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What is DavesSmith?
DavesSmith (also known as Balaclava) is malicious software classified as ransomware. It is designed to encrypt data and demand ransom payments for decryption. There are two known variants of this ransomware.
During the encryption process, all files are appended with the developer's email address: one version adds ".daves.smith@aol.com", and the other, ".[daves.smith@aol.com]". For example, "1.jpg" might be renamed as "1.jpg.daves.smith@aol.com" or "1.jpg.[daves.smith@aol.com]".
After this process is complete, DavesSmith stores an HTML file ("HOW_RECOVER.html") or a text file ("RECOVERY FILE.txt") in each affected folder.
The file of both variants contains a ransom message, which (context-wise) is identical. Both inform victims that their data has been encrypted and payment is required for decryption. Users are instructed to contact the cyber criminals behind DavesSmith via the email addresses provided.
The email message must contain a personal ID (identifier) number, which is provided in the message. Neither of the messages detail the size ransom payment for decryption tools/software. As 'proof' of their ability to decrypt the data, the criminals offer to decode one file free of charge.
HOW_RECOVER.HTML states that the test file can be an image/text file or document, whilst in RECOVERY FILE.txt, users are informed that the file can be no larger than 2 MB and contain no 'valuable information' (e.g. database, backup, large excel sheet, or similar).
Once the ransom is paid, victims are promised decryption tools/software, which will restore the data. The HTML file additionally warns users against taking certain actions. They are instructed not to run any anti-virus software, as this can delete the file and victims will no longer be able to contact DavesSmith's developers.
Manual decryption using third party tools will result in permanent data loss. Furthermore, the decoders (decryption keys) of other victims will not be valid, since the keys are unique. Unfortunately, file decryption without the involvement of the cyber criminals who originally encoded the files is impossible.
Regardless, do not communicate with criminals or meet their demands. Despite paying, users often receive no tools or keys - their data remains encrypted and useless. Removing this malicious program will not restore the files, however, it will prevent DavesSmith from further file encryption.
Any compromised data will remain encrypted. The only viable solution is to recover the affected files from a backup, provided one was made prior to the ransomware infection and stored separately.
Screenshot of a message encouraging users to pay a ransom to decrypt their compromised data ("HOW_RECOVER.html"):
Most ransomware-type programs share similarities. For example, Kronos, Masked, and Mike, Karl are similar to DavesSmith. Key similarities include data encryption methods and ransom demands. The cryptographic algorithm used (symmetric or asymmetric) and size of ransom, however, is different in each.
Typically, the requested payments range between three-digit and four-digit sums (in USD). Most malware of this kind employs strong encryption, which can only be removed by them. If ransomware is still in development and/or has flaws/bugs, manual decryption (without the involvement of developers) might be possible in rare cases.
To ensure data safety, backup copies should be kept on remote servers and/or unplugged storage devices. Ideally, multiple backups should be stored in different locations.
How did ransomware infect my computer?
The most common sources of ransomware and other malware infections are trojans, spam campaigns, software "cracking" tools and fake updaters, and untrustworthy download channels. Trojans are malicious programs designed to cause chain infections. Spam campaigns are used to send out thousands of emails containing infectious attachments.
These deceptive emails are often marked as "official", "important", "urgent", and so on. They contain dangerous attachments, which come in various file formats (e.g. archive and executable files, Microsoft Office and PDF documents, JavaScript, etc.). Once they are executed, run, or otherwise opened, they cause the infection.
Illegal activation tools ("cracks") can download/install malicious software rather than activating licensed products. Fake updaters exploit weaknesses in outdated programs and/or install malware, rather than the promised updates.
Untrustworthy download sources (Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, unofficial and free file-hosting websites, third part downloaders and similar channels) can offer malicious content disguised as legitimate products and/or regular software bundled with malware.
