Remove DAPO Ransomware Virus (DECRYPT .dapo FILES)

remove DAPO ransomware virus and learn how to decrypt or repair files with .dapo extension (free guide)

DAPO ransomware attack: a virus that encrypts all files

Contents

DAPO ransomware attack: a virus that encrypts all files
Overview of the cybercriminals’ message
- Additional malware that accompanies this ransomware
- Ransomware Summary
Ransomware attacks: how these viruses are distributed?
Remove DAPO ransomware virus and protect your computer now
Decrypt DAPO files
Frequently Asked Questions

DAPO ransomware is a variant of STOP/DJVU ransomware and it is a highly dangerous computer virus. Its primary target is to encrypt all files stored on infected systems, making data inaccessible to users. During the attack, it scans the system, locks files found in folders, and appends .dapo extension to filenames. Furthermore, it drops ransom notes named _readme.txt for the victim.

To show how encrypted files are renamed, see the following examples: files originally named 1.jpg, 2.docx, and 3.zip will appear as 1.jpg.dapo, 2.docx.dapo, and 3.zip.dapo once affected by the malware. The user won’t be able to open these files, no matter what program the user attempts to launch them.

To clear up uncertainty, the ransomware drops messages in a form of _readme.txt files in each folder. In them, the criminals explain what has happened and suggest what the victim should do in order to recover locked data.

Overview of the cybercriminals’ message

The criminals’ message in the ransom note file is short and clear: they explain that all files have been encrypted, according to them, using a strongest encryption algorithm. The victim is offered to restore all files using DAPO file decryption tool and unique key, but in order to get it, one has to pay a ransom to cybercriminals.

The note contains conditions regarding the ransom amount. According to them, the victim can get a 50% discount and “only” pay $490 instead of regular price, $980, if one manages to contact the criminals within 72 hours after being attacked. The note then provides two email addresses – the primary (support@freshmail.top) and reserve one (datarestorehelp@airmail.cc), followed by the victim’s Personal ID.

The cybercriminals recommend shooting an email to them within 3 days to secure the lower price on DAPO decryption software. They also suggest sending one encrypted file to them along with the Personal ID for test decryption service. However, scammers do not want to restore files that contain valuable information, as this can reduce the chances of successfully extorting a computer user.

FBI, NCSC and cybersecurity experts worldwide usually do not recommend paying ransoms to threat actors. Paying a ransom doesn’t guarantee data recovery and enables the perpetrators to fund further attacks, which results in even more victims on a global scale. Besides, cybercriminals often try to attack victims who have already paid up in hopes to extort even more money.

Additional malware that accompanies this ransomware

Our team has analyzed samples of malicious files that are responsible for delivering this ransomware to users’ computers, and have noticed that almost all of them carry additional threats. In other words, if your computer is infected with this file-encrypting malware, then you most likely have some information-stealing Trojans installed as well. To be precise, names of these stealers are Vidar, RedLine, AZORult.

The functionalities of these pieces of malware are extensive, as they can be controlled by remote attacks and used to extract sensitive information from computers and also to perform additional tasks such as run command-line tasks, view files, download additional malware or delete data.

We strongly recommend users to remove DAPO ransomware virus and other threats dropped on the system. Do not delay this task and secure your computer as soon as you can. This may save some of your files and also put an end to spying and data theft initiated by the described stealers. In order to successfully locate malicious files and settings, we recommend using a trustworthy antivirus like INTEGO Antivirus.

Use the guidelines provided below the article to understand how to prepare your PC for the ransomware removal. Once all threats are deleted, download RESTORO to see which Windows OS files can be repaired.

