DeepInDeep (.deepindeep) ransomware virus – removal and decryption options
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of malware is DeepInDeep?
Our research team found the DeepInDeep ransomware while reviewing new malware submissions to VirusTotal. This program is part of the Phobos ransomware family. Ransomware is designed to encrypt files and demand ransoms for its decryption, and DeepInDeep is not an exception.
This malware alters the names of the locked files by appending them with a unique ID assigned to the victim, the cyber criminals' email address, and a ".deepindeep" extension. For example, a file originally named "1.jpg" appeared as "1.jpg.id[9ECFA84E-3511].[Deep_in_Deep@tutanota.com].deepindeep" on our testing system.
After the encryption process was finished, two ransom notes were created – one was displayed in a pop-up window ("info.hta"), and the other was dropped as a text file ("info.txt"). Based on the messages therein, it is evident that DeepInDeep targets large entities (such as companies) rather than home users.
Screenshot of files encrypted by DeepInDeep ransomware:
Ransom note overview
DeepInDeep ransomware's messages are not identical but contain similar text and convey the same information. The notes state that the victim's network has been breached.
The consequences include the encryption of their files, as well as the exfiltration of sensitive data (e.g., internal company documentation, accounting information, customer/partner/employee private data, etc.). The theft of this content is used to force the victim to pay the ransom, and the notes detail the potential threats of having it sold to third-parties or leaked.
Following payment, the victim is promised a quick decryption process and deletion of the exfiltrated information. The messages do not list the size of the ransom but do indicate that it will be 70% less if the attackers are contacted within the first six hours. Before the cyber criminals' demands are met, decryption can be tested on two files for free.
The victim is alerted of actions that may render their data undecryptable, such as manipulating the files (e.g., renaming, moving, copying, etc.), using third-party recovery software, and restarting/ shutting down the system.
DeepInDeep ransomware overview
We have analyzed and researched countless ransomware infections, and this experience allows us to infer that decryption is usually impossible without the attackers' interference. The rare exceptions are cases involving deeply flawed ransomware.
Furthermore, victims often do not receive the necessary keys/tools to decrypt their data – despite meeting the ransom demands. Therefore, we strongly advise against it since file recovery is not guaranteed, and paying also supports this illegal activity.
While removing DeepInDeep ransomware will prevent it from encrypting more data – removal will not restore already locked files. The only solution is to recover them from a backup (if one was created beforehand and is stored elsewhere).
We highly recommend keeping backups in multiple different locations (e.g., remote servers, unplugged storage devices, etc.) – to ensure data safety.
Ransomware examples
Ran, Yzaq, Whole, BlackHatUP, and Ppvt are just some examples of ransomware that we have analyzed recently. While malware within this classification operates practically the same throughout, these programs have two significant differences in between.
Ransomware can use different cryptographic algorithms (symmetric or asymmetric) to encrypt files. Ransoms can differ from 3 to 8 digits (in USD) depending on the intended victim, i.e., home user vs. large entity (company, corporation, organization, institution, etc.).
How did ransomware infect my computer?
Cyber criminals predominantly use phishing and social engineering techniques to proliferate malware (ransomware included). This software is usually presented as or bundled with regular programs/media.
Infectious files come in various formats, e.g., archives (RAR, ZIP, etc.), executables (.exe, .run, etc.), documents (Microsoft Office, Microsoft OneNote, PDF, etc.), JavaScript, and so forth. Once a malicious file is executed, run, or otherwise opened – the infection chain is initiated.
Common distribution methods include: drive-by (stealthy/deceptive) downloads, malicious attachments or links in spam mail (e.g., emails, PMs/DMs, SMSes, etc.), online scams, malvertising, untrustworthy download sources (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting sites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.), illegal software activation tools ("cracks"), and fake updates.
