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DABLIO Virus – How to Remove It

This article will aid you to remove DABLIO Virus. Follow the ransomware removal instructions provided at the end of the article.

DABLIO Virus is one that encrypts your data and demands money as a ransom to get it restored. Files will be prepended with the “encrypted” string. The DABLIO Virus will leave ransomware instructions as a desktop wallpaper image. Keep on reading the article and see how you could try to potentially recover some of your locked files and data.

Threat Summary

Name DABLIO
Type Ransomware, Cryptovirus
Short Description The ransomware encrypts files by placing the “encrypted” string in the file names on your computer system and demands a ransom to be paid to allegedly recover them.
Symptoms The ransomware will encrypt your files and leave a ransom note with payment instructions.
Distribution Method Spam Emails, Email Attachments
Detection Tool See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware

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User Experience Join Our Forum to Discuss DABLIO.
Data Recovery Tool Windows Data Recovery by Stellar Phoenix Notice! This product scans your drive sectors to recover lost files and it may not recover 100% of the encrypted files, but only few of them, depending on the situation and whether or not you have reformatted your drive.

DABLIO Virus – Distribution Techniques

The reports stating the DABLIO virus’s detection do not reveal much information about the way the samples are distributed. This probably means that the collected samples are distributed as a test sample or are limited to a certain list of intended targets. Whatever the case in all cases if the intrusions prove successful the hackers will probably use widespread campaigns and several of the popular methods to increase the number of infected victims.

One of the popular methods is the use of email SPAM messages that containing various phishing and social engineering elements. They are made in order to confuse and coerce the recipients into thinking that they have received a legitimate message notification from a well-known company or an Internet service that they might use. The messages themselves may contain links to the ransomware itself or the virus can be directly attached.

A similar phishing strategy involves the creation of malicious web sites that are designed to spoof vendor pages, download portals and other elements. They can spread the virus files or any of the infected payload carriers. There are two popular types:

  • Infected Documents — The criminals behind the DABLIO virus can embed the infection code into the most popular document types: spreadsheets, presentations, text documents and databases. Whenever they are opened a message will appear asking the users to enable the built-in macros. This will trigger the DABLIO virus download sequence which will result in its deployment.
  • Setup Files — The other popular strategy is the insertion of the virus code in application installers. The hackers will typically choose popular software which computer users generally search. When they are installed the setup procedure will deploy the infection.

Large infections can be done by instructing browser hijackers to carry the payload. They are generally made for the most popular web browsers and are uploaded to their respective repositories. Their descriptions will include promises of new feature additions or performance optimizations. As soon as they are installed their built-in behavior patterns will be run. In most of the cases modifications to the settings will be done following the virus’s delivery.

DABLIO Virus – Detailed Analysis

As soon as the Dablio virus has started it will start its built-in behavior pattern. The collected samples do not exhibit anything other than the ransomware module itself. This means that the samples are possibly early development versions or testing releases. These early samples have been found to be written in Python allowing them to be extended further by adding various module to the base threat.

Typical virus infections can start with information gathering of sensitive user data. All gathered data can grouped into one of these two categories:

  • Personal Information — This group of data can reveal information about the user which can be used to expose their identity: real name, address, phone number and even stored account credentials.
  • Anonymous Metrics — This subset of data can be used to create an unique ID associated with every compromised machine. This is done by generating a report of the installed hardware components, operating system environment values and certain user settings.

If other modules are installed they can make use of this information. A popular example is the security bypass which can identify applications and services that can stop the Dablio virus infection. The usual suspects are anti-virus software, firewalls and sandbox environments. As soon as their real-time engines are detected they will be disabled.

When these two modules have finished running the Dablio virus will have the ability to conduct all kinds of System modifications. A partial list of the possible functionality exhibited by future strains of the ransomware is the following:

  • Windows Registry Entries Modifications — The virus may look for specific Windows Registry entries belonging to the operating system or to third-party apps. Such modifications can render certain functions non-working. More serious changes can even disable them.
  • Persistent Installation — The Dablio virus may be installed in a way which will make manual user recovery very difficult. This is usually done by modifying boot options and configuration files into starting the malicious engines as soon as the computer is powered on.
  • Data Removal — The engine can identify and remove important files such as system backups and Shadow Volume Copies. In these cases the victims will need to use a backup software together with the anti-spyware recovery utility.
  • Additional Malware Delivery — Such infections can be used as payload carriers for other malware. The reason why this is considered as an option is because the virus would have first penetrated the target machines and bypassed any security measures. All popular forms of malware can be considered — Trojans, miners, browser hijackers and etc.

