Deal ransomware

Deal ransomware is the encryption-based cryptovirus that is designed to lock files until the ransom is paid for the alleged decryption

Deal ransomware virus is the threat that makes data unopenable using the multi-stage encryption algorithm and demands ransom in cryptocurrency, claiming that the decryption key is the only way to recover those files. This virus belongs to the Phobos family that has many new variants released recently, this particular version marks files using .deal file extension, hence the name. The full pattern of the file marker is .[[email protected]].deal, so once files get encrypted, you can determine how many of your personal files got disturbed. However, it is known that the virus has a few versions, so email in the pattern and in the ransom note file can differ per victim.

Since this is a fairly typical cryptovirus^[1] released in the wild Deal ransomware targets types of data like images, video, audio files, and documents. The threat avoids system files during the encryption, but the Windows registry, directories, and other parts of the OS get altered or interfered with by additional background processes and programs installed by the malware. Ransomware attack affects more than your personal data, so you need to react as soon as possible until there is no permanent damage that cannot be fixed.

Deal ransomware starts the attack with infecting the machine, and once the payload is dropped, encryption starts immediately. Malware scans all the drive letters for targeted file types and encrypts them by changing the original code. Once the appendix with .deal and all the additional information appears on photos, videos, documents, and databases, you can be sure that the machine is infected. 

Ransom demanding message in the form of a text file or program window appears in seconds and reads the following information that Deal ransomware developers wants you to know:

Your computer is infected with a virus.
Files are locked* but not corrupted.

Send an email [email protected] and you will definitely be helped to recover.

*you can send us a couple of files and we will return the restored ones to prove that only we can do it

IMPORTANT:
1. the infection was due to vulnerabilities in your software
2. if you want to make sure that it is impossible to recover files using third-party software, do this not on all files, otherwise you may lose all data.
3. only communication through our email can guarantee file recovery for you. We are not responsible for the actions of third parties who promise to help you – most often they are scammers.
4. if we do not respond to you within 24 hours, send a message to the email [email protected]
5. if you need an alternative communication channel – write a request by e-mail
6. our goal is to return your data, but if you do not contact us, we will not succeed

A similar message with payment instructions also appears as a program window that resembles other versions of Phobos and copies Dharma ransomware that is a threat still attacking devices all over the world. Deal ransomware ransom messages state about all the scary consequences if you choose not to pay the ransom, but you shouldn’t trust them, ignore the test decryption offer and remove it as quick as you can.
Deal ransomware is the threat that appends all affected files with .deal marker involving the unique ID of the victim and the contact email of the developer. Deal ransomware is not decryptable, but often researchers come up with a tool capable of recovering those encoded files, you can keep malware-related files, encrypted data on external devices and wait for such updates. In the meantime check here for any new information:

However, decryption and file recovery processes should be considered after the proper Deal ransomware removal, because otherwise, you can damage your personal files and even corrupt the system. When you recover files from a backup while the ransomware is still running, you can get those files encrypted again. Paying the demanded ransom also doesn’t guarantee the file recovery either, so keep ignoring those messages from criminals and focus on virus termination.

The best way to remove Deal ransomware is to run a full system scan using an anti-malware tool that is designed to fight threats like this and other cyber infections. Although these applications can terminate the virus, you need additional help for the decryption and virus damage elimination.

When it comes to system files and alterations made by the Deal files virus, you might fix all that damage using Reimage Reimage Cleaner , any other system optimization program. File repairing and virus damage termination processes can improve the performance of your device and help recover those encrypted files once system functions capable of doing so are running smoothly again.
Deal ransomware is the virus that spreads around using spam email attachments with malicious scripts.

Opening spam emails containing infected attachments leads to installing ransomware payload

The most common thing that experts always note about the cryptovirus is infected files involved in probably all of the methods used to deliver ransomware. Malicious files get injected in pirated software packages, spam email attachments, and even directly on the machine when particular vulnerabilities can be used to get access to the targeted device.

