Remove EEBN Ransomware Virus (DECRYPT .eebn FILES)

remove EEBN ransomware virus and learn how to decrypt or repair files with .eebn extension (free guide)

EEBN ransomware virus demands ransom payment

Contents

EEBN ransomware virus demands ransom payment
- Additional risks and the importance of malware removal
- Ransomware Summary
Methods ransomware authors use to spread the virus
- Avoid pirated software at all costs
Safe way to remove EEBN ransomware virus
Decrypt EEBN files
Frequently Asked Questions

EEBN ransomware virus has once again proved that computer security should remain paramount to all. Like other forms of dangerous malware, this latest ransomware virus released by STOP/DJVU group targets unprotected computers. Following a successful computer infection, fast encryption of files is what occurs next. Afterward, .eebn extension will be attached to each file name. The virus does this to make encrypyted files easily distinguishable. To better illustrate it, files saved in a computer as 1.png or 2.jpeg automatically become 1.png.eebn or 2.jpeg.eebn. While this is happening, the ransomware also saves a copy of a _readme.txt file in each folder.

_readme.txt is a message from the ransomware operators informing the victim about the ransomware attack. In the notification, they will also state that the victim must pay ransom fee so they could send across a decryption tool. In a desperate attempt to scare the victim and make them pay the ransom fee, they will warn that the ransom fee is non-negotiable and inability to pay it would cause permanent data loss.

To facilitate further discussions and ransom payment, two email addresses would also be forwarded to the victim. The first email is support@bestyourmail.ch and the provided alternative is datarestorehelp@airmail.cc. If a victim decides to write them using either, the cybercriminals would respond by stating the specific amount of money that must be paid as ransom and the strict terms that must be adhered to. Firstly, they will state that ransom fee is $980 but they are willing to grant the victim 50% price slash provided they can pay it within 72 hours of being told to do so. This brings the ransom fee down to $490. However, once the 3 days ‘grace’ elapses, they automatically revert to the initial ransom fee demand i.e. $980.

To complicate matters further for the victim, the cybercriminals do not accept standard money transfer or bank payment. Instead, only cryptocurrency transfer to their wallet address is acceptable. The reason for this is quite obvious; they insist on receiving funds via crypto because it does not give room for their actual identity to be revealed. The challenge here is that not everyone is well informed about the use of crypto and the victim may not even know how to go about it at that point.

Nevertheless, ransomware attack victims are warned not to comply with cybercriminals’ demands. They should never write or respond to their messages following a ransomware attack. Top global cybersecurity agencies including the FBI share this opinion. You can check some of the reasons they gave as written below:

Paying ransom fee encourages these cyber rogues.
Ransom payment is prohibited by law.
It will end in double loss for the victim because cybercriminals are unlikely to provide reliable decryption tools as promised.
More funds in the hands of criminals aid them in expanding their capacity to cause more harm.
Victims that pay ransom are often targeted again in the future.

Additional risks and the importance of malware removal

EEBN ransomware virus is often accompanied by other equally dangerous malware, RATs. This is an acronym that stands for Remote Access Trojans. They’re used covertly by cybercriminals in stealing confidential personal information like banking details, software login credentials, and browsing history among others. Therefore, it is very important to get rid of this malware once it is found in any computer.

To remove EEBN ransomware, use instructions provided below for guidance. Do not forget that using a genuine antivirus solution is a highly recommended option, however, you should also try RESTORO (secure download link) to scan your computer and fix the virus damage caused on Windows OS files.

Ransomware Summary

Name	EEBN Ransomware Virus
Type	Ransomware; Crypto-malware; Virtual Extortion Virus
Family	STOP/DJVU
Encryption type	RSA 2048 + Salsa20
Previous versions	OOPU, MMPU, MMVB, MMDT, EEWT, EEMV, (find full list here)
Version	562nd
Extension	.eebn
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 .eebn 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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Scan your system for FREE to detect security, hardware and stability issues. You can use the scan results and try to remove threats manually, or you can choose to get the full version of software to fix detected issues and repair virus damage to Windows OS system files automatically. Includes Avira spyware/malware detection & removal engine.

See the screenshot below to understand how encrypted files look like.

