DERP ransomware encrypts files and demands ransom
Contents
DERP ransomware virus is the new variant of STOP ransomware (also known as DJVU), discovered on October 2019. The virus uses updated RSA encryption to lock files. The ransomware marks files with .derp extensions, for example, document.docx becomes document.docx.derp. Next, the virus creates a ransom note called _readme.txt, which instructs to contact criminals via provided emails ( salesrestoresoftware@firemail.cc, salesrestoresoftware@gmail.com) and pay $490 or $980 in Bitcoin depending on how quickly the victim manages to collect the sum of money.
DERP ransomware uses an extremely strong encryption algorithm to encode the victim’s personal files. It encrypts files such as documents, videos, pictures, audio files, databases and other forms of information on the computer. As a result, the virus makes personal data inaccessible. Losing valuable and important data can be extremely frustrating as people lose years of work or family memories.
Despite its trolling-related name, DERP file virus is extremely dangerous and, once it affects your files, they can’t be recovered.

The virus’ developers seek to extort the victims and force them to pay the required sum of money (also known as ransom) in exchange for data decryption software, also known as STOP decryptor.
The contents of the DERP ransomware note are provided below.
ATTENTION!
Don’t worry, you can return all your files!
All your files like photos, databases, documents and other important are encrypted with strongest encryption and unique key.
The only method of recovering files is to purchase decrypt tool and unique key for you.
This software will decrypt all your encrypted files.
What guarantees you have?
You can send one of your encrypted file from your PC and we decrypt .derp file for free. But we can decrypt only 1 file for free. File must not contain valuable information.
You can get and look video overview decrypt tool:
[removed link]
Price of private key and decrypt software is $980.
Discount of 50% available if you contact us first 72 hours, that’s price for you is $490.
Please note that you’ll never restore your data without payment.
Check your e-mail “Spam” or “Junk” folder if you don’t get answer more than 6 hours.
To get this software you need write on our e-mail:
salesrestoresoftware@firemail.cc
Reserve e-mail address to contact us:
salesrestoresoftware@gmail.com
Your personal ID:
[removed]
In addition, DERP ransomware installs password-stealing Trojan on your system. It can steal passwords you type or store in your browser’s memory. We strongly recommend changing them after malware removal.
Is there a way to decrypt DERP files?
Every victim of this ransomware seeks to find out a way to decrypt DERP files as soon as possible. However, it isn’t an easy task. If this ransomware managed to encrypt your files, you should know a few things that can help you determine whether you can hope to recover your files or not and what to do next.
- The first thing we recommend you to do is remove DERP ransomware. You can use instructions provided at the end of this article.
- Speaking of data decryption, this ransomware encrypts files using either offline or online keys. In other words, if it manages to establish a connection with its server during the attack, it encrypts files using the online key. If it doesn’t, it uses the offline key. However, some victims might find both online and offline ID indicators in the ransom note (two keys).
- To determine whether your files were encrypted by offline key, look at the end of the personal ID in the _readme.txt file. If it ends with T1, it is an offline key and you can have hope to recover your files in the future (or at least part of them). Cybersecurity experts manage to extract offline key (but it takes time!). Follow the updates on how to decrypt DJVU files here to check if the offline key was found.
- The best way to restore your files is to use a data backup. If you didn’t have it, take it as a lesson and start creating them regularly from now on. We recommend storing them on external data storage devices such as hard disks or USBs with proper capacity.