Ransomware Summary

Name	DAPO Ransomware Virus
Type	Ransomware; Crypto-malware; Virtual Extortion Virus
Family	STOP/DJVU
Encryption type	RSA 2048 + Salsa20
Previous versions	KAAA, BGJS, BGZQ (find full list here)
Version	667th
Extension	.dapo
Cybercriminal emails	support@freshmail.top, datarestorehelp@airmail.cc
Additional malware dropped	Azorult, RedLine or Vidar
Damage	The ransomware uses encryption to maliciously modify all files on the PC and marks their original names with .dapo extension. Ransom notes called as _readme.txt will be dropped in every computer folder. This piece of malware usually drags VIDAR Stealer alongside it and also eliminates VSS from the system. On top of that, it tends to modify Windows HOSTS file to restrict computer user’s access to cybersecurity-related websites online.
Ransom note	_readme.txt
Ransom demand	$490-$980 in Bitcoin
Distribution	Victims often download this ransomware along illegal torrent downloads, cracked software, activators, key generators or tools like KMSPico.
Known software cracks to contain this malware	Corel Draw, Tenorshare 4ukey, Adobe Photoshop, Cubase, Adobe Illustrator, Internet Download Manager, Tally, HP/Epson printer drivers, League of Legends.
Detection names	Trojan:Win32/Azorult.FW!MTB (Microsoft), Gen:Heur.Mint.Zard.52 (B) (Emsisoft), HEUR:Trojan.Win32.Scarsi.gen (Kaspersky), Gen:Heur.Mint.Zard.52 (BitDefender), Trojan.MalPack.GS (Malwarebytes), ML.Attribute.HighConfidence (Symantec) see all detection name variations on VirusTotal
Removal	Remove ransomware and related malware from your PC using trustworthy software like INTEGO Antivirus. To repair virus damage on Windows OS files, download and try RESTORO (secure download link).

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Ransomware attacks: how these viruses are distributed?

Ransomware-type viruses usually spread in a form of malicious email attachments, fake software cracks, torrents, RDP attacks or exploits. We will overview each of these methods briefly.

Malicious email attachments. Cybercriminals often craft up phishing emails and attach files that contain malicious code. They seek to convince the recipient to open the malicious attachment and infect the user’s system by deceit.
Illegal downloads. Content that’s obtained illegally often carries malicious payloads. Cybercriminals often prey for computer users who are trying to illegally download cracked software versions, movies, games, videos, and other content via torrent sites or crack sites. This is known to be the primary distribution method of STOP/DJVU ransomware versions, including DAPO virus.
Remote desktop protocol (RDP) attacks. Cybercriminals often try to brute-force weak login credentials on systems that use RDP connections. Once they gain access to the system, they can plant ransomware there.
Malicious online ads. Online ads can be used to spread ransomware. Cybercriminals often try to get their malicious ads approved, so that they can reach many computer users. Whoever clicks on the malicious ads may download malware instantly, or will get redirected to a malicious website with exploits.
Exploit kits. The criminals tend to set up websites that look out for vulnerabilities in user’s web browsers or installed plugins and exploit them to spread ransomware.

In order to avoid getting infected, computer users should never visit rogue websites providing illegal downloads, stay cautious when checking their emails, avoid clicking on suspicious online ads, keep their software and operating system up-to-date and, if applicable, set up strong RDP credentials. In addition, protecting the system with a robust antivirus is also strongly recommended option.

Remove DAPO ransomware virus and protect your computer now

Users who have discovered that all of their files stored on the computer have been encrypted should remove DAPO ransomware along other threats ASAP. The best approach to this is to run an up-to-date antivirus while in Safe Mode with Networking. The guide provided below explains how this can be done easily. If you’re hesitant on which AV to choose, you might want to use the one praised by our team, which is INTEGO Antivirus.

As soon as you remove malware from the system, you can use data backups to restore your files. If you do not have any, we recommend starting by downloading RESTORO (secure link) to repair virus damage to Windows OS files. Then follow the instructions on how to decrypt/repair files locked by STOP/DJVU variants here.

Finally, we strongly advise changing all of the passwords that may have been stolen by the aforementioned Trojans distributed along this ransomware. Go over all passwords used on the compromised computer, and set up 2FA authentication to improve security of your accounts.

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DAPO Ransomware Virus Removal Guidelines

Method 1. Enter Safe Mode with Networking

Step 1. Start Windows in Safe Mode with Networking

Before you try to remove DAPO Ransomware Virus virus, you must start your computer in Safe Mode with Networking. Below, we provide the easiest ways to boot PC in the said mode, but you can find additional ones in this in-depth tutorial on our website – How to Start Windows in Safe Mode. Also, if you prefer a video version of the tutorial, check our guide How to Start Windows in Safe Mode on Youtube.

