Guide to Remove DLL Cryptomix Ransomware

The reincarnated DLL Cryptomix Ransomware is treacherously invading systems across the world once again. Researchers have found that this new variant of DLL Cryptomix is encrypting user’s files by appending .DLL extension to the file name. It is reported to be installed in the systems via compromised Remote Desktop Services.

The initial movement of this rouge Ransomware variant was discovered when a targeted user exposed Cryptomix developers for hacking his Remote Desktop Services. Another alarming modification made by Cryptomix Ransomware on the victim’s PC was enabling the Default Admin Account & altering its password, without any notification to the user.

The smart conduct of this devious malware may leave the users surprised. It has moved away from the traditional propagation methods like Spam e-mails & adapted manual installation methods such as hacking compromised services. Therefore, users are advised to immediately switch off the publically accessible services that can help Cyber Crooks gain illicit access to Windows.

Threat Behavior of DLL Cryptomix Ransomware

Recently launched by an Anonymous Hacker, DLL Cryptomix’s variant is creeping around & invading systems across the globe. Researchers believe that DLL Cryptomix Ransomware is using common propagation tactics such as phishing e-mails & suspicious websites that masquerade as legit service providers & companies.

In order to ease a large scale propagation developers are implementing other devious strategies such as payload carriers, browser hijackers, shareware file downloads, fake updates & infected software.

Upon infecting a system, DLL Cryptomix runs a complex operating pattern & notifies the developers about the infection via message. The infection of the system is followed by various modules that are mentioned below:

1). Collecting Sensitive Information: A data gathering procedure is implemented to gather sensitive & information associated with the victims & their systems. The collected information can be used by the cyber criminals to reveal their digital identity such as IP Address, Name, Contact Details and E-mail Address of the victims.

This information is further used by the developers to frame a unique ID that is assigned to every infected system.

2). Modifications in Boot Options: Secondly, boot options & system settings will be modified to automatically aid the start of .DLL Cryptomix Ransomware with every computer boot. A virus is smartly placed in the system that is programmed to render access to the recovery boot options inoperative.

3). Modified Windows Settings: Users may observe certain unexpected modifications in the Windows settings & stored values of the Registry. This can be menacing as it can result in severe performance modifications & make the system unstable. In addition to that, the system may detect unexpected errors, frequent system crashes & data loss.

Following the modules mentioned above, .DLL Cryptomix Ransomware encrypts important files on the user’s system & appends .DLL to the name of the files.

The files taken hostage by DLL Cryptomix Ransomware include documents ( .doc, .docx, .xls, .pdf), photos ( .jpg, .img), videos ( .mp3, .mp4) & other multimedia files.

A window displaying ransom note for DLL Cryptomix Ransomware Variant covers the screen wherein the fraudsters asks the victims to pay ransom in bitcoins. Failing to pay the ransom amount in the mentioned time could result in the permanent deletion of the data.

The ransom note further prompts the victims to contact the developers via e-mail in order to get specific information & fetch help regarding their encrypted data.

The e-mail Ids mentioned in the note is:

• dllteam@protonmail.com
• dllteam1@protonmail.com
• dllpc@mail.com
• dllpc@tuta.io
• claremohan@tuta.io
• claremohan@yandex.com
• mohanclare@yandex.com

DLL Crypto Mix Ransom Note

The ransom note for the DLL Cryptomix Ransomware Variant is named as _HELP_INSTRUCTION.TXT & contains message from the developers.

The note reads as follows:

French101 Ransomware – Distribution Tactics

The cybercriminals use various strategies for malware distribution which include –

1. Software Bundling: Software bundling is the process in which a malicious program is distributed with other free software, to get an unnoticed entry into your computer system. When a user installs a free application, the malicious programs gains a front door entry with the free application, the user has downloaded. Thus, it is a good idea to keep an eye on the installation screens while installing these free applications.
2. Infected Storage Devices: Your system can also get infected by using removable media such as USB hard drives and jump drives without scanning them with an anti-virus.
3. Spam Emails – Spamming is the most economic and common method used for the distribution of such malware. The targeted users get genuine looking emails which contain .doc, .txt, and other similar attachments. These attachments can be named as anything which can grab the user’s attention and triggers him/her to open the attachment. As soon as the user opens this attachment, the malware infects the user’s computer system.
4. Malicious Websites or Malevolent Advertisements: The malicious websites are the ones which are created just for promoting the malware infections. Such websites include but are not limited to porn sites, torrent sites and other free downloading platforms. By visiting such websites, the adware infects the user’s computer without permission. Fake advertisements and updates like Flash player and windows updates which ask the user to update to the latest version are a few examples. When the users click on such links, their computer system gets infected. That is why, it is highly recommended to resist clicking on such links. Also avoid clicking on advertisements offering free stuff such as Win an iPhones, cars or free overseas trips etc.

Threat Summary

Name: Cryptomix 

Targeted Operating System: Windows

Category: Ransomware

Symptoms: User’s files are encrypted & inaccessible. All locked files are appended with .dll extension & a ransom note demanding a ransom in bitcoin(s) prompts on the screen.

How to Remove French101 Ransomware from my System

STEP A: Remove the services installed by Cryptomix Ransomware from the System using Safe mode with Command Prompt

STEP B: Restore your system files and settings

Tips to prevent your computer system from getting infected –

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 Vipre and Sophos 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.

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