pretend to be sent from some well-known shipping companies such as, FedEx, PayPal or DHL. They contain malicious attachments or fake links, which claim to be the invoice of the shipment that you have made. However, as soon as you click on the attachments, your system will be infected by .dalle file virus. Apart from the spam e-mails, Trojans are another gateway for these ransomwares.

Trojans are the destructive programs that stealthily infiltrate your computer. Furthermore, the motive behind the hidden infiltration is to install additional malwares.

To conclude, we can say that the careless behavior and the lack of knowledge are two major reasons for computer infections. Hence, to avoid the irreversible damage caused by .dalle ransomware, you have to be careful vigilant during your online sessions.

Threat Behavior

An important fact about this dangerous ransomware is that it gradually encrypts all the targeted files on the affected system. In additions, the dalle virus is designed in such a way that most of the anti-virus applications cannot detect its presence in your system.

Once, the ransomware gains complete access of your system, it encrypts all the targeted files. By using a strong encryption algorithm, the malicious .dalle ransomware creates a unique decryption key on the remote server. This decryption key is the source to blackmail the dalle ransomware victims & extort large amount of money. Developers demand hefty amount of ransom in the form of bitcoins in exchange of the decryption key.

Apart from encrypting the files, it also generates a ransom demanding message stored in ‘_readme.txt’ file. This text file is displayed on the screen every time the user tries to access a locked file. This message updates the victims about the demanded amount of ransom and the way to get their decryption key. In addition, it also provides the contact detail of the hackers.

Ransom – Demanding Message:

The dalle ransomware developers demand $980 (in bitcoins) by the victims for the decryption key. However, you can claim a discount of 50% if you contact the hackers within 72 hours of .dalle file virus attack. Hence, in this case you will be liable to pay $490 (in bitcoins).

Keep in mind that, paying the asked ransom is not the only solution to restore your lost data. According to researches, cyber crooks may ignore enabling the decryption key, after receiving the ransom amount. The alternative way to restore your .dalle file encrypted files is from a backup. Hence, make sure to create a regular backup of your data.

Moreover, you can pursue the following removal guidelines to remove .dalle file virus from your system.

Removal guidelines for .dalle File Virus

STEP A: Reboot your system to safe mode

Windows 7/ Vista/ XP

1. Click on Windows icon present in the lower left corner of the computer screen.
2. Select and click  Restart.
3. When the screen goes blank, Keep tapping  F8  Key until you see the Advanced Boot Options window.
4. With the help of arrow keys on keyboard, Select Safe Mode with Networking  option from the list and press the Enter Key. The system will then restart to Safe Mode with Networking.

5 Click on the username and enter the password (if any).

Windows 10 / Windows 8

1. Press and hold the Shift Key and simultaneously click on the windows icon present in the lower left corner of your computer screen.
2. While the Shift key is still pressed click on the Power button and then click on Restart.
3. Now select Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Startup Settings.
4. When the Startup Settings screen appears which is the first screen to appear after restart, select and click on Enable Safe Mode with Networking. The system will then restart to Safe Mode with Networking.
5. Click on the username and enter the password.

STEP B: Remove the malicious files in Configuration Settings

1. Type “Msconfig” in search box / Run Box, select it and press Enter.
2. Click on “Services” Tab and click on “Hide all Microsoft services”.
3. Select .dalle file virus from the list of remaining services and disable it by removing the tick mark from the checkbox and click on Apply button.

Windows 7

1. Click on the next tab – “Startup”.
2. Find any blank or suspicious entry or the entry with .dalle file virus mentioned and remove the check mark.
3. Click on Apply button and then click on OK.

Windows 10

1. Click on the next tab – “Startup”.
2. Take the mouse cursor to ‘Open task Manager‘ link and click on it.  This opens the Task Manager window.
3. Find any blank or suspicious entry or the entry with .dalle file virus mentioned and click on it.
4. Then click on Disable button.

STEP C: Delete the suspicious file from Command Prompt

Once the system starts, ensure to use an account with administrative privilege to access Safe Mode with Command Prompt.

After the user enters admin credentials, Command prompt window is displayed wherein you are entitled to enter the below commands:

1. Type the command “sc delete .dalle file virus” in the command prompt and press Enter.
2. Type “exit” to exit the command prompt and restart the system in safe mode with command prompt.

STEP D: Restore system Files & Folders

Method 1 using Control Panel

1. Click on the ‘Start’ button on the taskbar. This will open the Start menu.
2. Click on the ‘Control Panel’ button in the Start menu. This will open the control panel window.
3. In the Control Panel window, click on the ‘View by:’ button on the top right. Select the Large Icon option
4. In the control Panel window click on the ‘Recovery Icon’. This will open a window that will ask ‘Restore the computer to an earlier point in time’.
5. Click on the ‘Open system restore’ button. This will open the ‘system restore ’window where you need to click on the Next Button.
6.  Select the restore point that is prior the infiltration of .dalle file virus. After doing that, click Next.
7. This will open the ‘Confirm your restore point’ dialog box. Click on Finish button. This will restore your system to a previous restore point before your system was infected by .dalle file virus.

OR

Method 2 using Command Prompt

1. Type cmd in the search box and click on the command prompt to open the Command Prompt window. box and clicking on it.
2. Once the Command Prompt window shows up, enter cd restore and click Enter.(Ensure that you in the system32 directory of Windows folder in C Drive)
3. Now type rstrui and press Enter again.
4. When a new window shows up, click Next and select your restore point that is prior the infiltration of .dalle file virus. After doing that, click Next.
5. This will open the ‘Confirm your restore point’ dialog box. Click on Finish button. This will restore your system to a previous restore point before your system was infected by .dalle file virus.

OR

Method 3 : Directly type ‘rstrui’ in the search box

1. Type ‘Rstrui’ in the search box present on the task bar. This will open the System restore dialog box.

Continue to follow steps 4 & 5 of Method 2 to restore the System Files and settings.

Tips to prevent your system from .dalle File Virus

1. Keeping the Operating System Updated- In order to remain protected and avoid such infections, it is recommended to keep your Operating System updated by enabling the automatic update on your system. The systems with outdated or older versions of Operating System become an easy target for the attackers.
2. Resist clicking on spam emails – One of the major techniques used for malware distribution is forwarding spam emails to the user. The system gets infected as soon as the user clicks on the attachment. These mails appear to be genuine, so be aware and resist falling for these tricks.
3. Keep an eye on third party installations- It is quite important that you take due care while installing any third party applications for they are major source of such infections. Such malware programs come bundled with the free applications thereby requiring the user to remain cautious.
4. Regular periodical backup- In order to keep your data and files safe, it is recommended to take regular back up of all your data and files either on an external drive or cloud.
5. Use Anti-Virus Protection- We strongly recommend the use of antivirus protection/internet security in your PC like Bull Guard and Kaspersky so that it remains safe.
6. Enable the Ad Blocker/Popup Blocker in your browser- Enabling the popup blocker/ ad blocker in your chosen browser will help you to stay protected from annoying adware.