Criminals forge header information, so it is easier to trick you into believing that attachment on the email is a safe document with financial information. People fall for the scam that email is from DHL, FedEx, or another shipping service. Unfortunately, from there, the only thing a victim needs to do is open and download the attached file that launches the malicious script and drops the payload.

The ransomware can run on the machine once malicious macros get triggered, and executable with malware payload is launched. Encryption starts immediately, and there is nothing the victim can do. However, when you delete suspicious emails, clean the email box more often, you can at least try to avoid such infection. 

Deal ransomware elimination is a difficult process, so it requires professional anti-malware tools

You can remove Deal ransomware, and there is a possibility of recovering encrypted files, but you need to remember that cryptovirus is a dangerous threat that can even damage the machine. Experts^[3] always talk about how damaging ransomware can get in time because once file encryption is not the only process threat is designed to perform.

When you want to focus on Deal ransomware removal, there are few things to note:

• malware can encrypt newly added files if you don’t terminate the virus completely before you load other data;
• the virus affects system functions responsible for file recovery and disables security tools.

These are the reasons why you should rely on the virus guide below because we have listed tips in the step-by-step guide that can help to terminate this ransomware. Also, you can then rely on Reimage Reimage Cleaner , SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner, Malwarebytes, and make sure to repair system files affected by Deal ransomware virus before you go for the decryption or data recovery software.

Remove Deal using Safe Mode with Networking

Get rid of Deal ransomware with AV tool successfully by rebooting the machine in Safe Mode with Networking first

• Windows 7 / Vista / XP
  1. Click Start → Shutdown → Restart → OK.
  2. When your computer becomes active, start pressing F8 multiple times until you see the Advanced Boot Options window.
  3. Select Safe Mode with Networking from the list

  Windows 10 / Windows 8

  1. Press the Power button at the Windows login screen. Now press and hold Shift, which is on your keyboard, and click Restart..
  2. Now select Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Startup Settings and finally press Restart.
  3. Once your computer becomes active, select Enable Safe Mode with Networking in Startup Settings window.

• Log in to your infected account and start the browser. Download Reimage Reimage Cleaner or other legitimate anti-spyware program. Update it before a full system scan and remove malicious files that belong to your ransomware and complete Deal removal.

If your ransomware is blocking Safe Mode with Networking, try further method.

Remove Deal using System Restore

You can rely on System Restore feature that provides a function of restoring the machine to a previous point

Bonus: Recover your data

Guide which is presented above is supposed to help you remove Deal from your computer. To recover your encrypted files, we recommend using a detailed guide prepared by 2-spyware.com security experts.

If your files are encrypted by Deal, you can use several methods to restore them:

Data Recovery Pro is the version of the software that can restore files after Deal ransomware virus attack

Rely on Data Recovery Pro when your files get encrypted or accidentally deleted

• Download Data Recovery Pro;
• Follow the steps of Data Recovery Setup and install the program on your computer;
• Launch it and scan your computer for files encrypted by Deal ransomware;
• Restore them.

Windows Previous Versions is the Windows feature capable of restoring individual files

When System Restore gets enabled, you can focus on data recovery and use Windows Previous Versions

• Find an encrypted file you need to restore and right-click on it;
• Select “Properties” and go to “Previous versions” tab;
• Here, check each of available copies of the file in “Folder versions”. You should select the version you want to recover and click “Restore”.

ShadowExplorer for data restore

When Deal ransomware affects Shadow Volume Copies this method is useless. However, you can try to see for yourself

• Download Shadow Explorer (http://shadowexplorer.com/);
• Follow a Shadow Explorer Setup Wizard and install this application on your computer;
• Launch the program and go through the drop down menu on the top left corner to select the disk of your encrypted data. Check what folders are there;
• Right-click on the folder you want to restore and select “Export”. You can also select where you want it to be stored.

Decryption tool for Deal ransomware is not developed yet

Finally, you should always think about the protection of crypto-ransomwares. In order to protect your computer from Deal and other ransomwares, use a reputable anti-spyware, such as Reimage Reimage Cleaner , SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner or Malwarebytes