What is more, some malicious programs can self-proliferate through local networks and removable storage devices (e.g., USB flash drives, external hard drives, etc.).
| Name | DeepInDeep virus |
| Threat Type | Ransomware, Crypto Virus, Files locker |
| Encrypted Files Extension | .deepindeep (files are also appended with a unique ID and the cyber criminals' email) |
| Ransom Demanding Message | info.hta, info.txt |
| Free Decryptor Available? | No |
| Cyber Criminal Contact | Via Session messenger, Deep_in_Deep@tutanota.com |
| Detection Names | Avast (Win32:Phobos-D [Ransom]), Combo Cleaner (Trojan.Ransom.PHU), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of Win32/Filecoder.Phobos.C), Kaspersky (HEUR:Trojan-Ransom.Win32.Phobos.vho), Microsoft (Ransom:Win32/Phobos.PM), 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. |
How to protect yourself from ransomware infections?
We recommend treating incoming emails and other messages with caution. Attachments or links present in suspicious/irrelevant mail must not be opened, as they can be infectious. Due to the prevalence of fake/malicious online content and how well-crafted it can be – we advise being vigilant while browsing.
Additionally, all downloads must be performed from official and verified channels. Another recommendation is to activate and update software by using legitimate functions/tools, as those obtained from third-parties may contain malware.
We must emphasize the importance of having a reputable anti-virus installed and kept updated. Security programs must be used to run regular system scans and to remove detected threats/issues. If your computer is already infected with DeepInDeep, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate this ransomware.
Screenshot of DeepInDeep ransomware's pop-up window ("info.hta"):
Text presented in this message:
!!! ATTENTION !!!
Your network is hacked and files are encrypted.
Including the encrypted data we also downloaded other confidential information: data of your employees, customers, partners, as well as accounting and other internal documentation of your company.
About Data
All data is stored until you will pay.
After payment we will provide you the programs for decryption and we will delete your data
We dont want did something bad to your company, it is just bussines (Our reputation is our money!)
If you refuse to negotiate with us (for any reason) all your data will be put up for sale.
What you will face if your data gets on the black market:
The personal information of your employees and customers may be used to obtain a loan or purchases in online stores.
You may be sued by clients of your company for leaking information that was confidential.
After other hackers obtain personal data about your employees, social engineering will be applied to your company and subsequent attacks will only intensify.
Bank details and passports can be used to create bank accounts and online wallets through which criminal money will be laundered.
You will forever lose the reputation.
You will be subject to huge fines from the government.
You can learn more about liability for data loss here: hxxps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/General_Data_Protection_Regulationor here hxxps://gdpr-info.eu
Courts, fines and the inability to use important files will lead you to huge losses. The consequences of this will be irreversible for you.
Contacting the police will not save you from these consequences, and lost data, will only make your situation worse.
How to contact us
Write us to the mails: Deep_in_Deep@tutanota.com
Download the (Session) messenger hxxps://getsession.org in messenger :ID"05bc5e20c9c6fbfd9a58bfa222cecd4bbf9b5cf4e1ecde84a0b8b3de23ce8e144e"
Write this ID in the title of your message -
IF YOU WILL CONTACT US IN FIRST 6 hours , and we close our deal in 24 hours , PRICE WILL BE ONLY 30%.
(time is money for both of us , if you will take care about our time , we will do same , we will care of price and decryption process will be done VERY FAST)
ALL DOWNLOADED DATA WILL BE DELETED after payment.
What no to do and recomendation
You can get out of this situation with minimal losses (Our reputation is our money!) !!! To do this you must strictly observe the following rules:
DO NOT Modify, DO NOT rename, DO NOT copy, DO NOT move any files. Such actions may DAMAGE them and decryption will be impossible.
DO NOT use any third party or public decryption software, it may also DAMAGE files.
DO NOT Shutdown or Reboot the system this may DAMAGE files.
DO NOT hire any third party negotiators (recovery/police, etc.) You need to contact us as soon as possible and start negotiations.
You can send us 1-2 small data not value files for test , we will decrypt it and send it to you back.
