UIHJ ransomware virus uses encryption algorithms to render victim’s files useless. What this means is that once locked, these files become impossible to open, view, or modify. The damage can only be reversed with the help of a decryption key and software which is kept by the cybercriminals. Therefore, they leave their offer for the victim in ransom notes called _readme.txt which the virus saves in every affected data folder.

Contents of the ransom note

The cybercriminals provide the conditions affecting the purchase of data decryption tool in _readme.txt files left throughout the computer system. These notes specify that the affected computer user can still recover all files, but in order to do it, one has to pay a ransom for cybercriminals. The note instructs the victim to contact the attackers via provided emails (admin@helpdata.top and supportsys@airmail.cc) and ask for instructions how to pay the ransom. They also recommend attaching one encrypted file to the email to “test the decryption tool” as the criminals promise to reply and send a decrypted file version back. The note also says that the sooner the computer user writes to the attackers, the better – if this is done within 72 hours, the criminals may be willing to provide a 50% discount on the ransom amount. In such case, UIHJ decryption tool may be released for $490 instead of the full amount which is $980. However, the victim will soon find out that the cybercriminals only accept cryptocurrency as a form of payment. Therefore, they may assist the victims in finding online cryptocurrency exchange platforms and instruct how to transfer the purchased amount in Bitcoins to them. The cybercriminals do not want to be tracked down by FBI and that is the reason why they resort to using blockchain-based payments. However, please remember that FBI advises ransomware victims to refrain from making payments to virtual criminals and that it doesn’t guarantee data recovery. Moreover, keep in mind that the crooks might try to target you again and again to extort even more money from you.

Beware of Trojans that accompany this ransomware

After analysing malware samples submitted to online malware analysis platforms, we have discovered that STOP/DJVU variants like UIHJ virus tend to spread VIDAR or AZORULT malware. In other words, if you’re infected with the described ransomware, it is most likely that your computer is also contaminated with these information-stealing Trojans at the same time. The types of information these threats are capable of extracting and stealing include computer’s software and hardware information, browser-saved passwords, browsing history and cookies and other sensitive data. Needless to say, there are countless ways that threat actors could use this information to blackmail the computer user. To remove UIHJ ransomware virus and secure your computer, we recommend following advice provided by our team. First, we suggest booting your computer in Safe Mode with Networking. Then run an antivirus software of your choice. As a bonus step, you may want to download RESTORO. This tool is useful when it comes to repairing virus-damaged Windows OS files.

Ransomware Summary

REPAIR VIRUS DAMAGE The screenshot below depicts a data folder containing files affected by this ransomware variant.

Typical ransomware distribution methods

When it comes to ransomware distribution, cybercriminals rely on phishing and social engineering to bait potential victims. In order to prevent these attacks, a good rule of a thumb is to be careful where you click online. That said, we will discuss the most common ransomware distribution channels. The most common ransomware distribution method used by STOP/DJVU operators is illegal downloads uploaded to various online sites. These downloads are usually pirated software versions that are presented as “100% working full and free” versions of popular software. Unfortunately, instead of magically activating paid software for free, the setup file launches the ransomware which then encrypts all files on the target system. Another distribution scheme used by cybercriminals is malicious email spam. The criminals compose documents including malicious scripts and name these as regular documents, for instance, invoices, order details, waybills and so on. Then these deceptive files are attached to emails and sent to potential victims. If the victim opens the attachment out of curiosity, the whole computer system gets compromised. Finally, the crooks may tend to push the ransomware in disguise of a fake software update tools, file decryption software or bundled with another freeware uploaded to rogue online sites. For this reason, we recommend you to stay cautious when browsing online and avoid clicking on suspicious download links. Moreover, it is important to keep your computer protected with a robust antivirus at all times to block malicious files from reaching your computer system.

Remove UIHJ Ransomware Virus and Recover Your Files

The guidelines presented below explain how to remove UIHJ ransomware virus with ease. All that it takes is booting your computer in a proper mode and then running an automatic malware removal tool to detect malicious components and remove them. Next, we advise downloading RESTORO to repair virus damage on Windows OS files. Once UIHJ virus removal is finalized, please consider changing all of the passwords used on the compromised machine. In addition, you may want to report the cybercrime incident to local law enforcement agency. 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 UIHJ Ransomware Virus 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 UIHJ Ransomware Virus 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

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Decrypt UIHJ files

Fix and open large UIHJ 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. UIHJ Ransomware Virus 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 UIHJ files, follow the given tutorial.

Meanings of decryptor’s messages

The UIHJ 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 UIHJ 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 UIHJ Ransomware Virus 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.