Contents
AAMV ransomware is a classified as a file-encrypting computer virus that originates from the STOP/DJVU cybercriminal group. Once this ransomware infects a computer, what follows is fast encryption of files it comes across within the computer. To identify encrypted files, the virus also appends .aamv extension to each file name. E.g. if the saved files formerly had names like 1.jpeg or 2.png before they came under attack, the names now transform to 1.jpeg.aamv and 2.png.aamv. In addition to that, the cybercriminals at this point equally forwards notifications, otherwise known as _readme.txt.
Through these notifications, the victim now becomes aware of what has occurred and why they can no longer have access to their files. This could cause so much grief to the victim on how to overcome the sudden setback. Already, cybercriminals must have warned that only payment of a certain amount of money as a ransom fee could prevent permanent loss. Knowing that the victim might be trying to get in touch, two email addresses will be dropped support@bestyourmail.ch and datarestorehelp@airmail.cc.
The release of AAMV ransomware virus by cybercriminals operating under the name of STOP/DJVU ransomware group is quite worrisome. From what has been discovered so far, this particular version is probably more infectious and damaging than the earlier ones. However, the use of emails and attachments, as well as uploading of cloned software contents to malicious online torrents, have remained the primary mediums through which are used to spread this malware.
Additionally, nothing has changed as per their motivation, i.e., to get as many computers as possible infected, encrypt all files found in them and afterwards demand a certain amount of money as ransom in exchange for decryption tools.
As we briefly mentioned earlier, the _readme.txt acts as a ransom note and delivers a message from the cybercriminals. The attackers demand a ransom from the victim, and promise to provide AAMV file decryption tools if the victim complies with their conditions provided. They also suggest “test decryption service,” allowing the victim to send one encrypted file for them to be decrypted for free.
If the victim writes them using any of the emails included in the ransom note file, they will send an automated response emphasizing that $980 is the ransom fee. However, they will also add that ability to comply within 72 hours could enable the victim to leverage their 50% ransom fee slash. In other words, $490 becomes acceptable.
It should be noted that cybercriminals do not accept direct bank payment/transfer; instead they insist that payment must be made using cryptocurrency. They don’t choose this channel to make things difficult for the victim, it is to cover their tracks. However, it results further challenges for the victim because is not everyone that has cryptocurrency wallets.
Nevertheless, victims are advised not to communicate with cybercriminals and no form of ransom should be paid. Some of the reasons given by the FBI and cybersecurity agencies for being against ransom payment are outlined below:
Cybercriminals also take advantage of AAMV ransomware virus to distribute RATs, an acronym that stands for Remote Access Trojans. VIDAR and AZORULT, two recognized threats that travel alongside STOP/DJVU variants, are no less dangerous but they’re used for different criminal purposes, such as stealing of banking details, software login credentials, cryptocurrency wallets, browsing history etc. This sort of sensitive personal information could be stolen covertly without the victim being aware, which results in theft, and blackmail, among other criminal acts.
From the explanations so far, it has become apparent that the described virus is indeed hazardous and should be deleted once it is detected in any computer. This could be done by installing antivirus and setting up the computer through Safe Mode with Networking. To remove AAMV ransomware, use instructions provided below the article for guidance. Additionally, you might be interested to try RESTORO to fix virus-damaged Windows OS components.
Name | AAMV Ransomware Virus |
Type | Ransomware; Crypto-malware; Virtual Extortion Virus |
Family | STOP/DJVU |
Encryption type | RSA 2048 + Salsa20 |
Previous versions | EEYU, AAYU, AABN, AAMV, AAWT, EEBN, (find full list here) |
Version | 564th |
Extension | .aamv |
Cybercriminal emails | support@bestyourmail.ch, datarestorehelp@airmail.cc |
Additional malware dropped | Azorult or Vidar Trojan |
Damage | The ransomware uses encryption to maliciously modify all files on the PC and marks their original names with .aamv extension. Ransom notes called as _readme.txt will be dropped in every computer folder. This piece of malware usually drags VIDAR Stealer alongside it and also eliminates VSS from the system. On top of that, it tends to modify Windows HOSTS file to restrict computer user’s access to cybersecurity-related websites online. |
Ransom note | _readme.txt |
Ransom demand | $490-$980 in Bitcoin |
Distribution | Victims often download this ransomware along illegal torrent downloads, cracked software, activators, key generators or tools like KMSPico. |
Known software cracks to contain this malware | Corel Draw, Tenorshare 4ukey, Adobe Photoshop, Cubase, Adobe Illustrator, Internet Download Manager, Tally, League of Legends. |
Detection names | Ransom:Win32/StopCrypt.MK!MTB (Microsoft), Gen:Heur.Mint.Zard.52 (B) (Emsisoft), HEUR:Trojan.Win32.Scarsi.gen (Kaspersky), Gen:Heur.Mint.Zard.52 (BitDefender), Trojan.MalPack.GS (Malwarebytes), ML.Attribute.HighConfidence (Symantec) see all detection name variations on VirusTotal |
Removal | Remove ransomware and related malware from your PC using trustworthy software. To repair virus damage on Windows OS files, consider scanning with RESTORO (secure download link). |
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The screenshot below shows encrypted files and the ransom note file in a folder.
