🛑 What is Ransomware?
Ransomware is a type of malware that encrypts your files and demands a ransom (usually in cryptocurrency like Bitcoin) for decryption. If your device is infected, immediate action is crucial.
How to Decrypt Ransomware-Infected Files?
🔓 Option 1: Use NoMoreRansom.org
- Visit No More Ransom.
- Search for your ransomware variant or upload an encrypted file.
- Download and run the decryption tool provided.
🔓 Option 2: Join the ‘Ransomware Killers’ Facebook Group
This group provides regular updates on ransomware solutions. Follow their latest advice
Immediate Actions After Infection
✔ Step 1: Remove the Virus from Your System
- Download Malwarebytes to eliminate ransomware.
- If removal fails, consider reinstalling Windows to prevent further encryption.
✔ Step 2: Change All Passwords
- Ransomware often steals saved credentials—update your passwords immediately.
✔ Step 3: Determine if Your Encryption is Online or Offline
- Find your ID in the “ReadMe” file or at
C:\SystemID. - If your ID ends in
t1, it is offline encryption, which may be decryptable. - Online encryption is nearly impossible to crack unless law enforcement recovers the keys.
Recovering Partially Encrypted Files
🛠 1. Restore Partially Encrypted Documents
- Upload Excel, RAR, DWG, or SQL files for data extraction if they are at least 400KB.
🎥 2. Repair Encrypted Videos & Audio
- Use DiskTuna if you have a reference video recorded with the same camera settings.
📄 3. Fix Damaged PDFs
- Try iLovePDF Repair for partial recovery.
🖼 4. Recover Corrupted Images
- New tools are available for image restoration. Check this post.
📂 5. Extract Data from Large ZIP/RAR Files
- Open WinRAR, click Repair, and rebuild the archive.
📧 6. Restore Outlook PST Files
- Use Outlook’s built-in repair tool or seek remote support.
Advanced Recovery Methods
💾 Try Free Data Recovery Software:
💻 Premium Recovery Tools (Trial Available):
- Disk Drill, Stellar Data Recovery, EaseUS Data Recovery
Last Resort: Paying the Ransom?
💰 Some victims of STOP Djvu ransomware have successfully received decryption keys after payment. However, paying criminals is not recommended unless absolutely necessary.
🔑 Offline Encryption Decryption Tool
- Download the latest Emsisoft STOP Djvu Decryptor and check every two weeks for updates.
Final Thoughts
Dealing with ransomware is challenging, but the right tools and strategies can help recover your data. Stay proactive, back up your files regularly, and strengthen your cybersecurity defenses to prevent future attacks.