After payment we need no more that 2 hours to decrypt all of your data. We will be support you untill fully decryption going to be done! ! ! (Our reputation is our money!)
Appearance of DeepInDeep's text file "info.txt" (GIF):
Text presented in this file:
!!! ATTENTION !!!
Your network is hacked and files are encrypted.
Including the encrypted data we also downloaded other confidential information:
Data of your employees, customers, partners, as well as accounting and
other internal documentation of your company.
All data is stored until you will pay.
After payment we will provide you the programs for decryption and we will delete your data
We dont want did something bad to your company, it is just bussines (Our reputation is our money!)
If you refuse to negotiate with us (for any reason) all your data will be put up for sale.
What you will face if your data gets on the black market:
1) The personal information of your employees and customers may be used to obtain a loan or
purchases in online stores.
2) You may be sued by clients of your company for leaking information that was confidential.
3) After other hackers obtain personal data about your employees, social engineering will be
applied to your company and subsequent attacks will only intensify.
4) Bank details and passports can be used to create bank accounts and online wallets through
which criminal money will be laundered.
5) You will forever lose the reputation.
6) You will be subject to huge fines from the government.
You can learn more about liability for data loss here:
hxxps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/General_Data_Protection_Regulation
hxxps://gdpr-info.eu/
Courts, fines and the inability to use important files will lead you to huge losses.
The consequences of this will be irreversible for you.
Contacting the police will not save you from these consequences, and lost data,
will only make your situation worse.
You can get out of this situation with minimal losses (Our reputation is our money!) !!!
To do this you must strictly observe the following rules:
DO NOT Modify, DO NOT rename, DO NOT copy, DO NOT move any files.
Such actions may DAMAGE them and decryption will be impossible.
DO NOT use any third party or public decryption software, it may also DAMAGE files.
DO NOT Shutdown or Reboot the system this may DAMAGE files.
DO NOT hire any third party negotiators (recovery/police, etc.)
You need to contact us as soon as possible and start negotiations.
You can send us 1-2 small data not value files for test , we will decrypt it and send it to you back.
After payment we need no more that 2 hours to decrypt all of your data. We will be support you untill fully decryption going to be done! ! !
(Our reputation is our money!)
Instructions for contacting our team:
Download the (Session) messenger (hxxps://getsession.org) in messenger :Deep_in_Deep@tutanota.com
Write this ID in the title of your message -
IF YOU WILL CONTACT US IN FIRST 6 hours , and we close our deal in 24 hours , PRICE WILL BE ONLY 30%.
(time is money for both of us , if you will take care about our time , we will do same , we will care of price and decryption process will be done VERY FAST)
ALL DOWNLOADED DATA WILL BE DELETED after payment.
Video showing how to remove DeepInDeep ransomware using Combo Cleaner:
DeepInDeep ransomware removal:
Instant automatic malware removal:
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Video suggesting what steps should be taken in case of a ransomware infection:
Quick menu:
- What is DeepInDeep virus?
- STEP 1. Reporting ransomware to authorities.
- STEP 2. Isolating the infected device.
- STEP 3. Identifying the ransomware infection.
- STEP 4. Searching for ransomware decryption tools.
- STEP 5. Restoring files with data recovery tools.
- STEP 6. Creating data backups.
If you are a victim of a ransomware attack we recommend reporting this incident to authorities. By providing information to law enforcement agencies you will help track cybercrime and potentially assist in the prosecution of the attackers. Here's a list of authorities where you should report a ransomware attack. For the complete list of local cybersecurity centers and information on why you should report ransomware attacks, read this article.
List of local authorities where ransomware attacks should be reported (choose one depending on your residence address):
USA - Internet Crime Complaint Centre IC3
United Kingdom - Action Fraud
Spain - Policía Nacional
France - Ministère de l'Intérieur
Germany - Polizei
Italy - Polizia di Stato
The Netherlands - Politie
Poland - Policja
Portugal - Polícia Judiciária
Isolating the infected device:
Some ransomware-type infections are designed to encrypt files within external storage devices, infect them, and even spread throughout the entire local network. For this reason, it is very important to isolate the infected device (computer) as soon as possible.
