Vfgj ransomware removal

If your files suddenly have .vfgj added to them, your computer is infected with Vfgj ransomware. Ransomware infections encrypt personal files and then demand a payment to decrypt them. This particular ransomware is part of the Djvu/STOP ransomware family and is one of the hundreds of versions released by this cybercrime gang. Unfortunately, Vfgj ransomware currently does not have a free decryptor. Thus, unless you have copies of your files in a backup, you may not be able to recover your files. The cybercriminals operating this ransomware will try to sell you the decryptor for $980 but paying is not recommended for various reasons.

 

 

Vfgj ransomware is more or less identical to Fhkf, Nqhd, Dehd, Vgkf, and many more. They’re all part of the same Djvu/STOP ransomware family. Vfgj ransomware will target all personal files, including images, photos, videos, documents, etc. All encrypted files will have .vfgj added to them. For example, an encrypted image.jpg file would become image.jpg.vfgj. You will not be able to open any of the files with these extensions unless you first use a decryptor on them. But the only people who have the decryptor are the cybercriminals operating this ransomware. And they will not just give it to you for free.

When the ransomware is encrypting files, it shows a fake Windows update window. Once it’s done, it will drop the generic _readme.txt ransom note, and it’s identical to the ones dropped by other ransomware from this family. The note explains that in order to decrypt files, it’s necessary to buy the decryptor. The cybercriminals operating this ransomware are demanding $980 for the decryptor, though there supposedly is a 50% discount for those who make contact within the first 72 hours. Whether that is actually true or not is debatable but paying is still not recommended. We remind you that you are dealing with cybercriminals and there are no guarantees that you will be sent a decryptor. Many victims in the past have not received their decryptors, despite paying.

If you do not have a backup, your file recovery options are quite limited. Your only option may be to wait for a free decryptor to become available. Releasing one may be difficult for malware specialists because Vfgj ransomware uses online keys to encrypt files. That means that each victim has a unique encryption key, and unless those keys are released, it would be difficult to create an unversal decryptor that actually works. There is a free decryptor for Djvu/STOP by Emsisoft but it will not work on Vfgj ransomware or any other version released after 2019 because that’s when the ransomware started using online keys to encrypt files. Nonetheless, it’s not unheard of for cybercriminals to release the keys or decryptors when they decide to close up shop. So back up your encrypted files and wait for a free decryptor. NoMoreRansom is a good source for free decryptors.

If you have copies of files in a backup, we feel it’s necessary to warn you that before you can start file recovery, you need to remove Vfgj ransomware from your computer. Make sure to use anti-virus software for this because that’s the safest way. And keep in mind that if you connect to your backup while the ransomware is still installed, your backed-up files would become encrypted as well.

Most common ransomware distribution ways

Like most malware, ransomware is distributed via email attachments, torrents, malicious ads, etc. Infections usually happen because of users’ bad browsing habits so developing better ones can often help avoid malware.

Users who torrent copyrighted content are at a much higher risk of picking up malware than those who do not. Torrent sites are quite badly moderated, and that allows cybercriminals to upload malicious torrents disguised as torrents for movies, TV shows, video games, software, etc. If users don’t know how to recognize malicious torrents, it’s very easy to fall for this. This is one of the reasons why torrenting is not a good idea. The other reason is that’s it’s essentially stealing content.

Malicious spam emails, or malspam in short, is another common way cybercriminals distribute their malware. Malicious actors purchase email addresses from hacker forums and send emails with malicious attachments to them. It’s quite a low-effort method for cybercriminals and it’s still effective. Generic malspam emails are usually quite easy to recognize as long as users know what to look for. One of the most obvious signs is grammar and spelling mistakes. The emails are supposed to look like they are sent by companies whose services users use but it becomes quite obvious that they’re fake when they’re full of grammar/spelling errors. Another thing that makes such emails quite obvious is generic words like “User”, “Member”, “Customer”, etc., used to address users. When you are sent an email from a company whose services you use, you will always be addressed by your name because it would look unprofessional otherwise. Always be very cautious when dealing with unsolicited emails with attachments because malware is quite common. We also recommend scanning all unsolicited email attachments with anti-virus software or VirusTotal.

Vfgj ransomware removal

When it comes to ransomware, it’s always recommended to use anti-malware software. These kinds of infections are very complex and difficult to get rid of, so when trying to delete Vfgj ransomware, use a reliable anti-malware program. Otherwise, you may cause additional damage, or not fully remove the threat. If the ransomware is still present when you connect to your backup, the files in the backup could become encrypted as well. Only when you are sure ransomware is no longer present on your computer should you access your backup.

If you do not have a backup, we recommend you back up your encrypted files and wait for a free decryptor to be released. Even if a decryptor is not currently available, it could be released in the future. However, for malware researchers to be able to release a decryptor, the encryption keys would need to be released. The cybercriminals themselves may release them if they decide to close up shop. Or law enforcement may catch the cybercriminals and release a decryptor.