Dirty App Removal: DennisTheHitman Ransomware

Ransomware is one of the most damaging forms of cybercrime, and the recently discovered DennisTheHitman ransomware is no exception. Belonging to the notorious GlobeImposter family, this malware uses advanced encryption to lock victims’ files and demand a ransom for their release. Once it infects a system, it adds a distinctive “.247_dennisthehitman” extension to every encrypted file, leaving users with no access to their critical data. While ransomware isn’t new, the rise of variants like DennisTheHitman highlights the increasing sophistication and severity of these attacks.

The Damage Done

After the encryption process is complete, the ransomware creates an ominous HTML file titled “how_to_back_files.html.” This ransom note warns the victim, typically a company rather than an individual, that not only have their files been encrypted using RSA and AES encryption algorithms, but their sensitive data has also been stolen. This double-extortion tactic is increasingly common in ransomware attacks, where cybercriminals demand payment not only to decrypt files but also to prevent leaking or selling the stolen information.

For victims of DennisTheHitman, the clock is ticking. The ransom note threatens that failure to respond within 72 hours will lead to an increase in the demanded sum. In a twisted show of trust, the attackers offer to decrypt a few files for free to “prove” they can restore the data. But this is nothing more than a tactic to pressure the victims into paying.

Should You Pay the Ransom?

Despite the pressure, paying the ransom is never a good idea. First of all, there’s no guarantee that the attackers will provide the decryption key after receiving the payment. Numerous reports have shown that victims who pay often never receive their data back. Moreover, giving in to the attackers only fuels their illegal activities and perpetuates the cycle of ransomware attacks.

Unfortunately, once your files have been encrypted, there’s very little you can do to recover them without the attackers’ help. The only real hope for file restoration is if you have backups stored on external or cloud-based systems that were disconnected from your network at the time of the attack. This is why maintaining multiple backup copies in secure, offline locations is essential.

The DennisTheHitman Ransomware ransom note reads as follows:

YOUR PERSONAL ID:
-

/!\ YOUR COMPANY NETWORK HAS BEEN PENETRATED /!\
All your important files have been encrypted!
 
Your files are safe! Only modified. (RSA+AES)
 
ANY ATTEMPT TO RESTORE YOUR FILES WITH THIRD-PARTY SOFTWARE
WILL PERMANENTLY CORRUPT IT.
DO NOT MODIFY ENCRYPTED FILES.
DO NOT RENAME ENCRYPTED FILES.
 
No software available on internet can help you. We are the only ones able to
solve your problem.
 
We gathered highly confidential/personal data. These data are currently stored on
a private server. This server will be immediately destroyed after your payment.
If you decide to not pay, we will release your data to public or re-seller.
So you can expect your data to be publicly available in the near future..

We only seek money and our goal is not to damage your reputation or prevent
your business from running.

You will can send us 2-3 non-important files and we will decrypt it for free
to prove we are able to give your files back.

Contact us for price and get decryption software.

email:
wehavesolution@onionmail.org
solution247days@outlook.com


To contact us, create a new free email account on the site: protonmail.com
IF YOU DON’T CONTACT US WITHIN 72 HOURS, PRICE WILL BE HIGHER.

How Did It Get In?

Understanding how ransomware infiltrates systems is key to preventing future attacks. DennisTheHitman, like many ransomware variants, likely found its way into the victim’s system through phishing emails or deceptive downloads. Cybercriminals are adept at disguising malicious files as something harmless, such as attachments in emails or downloads from seemingly reputable websites. Once the file is opened, the ransomware silently takes over, encrypting data before the user even realizes what’s happening.

In some cases, ransomware can spread through local networks or infected USB drives, making it vital to stay vigilant, especially when dealing with unfamiliar attachments, links, or downloads. This ransomware attack is just one example of how malware can infiltrate a system, leaving victims scrambling for solutions.

Prevention Is the Best Defense

The rise of ransomware like DennisTheHitman reinforces the need for strong cybersecurity practices. Here are a few tips to protect yourself from ransomware attacks:

• Exercise Caution: Be skeptical of unsolicited emails, particularly those with attachments or links. Even a harmless-looking file can trigger a ransomware infection.
• Use Trusted Sources: Only download software or files from official, reputable sources. Avoid peer-to-peer networks, unofficial download sites, and pirated content, as these are breeding grounds for malware.
• Keep Software Updated: Ensuring that your operating system and applications are up-to-date is critical for patching vulnerabilities that cybercriminals exploit.
• Backup Regularly: Backups are your best defense against ransomware. Store copies of your data in offline, secure locations so you can restore your files in case of an attack.
• Install Reliable Anti-Malware Software: Finally, make sure you have robust security software that can detect and eliminate malware before it has a chance to do any damage.

If you suspect your system is already compromised by DennisTheHitman, running a scan with a reliable anti-malware tool is your next step. SpyHunter, for example, offers comprehensive protection against ransomware and can help remove DennisTheHitman before it does further damage.

Ransomware like DennisTheHitman is a reminder of the growing cyber threats we face daily. While the impact of a ransomware attack can be devastating, staying vigilant, keeping backups, and using strong security software can go a long way toward keeping your data safe. If you’re already dealing with a ransomware infection, removing it promptly and focusing on recovery is essential. Tools like SpyHunter can help restore some sense of security, but the best defense will always be to avoid infection in the first place.