Step 1: Disconnect from the internet.
The easiest way to disconnect a computer from the internet is to unplug the Ethernet cable from the motherboard, however, some devices are connected via a wireless network and for some users (especially those who are not particularly tech-savvy), disconnecting cables may seem troublesome. Therefore, you can also disconnect the system manually via Control Panel:
Navigate to the "Control Panel", click the search bar in the upper-right corner of the screen, enter "Network and Sharing Center" and select search result: 
Click the "Change adapter settings" option in the upper-left corner of the window: 
Right-click on each connection point and select "Disable". Once disabled, the system will no longer be connected to the internet. To re-enable the connection points, simply right-click again and select "Enable". 
Step 2: Unplug all storage devices.
As mentioned above, ransomware might encrypt data and infiltrate all storage devices that are connected to the computer. For this reason, all external storage devices (flash drives, portable hard drives, etc.) should be disconnected immediately, however, we strongly advise you to eject each device before disconnecting to prevent data corruption:
Navigate to "My Computer", right-click on each connected device, and select "Eject": 
Step 3: Log-out of cloud storage accounts.
Some ransomware-type might be able to hijack software that handles data stored within "the Cloud". Therefore, the data could be corrupted/encrypted. For this reason, you should log-out of all cloud storage accounts within browsers and other related software. You should also consider temporarily uninstalling the cloud-management software until the infection is completely removed.
Identify the ransomware infection:
To properly handle an infection, one must first identify it. Some ransomware infections use ransom-demand messages as an introduction (see the WALDO ransomware text file below).
This, however, is rare. In most cases, ransomware infections deliver more direct messages simply stating that data is encrypted and that victims must pay some sort of ransom. Note that ransomware-type infections typically generate messages with different file names (for example, "_readme.txt", "READ-ME.txt", "DECRYPTION_INSTRUCTIONS.txt", "DECRYPT_FILES.html", etc.). Therefore, using the name of a ransom message may seem like a good way to identify the infection. The problem is that most of these names are generic and some infections use the same names, even though the delivered messages are different and the infections themselves are unrelated. Therefore, using the message filename alone can be ineffective and even lead to permanent data loss (for example, by attempting to decrypt data using tools designed for different ransomware infections, users are likely to end up permanently damaging files and decryption will no longer be possible even with the correct tool).
Another way to identify a ransomware infection is to check the file extension, which is appended to each encrypted file. Ransomware infections are often named by the extensions they append (see files encrypted by Qewe ransomware below).
This method is only effective, however, when the appended extension is unique - many ransomware infections append a generic extension (for example, ".encrypted", ".enc", ".crypted", ".locked", etc.). In these cases, identifying ransomware by its appended extension becomes impossible.
One of the easiest and quickest ways to identify a ransomware infection is to use the ID Ransomware website. This service supports most existing ransomware infections. Victims simply upload a ransom message and/or one encrypted file (we advise you to upload both if possible).
The ransomware will be identified within seconds and you will be provided with various details, such as the name of the malware family to which the infection belongs, whether it is decryptable, and so on.
Example 1 (Qewe [Stop/Djvu] ransomware):
Example 2 (.iso [Phobos] ransomware):
If your data happens to be encrypted by ransomware that is not supported by ID Ransomware, you can always try searching the internet by using certain keywords (for example, a ransom message title, file extension, provided contact emails, crypto wallet addresses, etc.).
Search for ransomware decryption tools:
Encryption algorithms used by most ransomware-type infections are extremely sophisticated and, if the encryption is performed properly, only the developer is capable of restoring data. This is because decryption requires a specific key, which is generated during the encryption. Restoring data without the key is impossible. In most cases, cybercriminals store keys on a remote server, rather than using the infected machine as a host. Dharma (CrySis), Phobos, and other families of high-end ransomware infections are virtually flawless, and thus restoring data encrypted without the developers' involvement is simply impossible. Despite this, there are dozens of ransomware-type infections that are poorly developed and contain a number of flaws (for example, the use of identical encryption/decryption keys for each victim, keys stored locally, etc.). Therefore, always check for available decryption tools for any ransomware that infiltrates your computer.
