Avyu ransomware removal

Avyu ransomware is file-encrypting malware from the notorious Djvu/STOP malware family. It encrypts files, essentially taking them hostage, and then demands that you pay money to get them back. The ransomware adds .avyu to encrypted files so you will know which files have been affected. These extensions also allow victims to identify which ransomware specifically they are dealing with. Knowing which ransomware it is can help victims find out whether there is a free decryptor available. Unfortunately, there currently is no free Avyu ransomware decryptor available. The only people who have it are the ones operating this ransomware, and they will not just give it away. Instead, they will try to sell it for $980. And even then, the decryptor is not guaranteed.

 

 

The developers of this ransomware are responsible for releasing hundreds of ransomware, including Maiv, Qqqe, Yoqs, and Qqqw. Avyu ransomware is one of the more recently released ones, but they are all more or less similar. You can identify which ransomware version you are dealing with by the extension added to your encrypted files. This one adds .avyu. All of your personal files, including photos, videos, images, documents, will have this extension. For example, text.txt would become text.txt.avyu. None of the files that have this extension will be openable unless you first use a special decryptor on them. Though obtaining it may be difficult since it’s in the possession of cybercriminals. The process of buying it from them is explained in the ransom note.

You may notice that while it’s encrypting files, the ransomware displays a fake Windows update window. It’s likely supposed to distract victims from what’s happening. Once file encryption is done, there will be a ransom note (_readme.txt) dropped in all folders that contain encrypted files. The note explains how you can get the decryptor. Unfortunately, it involves paying a ransom. The cybercriminals operating this ransomware are selling it for $980. Supposedly, if victims contact them within the first 72 hours, they will receive a 50% discount. Furthermore, users can send one file to be decrypted, provided it does not contain any important information. But before you decide to pay, you should know that the decryptor is not guaranteed. You are dealing with cybercriminals, and what is there to guarantee that you will get the decryptor. There have been victims in the past who did not receive their decryptors. So while it’s your decision to make, you should be aware of the risks.

If you have copies of files in a backup, there should be no issues with recovering them. However, you do need to make sure to fully remove Avyu ransomware from your computer because if it’s still present when you connect to your backup, the backed-up files would become encrypted as well. It’s strongly recommended that you use anti-virus software to delete Avyu ransomware from the computer because you will then be sure that it’s completely gone. Manual removal is not a good idea unless you are absolutely sure about what you’re doing.

File recovery will be much more difficult, if not impossible if you do not have a backup. Your only option, besides paying the ransom, is to wait for a free decryptor. But it’s not always possible for malware researchers to develop one. When ransomware (e.g. Avyu ransomware) uses online keys to encrypt files, the keys are unique to each user. Unless those keys are released, creating a working universal decryptor can be very difficult. Emsisoft does have a free Djvu/STOP decryptor but it will only work if your files have been encrypted with an offline key that Emsisoft has. It’s unlikely that it will work but it’s worth a try. You should also back up the encrypted files and store them somewhere safe, in case a free Avyu ransomware does become available. You can check NoMoreRansom, as it’s a safe site for ransomware decryptors.

How does ransomware infect computers?

If you use torrents to pirate copyrighted content, it’s very likely that you will encounter malware sooner or later. Many torrent sites are poorly regulated, which allows malicious actors to upload malware disguised as torrents for some kind of popular movie, TV series, video game, software, etc. So not only is pirating copyrighted content essentially stealing, but it’s also dangerous for the computer and data.

In addition to torrents, malicious emails are also a common way users pick up malware. If you receive an email with a malicious attachment, your email address has been leaked in the past. Malicious actors purchase email addresses from various hacker forums where they end up after being part of data breaches. There’s not much you can do besides be very careful about emails with attachments. Fortunately for you, malicious emails are usually quite obvious. First of all, they are full of grammar and spelling mistakes. The emails are supposed to look like they’re sent from companies whose services users use but it immediately becomes obvious that they’re not legitimate if they’re full of grammar/spelling mistakes. Another noticeable sign is how an email addresses users. Emails from legitimate companies whose services users use will always address users with their names. If generic terms (Member, User, Customer, etc.) are used by someone who should know your name, it may be a sign of a scam or malicious email.

It’s worth mentioning that some malicious spam campaigns can be more sophisticated. We strongly recommend that before you open unsolicited email attachments, you always scan them with anti-virus software or VirusTotal. By doing this, you will ensure that you’re not opening anything malicious.

Avyu ransomware removal

Keep in mind that ransomware is a very complex malware infection so it’s not a good idea to try to remove Avyu ransomware manually. Instead, you should use anti-malware software. The program would take care of everything, and it would be safe to connect to backup to start recovering files. If you try to do everything manually, you might accidentally leave some parts of the ransomware, which could allow it to recover later on. And if the ransomware is still present when you try to access your backup, your backed-up files would become encrypted.