Ransomware-type infections tend to spread in a form of fraudulent software update pop-up screens or spam electronic letters. This particular variant of a file-encrypting virus uses a disguise while locking victim’s files — it opens a fake Windows update screen to trick people into believing that their computers are not infected. Unfortunately, this deceptive technique helps the virus to encrypt data with AES-256 algorithm and modify Windows hosts file to block the connection to security websites. In other words, after successful encryption victims cannot open their files or visit security pages online for help. Instead, they are provided with a ransom note that claims that the only way to restore files is to purchase the REPL file decryption tool from the cybercriminals. Attackers demand to get from $490 to $980 depending on the time paid for the software. The decryption key is a unique sequence of characters, numbers, and letters that is completely unique. Furthermore, the crooks try to gain the victim’s trust by offering to decrypt one file for free as a test. Although, they agree to unlock only one file that does not contain any valuable information. They also include a link to Decrypt Software.avi file on wetransfer.com which is regarded as a video to explain how the decryption tool works. Victims are urged to contact the attackers within 72 hours to get %50 discount from the original decryptor price. If they do not respond within 6 hours, people are advised to check their spam/junk folders.

Virus infiltrates other infections

Note that reaching out for the cybercriminals or clicking on any links included in the ransom note might lead to further damage and financial losses. Experts spotted AZORULT password-stealing Trojan infiltrating the systems together with this dangerous ransomware. In other words, this file-encrypting virus does not only aim to lock all your data for a ransom but also steal valuable information for various other benefits. You should not contact the attackers or click on any provided links if you want to avoid further infections. Our experts warn people that cybercriminals are not trustworthy people. Likewise, you should remove REPL ransomware virus as soon as you spot any symptoms. You must first boot the system into Safe Mode to circumvent the modified Windows hosts file and then download RESTORO or another highly reputable malware removal tool. Run a full system scan immediately and get rid of the infected files. Automatic REPL file virus removal is not the final step. You must also delete the modifications in the Windows hosts file and unlock your files. For that, you should learn how to reset Windows hosts file here. Furthermore, the easiest way to restore encrypted data is by using the latest backup copy that is stored in the Cloud. If you do not have one, please read the alternative STOP/DJVU decryption method guide.

Quick Information

A live demonstration of REPL file-encrypting procedure is shown below. Description: REPL is a new STOP/DJVU ransomware variant, designed to encrypt all files on the target system. Following a successful attack, the malware installs password-stealing Trojan, modifies HOSTS file and drops _readme.txt ransom note, which explain that .repl extension files can be restored only using a special decryption software and key held by the criminals. To get the key, the cybercriminals advise paying the specified ransom ($490-$980). Offer price: 490-980 Currency: USD Operating System: Windows Application Category: Ransomware Author: STOP/DJVU authors

Deceptive software updates and spam e-mails remain the primary distribution source

The primary ransomware distribution techniques remain fake Adobe Flash update pop-ups and malicious spam e-mails. These spread methods have been active for years. Yet, they are still capable to trick unsuspecting computer users into downloading ransomware on their own. Likewise, it is essential to understand how these distribution techniques work to avoid file-encrypting viruses. Usually, people who tend to browse on suspicious pages might appear on a fake landing page where they are warned to update their Adobe Flash Player immediately by pressing the update button on the screen. Note that such malicious pop-up is designed to lure gullible people into downloading cryptomalware infections and you should never click on the update button. Instead, close the window and run a full system scan with a robust antivirus of your choice. Furthermore, e-mail users should be aware of messages coming from what it might seem at first — well-known and popular brands. Cybercriminals create spam letters that might resemble messages from legitimate companies and append malicious ransomware download links. If people are fooled by the e-mail, they click on the infected link and trigger an automatic installation of a file-encrypting virus. Therefore, you should be very attentive when clicking on any buttons or opening e-mails. Pay attention to the e-mail address. Maybe it is misspelled or has other errors. If you have a close look to the message or window displaying a warning, you should be able to identify an attempt to infiltrate ransomware. In case you want extra protection, you should always schedule regular scans with an antivirus to protect your system for you.

Uninstall REPL ransomware virus and start decryption process

Firstly, you must remove REPL ransomware virus from your computer along with all files related to it. Since this cyber threat tends to infiltrate other malicious programs, the easiest way to get rid of them all at once is to run an entire system scan with a professional malware removal tool. In addition, we recommend repairing virus damage by running a scan with RESTORO. Once you are sure that REPL virus removal is complete, you must reset your hosts file to the default. Otherwise, you will not be able to access security websites. Furthermore, start the decryption process by checking if you have backup copies. In case you do not, there are alternative ways how to decrypt unlocked files. OUR GEEKS RECOMMEND Our team recommends a two-step rescue plan to remove ransomware and other remaining malware from your computer, plus repair caused virus damage to the system: GeeksAdvice.com editors select recommended products based on their effectiveness. We may earn a commission from affiliate links, at no additional cost to you. Learn more. Get INTEGO ANTIVIRUS for Windows to remove ransomware, Trojans, adware and other spyware and malware variants and protect your PC and network drives 24/7. This VB100-certified security software uses state-of-art technology to provide protection against ransomware, Zero-Day attacks and advanced threats, Intego Web Shield blocks dangerous websites, phishing attacks, malicious downloads and installation of potentially unwanted programs. Use INTEGO Antivirus to remove detected threats from your computer. Read full review here. RESTORO provides a free scan that helps to identify hardware, security and stability issues and presents a comprehensive report which can help you to locate and fix detected issues manually. It is a great PC repair software to use after you remove malware with professional antivirus. The full version of software will fix detected issues and repair virus damage caused to your Windows OS files automatically. RESTORO uses AVIRA scanning engine to detect existing spyware and malware. If any are found, the software will eliminate them. Read full review here.