Instructions for Windows XP/Vista/7 users

First of all, turn off your PC. Then press the Power button to start it again and instantly start pressing F8 button on your keyboard repeatedly in 1-second intervals. This launches the Advanced Boot Options menu.
Use arrow keys on the keyboard to navigate down to Safe Mode with Networking option and press Enter.

Instructions for Windows 8/8.1/10/11 users

Open Windows Start menu, then press down the Power button. On your keyboard, press down and hold the Shift key, and then select Restart option.
This will take you to Windows Troubleshoot screen. Choose Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Startup Settings > Restart. Tip: If you can't find Startup Settings, click See more recovery options.
In Startup Settings, press the right key between F1-F9 to enter Safe Mode with Networking. In this case, it is the F5 key.

Step 2. Remove files associated with the virus

Now, you can search for and remove DAPO Ransomware Virus files. It is very hard to identify files and registry keys that belong to the ransomware virus, Besides, malware creators tend to rename and change them repeatedly. Therefore, the easiest way to uninstall such type of a computer virus is to use a reliable security program such as INTEGO Antivirus. For virus damage repair, consider using RESTORO.

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Method 2. Use System Restore

In order to use System Restore, you must have a system restore point, created either manually or automatically.

Step 1. Boot Windows in Safe Mode with Command Prompt

Instructions for Windows XP/Vista/7 users

Shut down your PC. Start it again by pressing the Power button and instantly start pressing F8 button on your keyboard repeatedly in 1-second intervals. You will see Advanced Boot Options menu.
Using arrow keys on the keyboard, navigate down to Safe Mode with Command Prompt option and press Enter.

Instructions for Windows 8/8.1/10/11 users

Launch Windows Start menu, then click the Power button. On your keyboard, press down and hold the Shift key, and then choose Restart option with the mouse cursor.
This will take you to Windows Troubleshoot screen. Choose Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Startup Settings > Restart. Tip: If you can't find Startup Settings, click See more recovery options.
In Startup Settings, press the right key between F1-F9 to enter Safe Mode with Command Prompt. In this case, press F6 key.

Step 2. Start System Restore process

Wait until system loads and command prompt shows up.
Type cd restore and press Enter, then type rstrui.exe and press Enter. Or you can just type %systemroot%system32restorerstrui.exe in command prompt and hit Enter.
This launches System Restore window. Click Next and then choose a System Restore point created in the past. Choose one that was created before ransomware infection.
Click Yes to begin the system restoration process.

After restoring the system, we recommend scanning the system with antivirus or anti-malware software. In most cases, there won't be any malware remains, but it never hurts to double-check. In addition, we highly recommend checking ransomware prevention guidelines provided by our experts in order to protect your PC against similar viruses in the future.

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Decrypt DAPO files

Fix and open large DAPO files easily:

It is reported that STOP/DJVU ransomware versions encrypt only the beginning 150 KB of each file to ensure that the virus manages to affect all files on the system. In some cases, the malicious program might skip some files at all. That said, we recommend testing this method on several big (>1GB) files first.

Create a copy of encrypted file to a separate folder using Copy > Paste commands.
Now, right-click the created copy and choose Rename. Select the DAPO extension and delete it. Press Enter to save changes.
In the prompt asking whether you want to make the changes as file might become unusable, click OK.
Try opening the file.

STOP/DJVU decryption tool usage guide

STOP/DJVU ransomware versions are grouped into old and new variants. DAPO Ransomware Virus is considered the new STOP/DJVU variant, just like KAAA, BGJS, BGZQ (find full list here). This means full data decryption is now possible only if you have been affected by offline encryption key. To decrypt your files, you will have to download Emsisoft Decryptor for STOP DJVU, a tool created and maintained by a genius security researcher Michael Gillespie.

Note! Please do not spam the security researcher with questions whether he can recover your files encrypted with online key - it is not possible.

In order to test the tool and see if it can decrypt DAPO files, follow the given tutorial.

Download the decryption tool from Emsisoft.
Click the little arrow next to your download and choose Show in Folder.
Now, right-click the file and choose Run as Administrator. If asked, enter administrator's password.
In UAC window, click Yes.
Click Yes to agree to software terms in both windows.
The tool will automatically include C:// disk as a location to decrypt. The file recovery tool will prepopulate the locations to scan, including connected data storage drives or network drives. Click Add folder if you wish to add additional locations.
In Options tab, you can choose to keep encrypted file copies. We recommend leaving this option selected, especially if you do not know if the decryption tool will work.
Click Decrypt to start restoring DAPO files. You will see the progress in the Results tab. Here, you can see messages from the tool, such as whether the decryption procedure is successful, or you need to wait for an update.
You might also be informed that online key was used to encrypt your files. In such case, the decryption tool won't work for you, and the only way to recover your files is to use a data backup.