Finding the correct decryption tool on the internet can be very frustrating. For this reason, we recommend that you use the No More Ransom Project and this is where identifying the ransomware infection is useful. The No More Ransom Project website contains a "Decryption Tools" section with a search bar. Enter the name of the identified ransomware, and all available decryptors (if there are any) will be listed.
Restore files with data recovery tools:
Depending on the situation (quality of ransomware infection, type of encryption algorithm used, etc.), restoring data with certain third-party tools might be possible. Therefore, we advise you to use the Recuva tool developed by CCleaner. This tool supports over a thousand data types (graphics, video, audio, documents, etc.) and it is very intuitive (little knowledge is necessary to recover data). In addition, the recovery feature is completely free.
Step 1: Perform a scan.
Run the Recuva application and follow the wizard. You will be prompted with several windows allowing you to choose what file types to look for, which locations should be scanned, etc. All you need to do is select the options you're looking for and start the scan. We advise you to enable the "Deep Scan" before starting, otherwise, the application's scanning capabilities will be restricted.
Wait for Recuva to complete the scan. The scanning duration depends on the volume of files (both in quantity and size) that you are scanning (for example, several hundred gigabytes could take over an hour to scan). Therefore, be patient during the scanning process. We also advise against modifying or deleting existing files, since this might interfere with the scan. If you add additional data (for example, downloading files/content) while scanning, this will prolong the process:
Step 2: Recover data.
Once the process is complete, select the folders/files you wish to restore and simply click "Recover". Note that some free space on your storage drive is necessary to restore data:
Create data backups:
Proper file management and creating backups is essential for data security. Therefore, always be very careful and think ahead.
Partition management: We recommend that you store your data in multiple partitions and avoid storing important files within the partition that contains the entire operating system. If you fall into a situation whereby you cannot boot the system and are forced to format the disk on which the operating system is installed (in most cases, this is where malware infections hide), you will lose all data stored within that drive. This is the advantage of having multiple partitions: if you have the entire storage device assigned to a single partition, you will be forced to delete everything, however, creating multiple partitions and allocating the data properly allows you to prevent such problems. You can easily format a single partition without affecting the others - therefore, one will be cleaned and the others will remain untouched, and your data will be saved. Managing partitions is quite simple and you can find all the necessary information on Microsoft's documentation web page.
Data backups: One of the most reliable backup methods is to use an external storage device and keep it unplugged. Copy your data to an external hard drive, flash (thumb) drive, SSD, HDD, or any other storage device, unplug it and store it in a dry place away from the sun and extreme temperatures. This method is, however, quite inefficient, since data backups and updates need to be made regularly. You can also use a cloud service or remote server. Here, an internet connection is required and there is always the chance of a security breach, although it's a really rare occasion.
We recommend using Microsoft OneDrive for backing up your files. OneDrive lets you store your personal files and data in the cloud, sync files across computers and mobile devices, allowing you to access and edit your files from all of your Windows devices. OneDrive lets you save, share and preview files, access download history, move, delete, and rename files, as well as create new folders, and much more.
You can back up your most important folders and files on your PC (your Desktop, Documents, and Pictures folders). Some of OneDrive’s more notable features include file versioning, which keeps older versions of files for up to 30 days. OneDrive features a recycling bin in which all of your deleted files are stored for a limited time. Deleted files are not counted as part of the user’s allocation.
The service is built using HTML5 technologies and allows you to upload files up to 300 MB via drag and drop into the web browser or up to 10 GB via the OneDrive desktop application. With OneDrive, you can download entire folders as a single ZIP file with up to 10,000 files, although it can’t exceed 15 GB per single download.
