Ransomware continues to be one of the most potent threats in the cybersecurity landscape, and among its most notorious families is Dharma ransomware. Despite its complexity and evolving nature, Dharma remains a pervasive threat, particularly for small businesses.
Phobas Decrypter is committed to empowering organizations to understand, recover from, and protect themselves against ransomware attacks like Dharma. In this comprehensive guide, we will dive into the origins of Dharma ransomware, how it operates, its various strains, and the best strategies for protection and recovery.
Table of Contents
- What is Dharma Ransomware?
- How Dharma Ransomware Attacks
- Ransom Payment and Recovery Statistics
- The Dharma Encryption Process
- Identifying a Dharma Ransomware Attack
- Ransomware-as-a-Service (RaaS) Model
- How to Protect Against Dharma Ransomware
- Phobas Decrypter: Recovery and Decryption
What is Dharma Ransomware?
Dharma ransomware is part of a wider family of ransomware that includes its predecessor, Crysis, and its successor, Phobos. These three ransomware variants are difficult to distinguish because they share many code and characteristics. The first in this ransomware family, Crysis, was released in February 2016. Dharma followed in July 2018, and Phobos was introduced in September 2019.
One of the reasons for Dharma’s enduring presence is its versatile attack methods, primarily through Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) access. Dharma’s ransomware kit is sold as a Ransomware-as-a-Service (RaaS) model, enabling less-experienced attackers to leverage a toolkit for infiltrating systems.
Unlike Phobos, which is controlled privately by its developers, Dharma’s RaaS platform allows a wide range of attackers to launch ransomware campaigns. This has contributed to its widespread dissemination, particularly targeting small businesses. With an RDP port vulnerable or poorly protected, a Dharma attack can happen swiftly and with devastating effects.
Related Article: Faust Ransomware Virus Decryption And Removal Guide
How Dharma Ransomware Attacks
Dharma ransomware primarily exploits Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) ports as its attack vector. The attackers either brute force these ports or purchase stolen RDP credentials from dark web markets. This form of attack has become particularly dangerous because RDP is commonly used for remote work. Companies allowing remote access to their networks without sufficient security protocols in place are especially vulnerable.
Once attackers gain access to a system, they deploy a variety of tools to facilitate the ransomware attack, such as Mimikatz, which steals user credentials, and LaZagne, which extracts saved passwords from the system. Dharma also leverages tools like GMER and PC Hunter to locate processes and files, terminating those that interfere with encryption.
The ransomware encrypts files using the AES 256 cipher, with the AES key further encrypted by an RSA 1048-bit key. This robust encryption process makes file recovery virtually impossible without the decryption key. Encrypted files are renamed with a new extension that includes a unique ID, the attacker’s email address, and a variant-specific extension such as .dharma, .bip, or .combo.
The attack concludes with a ransom note, either in a multicolored, detailed format or as a simple text file. In some instances, no note is left at all, but the file extension pattern still allows victims to identify Dharma as the culprit.
Ransom Payment and Recovery Statistics
Dharma ransomware ransom demands are typically lower than the average for ransomware attacks, largely due to the targeted nature of the attacks and the manual processes involved. As of June 2022, the average ransom payment for Dharma ransomware was $27,375, which is lower than the ransom demands associated with other prominent ransomware groups.
However, the recovery process from a Dharma attack can be complicated, especially because of the convoluted decryption tool provided by the hackers. Recovery times, though quicker for smaller networks due to their simpler structures, still vary widely based on the scope of the attack and the presence of secure backups.
At Phobas Decrypter, we specialize in the recovery process. While there are no guarantees with ransomware, we emphasize that having regular, secure backups is one of the most effective ways to protect against data loss without succumbing to ransom demands.
The Dharma Encryption Process
The Dharma encryption process is highly effective and difficult to reverse without the proper decryption key. Dharma utilizes the AES 256-bit encryption algorithm, a military-grade cipher. The AES key generated during the encryption is then encrypted using RSA 1048-bit encryption, which ensures that the encryption key is protected during transmission to the attackers’ command-and-control (C&C) server.
Once encryption is complete, the ransomware renames each file with a format like this:
filename.doc.id-[alpha-numeric ID #].[[email protected]].[dharma extension]
The extension can vary depending on the Dharma variant, and there are over 200 known variants in circulation. Common extensions include .bip, .combo, .gamma, .adobe, and .usa.
Identifying a Dharma Ransomware Attack
Identifying Dharma ransomware involves more than just looking for a ransom note. Dharma attacks can leave behind three types of ransom notes:
- Multicolored Dharma Ransom Note: This is the most common form, featuring detailed instructions for contacting the attacker, verifying the decryption process with a sample file, and acquiring Bitcoin for payment.