Meanings of decryptor's messages

The DAPO decryption tool might display several different messages after failed attempt to restore your files. You might receive one of the following messages:

Error: Unable to decrypt file with ID: [example ID]

This message typically means that there is no corresponding decryption key in the decryptor's database.

No key for New Variant online ID: [example ID]
Notice: this ID appears to be an online ID, decryption is impossible

This message informs that your files were encrypted with online key, meaning no one else has the same encryption/decryption key pair, therefore data recovery without paying the criminals is impossible.

Result: No key for new variant offline ID: [example ID]
This ID appears to be an offline ID. Decryption may be possible in the future.

If you were informed that an offline key was used, but files could not be restored, it means that the offline decryption key isn't available yet. However, receiving this message is extremely good news, meaning that it might be possible to restore your DAPO extension files in the future. It can take a few months until the decryption key gets found and uploaded to the decryptor. We recommend you to follow updates regarding the decryptable DJVU versions here. We strongly recommend backing up your encrypted data and waiting.

Report Internet crime to legal departments

Victims of DAPO Ransomware Virus should report the Internet crime incident to the official government fraud and scam website according to their country:

In the United States, go to the On Guard Online website.
In Australia, go to the SCAMwatch website.
In Germany, go to the Bundesamt für Sicherheit in der Informationstechnik website.
In Ireland, go to the An Garda Síochána website.
In New Zealand, go to the Consumer Affairs Scams website.
In the United Kingdom, go to the Action Fraud website.
In Canada, go to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.
In India, go to Indian National Cybercrime Reporting Portal.
In France, go to the Agence nationale de la sécurité des systèmes d’information.

If you can't find an authority corresponding to your location on this list, we recommend using any search engine to look up "[your country name] report cyber crime". This should lead you to the right authority website. We also recommend staying away from third-party crime report services that are often paid. It costs nothing to report Internet crime to official authorities.

Another recommendation is to contact your country's or region’s federal police or communications authority.

Frequently Asked Questions

✓ How can I open .DAPO files?

You can only open DAPO files if you have the decryption key, or if you were affected by offline encryption type.

✓ How do I know if my files were encrypted with offline or online encryption?

To figure out whether you were affected by offline encryption, please go to C:/SystemID/PersonalID.txt and see if the string inside of it ends in t1. You can also try using Emsisoft Decryptor for STOP/DJVU.

✓ My files contain very important information (family memories). Every tool I used says it is impossible to decrypt. What should I do?

Please follow the guidances provided by the official DAPO decryption tools and believe what they say. If they say it is impossible to decrypt, it really is so. There is no magic tool or human capable of decrypting your files hiding somewhere. Encryption is a technique created to be nearly impossible to decrypt without a special private key (held by the criminals).

✓ I am afraid virus is still in my computer system. What should I do?

We advise scanning with anti-virus, anti-malware, malware removal tools or software like RESTORO to eliminate virus damage on the system. If you do not trust using a single tool, try running one after another. However, we do not recommend keeping several security programs on a computer at once as they can interfere with each other's work.

✓ I saw several Youtube videos suggesting secret decryption tools. Can I trust them?

Beware of fake DAPO decryption tools circulating around the web. Cyber criminals are uploading them to various shady websites, also might be promoting them via suspicious Youtube videos. These programs can infect your computer even more heavily (Trojans, miners, etc.). We suggest being extremely cautious around the web. If there will be an official STOP/DJVU decryption tool available, it will be widely discussed in public media.

Norbert Webb

Norbert Webb is the head of Geek’s Advice team. He is the chief editor of the website who controls the quality of content published. The man also loves reading cybersecurity news, testing new software and sharing his insights on them. Norbert says that following his passion for information technology was one of the best decisions he has ever made. “I don’t feel like working while I’m doing something I love.” However, the geek has other interests, such as snowboarding and traveling.