The Data Ransomware Virus, known for encrypting files with the .Data3 Dragon extension, is a dangerous type of malware classified as ransomware. Once it infects a device, it locks access to important personal files and demands a cryptocurrency payment in exchange for the decryption key. Victims are left with renamed files they can’t open, a ransom note named #Read-for-recovery.txt, and clear signs of infection that cause data loss, system slowdown, and high security risks.
Data Ransomware Virus Summary
Category | Details |
---|---|
Threat Name | Data Ransomware Virus |
Threat Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
Encrypted File Extension | .Data3 Dragon |
Ransom Note File Name | #Read-for-recovery.txt |
Associated Emails | data.revival@onionmail.org (listed twice) |
Symptoms | Files renamed, inaccessible files, ransom note, slow system |
Damage | File encryption, potential data theft, system modifications |
Distribution Methods | Spam emails, infected attachments, cracked software, unsafe websites |
Detection Names | Varies by antivirus vendor – look for ransomware or Trojan detections |
Danger Level | High – Strong encryption, data loss risk, persistent presence |
How Data Ransomware Virus Works
Data Ransomware typically enters your system through deceptive means, such as infected email attachments, spam emails, or downloading cracked software from suspicious websites. Once installed, it begins its attack by encrypting specific file types using strong cryptographic algorithms. The result? All your images, videos, documents, and other important files are renamed to include the .Data3 Dragon extension, rendering them completely inaccessible.
To add pressure, the malware leaves behind a ransom note — #Read-for-recovery.txt — which includes contact instructions and threatens permanent data loss if payment isn’t made. Cybersecurity experts strongly advise against paying, as it does not guarantee your files will be decrypted.
Ransom Note Text (#Read-for-recovery.txt)
Email 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
In some instances, the hackers offer to decrypt a few smaller files (usually under 5MB and not including databases) to prove they have the decryption tool.
What Are .Data3 Dragon Files?
Files that have been appended with the .Data3 Dragon extension are encrypted versions of your original files. This includes:
- Videos:
.mp4
,.avi
- Images:
.jpg
,.png
- Documents:
.docx
,.xlsx
,.pptx
- Archives:
.zip
,.rar
- Audio files:
.mp3
,.wav
Once these files are renamed, you cannot open or use them without the private key held by the attackers. Affected filenames look like:
example.jpg.Data3 Dragon
Manual Ransomware Removal Guide
Warning: Manual removal is complex and risky. If not done correctly, it can lead to data loss or incomplete removal of ransomware. Only follow this method if you are an advanced user. If unsure, proceed with Method 2 (SpyHunter Removal Guide).
Step 1: Disconnect from the Internet
- Unplug your Ethernet cable or disconnect Wi-Fi immediately to prevent further communication with the ransomware’s command and control (C2) servers.
Step 2: Boot into Safe Mode
For Windows Users:
- For Windows 10, 11:
- Press Windows + R, type
msconfig
, and hit Enter. - Go to the Boot tab.
- Check Safe boot and select Network.
- Click Apply and OK, then restart your PC.
- Press Windows + R, type
- For Windows 7, 8:
- Restart your PC and press F8 repeatedly before Windows loads.
- Select Safe Mode with Networking and press Enter.
For Mac Users:
- Restart your Mac and immediately press and hold the Shift key.
- Release the key once you see the Apple logo.
- Your Mac will start in Safe Mode.
Step 3: Locate and Terminate Malicious Processes
For Windows Users:
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
- Look for suspicious processes (e.g., unknown names, high CPU usage, or random letters).
- Right-click on the process and select End Task.
For Mac Users:
- Open Activity Monitor (Finder > Applications > Utilities > Activity Monitor).
- Look for unusual processes.
- Select the process and click Force Quit.
Step 4: Delete Malicious Files
For Windows Users:
- Press Windows + R, type
%temp%
, and hit Enter. - Delete all files in the Temp folder.
- Navigate to:
C:\Users\[Your Username]\AppData\Roaming
C:\Users\[Your Username]\AppData\Local
C:\Windows\System32
- Look for suspicious files related to the ransomware (random file names, recently modified) and delete them.
For Mac Users:
- Open Finder and go to Go > Go to Folder.
- Type
~/Library/Application Support
and delete suspicious folders. - Navigate to
~/Library/LaunchAgents
and remove unknown.plist
files.
Step 5: Remove Ransomware from Registry or System Settings
For Windows Users:
Warning: Incorrect changes in the Registry Editor can damage your system. Proceed with caution.
- Press Windows + R, type
regedit
, and hit Enter. - Navigate to:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software
- Look for unfamiliar folders with random characters or ransomware-related names.
- Right-click and select Delete.
For Mac Users:
- Go to System Preferences > Users & Groups.
- Click on Login Items and remove any suspicious startup items.
- Navigate to
~/Library/Preferences
and remove malicious.plist
files.
Step 6: Restore System Using System Restore (Windows) or Time Machine (Mac)
For Windows Users:
- Press Windows + R, type
rstrui
, and hit Enter. - Click Next, choose a restore point before the infection, and follow the prompts to restore your system.
For Mac Users:
- Restart your Mac and hold Command + R to enter macOS Utilities.
- Select Restore from Time Machine Backup.
- Choose a backup prior to the ransomware infection and restore your system.
Step 7: Use a Decryption Tool (If Available)
- Visit No More Ransom (www.nomoreransom.org) and check if a decryption tool is available for your ransomware variant.
Step 8: Recover Files Using Backup
- If you have backups on an external drive or cloud storage, restore your files.
Automatic Ransomware Removal Using SpyHunter
If manual removal seems too risky or complicated, using a reliable anti-malware tool like SpyHunter is the best alternative.
Step 1: Download SpyHunter
Download SpyHunter from the official link: Download SpyHunter
Or follow the official installation instructions here:
SpyHunter Download Instructions
Step 2: Install SpyHunter
- Open the downloaded file (
SpyHunter-Installer.exe
). - Follow the on-screen prompts to install the program.
- Once installed, launch SpyHunter.
Step 3: Perform a Full System Scan
- Click on Start Scan Now.
- SpyHunter will scan for ransomware and other malware.
- Wait for the scan to complete.
Step 4: Remove Detected Threats
- After the scan, SpyHunter will list all detected threats.
- Click Fix Threats to remove the ransomware.
Step 5: Use SpyHunter’s Malware HelpDesk (If Needed)
If you are dealing with a stubborn ransomware variant, SpyHunter’s Malware HelpDesk provides custom fixes to remove advanced threats.
Step 6: Restore Your Files
If your files are encrypted:
- Try No More Ransom (www.nomoreransom.org) for decryption tools.
- Restore from cloud storage or external backups.
Preventing Future Ransomware Attacks
- Keep backups on an external hard drive or cloud storage.
- Use SpyHunter to detect threats before they infect your system.
- Enable Windows Defender or a trusted antivirus program.
- Avoid suspicious emails, attachments, and links.
- Update Windows, macOS & software regularly.
Conclusion
Data Ransomware Virus is a serious digital threat with strong encryption capabilities and deceitful distribution methods. Victims should never pay the ransom, as there is no guarantee that file access will be restored. Instead, identifying the ransomware type and seeking secure recovery options is critical. The best defense lies in awareness, safe browsing habits, and a strong antivirus tool to detect threats like this before they can cause irreversible damage.