Dotmap Ransomware

The Dotmap Ransomware is the latest addition to the impressive list of file-lockers that are simply spin-offs of the STOP Ransomware. Unfortunately, this does not mean that the Dotmap Ransomware is not threatening – it is able to encrypt a large portion of your files, and wipe out the Shadow Volume Copie swiftly to further reduce your recovery options. Sadly, the STOP Ransomware and its variants are impossible to decrypt so that the only guaranteed way to restore your files is to recover them from a backup.

The corrupted files that bring the Dotmap Ransomware might be spread with the help of phishing emails that contain a harmful file attachment – users who end up downloading the unknown file may be in for a rather nasty surprise since this file-locker can carry out its attack in just a matter of minutes. The consequences of the Dotmap Ransomware’s activity are very severe – common file formats are encrypted, and their names are changed to include the ‘.dotmap’ extension. The file-locker also drops the ‘_readme.txt’ ransom note to the desktop – the message inside instructs victims to contact bufalo@firemail.cc for payment instructions and file decryption assistance.

The recommended thing to do if you are one of the Dotmap Ransomware’s victims is to ignore the requests of the attackers. Instead of cooperating with anonymous hackers, you should proceed to eliminate the file-encryption Trojan by using an up-to-date anti-virus scanner. After you accomplish this task, you can try out alternative data recovery options.