Method 1. Enter Safe Mode with Networking

Before you try to remove REPL ransomware virus, you must start your computer in Safe Mode with Networking. Below, we provide the easiest ways to boot PC in the said mode, but you can find additional ones in this in-depth tutorial on our website – How to Start Windows in Safe Mode. Also, if you prefer a video version of the tutorial, check our guide How to Start Windows in Safe Mode on Youtube. Instructions for Windows XP/Vista/7 users Instructions for Windows 8/8.1/10/11 users Now, you can search for and remove REPL ransomware files. It is very hard to identify files and registry keys that belong to the ransomware virus, Besides, malware creators tend to rename and change them repeatedly. Therefore, the easiest way to uninstall such type of a computer virus is to use a reliable security program such as INTEGO Antivirus. For virus damage repair, consider using RESTORO.

Method 2. Use System Restore

In order to use System Restore, you must have a system restore point, created either manually or automatically. Instructions for Windows XP/Vista/7 users Instructions for Windows 8/8.1/10/11 users After restoring the system, we recommend scanning the system with antivirus or anti-malware software. In most cases, there won’t be any malware remains, but it never hurts to double-check. In addition, we highly recommend checking ransomware prevention guidelines provided by our experts in order to protect your PC against similar viruses in the future.

Alternative software recommendations

Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Removing spyware and malware is one step towards cybersecurity. To protect yourself against ever-evolving threats, we strongly recommend purchasing a Premium version of Malwarebytes Anti-Malware, which provides security based on artificial intelligence and machine learning. Includes ransomware protection. See pricing options and protect yourself now.

System Mechanic Ultimate Defense If you’re looking for an all-in-one system maintenance suite that has 7 core components providing powerful real-time protection, on-demand malware removal, system optimization, data recovery, password manager, online privacy protection and secure driver wiping technology. Therefore, due to its wide-range of capabilities, System Mechanic Ultimate Defense deserves Geek’s Advice approval. Get it now for 50% off. You may also be interested in its full review.

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Decrypt REPL files

Fix and open large REPL files easily:

It is reported that STOP/DJVU ransomware versions encrypt only the beginning 150 KB of each file to ensure that the virus manages to affect all files on the system. In some cases, the malicious program might skip some files at all. That said, we recommend testing this method on several big (>1GB) files first.

STOP/DJVU decryption tool usage guide

STOP/DJVU ransomware versions are grouped into old and new variants. REPL ransomware is considered the new STOP/DJVU variant, just like BPTO, ISWR, ISZA, BPSM, ZOUU, MBTF, ZNSM (find full list here). This means full data decryption is now possible only if you have been affected by offline encryption key. To decrypt your files, you will have to download Emsisoft Decryptor for STOP DJVU, a tool created and maintained by a genius security researcher Michael Gillespie. Note! Please do not spam the security researcher with questions whether he can recover your files encrypted with online key - it is not possible. In order to test the tool and see if it can decrypt REPL files, follow the given tutorial.

Meanings of decryptor’s messages

The REPL decryption tool might display several different messages after failed attempt to restore your files. You might receive one of the following messages: Error: Unable to decrypt file with ID: [example ID] This message typically means that there is no corresponding decryption key in the decryptor’s database. No key for New Variant online ID: [example ID]Notice: this ID appears to be an online ID, decryption is impossible This message informs that your files were encrypted with online key, meaning no one else has the same encryption/decryption key pair, therefore data recovery without paying the criminals is impossible. Result: No key for new variant offline ID: [example ID]This ID appears to be an offline ID. Decryption may be possible in the future. If you were informed that an offline key was used, but files could not be restored, it means that the offline decryption key isn’t available yet. However, receiving this message is extremely good news, meaning that it might be possible to restore your REPL extension files in the future. It can take a few months until the decryption key gets found and uploaded to the decryptor. We recommend you to follow updates regarding the decryptable DJVU versions here. We strongly recommend backing up your encrypted data and waiting.

Victims of REPL ransomware should report the Internet crime incident to the official government fraud and scam website according to their country:

In the United States, go to the On Guard Online website.In Australia, go to the SCAMwatch website.In Germany, go to the Bundesamt für Sicherheit in der Informationstechnik website.In Ireland, go to the An Garda Síochána website.In New Zealand, go to the Consumer Affairs Scams website.In the United Kingdom, go to the Action Fraud website.In Canada, go to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.In India, go to Indian National Cybercrime Reporting Portal.In France, go to the Agence nationale de la sécurité des systèmes d’information.

If you can’t find an authority corresponding to your location on this list, we recommend using any search engine to look up “[your country name] report cyber crime”. This should lead you to the right authority website. We also recommend staying away from third-party crime report services that are often paid. It costs nothing to report Internet crime to official authorities. Another recommendation is to contact your country’s or region’s federal police or communications authority.