| Name | DavesSmith virus |
| Threat Type | Ransomware, Crypto Virus, Files locker. |
| Encrypted Files Extension | ".daves.smith@aol.com" or ".[daves.smith@aol.com]" |
| Ransom Demanding Message | HOW_RECOVER.html or RECOVERY FILE.txt |
| Cyber Criminal Contact | daves.smith@aol.com |
| Detection Names | Avast (Win32:Malware-gen), BitDefender (Generic.Ransom.GlobeImposter.44024EF2), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of Win32/Filecoder.FV), Kaspersky (HEUR:Trojan.Win32.Generic), Full List Of Detections (VirusTotal) |
| Symptoms | Cannot open files stored on your computer, previously functional files now have a different extension (for example, my.docx.locked). A ransom demand message is displayed on your desktop. Cyber criminals demand payment of a ransom (usually in bitcoins) to unlock your files. |
| Distribution methods | Infected email attachments (macros), torrent websites, malicious ads. |
| Damage | All files are encrypted and cannot be opened without paying a ransom. Additional password-stealing trojans and malware infections can be installed together with a ransomware infection. |
| Malware Removal (Windows) |
To eliminate possible malware infections, scan your computer with legitimate antivirus software. Our security researchers recommend using Combo Cleaner. Download Combo CleanerTo use full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Combo Cleaner. 7 days free trial available. Combo Cleaner is owned and operated by RCS LT, the parent company of PCRisk.com. |
How to protect yourself from ransomware infections
Do not open suspicious and/or irrelevant emails, especially those received from unknown senders (addresses). Never open attachments or web-links leading to them, since this will result in an infection. Use only official and verified download sources, as opposed to P2P sharing networks (BitTorrent, Gnutella, eMule, etc.) and other third party downloaders.
Software should be activated and updated via tools/functions provided by genuine developers, and not using "cracking" tools or third party updaters. Have a reputable anti-virus/anti-spyware suite installed and kept up-to-date. These programs should be used for regular system scans and removal of potential threats.
If your computer is already infected with DavesSmith, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate this ransomware.
Text presented in DavesSmith ransomware HTML file ("HOW_RECOVER.html"):
YOUR PERSONAL ID
-
YOUR FILES ARE ENCRYPTED!
TO DECRYPT, FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS BELOW.To recover data you need decryptor.
To get the decryptor you should:
Send 1 crypted test image or text file or document to daves.smith@aol.com
In the letter include your personal ID (look at the beginning of this document).We will give you the decrypted file and assign the price for decryption all files
After we send you instruction how to pay for decrypt and after payment you will receive a decryptor and instructions We can decrypt one file in quality the evidence that we have the decoder.
MOST IMPORTANT!!!Do not contact other services that promise to decrypt your files, this is fraud on their part! They will buy a decoder from us, and you will pay more for his services. No one, except daves.smith@aol.com, will decrypt your files.
Only daves.smith@aol.com can decrypt your files
Do not trust anyone besides daves.smith@aol.com
Antivirus programs can delete this document and you can not contact us later.
Attempts to self-decrypting files will result in the loss of your data
Decoders other users are not compatible with your data, because each user's unique encryption key
Screenshot of the other variant of DavesSmith ransom message ("RECOVERY FILE.txt"):
Text presented in this file:
Hello!
If you see this message - this means your files are now encrypted and are in a non-working state!
Now only we can help you recover.
You are the ready the if to the restore the work - the send us an email to the address daves.smith@aol.com
In the letter-, the Specify your personal identifier, the which you will of see the below.
In the reply letter we will inform you the cost of decrypting your files.
Before payment you can send us 1 files for test decryption.
We will decrypt the files you requested and send you back.
This ensures that we own the key to recover your data.
The total file size should be no more than 2 MB,
the files should not contain valuable information ( databases, backups, large Excel spreadsheets ...).To contact us email - daves.smith@aol.com
YOUR the PERSONAL ID:
-
Screenshot of files encrypted by DavesSmith (".daves.smith@aol.com" extension):
Screenshot of files encrypted by the other variant of DavesSmith (".[daves.smith@aol.com]" extension):
Screenshot of files encrypted by yet another variant of DavesSmith ransomware. The dropped ransom note is called "HOW_TO_RECOVER_FILES.txt" and it contains the exact same text as the previous variant. The appended extension is ".daves_New":
DavesSmith ransomware removal:
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Removal and file recovery procedure
If your files are encrypted with a new extension and a ransom note has appeared, you've been hit by ransomware. Don't pay. The procedure below works in order: contain the infection, identify the variant, remove the ransomware itself (so anything you restore doesn't get re-encrypted), and try to recover files using free decryption tools, Windows Volume Shadow Copies, or backups. Run a full system scan with Combo Cleaner to remove the infection - then move on to file recovery.
Common ransomware behaviors
VisibleEncrypts your files and renames them
The ransomware reads each file, encrypts the contents with the attacker's public key, and writes the encrypted bytes back to disk. Most variants also rename the file by appending a new extension - .net, .locked, .crypt, .lockbit, .djvu, etc. Without the matching private key, the encrypted files cannot be opened normally. Recovery depends on a free decryption tool, a recoverable Volume Shadow Copy, or a clean backup.