Threat Summary
Name | DERP ransomware virus |
Type | Ransomware; File-encrypting virus |
Distribution | Illegal software activation tools – cracks and keygens |
Ransom note | _readme.txt |
Ransom price | $490 or $980 |
Contact emails | salesrestoresoftware@firemail.cc, salesrestoresoftware@gmail.com |
Decryption | Impossible. Only victims affected by OFFLINE key can hope to restore all or part of the encrypted data |
Removal | The virus should be removed automatically using antivirus in Safe Mode (see instructions below) |
Stay away from illegal downloads – they can contain ransomware
DERP ransomware, just like previous versions like NOLS, LETO, RECO, or COOT spreads via online downloads that activate paid software illegally. In other words, if you have been searching for software cracks or keygens in suspicious file sharing websites, chances are, you managed to grab a ransomware payload from there.
Be careful and remember that being safe is better than being sorry, so please consider investing in legal software licenses from now on. Nothing comes for free, and as a result, such downloads cannot be trusted! As you have noticed, cybercriminals use such downloads as bait for potential victims.
Other popular ransomware distribution methods include malicious emails with links or attachments containing a malicious payload. Malware also frequently spreads via exploit kits like RIG EK.
Remove DERP ransomware immediately and protect yourself
You must remove DERP ransomware virus now along with Azorult Trojan to protect your system from further infections and bad consequences. We strongly encourage you to use the self-help guide provided below. Please do not forget to change all your passwords after deleting the malware due to the activity of the virus described previously.
We suggest using a strong antivirus software for DERP ransomware removal. Unless you are an IT expert, do not risk trying to find and delete malicious files yourself as it tends to root deeply into the computer system.
OUR GEEKS RECOMMEND
Our team recommends a two-step rescue plan to remove ransomware and other remaining malware from your computer, plus repair caused virus damage to the system:
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DERP Ransomware Removal Guidelines
Method 1. Enter Safe Mode with Networking
Step 1. Start Windows in Safe Mode with Networking
Before you try to remove the 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, see a video tutorial on how to do it:
Instructions for Windows XP/Vista/7 users
- First of all, turn off your PC. Then press the Power button to start it again and instantly start pressing F8 button on your keyboard repeatedly in 1-second intervals. This launches the Advanced Boot Options menu.
- Use arrow keys on the keyboard to navigate down to Safe Mode with Networking option and press Enter.
Instructions for Windows 8/8.1/10 users
- Open Windows Start menu, then press down the Power button. On your keyboard, press down and hold the Shift key, and then select Restart option.
- This will take you to Windows Troubleshoot screen. Choose Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Startup Settings > Restart. Tip: If you can't find Startup Settings, click See more recovery options.
- In Startup Settings, press the right key between F1-F9 to enter Safe Mode with Networking. In this case, it is the F5 key.
Step 2. Remove files associated with the virus
Now, you can search for and remove DERP Ransomware 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 malware removal program. In addition, we suggest trying a combination of INTEGO Antivirus (removes malware and protects your PC in real-time) and RESTORO (repairs virus damage to Windows OS files).
Method 2. Use System Restore
In order to use System Restore, you must have a system restore point, created either manually or automatically.
Step 1. Boot Windows in Safe Mode with Command Prompt
Instructions for Windows XP/Vista/7 users
- Shut down your PC. Start it again by pressing the Power button and instantly start pressing F8 button on your keyboard repeatedly in 1-second intervals. You will see Advanced Boot Options menu.
- Using arrow keys on the keyboard, navigate down to Safe Mode with Command Prompt option and press Enter.
Instructions for Windows 8/8.1/10 users
- Launch Windows Start menu, then click the Power button. On your keyboard, press down and hold the Shift key, and then choose Restart option with the mouse cursor.
- This will take you to Windows Troubleshoot screen. Choose Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Startup Settings > Restart. Tip: If you can't find Startup Settings, click See more recovery options.
- In Startup Settings, press the right key between F1-F9 to enter Safe Mode with Command Prompt. In this case, press F6 key.
Step 2. Start System Restore process
- Wait until system loads and command prompt shows up.
- Type cd restore and press Enter, then type rstrui.exe and press Enter. Or you can just type %systemroot%system32restorerstrui.exe in command prompt and hit Enter.
- This launches System Restore window. Click Next and then choose a System Restore point created in the past. Choose one that was created before ransomware infection.
- Click Yes to begin the system restoration process.
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.
Alternative software recommendations
Malwarebytes Anti-Malware
Removing spyware and malware is one step towards cybersecurity. To protect yourself against ever-evolving threats, we strongly recommend purchasing a Premium version of Malwarebytes Anti-Malware, which provides security based on artificial intelligence and machine learning. Includes ransomware protection. See pricing options and protect yourself now.
System Mechanic Ultimate Defense
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Disclaimer. This site includes affiliate links. We may earn a small commission by recommending certain products, at no additional cost for you. We only choose quality software and services to recommend.

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.
sorry bro same problem here. every one say it could not be done if you got activated by onilne virus or online encryption. its just like a file encrypted by some f****** and you need to pay for him. We could do any thing the world is proud for this type of hackers. Bloody shift all my memories and data’s all gone
HI MY COMPUTER IS INFECTED BY DERP RANSOMWARE PLEASE HOW CAN I REMOVE IT