Other features can be added interactively if the Dablio virus is bundled with a Trojan. This would allow the hackers to spy on the users and also take over control of their machines at any given time.

Update: Further information about this ransomware has been found. A security researcher reveals that it is based on an older Python ransomware called [wplinkpreview url=”https://sensorstechforum.com/remove-holycrypt-ransomware-restore-encrypted-files/”]HolyCrypt. This confirms the suspicion that the hacker or criminal collective is not experienced in order to base it on older code. It is possible that much of the functionality as encountered on the base threat will be retained.

DABLIO Virus – Encryption Process

As soon as all prior components have finished running the actual ransomware module will be started. Like other popular threats it will use the built-in list of target file type extensions to select what data will be encrypted. An example list is the following:

  • Archives
  • Backups
  • Databases
  • Images
  • Music
  • Videos

All victims files will be prepended with the “encrypted” string. The associated ransomare note will be created in a document. Some of the samples also use a lockscreen which will block the ordinary interaction with the computer. The message reads the following:

#DABLIO

Good Morning. Good afternoon. Good evening.

I’m sorry to inform you that your computer was ENCRYPTED.

ALL YOUR FILES WERE COMMITTED.
PAY TO HAVE YOUR FILES NORMAL CONDITION.
DO NOT WORRY! EVERYTHING WILL BE BACK.
ACCESS THE WEBSITE WWW.LOCALBITCOIN.COM AND MAKE THE PURCHASE OF
THE BITCOINAND TRANSFER OF THE BITCOIN TO MY WALLET.
AFTER WE SEND UNLOCK CODE OF YOUR FILES.
THANKS;

Email: dablio@tuta.io

Cry nnow. Laugh Later.

Enter Key for Unloked your Computer and Files!

Remove DABLIO Virus and Try to Restore Data

If your computer system got infected with the DABLIO ransomware virus, you should have a bit of experience in removing malware. You should get rid of this ransomware as quickly as possible before it can have the chance to spread further and infect other computers. You should remove the ransomware and follow the step-by-step instructions guide provided below.

Martin Beltov

Martin graduated with a degree in Publishing from Sofia University. As a cyber security enthusiast he enjoys writing about the latest threats and mechanisms of intrusion.

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  • Step 1
  • Step 2
  • Step 3
  • Step 4
  • Step 5

Step 1: Scan for DABLIO with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool

1. Click on the "Download" button to proceed to SpyHunter's download page.


It is recommended to run a scan before purchasing the full version of the software to make sure that the current version of the malware can be detected by SpyHunter. Click on the corresponding links to check SpyHunter's EULA, Privacy Policy and Threat Assessment Criteria.


2. After you have installed SpyHunter, wait for it to update automatically.

scan for and delete ransomware virus step 2


3. After the update process has finished, click on the 'Malware/PC Scan' tab. A new window will appear. Click on 'Start Scan'.

scan for and delete ransomware virus step 3


4. After SpyHunter has finished scanning your PC for any files of the associated threat and found them, you can try to get them removed automatically and permanently by clicking on the 'Next' button.

scan for and delete ransomware virus step 4

If any threats have been removed, it is highly recommended to restart your PC.

Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide

Step 2: Uninstall DABLIO and related malware from Windows

Here is a method in few easy steps that should be able to uninstall most programs. No matter if you are using Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista or XP, those steps will get the job done. Dragging the program or its folder to the recycle bin can be a very bad decision. If you do that, bits and pieces of the program are left behind, and that can lead to unstable work of your PC, errors with the file type associations and other unpleasant activities. The proper way to get a program off your computer is to Uninstall it. To do that:


1. Hold the Windows Logo Button and "R" on your keyboard. A Pop-up window will appear.
delete ransomware from windows step 1


2. In the field type in "appwiz.cpl" and press ENTER.
delete ransomware from windows step 2


3. This will open a window with all the programs installed on the PC. Select the program that you want to remove, and press "Uninstall"
delete ransomware from windows step 3Follow the instructions above and you will successfully delete most unwanted and malicious programs.


Step 3: Clean any registries, created by DABLIO on your computer.

