What is Udla ransomware

Udla ransomware is a generic file-encrypting malware from the notorious Djvu/STOP malware family. Once on a computer, the malware will encrypt your personal files and then demand that you pay for a way to recover them, aka a Udla ransomware decryptor. The malicious actors operating this malware family release new ransomware versions quite regularly, at least a couple of times a week. They are usually quite similar to one another but can be identified by the extensions they add to encrypted files. Files encrypted by Udla ransomware will have .udla added to them. Unfortunately, unless you have a backup, your files may be lost permanently.

 

 

Udla ransomware targets personal files, including photos, images, videos, documents, etc. All encrypted files will have .udla attached to them. For example, an encrypted image.jpg file would become image.jpg.udla. The extension indicates that files have been encrypted. You will, unfortunately, be unable to open them unless you first decrypt them. While the ransomware is encrypting files, it will show a fake Windows update window to distract you from what’s happening. Once the ransomware is done encrypting files, it will drop a _readme.txt ransom note. The note is practically identical to all other ones dropped by ransomware from this family. However, it does explain how to acquire the decryptor. It, unfortunately, involves paying $980 in ransom. The note does mention that those who make contact with the cybercriminals within the first 72 hours will get a 50% discount. Whether that is actually true or not is debatable. Nonetheless, paying the ransom is never recommended.

For users with no backup, file recovery will be quite difficult in this case. Malware researchers release free ransomware decryptors when possible in order to help ransomware victims. However, because this ransomware uses online keys to encrypt files, a free Udla ransomware decryptor is not very likely. That’s because online keys mean they’re unique to every user. And those keys are necessary in order to develop a decryptor. So unless they’re released by the cybercriminals operating this ransomware (or by law enforcement if they ever apprehend the cybercriminals), you may have to wait for a free Udla ransomware decryptor for a while.

When there is no backup, paying the ransom may seem like a good option at first. However, paying comes with risks that you need to be aware of. Most importantly, you are not guaranteed a decryptor even if you pay. Keep in mind that you are dealing with cybercriminals, and they’re not obligated to help you. Many ransomware victims have paid in the past but were not sent their decryptors. So while whether to pay or not is your decision, you need to know the risks.

If you do have a backup, remove Udla ransomware from your computer using anti-malware software and connect to your backup to start file recovery. We don’t recommend trying to delete Udla ransomware manually because you could cause additional damage. Using anti-malware software is much safer.

How to avoid picking up a malware infection

The best way to avoid picking up malware is to develop good online habits. If you open unsolicited email attachments, download copyrighted content using torrents, click on ads while browsing questionable sites, etc., you are much more likely to infect your computer with malware.

Email attachments are a very common way malware is spread, which is why it’s dangerous to open unsolicited email attachments without double-checking them. Malicious actors usually get email addresses from various hacker forums, where they end up on after data breaches and leaks. Malicious senders usually attempt to make the emails appear like they’re sent by legitimate senders but it’s often a very poor attempt. Oftentimes, the sender may claim that they’re from a company whose services you use. But if you were to look at the email closely, it would quite obviously look suspicious. One of the most obvious signs is grammar and spelling mistakes in emails that are supposed to be official correspondence. Mistakes look unprofessional but for whatever reason, malicious emails are usually full of them. Another thing to look out for is how an email addresses you. If the sender claims that you use their services and demands that you open the attachment, take note of how you’re addressed. Legitimate emails will always address you by name, while malicious ones will use generic words like “User”, “Customer”, “Member”, etc. because malicious senders do not know your name. You always need to be very careful with email attachments because some campaigns can be quite sophisticated. It’s also a good idea to scan all email attachments with anti-virus software or a service like VirusTotal.

Malware can also often be found in torrents. Torrent sites are often quite badly regulated, and this allows malicious actors to upload torrents with malware in them. Malware is usually found in torrents for popular content like movies, TV series, video games, software, etc. And while you probably already know this, using torrents to download copyrighted content is essentially stealing. So not only is pirating dangerous for your computer/data, but it’s also illegal.

Udla ransomware removal

Since ransomware is a very complex malware infection, we don’t recommend that you try to delete Udla ransomware from your computer manually. Unless you know exactly what you’re doing, you could end up causing additional damage to your computer. Furthermore, if you’re not careful, you might not fully remove the ransomware, which would allow it to recover later on. And if the ransomware was still present when you connect to your backup, your backed-up files would become encrypted as well. That could mean permanent file loss. So use anti-malware software to remove Udla ransomware, and only then connect to your backup.

If you don’t have a backup, your only chance of file recovery is waiting for a free decryptor. As we said, it’s not certain whether one will be released. But because you have nothing to lose, back up your encrypted files and wait for a free decryptor to become available. NoMoreRansom is a good source for decryptors.