DetoxCrypto Ransomware - How to remove

DetoxCrypto ransomware is a brand new ransomware threat detected by MalwareHunterTeam. It passes itself off as PokemonGO ransomware. Regarding the popularity of the authentic PokemonGO application, it is no surprise that cyber crooks put their hands to designing malignant programs for deceiving unsuspecting users. Moreover, DetoxCrypto ransomware virus can be distributed in another variant, known as Calipso (according to its executable file), which does not have PokemonGO as its leitmotif.

About DetoxCrypto Ransomware

Both the variants of DetoxCrypto cryptomalware uses AES encryption algorithm to encrypt the victim’s data. MySQL and MSSQL services are stopped, when the ransomware starts acting on your computer’s system. The executable of this virus is bundled. It is constituted of MicrosoftHost.exe file, a wallpaper background and an audio file. On an interesting note, DetoxCrypto malicious program will play an audio file showing the lock screen. Additionally, the distributed executable will also have a fourth file, which has several different names: Calipso.exe or Pokemon.exe, according to the variant of the ransomware.

The MicrosoftHost.exe file carries out the encryption of the data, stops the database servers and replaces the desktop background. Unlike the most of the ransomware viruses, DetoxCrypto virus does not append filename extensions to the encrypted files. It does not bother itself to leave such an imprint, which would serve as its unique trademark. Calipso.exe or Pokemon.exe files (one of them, depending on the particular case) will show the theme on the lock screen, run an audio file and have the functionality of decryption (if the correct password is entered).

The Calipso variant of DetoxCrypto crypto malware, discovered by Intel researcher Marc Rivero Lopez, provides [email protected] e-mail address for contacting the hackers. It does not specify the size of the ransom for the files encrypted nor does it supply the victim with the payment instructions. Whereas, PokemonGO variant will demand for 2 BTC ransomware, equaling to 1,158.52 USD at this particular point in time. [email protected] e-mail is given for contacting the cyber criminals and getting the Bitcoin Wallet address to transfer the ransom payment. The deadline for paying the ransom is 96 hours or 4 days. If it is not met, the crooks threaten to delete your data. The same is threatened to be done, if you try to delete their ransomware program. The screenshots of both the variants are presented below, the first being the Calipso and the second being the PokemonGO variant:

How is DetoxCrypto Ransomware Spread?

While the ways DetoxCrypto file-encrypting virus is distributed are still quite obfuscated, it has been reported that this crypto malware is spread disguised as a PokemonGO application. So we may draw a conclusion that it is a malware belonging to the category of trojan viruses, which gets onto one computer’s system in a sneaky ways. Indeed, who could resist such a lovely creature as the one in the picture above?

How to Decrypt Files Encrypted by DetoxCrypto Ransomware?

DetoxCrypto crypto-malware has hit the cyber world on the spur of the moment so the cyber security experts are just starting to invent arms to fight back. Use your external or internal backup. Apply professional data recovery tools, such as Recuva, PhotoRec, etc., in the meantime. However, realize that your priority is the removal of the malware at the moment. So, first of all, make a copy of the damaged drive and remove DetoxCrypto ransomware with Spyhunter or Malwarebytes licensed malware removal tools. Automatic removal is recommended against the manual one, since, by implementing it, you bear better chances of fully cleaning your computer’s system. The manual removal instructions are right below the article.

How to recover DetoxCrypto Ransomware encrypted files and remove the virus

Step 1. Restore system into last known good state using system restore

1. Reboot your computer to Safe Mode with Command Prompt:

for Windows 7 / Vista/ XP

• Start → Shutdown → Restart → OK.
• Press F8 key repeatedly until Advanced Boot Options window appears.
• Choose Safe Mode with Command Prompt.

for Windows 8 / 10

• Press Power at Windows login screen. Then press and hold Shift key and click Restart.
• Choose Troubleshoot → Advanced Options → Startup Settings and click Restart.
• When it loads, select Enable Safe Mode with Command Prompt from the list of Startup Settings.

 

2.Restore System files and settings.

• When Command Prompt mode loads, enter cd restore and press Enter.
• Then enter rstrui.exe and press Enter again.
• Click “Next” in the windows that appeared.
• Select one of the Restore Points that are available before DetoxCrypto Ransomware has infiltrated to your system and then click “Next”.
• To start System restore click “Yes”.

 

Step 2. Complete removal of DetoxCrypto Ransomware

After restoring your system, it is recommended to scan your computer with an anti-malware program, like Spyhunter and remove all malicious files related to DetoxCrypto Ransomware. You can check other tools here.  

Step 3. Restore DetoxCrypto Ransomware affected files using Shadow Volume Copies

If you do not use System Restore option on your operating system, there is a chance to use shadow copy snapshots. They store copies of your files that point of time when the system restore snapshot was created. Usually DetoxCrypto Ransomware tries to delete all possible Shadow Volume Copies, so this methods may not work on all computers. However, it may fail to do so. Shadow Volume Copies are only available with Windows XP Service Pack 2, Windows Vista, Windows 7, and Windows 8. There are two ways to retrieve your files via Shadow Volume Copy. You can do it using native Windows Previous Versions or via Shadow Explorer. a) Native Windows Previous Versions Right-click on an encrypted file and select Properties → Previous versions tab. Now you will see all available copies of that particular file and the time when it was stored in a Shadow Volume Copy. Choose the version of the file you want to retrieve and click Copy if you want to save it to some directory of your own, or Restore if you want to replace existing, encrypted file. If you want to see the content of file first, just click Open.

b) Shadow Explorer It is a program that can be found online for free. You can download either a full or a portable version of Shadow Explorer. Open the program. On the left top corner select the drive where the file you are looking for is a stored. You will see all folders on that drive. To retrieve a whole folder, right-click on it and select “Export”. Then choose where you want it to be stored.

Step 4. Use Data Recovery programs to recover DetoxCrypto Ransomware encrypted files

There are several data recovery programs that might recover encrypted files as well. This does not work in all cases but you can try this:

• We suggest using another PC and connect the infected hard drive as slave. It is still possible to do this on infected PC though.
• Download a data recovery program.
• Install and scan for recently deleted files.

Note: In many cases it is impossible to restore data files affected by modern ransomware. Thus I recommend using decent cloud backup software as precaution. We recommend checking out Carbonite, BackBlaze, CrashPlan or Mozy Home.