The usually targeted registries of Windows machines are the following:

  • HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
  • HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
  • HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
  • HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce

You can access them by opening the Windows registry editor and deleting any values, created by DABLIO there. This can happen by following the steps underneath:

1. Open the Run Window again, type "regedit" and click OK.
delete ransomware virus registries step 1


2. When you open it, you can freely navigate to the Run and RunOnce keys, whose locations are shown above.
delete ransomware virus registries step 2


3. You can remove the value of the virus by right-clicking on it and removing it.
delete ransomware virus registries step 3 Tip: To find a virus-created value, you can right-click on it and click "Modify" to see which file it is set to run. If this is the virus file location, remove the value.

IMPORTANT!
Before starting "Step 4", please boot back into Normal mode, in case you are currently in Safe Mode.
This will enable you to install and use SpyHunter 5 successfully.

Step 4: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove DABLIO

OFFER

Manual Removal Usually Takes Time and You Risk Damaging Your Files If Not Careful!
We Recommend To Scan Your PC with SpyHunter

Keep in mind, that SpyHunter’s scanner is only for malware detection. If SpyHunter detects malware on your PC, you will need to purchase SpyHunter's malware removal tool to remove the malware threats. Read our SpyHunter 5 review. Click on the corresponding links to check SpyHunter's EULA, Privacy Policy and Threat Assessment Criteria

1. Hold Windows Key + R.
remove ransomware in safe mode step 1


2. The "Run" Window will appear. In it, type "msconfig" and click OK.
remove ransomware in safe mode step 2


3. Go to the "Boot" tab. There select "Safe Boot" and then click "Apply" and "OK".
remove ransomware in safe mode step 3
Tip: Make sure to reverse those changes by unticking Safe Boot after that, because your system will always boot in Safe Boot from now on.


4. When prompted, click on "Restart" to go into Safe Mode.
remove ransomware in safe mode step 4


5. You can recognise Safe Mode by the words written on the corners of your screen.
remove ransomware in safe mode step 5


Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by DABLIO.

Method 1: Use STOP Decrypter by Emsisoft.

Not all variants of this ransomware can be decrypted for free, but we have added the decryptor used by researchers that is often updated with the variants which become eventually decrypted. You can try and decrypt your files using the instructions below, but if they do not work, then unfortunately your variant of the ransomware virus is not decryptable.

Follow the instructions below to use the Emsisoft decrypter and decrypt your files for free. You can download the Emsisoft decryption tool linked here and then follow the steps provided below:

1 Right-click on the decrypter and click on Run as Administrator as shown below:

stop ransomware decryptor step 1

2. Agree with the license terms:

stop ransomware decryptor step 2

3. Click on "Add Folder" and then add the folders where you want files decrypted as shown underneath:

stop ransomware decryptor step 3

4. Click on "Decrypt" and wait for your files to be decoded.

stop ransomware decryptor step 4

Note: Credit for the decryptor goes to Emsisoft researchers who have made the breakthrough with this virus.

Method 2: Use data recovery software

Ransomware infections and DABLIO aim to encrypt your files using an encryption algorithm which may be very difficult to decrypt. This is why we have suggested a data recovery method that may help you go around direct decryption and try to restore your files. Bear in mind that this method may not be 100% effective but may also help you a little or a lot in different situations.

1. Download the recommended Data Recovery software by clicking on the link underneath:

Simply click on the link and on the website menus on the top, choose Data Recovery - Data Recovery Wizard for Windows or Mac (depending on your OS), and then download and run the tool.


DABLIO-FAQ

What is DABLIO Ransomware?

DABLIO is a ransomware infection - the malicious software that enters your computer silently and blocks either access to the computer itself or encrypt your files. 

Many ransomware viruses use sophisticated encryption algorithms to make your files inaccessible. The goal of ransomware infections is to demand that you pay a ransom payment to get access to your files back.

What Does DABLIO Ransomware Do?

Ransomware in general is a malicious software that is designed to block access to your computer or files until a ransom is paid.

Ransomware viruses can also damage your system, corrupt data and delete files, resulting in the permanent loss of important files.

How Does DABLIO Infect?

Via several ways.DABLIO Ransomware infects computers by being sent via phishing emails, containing virus attachment. This attachment is usually masked as an important document, like an invoice, bank document or even a plane ticket and it looks very convincing to users.

Another way you may become a victim of DABLIO is if you download a fake installer, crack or patch from a low reputation website or if you click on a virus link. Many users report getting a ransomware infection by downloading torrents.

