Miia ransomware removal

Miia ransomware is a generic file-encrypting malware from the notorious Djvu/STOP ransomware family. It’s essentially identical to all other versions but you can identify it by the .miia extension it adds to encrypted files. You will not be able to open files with that extension because they have been encrypted. The only way to decrypt them is to use the special decryptor. However, the only people in possession of it are the cybercriminals operating this ransomware. And they will not give it to you for free.

 

 

The Djvu/STOP cyber gang has been releasing ransomware on a regular basis, with hundreds already affecting users. Miia ransomware is one of the more recent ones but it’s mostly identical to other versions like Loov, Nnqp, Hudf, Shgv, and many more. They look and behave similarly but you can differentiate between the versions by the extensions they add to encrypted files. Files encrypted by Miia ransomware will have .miia added to them. For example, image.jpg would become image.jpg.miia. Most of your personal files will have this extension because ransomware targets photos, videos, images, documents, etc. Those files will remain unopenable until you run them through a special decryptor.

The way you can obtain the decryptor is explained in the _readme.txt ransom note that the ransomware drops when all targeted files are encrypted. You will find the note in all folders containing encrypted files. The note explains that you need to pay the ransom in order to get the decryptor. According to the note, the ransom amount depends on how quickly you make contact. The regular price is $980 but a 50% discount will be applied to those who contact the malware operators within the first 72 hours. Whether or not they actually give the discount, we don’t recommend paying. Paying is your decision but you should be aware of the risks. Keep in mind that you will not necessarily get the decryptor after paying. The people operating this ransomware are cybercriminals, and there are no guarantees that you will actually get the decryptor after paying. There’s nothing stopping them from simply taking the money and not sending anything in return. Furthermore, as long as victims pay the ransom, ransomware will continue to thrive.

The only reliable way of recovering files is from backup. If you have copies of files in your backup, you should have no issue with file recovery. However, before you actually access your backup, you need to fully remove Miia ransomware from your computer. If the ransomware is still present when you connect to your backup, your backed-up files would become encrypted as well. So before you do anything, use anti-virus software to delete Miia ransomware.

If you don’t have a backup, your only chance of recovering files is to wait for a free decryptor. You will not find one at this moment in time but it could be released in the future. While you wait, we recommend backing up the encrypted files and storing them until you get the chance to decrypt them. You should also be careful when looking for decryptors because there are many fake ones.

How is ransomware distributed?

Malspam or malicious spam is a very common way cybercriminals try to distribute malware. It’s relatively low-effort for them. They purchase thousands of email addresses from various hacker forums and then use them to spread their malware. In most cases, because the malicious emails are very generic, they’re easy to recognize. Typically, the email addresses you in generic terms like “User”, “Member”, “Customer” and explains in broken English that you need to open the attached file because it’s an important document. Senders often pretend to be from companies whose services users may use in order to increase the chances of them opening the attached files. Keep in mind that legitimate emails from companies whose services you actually use will always address you by your name, not generic terms. Furthermore, there will be no grammar or spelling mistakes in legitimate emails. So if you notice something unusual in an email that has an attachment, you should be extra careful.

Some malspam campaigns are more sophisticated than others. If cybercriminals know certain information about a potential victim, the attempt would be more believable. For example, something as simple as addressing someone by their name can cause them to lower their guard. Thus, it’s highly recommended that you scan all unsolicited email attachments with anti-virus software or VirusTotal before opening them.

Torrents are also a very common method of malware distribution. Malicious actors take advantage of poorly regulated torrent websites and upload torrents for popular content with malware in them. Usually, you can find malware in torrents for movies, TV series, video games, software, etc. The more popular something is, the more likely malware will be found in its torrents. So not only is downloading copyrighted content for free essentially stealing, it’s also dangerous for your computer, as well as your data.

Miia ransomware removal

First, we should warn you that you should not try to access your backup while ransomware is still present on your computer. This would likely lead to backed-up files becoming encrypted as well. Thus, it’s very important that you use reliable anti-virus software to remove Miia ransomware from your computer. Do not attempt to delete Miia ransomware manually because it’s a complicated malware infection that’s not easy to get rid of.

Unfortunately for those who do not have copies of files in a backup, file recovery is not a guarantee. There currently is no free Miia ransomware decryptor available, though that may change in the future. You can find a free Djvu/STOP decryptor released by Emsisoft but it will have no effect on files encrypted by Miia ransomware because it uses online keys to encrypt files. That means that the keys are unique to each victim. And without those keys, a universal decryptor is not likely to be released. However, it’s not impossible that those keys will eventually become available. Thus, we recommend backing up the encrypted files and waiting for a free decryptor. Be careful when looking for a Miia ransomware decryptor because there are many fakes ones. NoMoreRansom is a good source for a decryptor.