Remove Data3 Ransomware

Data Ransomware Virus, also known as Data3 Ransomware, is a malicious cryptovirus that encrypts the contents of a victim’s device and appends the .Data3 Dragon extension to locked files. This dangerous malware is designed to extort money by holding your personal data hostage. Victims receive a ransom note in a text file named #Read-for-recovery.txt, demanding payment in cryptocurrency for the supposed decryption key.

This type of ransomware is particularly dangerous because it often spreads silently via spam emails, infected attachments, cracked software downloads, or compromised websites. Once it infiltrates a system, it begins encrypting a wide range of commonly used file types—images, videos, documents, audio files, and archives—rendering them inaccessible without a decryption key.

Cybersecurity experts warn that even if you pay the ransom, there’s no guarantee your files will be restored. Instead of trusting the attackers, users should prioritize removing the infection using trusted anti-malware tools and avoiding further interaction with the threat actors.

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Data Ransomware – Summary

Attribute	Details
Threat Type	Ransomware, Cryptovirus
Encrypted File Extension	.Data3 Dragon
Ransom Note File Name	#Read-for-recovery.txt
Associated Email(s)	data.revival@onionmail.org (send to both emails)
Detection Names	Varies by antivirus, e.g. Trojan.Ransom.Data3, Win32/Filecoder.Data3
Symptoms	Encrypted files, .Data3 Dragon extensions, ransom note left on system
Damage	Inaccessible data, potential data theft, system slowdowns
Distribution Methods	Malicious email attachments, unsafe downloads, cracked software
Danger Level	High – Significant risk to data and privacy

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How Does Data3 Ransomware Work?

Once on the system, Data Ransomware Virus begins encrypting targeted file types using advanced encryption algorithms. It targets specific folders and leaves a trail of modified files across directories like:

• %Local%
• %Temp%
• %Windows%
• %AppData%
• %system32%

It also modifies Windows Registry entries to ensure it starts every time the system boots up. The virus may connect to a remote command and control server to download additional threats or send stolen data.

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Contents of the Ransom Note – #Read-for-recovery.txt

pgsqlCopyEditEmail 1:
data.revival@onionmail.org

Email 2:
data.revival@onionmail.org

Send messages to both emails at the same time

So send messages to our emails, check your spam folder every few hours

ID: –

If you do not receive a response from us after 24 hours, create a valid email, for example, gmail,outlook
Then send us a message with a new email

The attackers may offer to decrypt a few non-essential files (under 5MB and not databases) as proof that they can restore access. However, this is simply a manipulation tactic to convince victims to pay.

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What Are .Data3 Dragon Files?

Files appended with the .Data3 Dragon extension are encrypted and cannot be opened without the correct decryption key. These files may look like this:

• document.docx.Data3 Dragon
• photo.jpg.Data3 Dragon
• video.mp4.Data3 Dragon

Affected file types include:

• Videos (.mp4, .avi)
• Audio files (.mp3, .wav)
• Pictures (.jpg, .png)
• Archives (.zip, .rar)
• Documents (.docx, .pptx)

Only the attackers possess the decryption tool, making recovery extremely difficult without backups.

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Manual Ransomware Removal Process

Important: Manual removal is recommended only for experienced users, as incorrect actions can lead to data loss or incomplete removal of the ransomware. If unsure, consider the SpyHunter Removal Method for a guided, automated solution.

Step 1: Disconnect from the Internet

1. Immediately disable Wi-Fi or unplug the Ethernet cable to prevent the ransomware from communicating with remote servers.
2. This can prevent additional encryption or further infections.

Step 2: Boot into Safe Mode

For Windows Users

1. Windows 10/11:
   • Press Windows + R, type msconfig, and press Enter.
   • Under the Boot tab, select Safe boot and check Network.
   • Click Apply, then OK, and restart your PC.
2. Windows 7/8:
   • Restart your PC and press F8 repeatedly before Windows starts.
   • Select Safe Mode with Networking and press Enter.

For Mac Users

1. Restart your Mac and hold the Shift key immediately after the startup chime.
2. Release the key when the Apple logo appears.
3. Your Mac will boot in Safe Mode.

Step 3: Identify and Terminate Malicious Processes

Windows

1. Open Task Manager by pressing Ctrl + Shift + Esc.
2. Look for unusual processes consuming high CPU or memory.
3. Right-click on the suspicious process and select End Task.

Mac

1. Open Activity Monitor (Finder > Applications > Utilities > Activity Monitor).
2. Look for unknown or high-resource-consuming processes.
3. Select the suspicious process and click Force Quit.

Step 4: Delete Ransomware Files

Windows

1. Open File Explorer and navigate to:
   • C:\Users\[Your Username]\AppData\Local
   • C:\Users\[Your Username]\AppData\Roaming
   • C:\Windows\System32
2. Identify and delete suspicious files (randomly named or recently modified items).
3. Clear temporary files:
   • Press Windows + R, type %temp%, and hit Enter.
   • Delete all files in the Temp folder.

Mac

1. Open Finder and select Go > Go to Folder.
2. Type ~/Library/Application Support and check for unfamiliar files or folders.
3. Remove unknown .plist files from ~/Library/LaunchAgents.

Step 5: Remove Ransomware Entries from Registry or System Settings

Windows

1. Press Windows + R, type regedit, and hit Enter.
2. Navigate to:
   • HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software
   • HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software
3. Identify and delete ransomware-related registry entries.

Mac

1. Open System Preferences > Users & Groups.
2. Select the Login Items tab and remove any unknown startup programs.
3. Check ~/Library/Preferences for malicious settings.

Step 6: Restore System Using a Backup or Restore Point

Windows

1. Press Windows + R, type rstrui, and press Enter.
2. Choose a restore point from before the infection and proceed.

Mac

1. Restart your Mac and enter macOS Utilities by holding Command + R.
2. Select Restore from Time Machine Backup and restore a safe backup.

Step 7: Attempt to Decrypt Files

• Check No More Ransom (www.nomoreransom.org) for available decryption tools.
• If unavailable, restore files from backups.

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Automated Ransomware Removal with SpyHunter

If manual removal is too complex or risky, SpyHunter offers a safer, automated method for detecting and removing ransomware.

Step 1: Download SpyHunter

• Get SpyHunter from the official Enigma Software website.

Step 2: Install SpyHunter

1. Open the downloaded file (SpyHunter-Installer.exe or .dmg for Mac users).
2. Follow the installation prompts.
3. Launch SpyHunter upon completion.

Step 3: Run a Full System Scan

1. Click Start Scan Now to detect malware and ransomware.
2. Wait for the scan to complete and review detected threats.

Step 4: Remove Detected Ransomware

1. Click Fix Threats to remove identified ransomware components.
2. SpyHunter will clean your system automatically.

Step 5: SpyHunter’s Custom Malware HelpDesk

1. If ransomware persists, use SpyHunter’s Malware HelpDesk for custom malware fixes.

Step 6: Restore Files

• Use backups stored on external drives or cloud storage.
• If no backup is available, check No More Ransom for decryption tools.

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Preventing Future Ransomware Attacks

• Keep backups: Use cloud storage or an external hard drive.
• Install a reliable security tool: SpyHunter offers real-time protection against malware.
• Enable Windows Defender or Mac security features for additional protection.
• Avoid phishing emails and unknown attachments.
• Regularly update Windows, macOS, and installed applications.

Important Notes

• Never trust the attackers. There's no assurance that paying will recover your files.
• Avoid downloading illegal or pirated software.
• Check for antivirus tools that can detect or block ransomware.