VisibleDrops a ransom note in every encrypted folder
A text or HTML file (usually named HOW_TO_DECRYPT.txt, README.txt, _readme.txt, or similar) is placed in every folder that contains encrypted files. The note explains the situation, lists a payment amount in cryptocurrency, gives a deadline, and provides a contact email or .onion site. Save the note - don't delete it. Its exact wording, the email address, and the bitcoin wallet are how you identify the variant in the next phase.
VisibleReplaces the desktop wallpaper
Many ransomware variants change the Windows wallpaper to a black or red image with the ransom message and instructions. The wallpaper is just a visual scare tactic - it doesn't add any actual capability and reverts to normal once the ransomware is removed. Photograph it before removal in case the contact details are useful for variant identification or for reporting to authorities.
HiddenDeletes Volume Shadow Copies
One of the first things modern ransomware does after launching is run vssadmin delete shadows /all /quiet to wipe Windows' built-in Volume Shadow Copies - the snapshots that Previous Versions and System Restore rely on. Some ransomware doesn't fully succeed (especially on systems where the user lacks full admin rights), leaving partial shadow copies recoverable. Phase 4 step 11 covers how to check what survived.
HiddenDisables Windows Defender and other security tools
Before encrypting, the ransomware tries to silence anything that could alert you or block it - Windows Defender real-time protection, third-party antivirus services, backup agents (Veeam, Acronis), and sometimes the Windows Event Log service. It often modifies Group Policy or registry keys to keep these off after reboot. Phase 3 step 9 explicitly turns Tamper Protection back on so the next ransomware attempt can't repeat the trick.
HiddenSpreads laterally to other PCs on the network
Network-aware ransomware (LockBit, Conti, BlackCat, Akira families) doesn't stop at the first machine. It scans for SMB shares, mapped drives, and other PCs on the same network, then encrypts whatever it can reach. On Windows domains, a single compromised user with admin rights can lead to all-domain encryption. This is why Phase 1 step 2 disconnects the network as the very first action - it stops the spread immediately.
HiddenSteals data before encrypting (double extortion)
Modern ransomware (LockBit, BlackCat / ALPHV, Akira, Cl0p, Royal) almost always exfiltrates data before encrypting. The attacker then runs a "double extortion" play: pay the ransom for decryption, plus pay again to prevent the stolen data from being leaked on the group's leak site. Paying the first ransom does not get the leaked data back - assume that anything the ransomware could read was uploaded. This is one more reason not to pay: the data is already out.
Don't pay the ransom
Paying the ransom does not guarantee you'll get your files back. Major ransomware response studies consistently show that a meaningful percentage of paying victims either receive a non-working decryptor, only partial decryption, or no decryptor at all. Beyond that:
- Paying confirms you as a willing target - re-attack rates within 12 months are high
- Several ransomware groups have been sanctioned (US OFAC, UK OFSI). Paying these groups may be illegal under sanctions law in your country
- The ransom funds the next attack - on you or someone else
- Modern ransomware almost always exfiltrates data first, so paying doesn't get the leaked data back. Assume anything the malware could read was uploaded
- Decryptors, even when they work, often leave files corrupted because the encryption itself was buggy or rushed
The path below tries every legal, free recovery option first. Pay only as an absolute last resort, after consulting a lawyer and your country's cyber crime authority.
Disconnect from the network and log out of cloud storage
Pull the Ethernet cable and turn off Wi-Fi on the affected PC. If multiple computers share the network, do the same on every machine you suspect could be affected, including any servers and NAS units.
Then sign out of cloud storage clients (OneDrive, Dropbox, Google Drive, iCloud) from their app settings. If you can, pause the sync. Some ransomware uses the running sync client to push encrypted versions over your clean cloud copies.
Modern ransomware spreads laterally across SMB shares, mapped drives, RDP, and reachable network neighbors. Disconnecting stops the spread the moment you do it. Logging out of cloud sync clients prevents the ransomware from encrypting the cloud copies of your files via the sync API.
Unplug external drives and USB storage
Safely eject any external drives, USB sticks, SD cards, and network-attached storage shares - then unplug them. If a drive was connected when the ransomware ran, the files on it may already be encrypted, but unplugging stops further damage.
Critically: don't reconnect any drive (including your most recent backup) to this PC until the ransomware is removed in Phase 3. Reconnecting an external backup to an actively-infected PC is the most common way that backup gets encrypted too.
Save the ransom note and a sample encrypted file
Copy the ransom note and one small encrypted file (under 1 MB) to a USB stick, or photograph the note with your phone. You'll need both for the variant identification step.