OneDrive comes with 5 GB of free storage out of the box, with an additional 100 GB, 1 TB, and 6 TB storage options available for a subscription-based fee. You can get one of these storage plans by either purchasing additional storage separately or with Office 365 subscription.
Creating a data backup:
The backup process is the same for all file types and folders. Here’s how you can back up your files using Microsoft OneDrive
Step 1: Choose the files/folders you want to backup.
Click the OneDrive cloud icon to open the OneDrive menu. While in this menu, you can customize your file backup settings.
Click Help & Settings and then select Settings from the drop-down menu.
Go to the Backup tab and click Manage backup.
In this menu, you can choose to backup the Desktop and all of the files on it, and Documents and Pictures folders, again, with all of the files in them. Click Start backup.
Now, when you add a file or folder in the Desktop and Documents and Pictures folders, they will be automatically backed up on OneDrive.
To add folders and files, not in the locations shown above, you have to add them manually.
Open File Explorer and navigate to the location of the folder/file you want to backup. Select the item, right-click it, and click Copy.
Then, navigate to OneDrive, right-click anywhere in the window and click Paste. Alternatively, you can just drag and drop a file into OneDrive. OneDrive will automatically create a backup of the folder/file.
All of the files added to the OneDrive folder are backed up in the cloud automatically. The green circle with the checkmark in it indicates that the file is available both locally and on OneDrive and that the file version is the same on both. The blue cloud icon indicates that the file has not been synced and is available only on OneDrive. The sync icon indicates that the file is currently syncing.
To access files only located on OneDrive online, go to the Help & Settings drop-down menu and select View online.
Step 2: Restore corrupted files.
OneDrive makes sure that the files stay in sync, so the version of the file on the computer is the same version on the cloud. However, if ransomware has encrypted your files, you can take advantage of OneDrive’s Version history feature that will allow you to restore the file versions prior to encryption.
Microsoft 365 has a ransomware detection feature that notifies you when your OneDrive files have been attacked and guide you through the process of restoring your files. It must be noted, however, that if you don’t have a paid Microsoft 365 subscription, you only get one detection and file recovery for free.
If your OneDrive files get deleted, corrupted, or infected by malware, you can restore your entire OneDrive to a previous state. Here’s how you can restore your entire OneDrive:
1. If you're signed in with a personal account, click the Settings cog at the top of the page. Then, click Options and select Restore your OneDrive.
If you're signed in with a work or school account, click the Settings cog at the top of the page. Then, click Restore your OneDrive.
2. On the Restore your OneDrive page, select a date from the drop-down list. Note that if you're restoring your files after automatic ransomware detection, a restore date will be selected for you.
3. After configuring all of the file restoration options, click Restore to undo all the activities you selected.
The best way to avoid damage from ransomware infections is to maintain regular up-to-date backups.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How was my computer hacked and how did hackers encrypt my files?
Ransomware executables are usually presented as ordinary software/media files – therefore, victims often open them on their own. This malware is mainly distributed via drive-by downloads, spam emails/messages, online scams, malvertising, dubious download sources (e.g., freeware and third-party websites, P2P sharing networks, etc.), illegal software activation ("cracking") tools, and fake updates.
How to open ".deepindeep" files?
Ransomware-encrypted files can neither be opened nor otherwise used unless they are decrypted.
Where should I look for free decryption tools for DeepInDeep ransomware?
In case of a ransomware attack, we advise you to check out the No More Ransom project website (more information above).
I can pay you a lot of money, can you decrypt files for me?
We do not provide decryption services. In fact, aside from cases involving seriously flawed ransomware, decryption is impossible without the cyber criminals' interference. Therefore, third-parties offering paid decryption are often scams or middleman services between victims and criminals.
Will Combo Cleaner help me remove DeepInDeep ransomware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan devices and eliminate active ransomware infections. It is noteworthy that while using an anti-virus is the first step in ransomware recovery, security programs are incapable of restoring encrypted files.
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