Dangerous malware, including AAMV ransomware virus, among others, are in circulation, threatening to infect computers but only through safe use and other conscious efforts made by users would prevent their computers from becoming infected. Therefore unsafe acts such as going to online torrents platforms, using P2P to share software, and indiscriminate opening of emails must be avoided. These are the most common methods used by cybercriminals in the spread of malware.
They clone popular software contents and embed them with malware before uploading to malicious online torrents and when such infected software is downloaded by users, they end up triggering ransomware attacks.
Instead of trying to cut corners or seeking free/cheap alternatives to software content you need, you’re better off doing the right thing by going to the websites of the software makers and downloading them there. By so doing, you will not just be helping the IT industry to grow, but you will also be protecting your computer.
Here is a list of popular software contents often pirated and used by these guys in the spread of malware:
Software users should take note of the fact that in addition to the risks that cloned software contents portend to their computers and files stored in it, it’s also grossly unfair when copyrighted software content is illegally downloaded and distributed freely. Such activities harm the IT industry and should be discouraged by all. It deprives the actual owners of proceeds they should earn for their efforts but instead benefits rogues. There is no benefit for the user; rather, they risk suffering from possible loss of essential files and valuable time along with the distress that might accrue as a result.
A similar thing is done with emails/attachments cybercriminals distribute to random addresses. The criminals like to pretend to be someone they’re not – for instance, a reputable online shop, law enforcement agency or similar. They claim to be delivering official documents such as invoices, notices, order summaries and similar, only to trick the target into opening the malicious file. Doing so can immediately infect entire computer system and cause damage to files and user’s privacy. So, computer owners should be careful when opening emails and attachments that drop in their inboxes. If you’re not entirely convinced of where they originated from, then you may as well avoid opening them.
For those that may have fallen victim to AAMV ransomware virus, it would be in their best interest to stay away from websites that make dubious claims of having solutions to encryption. Most of them are fake and intend to scam victims further.
It is very important for victims of AAMV ransomware virus to remove it without delay once they’re detected in their computers. The safe and reliable way to go about it is to install antivirus software after setting up the computer via Safe Mode with Networking. Run a full system scan to detect malware remains, then consider downloading RESTORO to repair damage caused to Windows OS files.
After completing AAMV ransomware removal and safeguarding your computer, you also need to take other steps as mentioned below:
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RESTORO provides a free scan that helps to identify hardware, security and stability issues and presents a comprehensive report which can help you to locate and fix detected issues manually. It is a great PC repair software to use after you remove malware with professional antivirus. The full version of software will fix detected issues and repair virus damage caused to your Windows OS files automatically.
RESTORO uses AVIRA scanning engine to detect existing spyware and malware. If any are found, the software will eliminate them.
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AAMV Ransomware Virus Removal Guidelines
Before you try to remove AAMV Ransomware Virus virus, you must start your computer in Safe Mode with Networking. Below, we provide the easiest ways to boot PC in the said mode, but you can find additional ones in this in-depth tutorial on our website – How to Start Windows in Safe Mode. Also, if you prefer a video version of the tutorial, check our guide How to Start Windows in Safe Mode on Youtube.
Instructions for Windows XP/Vista/7 users
Instructions for Windows 8/8.1/10/11 users
Now, you can search for and remove AAMV Ransomware Virus files. It is very hard to identify files and registry keys that belong to the ransomware virus, Besides, malware creators tend to rename and change them repeatedly. Therefore, the easiest way to uninstall such type of a computer virus is to use a reliable security program such as INTEGO Antivirus, which also includes data recovery software. For virus damage repair, consider using RESTORO.