The ransom note is usually one of:
- A
.txtfile in every encrypted folder (typicallyHOW_TO_DECRYPT.txt,README.txt, or_readme.txt) - An
.htmlfile with the same purpose - A changed desktop wallpaper - photograph it
- A lock-screen interrupt that runs at startup - rarer
Don't delete the note. Variant identification depends on its exact wording, the contact email, and the bitcoin wallet address. The note is also evidence if you report to authorities.
Identify the variant with ID Ransomware
From a clean device (your phone is fine, or another PC that wasn't on the affected network), visit id-ransomware.malwarehunterteam.com. Upload the ransom note and the sample encrypted file. The site identifies the variant family and tells you whether a free decryptor exists.
ID Ransomware is run by the Malware Hunter Team. Files you upload are kept private - they're used for analysis, not published. If you're concerned about uploading data anyway, you can paste the contact email and bitcoin wallet from the note - those are often enough for identification.
The ransomware itself must be removed before any file recovery. If it's still active, anything you restore in Phase 4 gets re-encrypted within minutes.
Boot to Safe Mode with Networking and download the scanners
Safe Mode loads only the minimal Windows drivers, which prevents most ransomware from auto-running while you set up the scanners.
Windows 11: open , click Restart now next to Advanced startup. After the restart, click , then press 5 or F5.
Windows 10: click the Windows logo, hold Shift, click the Power icon and choose Restart. From the Choose-an-option screen, click , then press F5.
Once Safe Mode has loaded, turn Wi-Fi back on and download Combo Cleaner (used in step 8) and Microsoft Safety Scanner (used in step 9). Save both installers to your Desktop, then disconnect Wi-Fi again before scanning.
Run Microsoft Defender Offline
Reboot to normal Windows. Open . Select Microsoft Defender Antivirus (offline scan) and click Scan now. The PC restarts into a stripped-down environment and scans the disk before Windows fully loads.
Some ransomware variants drop bootkit components or kernel hooks that hide from any scanner running on the same Windows session that's already infected. A pre-boot offline scan sees the disk before the malware can load itself.
VB100 certified. Includes anti-trojan, registry/persistence scanning, and anti-spyware in one pass. The 7-day free trial is available.
Download Combo CleanerRun a full Combo Cleaner scan
Run the installer you downloaded in step 6 and start a full system scan (not the quick scan). Let it complete, review what it detected, and apply the recommended actions. Combo Cleaner quarantines the ransomware executable and the registry / scheduled-task entries that re-launch it on reboot.
Run Microsoft Safety Scanner and re-enable Defender
Run Microsoft Safety Scanner (MSERT.exe) as a second-opinion full scan. The binary expires every 10 days so the copy you downloaded has the latest signatures.
Once it finishes, open and confirm Real-time protection, Cloud-delivered protection, and Tamper Protection are all on. Many ransomware variants disable Defender during the attack - this is where you switch it back on so the next attempt can't repeat the trick.
Different scanning engines catch different threats. Running an additional Microsoft scan after Combo Cleaner is the most underused verification step in malware removal - and free.
Try the steps in order. The first decryptor that works ends the recovery process - no need to do all four.
Check the No More Ransom Project for a free decryptor
Visit nomoreransom.org and search the Decryption Tools list for the variant name returned by ID Ransomware. The project is run by Europol, the Dutch Police, and security vendors - everything listed is legitimate and free.
If a decryptor exists, download it onto a clean PC, copy it across, and follow its instructions exactly. Decryptors usually want you to point them at a sample encrypted file plus its known unencrypted version (sometimes any image you previously had a backup of works).
Free decryptors exist for parts of the STOP/Djvu, GandCrab, REvil, Avaddon, Conti and Hive families, among others. Most modern variants don't have public decryptors - if yours isn't listed, that's expected; move to the next step.
Try Windows Volume Shadow Copies
Windows automatically creates Volume Shadow Copies of files when System Restore points are made or scheduled backups run. Most ransomware tries to wipe these (vssadmin delete shadows /all /quiet), but the deletion sometimes fails partially - especially if the running user doesn't have full admin rights. When it does fail, snapshots survive that contain pre-encryption versions of your files.
First, check what's there. Open Command Prompt as Administrator and run:
vssadmin list shadows
If you see entries listed, shadow copies survived. To restore from them:
- Built-in: right-click any folder → Properties → Previous Versions tab. Pick a snapshot dated before the infection and restore.
- Better tool for browsing: install Shadow Explorer (free). It shows all snapshots as a normal file tree and lets you copy out only the files you want.
