.start Virus File (Dharma Ransomware) – Remove It

Written by Brendan Smith

What is .start file infection?

Also referred to as DHARMA ransomware1, it modifies your documents by means of encrypting them and demanding the ransom to be paid allegedly to restore access to them. [starter@cumallover.me].start indicates starter@cumallover.me as a channel for contacting the ransomware criminals.

The DHARMA ransomware is active again through its new cryptovirus bearing the name of .start. This particular virus family modifies all popular file types by means of adding the .start extension, thus making the data absolutely unavailable. The victims simply cannot open their important documents anymore. The ransomware also assigns its unique identification key, just like all previous representatives of the virus family. As soon the file is encrypted by the ransomware, it obtains a special new extension becoming the secondary one. The file virus also generates a ransom note providing the users want instructions allegedly to restore the data.

Start Threat Summary

Name.start file virus
Extension[starter@cumallover.me].start file virus
TypeRansomware
Short DescriptionThe ransomware modifies the documents on the attacked device through encryption and asks for the ransom to be paid by the victim supposedly to restore them.
SymptomsThe file virus encrypts the data by adding the .start extension, also generating the one-of-a-kind identifier. Note that the [starter@cumallover.me].start extension becomes the secondary one.
Distribution MethodSpam, Email attachments, Compromised legitimate downloads, Attacks exploiting weak or stolen RDP credentials2.
Fix ToolSee If Your System Has Been Affected by .start file virus

.start File Virus – Dharma Ransomware

What Is It and How Did I Get It?

The .start ransomware is most commonly spread by means of a payload dropper. It runs the malicious script that eventually installs the file virus. The threat circulates actively on the web, considering the facts about the ransomware mentioned in the VirusTotal database. The .start ransomware may also promote its payload files through popular social networks and via file-sharing platforms. Alternatively, some free applications hosted on many popular resources may also be disguised as helpful tools, whereas they instead may lead to the malicious scripts that injected the ransomware. Your personal caution to prevent the .start virus attack matters a lot!

.start ransomware is a infection that encrypts your data and presents a frustrating ransomware notice. Below is the screenshot depicting the ransomware note:

[starter@cumallover.me].start virus demanding message in a pop-up window

[starter@cumallover.me].start virus demanding message in a pop-up window

It says the following:

All your files have been encrypted!
All your files have been encrypted due to a security problem with your PC. If you want to restore them, write us to the e-mail starter@cumallover.me
Write this ID in the title of your message XXXXXX
In case of no answer in 24 hours write us to theese e-mails:starter@cumallover.me
You have to pay for decryption in Bitcoins. The price depends on how fast you write to us. After payment we will send you the decryption tool that will decrypt all your files.
Free decryption as guarantee
Before paying you can send us up to 1 file for free decryption. The total size of files must be less than 1Mb (non archived), and files should not contain valuable information. (databases,backups, large excel sheets, etc.)
How to obtain Bitcoins
The easiest way to buy bitcoins is LocalBitcoins site. You have to register, click 'Buy bitcoins', and select the seller by payment method and price.
hxxps://localbitcoins[dot]com/buy_bitcoins
Also you can find other places to buy Bitcoins and beginners guide here:
hxxps://www.coindesk[dot]com/information/how-can-i-buy-bitcoins/
Attention!
Do not rename encrypted files.
Do not try to decrypt your data using third party software, it may cause permanent data loss.
Decryption of your files with the help of third parties may cause increased price (they add their fee to our) or you can become a victim of a scam.

Remove [starter@cumallover.me].start File Virus (Dharma)

Reasons why I would recommend GridinSoft3

The is an excellent way to deal with recognizing and removing threats – using Gridinsoft Anti-Malware. This program will scan your PC, find and neutralize all suspicious processes4.

Download GridinSoft Anti-Malware.

You can download GridinSoft Anti-Malware by clicking the button below:

Run the setup file.

When setup file has finished downloading, double-click on the install-antimalware-fix.exe file to install GridinSoft Anti-Malware on your PC.

Run Setup.exe

An User Account Control asking you about to allow GridinSoft Anti-Malware to make changes to your device. So, you should click “Yes” to continue with the installation.

GridinSoft Anti-Malware Setup

Press “Install” button.

GridinSoft Anti-Malware Install

Once installed, Anti-Malware will automatically run.

GridinSoft Anti-Malware Splash-Screen

Wait for the Anti-Malware scan to complete.

GridinSoft Anti-Malware will automatically start scanning your PC for Start infections and other malicious programs. This process can take a 20-30 minutes, so I suggest you periodically check on the status of the scan process.

GridinSoft Anti-Malware Scanning

Click on “Clean Now”.

When the scan has completed, you will see the list of infections that GridinSoft Anti-Malware has detected. To remove them click on the “Clean Now” button in right corner.

GridinSoft Anti-Malware Scan Result

How to decrypt .start files?

You can download and use this decrypter that Kaspersky released if you were hit by .[starter@cumallover.me].start extension.

You can download and use this decrypter that Avast released or this decrypter that Kaspersky released if you were hit by .start extension.

What the next?

If the guide doesn’t help you to remove Start virus, please download the GridinSoft Anti-Malware that I recommended. Also, you can always ask me in the comments for getting help.

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References

  1. Read more about Dharma Ransomware: https://howtofix.guide/about-dharma-crysis-ransomware/
  2. How To Change Remote Desktop (RDP) Port: https://howtofix.guide/change-remote-desktop-port-on-windows-10/
  3. GridinSoft Anti-Malware Review from HowToFix site: https://howtofix.guide/gridinsoft-anti-malware/
  4. More information about GridinSoft products: https://gridinsoft.com/comparison

About the author

Brendan Smith

I'm Brendan Smith, a passionate journalist, researcher, and web content developer. With a keen interest in computer technology and security, I specialize in delivering high-quality content that educates and empowers readers in navigating the digital landscape.

With a focus on computer technology and security, I am committed to sharing my knowledge and insights to help individuals and organizations protect themselves in the digital age. My expertise in cybersecurity principles, data privacy, and best practices allows me to provide practical tips and advice that readers can implement to enhance their online security.

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