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RESTORO is a unique PC Repair Tool which comes with an in-built Avira scan engine to detect and remove spyware/malware threats and uses a patented technology to repair virus damage. The software can repair damaged, missing or malfunctioning Windows OS files, corrupted DLLs, and more. The free version offers a scan that detects issues. To fix them, license key for the full software version must be purchased.
In order to use System Restore, you must have a system restore point, created either manually or automatically.
Instructions for Windows XP/Vista/7 users
Instructions for Windows 8/8.1/10/11 users
After restoring the system, we recommend scanning the system with antivirus or anti-malware software. In most cases, there won't be any malware remains, but it never hurts to double-check. In addition, we highly recommend checking ransomware prevention guidelines provided by our experts in order to protect your PC against similar viruses in the future.
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It is reported that STOP/DJVU ransomware versions encrypt only the beginning 150 KB of each file to ensure that the virus manages to affect all files on the system. In some cases, the malicious program might skip some files at all. That said, we recommend testing this method on several big (>1GB) files first.
STOP/DJVU ransomware versions are grouped into old and new variants. AAMV Ransomware Virus is considered the new STOP/DJVU variant, just like EEYU, AAYU, AABN, AAMV, AAWT, EEBN, (find full list here). This means full data decryption is now possible only if you have been affected by offline encryption key. To decrypt your files, you will have to download Emsisoft Decryptor for STOP DJVU, a tool created and maintained by a genius security researcher Michael Gillespie.
Note! Please do not spam the security researcher with questions whether he can recover your files encrypted with online key - it is not possible.
In order to test the tool and see if it can decrypt AAMV files, follow the given tutorial.
The AAMV decryption tool might display several different messages after failed attempt to restore your files. You might receive one of the following messages:
Error: Unable to decrypt file with ID: [example ID]
This message typically means that there is no corresponding decryption key in the decryptor's database.
No key for New Variant online ID: [example ID]
Notice: this ID appears to be an online ID, decryption is impossible
This message informs that your files were encrypted with online key, meaning no one else has the same encryption/decryption key pair, therefore data recovery without paying the criminals is impossible.
Result: No key for new variant offline ID: [example ID]
This ID appears to be an offline ID. Decryption may be possible in the future.
If you were informed that an offline key was used, but files could not be restored, it means that the offline decryption key isn't available yet. However, receiving this message is extremely good news, meaning that it might be possible to restore your AAMV extension files in the future. It can take a few months until the decryption key gets found and uploaded to the decryptor. We recommend you to follow updates regarding the decryptable DJVU versions here. We strongly recommend backing up your encrypted data and waiting.
Victims of AAMV Ransomware Virus should report the Internet crime incident to the official government fraud and scam website according to their country:
If you can't find an authority corresponding to your location on this list, we recommend using any search engine to look up "[your country name] report cyber crime". This should lead you to the right authority website. We also recommend staying away from third-party crime report services that are often paid. It costs nothing to report Internet crime to official authorities.
Another recommendation is to contact your country's or region’s federal police or communications authority.
You can only open AAMV files if you have the decryption key, or if you were affected by offline encryption type.
To figure out whether you were affected by offline encryption, please go to C:/SystemID/PersonalID.txt and see if the string inside of it ends in t1. You can also try using Emsisoft Decryptor for STOP/DJVU.
Please follow the guidances provided by the official AAMV decryption tools and believe what they say. If they say it is impossible to decrypt, it really is so. There is no magic tool or human capable of decrypting your files hiding somewhere. Encryption is a technique created to be nearly impossible to decrypt without a special private key (held by the criminals).
We advise scanning with anti-virus, anti-malware, malware removal tools or software like RESTORO to eliminate virus damage on the system. If you do not trust using a single tool, try running one after another. However, we do not recommend keeping several security programs on a computer at once as they can interfere with each other's work.
Beware of fake AAMV decryption tools circulating around the web. Cyber criminals are uploading them to various shady websites, also might be promoting them via suspicious Youtube videos. These programs can infect your computer even more heavily (Trojans, miners, etc.). We suggest being extremely cautious around the web. If there will be an official STOP/DJVU decryption tool available, it will be widely discussed in public media.
Norbert Webb is the head of Geek’s Advice team. He is the chief editor of the website who controls the quality of content published. The man also loves reading cybersecurity news, testing new software and sharing his insights on them. Norbert says that following his passion for information technology was one of the best decisions he has ever made. “I don’t feel like working while I’m doing something I love.” However, the geek has other interests, such as snowboarding and traveling.
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