How to remove STOP Ransomware and decrypt .djvu, .udjvu or .blower files

What is STOP Ransomware

Update, February 2019: STOP Ransomware started adding new extension .blower and creating slightly modified ransom note with new name: _readme.txt.

Update, January 2019: Developers of STOP Ransomware (.djvu variation) started to add random letters to “djvu” base, creating new extensions and confusing ransomware identifying services. At the moment following extensions are used: .djvu, .udjvu, .djvuu, .uudjvu, .djvuq, .djvup, .djvus, .djvur, .djvut, .djuvq. Instructions below apply to all extensions in the list.

STOP Ransomware is file-encrypting ransomware-type virus, that encrypts user files using AES (режим CFB) encryption algorithm. DJVU Ransomware is identified as variation of STOP Ransomware. Virus appends .djvu, .udjvu or .blower extension to encrypted files, what can embarrass some users, as this is popular file format for e-books and storing scanned documents. When encryption is finished DJVU Ransomware places _openme.txt text file with following content in the folders with affected files and on the desktop:

Hackers offer following e-mails for contact: helpshadow@india.com and helpshadow@firemail.cc, restoredjvu@india.com or restoredjvu@firemail.cc. Malefactors demand ransom in exchange for the decoder. To, somehow, “encourage” users to pay the ransom, they offer decryption of 1 file for free and 50% discount, if ransom is paid within 72 hours. We do not recommend you to pay any money to the authors of the ransomware. You can put your credentials at risk, and there are absolutely no guarantee, that you will receive decryption tool. Antivirus company and individual security experts are already working on breaking the encryption of DJVU Ransomware, and there is always a possibility, that free decryptor will be released. If you need your files urgently, you can try methods described below and file recovery software. Usually some files can be retrieved such way. Follow instructions below to remove DJVU Ransomware and decrypt .djvu, .udjvu or .blower files in Windows 10, Windows 8 and Windows 7.

How STOP Ransomware infected your PC

DJVU Ransomware virus is propagated via spam attack with malicious e-mail attachments and by manual PC hacking. Can be distributed by hacking through an unprotected RDP configuration, fraudulent downloads, exploits, web injections, fake updates, repackaged and infected installers. Virus assigns certain ID with the victims, that is used to name those files and supposedly to send decryption key. In order to prevent infection with this type of threats in future we recommend you to use SpyHunter 5 or Norton Antivirus.

1. Download STOP Ransomware Removal Tool
2. Get decryption tool for .djvu, .udjvu or .blower files
3. Recover encrypted files with Stellar Data Recovery Professional
4. Restore encrypted files with Windows Previous Versions
5. Restore files with Shadow Explorer
6. How to protect from threats like STOP Ransomware

How STOP Ransomware infected your PC

Malicious software created using the STOP virus gets four files when it enters a computer. One of them provokes the appearance of a fake message about Windows system updates. In this way, it lulls the user’s alertness. Cybercriminals do not name the cost of decryption, but promise to make a discount if the user in the near future turns to them for help.

It uses rdpclip.exe to replace a legal Windows file and to launch an attack on a computer network. After encrypting the files, the encrypter is deleted using the delself.bat command file. STOP Ransomware virus is propagated via spam attack with malicious e-mail attachments and using manual PC hacking. It can be distributed by hacking through an unprotected RDP configuration, fraudulent downloads, exploits, web injections, fake updates, repackaged and infected installers. Virus assigns certain ID with the victims, that is used to name those files and supposedly to send decryption key. Great tools to protect against STOP Ransomware are: Emsisoft Anti-Malware and Malwarebytes Anti-Malware.

How to remove STOP Ransomware manually

It is not recommended to remove STOP Ransomware manually, for safer solution use Removal Tools instead.

STOP Ransomware files:

_readme.txt
rdpclip.exe
delself.bat
{randomname}.exe

STOP Ransomware registry keys:

no information

How to decrypt and restore .djvu, .udjvu or .blower files

Use automated decryptors

Download STOP Djvu Decryptor from EmsiSoft (.djvu, .udjvu or .blower variations)

IMPORTANT: Read this detailed guide on using STOP Djvu Decryptor to avoid file corruption and time wasting.

STOP Djvu Decryptor is able to decrypt .djvu, .udjvu or .blower files, encrypted by STOP Ransomware. This tool was developed by EmsiSoft. It works in automatic mode, but in most cases works only for files encrypted with offline keys. Download it here:

Download STOP Djvu Decryptor

Dr.Web Rescue Pack

Famous antivirus vendor Dr. Web provides free decryption service for the owners of its products: Dr.Web Security Space or Dr.Web Enterprise Security Suite. Other users can ask for help in the decryption of .djvu, .udjvu or .blower files by uploading samples to Dr. Web Ransomware Decryption Service. Analyzing of files will be performed free of charge and if files are decryptable, all you need to do is purchase 2-year license of Dr.Web Security Space worth $120 or less. Otherwise, you don’t have to pay.

If you are infected with STOP Ransomware and removed it from your computer, you can try decrypting your files. Antivirus vendors and individuals create free decryptors for some crypto-lockers. To attempt to decrypt them manually you can do the following:

Use Stellar Data Recovery Professional to restore .djvu, .udjvu or .blower files

1. Download Stellar Data Recovery Professional.
2. Click Recover Data button.
3. Select type of files you want to restore and click Next button.
4. Choose location where you would like to restore files from and click Scan button.
5. Preview found files, choose ones you will restore and click Recover.

Download Stellar Data Recovery Professional

Using Windows Previous Versions option:

1. Right-click on infected file and choose Properties.
2. Select Previous Versions tab.
3. Choose particular version of the file and click Copy.
4. To restore the selected file and replace the existing one, click on the Restore button.
5. In case there is no items in the list choose alternative method.

Using Shadow Explorer:

1. Download Shadow Explorer program.
2. Run it and you will see screen listing of all the drives and the dates that shadow copy was created.
3. Select the drive and date that you want to restore from.
4. Right-click on a folder name and select Export.
5. In case there are no other dates in the list, choose alternative method.

If you are using Dropbox:

1. Login to the DropBox website and go to the folder that contains encrypted files.
2. Right-click on the encrypted file and select Previous Versions.
3. Select the version of the file you wish to restore and click on the Restore button.

How to protect computer from viruses like STOP Ransomware in future

1. Get special anti-ransomware software

Use ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware

Famous antivirus vendor BitDefender released a free tool, that will help you with active anti-ransomware protection, as an additional shield to your current protection. It will not conflict with bigger security applications. If you are searching complete internet security solution consider upgrading to full version of BitDefender Internet Security 2018.

Download ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware

2. Back up your files

As an additional way to save your files, we recommend online backup. Local storages, such as hard drives, SSDs, flash drives or remote network storages can be instantly infected by the virus once plugged in or connected to. STOP Ransomware uses some techniques to exploit this. One of the best services and programs for easy automatic online backup is iDrive. It has the most profitable terms and simple interface. You can read more about iDrive cloud backup and storage here.

3. Do not open spam e-mails and protect your mailbox

Malicious attachments to spam or phishing e-mails are the most popular method of ransomware distribution. Using spam filters and creating anti-spam rules is good practice. One of the world leaders in anti-spam protection is MailWasher Pro. It works with various desktop applications and provides a very high level of anti-spam protection.

Download MailWasher Pro