Unfortunately, file encryption is not the only damage this malicious ransomware does to the system. VVOA ransomware also installs AZORULT malware on the system, which is known for its password-stealing capabilities. In this guide, we will explain modus operandi of this ransomware, its removal and how to decrypt .vvoa files.

Why your files were encrypted: the ransom note explanation

VVOA virus sneaks into the system along illegal software cracking tools mainly. Once inside the system, it uses RSA cryptography to maliciously modify victim’s files. Such modification, or, in other words, data encryption, is made to restrict victim’s access to personal files. That said, the virus takes your private files hostage and demands paying a ransom for data decryption. It explains the cyber criminals demands in _readme.txt notes that are dropped all over the computer system so that the victim would notice their presence everywhere. The note explains that all files, such as documents, photos, videos and archives have been encrypted. To get further instructions how to decrypt these files, the victim is asked to write to provided emails – helpmanager@mail.ch, restoremanager@airmail.cc and include the personal ID written in the ransom note. The criminals warn that the ransom price will increase in case the victim won’t contact them within 72 hours from the infection timestamp. In such scenario, the ransom price will be $980 instead of $980. Needless to say, the criminals demand receiving this sum in cryptocurrency, as such transactions help to perceive their anonymity. It is never recommended to pay a ransom. This can have worse consequences than the ones you are already facing – in addition to loss of memories, work files, or other important documents, you will also lose money and become a potential future attack target for the criminals. In addition, we do not recommend paying the ransom because it funds cybercrime industry and keeps development of malware going. To remove VVOA ransomware from your computer securely, use a trustworthy malware removal software, such as SYSTEM MECHANIC ULTIMATE DEFENSE , a well-reviewed malware removal, PC repair and maintenance software. Ransomware is the most widespread cyber threat nowadays, as it helps cybercriminals to virtually extort computer users. With the appearance of ransomware-as-a-service model, now the hackers can employ even people who are not tech-savvy to distribute malware worldwide. Examples of STOP/DJVU, DHARMA, ELVIS and other viruses prove that crypto-malware is an ever growing and evolving threat to virtual community.

Ransomware distribution tricks

Ransomware distribution relies on a couple of popular techniques. The first one is widely known by computer users, yet often chosen to be ignored – it is the malicious online downloads, also known as software cracking tools. Computer users often head to various torrent websites when in need of premium software version activation tools or a recently released movie. Unfortunately, attempts to obtain copyrighted and paid content for free comes with a risk of malware infections. Cybercriminals are well-aware of computer users’ desire to get things for free. Consequently, they set up “bait” – popular software cracks filled with ransomware executables. This technique is extremely successful because when opening cracks or keygens, users often choose to ignore the antivirus’ warnings and proceed further. This, consequently, paves a way for a interference-free file encryption process. Another popular method to spread malware is by disguising it as a secure-looking email attachment. The criminals target home users as well as successful businesses by sending fake invoices, business proposals, shipment tracking numbers, and similar content. They expect the victim to open the attached file, which often contains malicious script that downloads the ransomware payload from an external source and executes it on the victim’s computer. You can see some examples of malicious emails below. Make sure you never open attached files to emails you never expected to receive! Do not let your curiosity trick you into infecting your computer system unknowingly.

How to remove VVOA ransomware virus from your PC

VVOA ransomware removal is a matter of utmost importance at the moment. It is essential to eliminate ransomware from your system so you can start recovering your files safely. For this matter, we recommend following the instructions provided below. Use them and you won’t need to take your computer to technician anytime soon. If you wish to remove VVOA file virus quickly, we strongly recommend using automatic malware removal tool. Additionally, we advise scanning with SYSTEM MECHANIC ULTIMATE DEFENSE to eliminate virus damage caused for the system. 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 VVOA 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 VVOA 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 VVOA files

Fix and open large VVOA 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. VVOA 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 VVOA files, follow the given tutorial.

Meanings of decryptor’s messages

The VVOA 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 VVOA 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 VVOA 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.