Contained in them are notifications informing the victim about what has taken place and why they would have to pay a particular amount of money as ransom fee so they could be given decryption tools that would enable them to retrieve their encrypted files. To facilitate further discussions between them, they would suggest that the victim could reach them using any of these emails: support@bestyourmail.ch and supportsys@airmail.cc. Just like with the other STOP/DJVU ransomware versions in the series, the aim of this virus’ operators is to use it as a tool to extort ransom fees from those who would fall victim to it. To infect as many computers as possible, they clone popular software contents and embed malware in them before uploading them on malicious online torrent platforms. Alternatively, they also attach them to emails and distribute to random email addresses.
The cybercriminals suggest contacting them sooner to get a discount
If the victim decides to email the ransomware operators, they would respond by stating the exact amount that has to be paid as ransom fee, which they usually put at $980 but they would also say that should the victim agree to pay within 72 hours of getting their go-ahead order. To complicate matters for the victim, the crooks would insist that payment must be made with crypto whereby the exact ransom fee would have to be converted to crypto and transferred to a wallet address to be made available by them. The obvious reason why they don’t accept another conventional mode of payment is that they could be trailed and arrested. Whatever the case, victims of a ransomware attack should never respond to cybercriminals’ demands. It is best to ignore them and independently seek for ways to overcome the challenge. The FBI, as well as other reputable security organizations, unanimously support this idea, and below are some of the reasons given by them:
Any form of ransom payment is considered unlawful and should never be encouraged.When you pay ransom to cybercriminals, you’re only encouraging them to continue in their criminal activities.Their promise to make decryption tools available after receiving payment is only a gimmick because they keep to it.When you refuse to pay the ransom, they will move on, but those that pay the ransom will also be extorted again in the future because cybercriminals are greedy.The more money they can extort from victims, the more they can expand their operations, so don’t indulge them.
Victims should secure their computers as soon as possible
Although VVEO ransomware virus is a threat that should be avoided, there is another less known but equally dangerous malware that often accompanies it. They’re known as RAT, which stands for Remote Access Trojan, and is primarily used in covertly obtaining vital personal information that may include banking details, passwords, software login details, and cryptocurrency wallets among others. When cybercriminals steal such sensitive information without the owner being aware, they would use it to commit further criminal acts. This is one of the major reasons why victims should remove VVEO ransomware virus as soon as it is observed on a computer. Logging into the infected computer using the Safe Mode with Networking option is the recommended way to set up the computer before applying antivirus software. Afterward, our team recommends downloading RESTORO, a tool that can help to repair virus damage to Windows OS files
Ransomware Summary
REPAIR VIRUS DAMAGE You can see a screenshot of a compromised data folder down below.
Safety Measures That Need To Be Taken In Order To Avoid VVEO Ransomware Virus
Computer systems are always at risk of being infected, and that is why it is very important to take proactive measures in order to protect it. Do not download needed software contents from online torrent platforms; instead, obtain it from websites of the copyright owners or their affiliates. Also avoid p2p sharing methods or plugging of random external storage devices like flash drives. Opening of emails as well as attachments from unknown sources should be avoided. These are some of the primary risk factors you should be wary of. Because of awareness being created on how to prevent ransomware virus, cybercriminals now resort to deceptive means in spreading it further. The use of cloned (and malware embedded) software copies of popular brands have consistently remained their top choice. The list below contains some of the software contents they usually clone and embed with ransomware:
Corel Draw;Adobe Photoshop;VMware Workstation;Adobe Illustrator;Adobe Premiere Pro;Fifa 20;Cubase;Tenorshare 4ukey;League of Legends;AutoCad;Internet Download Manager.
On the face value, it may seem cheap to use alternative but illegal means such as online torrent platforms and P2P, among others, to obtain needed software contents. However, aside the moral inhibitions of stealing other people’s contents, you will also be putting your computer at significant risk of ransomware attack which could end up costing you a lot more (in terms of ransom fees, lost data and time) than you would have spent in obtaining it legally. Therefore, you’re better off doing the right thing by going to the official pages of the genuine content producers to pay their asking price so you can use it without any risk attached. Also note that cybercriminals make use of files that enable macro functions such as DOCX, PDF or XLS etc. These files were configured to have such features for genuine reasons, but online rogues decided to exploit it for their own criminal activities. What makes it even more dangerous is the fact that there is hardly any viable means that can be used to reverse STOP/DJVU ransomware encryptions. That is why it is best to avoid getting infected in the first place. Even the sites that claim to have solutions for it are mostly fraudulent and intend to scam the victim further. Records have shown that only Emsisoft and DiskTuna are the two data decryption/reparation solutions that work.
Effective Way to Remove VVEO Ransomware Virus
The effective way you can get rid of VVEO ransomware virus is to set up the infected PC using the option of Safe Mode with Networking booting process before activating an antivirus on it. It is very important to make use of only genuine antivirus otherwise you will not get optimal results. Having successfully gotten rid of the VVEO ransomware virus, it is time to do the following:
Restore lost files using any available backup device.Engage with the local police or other relevant authorities and explain to them.All passwords used on the infected computer should be replaced ASAP.
Lastly, the most assured way of staying safe is to ensure your computer doesn’t get infected by taking precautionary measures, as enumerated in this article. 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 VVEO 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 VVEO 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
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.
Disclaimer. This site includes affiliate links. We may earn a small commission by recommending certain products, at no additional cost for you. We only choose quality software and services to recommend.
Decrypt VVEO files
Fix and open large VVEO 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. VVEO 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 VVEO files, follow the given tutorial.
Meanings of decryptor’s messages
The VVEO 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 VVEO 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.
Report Internet crime to legal departments
Victims of VVEO 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.