How to Open .DABLIO files?

You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .DABLIO files are encrypted. You can only open them once they are decrypted using a specific decryption key for the particular algorithm.

What to Do If a Decryptor Does Not Work?

Do not panic, and backup the files. If a decryptor did not decrypt your .DABLIO files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.

Can I Restore ".DABLIO" Files?

Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .DABLIO files. 

These methods are in no way 100% guaranteed that you will be able to get your files back. But if you have a backup, your chances of success are much greater.

How To Get Rid of DABLIO Virus?

The safest way and the most efficient one for the removal of this ransomware infection is the use a professional anti-malware program.

It will scan for and locate DABLIO ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .DABLIO files.

Can I Report Ransomware to Authorities?

In case your computer got infected with a ransomware infection, you can report it to the local Police departments. It can help authorities worldwide track and determine the perpetrators behind the virus that has infected your computer.

Below, we have prepared a list with government websites, where you can file a report in case you are a victim of a cybercrime:

Cyber-security authorities, responsible for handling ransomware attack reports in different regions all over the world:

Germany - Offizielles Portal der deutschen Polizei

United States - IC3 Internet Crime Complaint Centre

United Kingdom - Action Fraud Police

France - Ministère de l'Intérieur

Italy - Polizia Di Stato

Spain - Policía Nacional

Netherlands - Politie

Poland - Policja

Portugal - Polícia Judiciária

Greece - Cyber Crime Unit (Hellenic Police)

India - Mumbai Police - CyberCrime Investigation Cell

Australia - Australian High Tech Crime Center

Reports may be responded to in different timeframes, depending on your local authorities.

Can You Stop Ransomware from Encrypting Your Files?

Yes, you can prevent ransomware. The best way to do this is to ensure your computer system is updated with the latest security patches, use a reputable anti-malware program and firewall, backup your important files frequently, and avoid clicking on malicious links or downloading unknown files.

Can DABLIO Ransomware Steal Your Data?

Yes, in most cases ransomware will steal your information. It is a form of malware that steals data from a user's computer, encrypts it, and then demands a ransom in order to decrypt it.

In many cases, the malware authors or attackers will threaten to delete the data or publish it online unless the ransom is paid.

Can Ransomware Infect WiFi?

Yes, ransomware can infect WiFi networks, as malicious actors can use it to gain control of the network, steal confidential data, and lock out users. If a ransomware attack is successful, it could lead to a loss of service and/or data, and in some cases, financial losses.

Should I Pay Ransomware?

No, you should not pay ransomware extortionists. Paying them only encourages criminals and does not guarantee that the files or data will be restored. The better approach is to have a secure backup of important data and be vigilant about security in the first place.

What Happens If I Don't Pay Ransom?

If you don't pay the ransom, the hackers may still have access to your computer, data, or files and may continue to threaten to expose or delete them, or even use them to commit cybercrimes. In some cases, they may even continue to demand additional ransom payments.

Can a Ransomware Attack Be Detected?

Yes, ransomware can be detected. Anti-malware software and other advanced security tools can detect ransomware and alert the user when it is present on a machine.

It is important to stay up-to-date on the latest security measures and to keep security software updated to ensure ransomware can be detected and prevented.

Do Ransomware Criminals Get Caught?

Yes, ransomware criminals do get caught. Law enforcement agencies, such as the FBI, Interpol and others have been successful in tracking down and prosecuting ransomware criminals in the US and other countries. As ransomware threats continue to increase, so does the enforcement activity.

About the DABLIO Research

The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this DABLIO how-to removal guide included, is the outcome of extensive research, hard work and our team’s devotion to help you remove the specific malware and restore your encrypted files.


How did we conduct the research on this ransomware?

Our research is based on an independent investigation. We are in contact with independent security researchers, and as such, we receive daily updates on the latest malware and ransomware definitions.

Furthermore, the research behind the DABLIO ransomware threat is backed with VirusTotal and the NoMoreRansom project.

To better understand the ransomware threat, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.


As a site that has been dedicated to providing free removal instructions for ransomware and malware since 2014, SensorsTechForum’s recommendation is to only pay attention to trustworthy sources.

How to recognize trustworthy sources:

  • Always check "About Us" web page.
  • Profile of the content creator.
  • Make sure that real people are behind the site and not fake names and profiles.
  • Verify Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter personal profiles.

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