- Simple Text File Note: A basic text file with clear instructions on how to contact the attacker.
- No Ransom Note: In some cases, there may be no ransom note left, either because the attacker neglected to include it or it was inadvertently deleted. In such cases, identifying the ransomware through the file extensions is essential.
In all cases, the files will carry both an alpha-numeric ID and the attacker’s email address, making it possible to identify Dharma even in the absence of a formal ransom note.
Ransomware-as-a-Service (RaaS) Model
One of the factors that sets Dharma apart from other ransomware families is its Ransomware-as-a-Service (RaaS) model. With this model, Dharma developers offer the ransomware as a toolkit to customers, who then use it to target businesses and individuals. This allows for widespread distribution, as attackers don’t need to have advanced coding skills to launch successful ransomware campaigns.
RaaS users can conduct attacks manually or automate them by feeding IP addresses into the Dharma platform, which then delivers the ransomware to multiple targets. This increases the turnover of ransomware attacks, making Dharma one of the most prolific strains in circulation.
You can also read: 8Base Ransomware Removal And Decryption
How to Protect Against Dharma Ransomware
Protecting against Dharma ransomware requires a multi-faceted approach. Phobas Decrypter recommends the following strategies for safeguarding your network:
- Secure RDP Ports: Since Dharma primarily exploits RDP access, ensuring that RDP ports are password-protected is critical. Use strong, complex passwords, and disable any unused RDP ports.
- Endpoint Protection: Utilize Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) tools that monitor for suspicious activity, such as unauthorized RDP connections or abnormal file changes.
- Backups: Regularly back up all critical data and store backups in a location that is not directly accessible via the network to prevent ransomware from reaching them.
- VPN for Remote Workers: Enable VPN access for all remote workers to provide an extra layer of security for network connections.
- Employee Training: Educate employees on recognizing phishing attempts and suspicious emails that could lead to RDP credential theft.
Phobas Decrypter: Recovery and Decryption
At Phobas Decrypter, we understand the complex nature of ransomware attacks and the importance of recovering your data without paying a ransom. While Dharma’s encryption is formidable, and the decryption process challenging, we are equipped to guide businesses through the recovery process and help identify whether a decryptor exists for your specific variant.
If you’ve been attacked, we strongly advise against trying third-party decryption tools, as they often cause more harm than good. In some cases, these tools can permanently damage your files, making recovery impossible.
In addition to offering protection and recovery solutions for a range of ransomware types, Phobos Decryptor also provides a dedicated service for those affected by Dharma ransomware. You don’t have to pay the ransom to restore your files. Phobos Decryptor offers a safe and reliable decryption method designed to recover files encrypted by Dharma.
How Phobos Decryptor Works
Phobos Decryptor uses advanced decryption techniques that make it an effective solution for unlocking files encrypted by Dharma ransomware. It leverages server-based decryption and robust algorithms to break through the ransomware’s encryption:
- Server-Based Decryption: The tool connects to specialized servers to calculate the decryption keys needed to unlock files encrypted by Dharma’s AES-256 encryption. This server-based approach is critical because of the complexity of the encryption.
- User-Friendly Interface: Phobos Decryptor is designed with a straightforward interface, making it easy for even non-technical users to navigate the decryption process.
- Safe and Secure: Unlike unreliable third-party tools, Phobos Decryptor is specifically developed to handle ransomware attacks like Dharma safely, ensuring the integrity of your data during the decryption process.
Steps to Decrypt Dharma-Encrypted Files Using Phobos Decryptor
If your files have been encrypted by Dharma ransomware, here’s how you can use Phobos Decryptor to regain access:
- Contact Phobos Decryptor Support: Purchase the decryption tool by reaching out to the support team.
- Download and Install: Install the decryptor on the infected system.
- Run as Administrator: Launch the tool with administrative access for full system control.
- Ensure Internet Connection: The decryptor requires an active internet connection to retrieve decryption keys.
- Input Unique ID: Use the unique ID from your ransom note or encrypted files to initiate the decryption process.
- Decrypt Files: Click “Decrypt Files” and let the tool work through your encrypted data.
- Support: If any issues arise, Phobos Decryptor offers remote desktop support to assist you through the process.
By using Phobos Decryptor, you can avoid paying the ransom and safely recover your files from a Dharma ransomware attack.
Conclusion
Dharma ransomware is a sophisticated and dangerous threat that targets businesses of all sizes, primarily through unprotected RDP ports. With an average ransom demand of $27,375 and a high recovery burden, it’s essential to implement preventive measures such as secure backups, endpoint protection, and VPN access.
At Phobas Decrypter, we offer expert guidance in preventing and recovering from ransomware attacks. If your business has fallen victim to a Dharma ransomware attack, contact us for professional assistance and support.