Shadow Copies recover the original files exactly, with no risk of decryption errors. If they survived, this is faster and cleaner than running a decryptor on the encrypted set.
Restore from cloud or external backup
If you have a backup that pre-dates the infection, this is the cleanest recovery available. Important precautions:
- Don't reconnect a backup drive until Phase 3 is complete. If the ransomware is still active, plugging in the backup encrypts it too.
- For cloud backups (OneDrive, Dropbox, Google Drive, iCloud), use the Version History feature to roll individual files back to pre-encryption versions.
- OneDrive specifically has a "Restore your OneDrive" feature: if it detected mass file changes, you can roll back the entire account up to 30 days. Sign in at OneDrive on the web, click the Settings gear, and choose Restore your OneDrive. Microsoft 365 subscribers also get ransomware detection alerts; non-subscribers get one free recovery.
- Verify the restored files open correctly before you delete the encrypted set. Test a few documents, photos, and any database / project files.
Try Recuva as a last-resort recovery
Recuva is a long shot, not a primary recovery tool. Most modern ransomware encrypts files in place - it reads the original, encrypts the data, and writes the encrypted bytes back to the same disk location. In that case, the original isn't deleted, just rewritten - and Recuva has nothing to find.
But for older or simpler variants that deleted originals before creating encrypted copies (rather than encrypting in place), Recuva can sometimes pull the originals from unallocated disk space. Worth trying as a last resort, especially before you use the disk much further.
If you try it:
- Stop using the disk as much as possible - every disk write reduces recovery odds
- Run Recuva from a USB stick, not from the affected disk
- Use Deep Scan mode (slower but the only mode worth running for this scenario)
Don't skip the steps above expecting Recuva to bail you out. It works in maybe 5-20% of cases, depending on the variant and how soon you try.
Report the attack to authorities
Even if your files aren't recovered, your report helps authorities track variants, attribute groups, and warn future victims. In some jurisdictions (especially the US and UK) early reporting can sometimes help recall a wired ransom payment via banking partners.
Save the report number - banks, insurers, and credit bureaus will ask for it. If you operate a business, you may also have legal disclosure obligations (GDPR in the EU, state breach laws in the US) that run on a 72-hour clock.
Plan 3-2-1 backups going forward
The single best defense against ransomware is a tested backup. Use the 3-2-1 rule:
- 3 copies of your data
- 2 different storage media (e.g., internal drive + external drive)
- 1 offline / air-gapped copy (an external drive that isn't always connected)
Recommended cadence:
- Daily: cloud sync (OneDrive, Dropbox, Google Drive) - convenient, but vulnerable if the ransomware reaches the sync folder. The Version History feature is what saves you
- Weekly: external drive that you connect briefly, then disconnect - the air-gap is what protects against ransomware
- Monthly: a second external drive stored off-site (different physical location) - protects against fire, theft, flood
Test the backup at least once. Open a few files from it, check sizes match, restore one to a different folder. An untested backup isn't a backup - it's a hope.
Patch the entry point and monitor for 30 days
Most reinfections happen via the same vector that worked the first time. Until you've patched the entry point, watch for:
- Unusual disk activity, unexpected file modifications, or unfamiliar processes in Task Manager
- Unexpected reboots or new accounts you didn't create
- Defender or your antivirus turning itself off again
Common entry vectors and what to do about each:
- Phishing email with a malicious attachment - review email filters and train yourself / staff to recognise the patterns - see pcrisk's Phishing/Scam reference
- Exposed RDP with weak passwords - disable Remote Desktop from if you don't need it. If you do, put it behind a VPN and require a long password plus MFA
- Unpatched VPN appliances or public-facing apps - check the vendor's advisories page and apply the latest firmware
- Cracked / pirated software - was the most common vector for STOP/Djvu in particular. Don't run software from torrent sites
Run a Combo Cleaner scan weekly for the first month. Update Windows, browsers, and applications aggressively.
Important: Removing a ransomware infection requires a full system scan, not a manual file delete. If you're not confident with the manual procedure, run an automated scan with Combo Cleaner and Windows Defender and stop there - that combination removes the vast majority of consumer ransomware variants. Then move to Phase 4 for file recovery, or to Phase 5 if your files are unrecoverable and you need to start fresh from a clean Windows install.
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Tomas Meskauskas
Expert security researcher, professional malware analyst
I am passionate about computer security and technology. I have an experience of over 10 years working in various companies related to computer technical issue solving and Internet security. I have been working as an author and editor for pcrisk.com since 2010. Follow me on Twitter and LinkedIn to stay informed about the latest online security threats.
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