Methods ransomware authors use to spread the virus

The cybercriminals’ main objective is to infect computers and encrypt files found in them. Once they achieve that, they would demand ransom while promising to provide decryption tools for it.

To succeed in their plan to infect many computers, the cybercriminals typically pirate software copies, particularly those in high demand, and upload them to online torrent platforms. They also make it free and easy to download. This makes it attractive to unsuspecting users who may assume they’ve got a good deal.

To such individuals, it makes no sense to go to the official pages of the original copyright owners, where they have to pay certain fees when they can easily download the same free of charge. Unfortunately for them, it is a bait that could lead to disaster. They may end up infecting their computer with ransomware virus.

Cybercriminals also distribute malware through unsolicited emails they attached with malware. To take their victims unawares, they might impersonate friends/family or even popular corporate brands like eBay, DHL, Amazon or FedEx etc. To make it more believable, cybercriminals often use transactional terms such as Order Summary, Tracking Details or Invoice all in an effort to deceive the recipient into opening them. Once such malware-embedded attachments are opened, it triggers a ransomware attack on the computer.

Avoid pirated software at all costs

Malicious online torrent platforms and P2P sharing, as well as careless opening of emails and attachments are some risk factors that should be avoided. It is recommendable to ONLY seek for software contents via the official channels endorsed by the copyright owners. We compiled some of the typical popular software contents often cloned by cybercriminals and used in spreading malware:

Cubase;
Microsoft Office;
Corel Draw;
Adobe Illustrator;
AutoCad;
VMware Workstation;
Fifa 20;
League of Legends;
Microsoft Office;
Internet Download Manager;
Adobe Premiere Pro.

It should also be noted that those using illegal ways to download software contents are hurting the IT industry. When you patronize cloned versions of software contents, you deny the original content developers their due reward. When they make profit, they would be encouraged to invest more in research and development, and end users would be better for it. Another reason why should only download software legally is because you won’t be at risk of suffering data loss, extortions and possible blackmail etc.

Safe way to remove EEBN ransomware virus

As stated earlier, it is crucial to remove EEBN ransomware virus as well as other malware that was possibly installed during the security breach. However, it should be done safely by first setting up your computer via Safe Mode with Networking. Before that, ensure you already have reliable antivirus software handy.

Having ensured that your computer no longer has EEBN ransomware virus in its system, there are other things you will need to do as listed below:

Download RESTORO and use it to repair virus-damaged Windows OS files and clean up malware remains.
Immediately replace all passwords used before the ransomware attack.
Use your backup to replace lost files.
If unfortunately there is no backup, you may consider checking this guide for available data recovery solutions. However, stay away from rogue online sites claiming they have a solution for you, or you might fall victim to scammers.
Report to any relevant government agency close to you.

OUR GEEKS RECOMMEND

Our team recommends removing malware using a professional antivirus software and then using the following tool to repair virus damage to Windows system files:

REPAIR VIRUS DAMAGE TO YOUR COMPUTER

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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.

Read full review here.

GeeksAdvice.com editors select recommended products based on their effectiveness. We may earn a commission from affiliate links, at no additional cost to you. Learn more.

EEBN Ransomware Virus Removal Guidelines

Method 1. Enter Safe Mode with Networking

Step 1. Start Windows in Safe Mode with Networking

Before you try to remove EEBN 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

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 8/8.1/10/11 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 EEBN 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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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 8/8.1/10/11 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.

Decrypt EEBN files

Fix and open large EEBN files easily:

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.

Create a copy of encrypted file to a separate folder using Copy > Paste commands.
Now, right-click the created copy and choose Rename. Select the EEBN extension and delete it. Press Enter to save changes.
In the prompt asking whether you want to make the changes as file might become unusable, click OK.
Try opening the file.

STOP/DJVU decryption tool usage guide

STOP/DJVU ransomware versions are grouped into old and new variants. EEBN Ransomware Virus is considered the new STOP/DJVU variant, just like OOPU, MMPU, MMVB, MMDT, EEWT, EEMV, (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 EEBN files, follow the given tutorial.

Download the decryption tool from Emsisoft.
Click the little arrow next to your download and choose Show in Folder.
Now, right-click the file and choose Run as Administrator. If asked, enter administrator's password.
In UAC window, click Yes.
Click Yes to agree to software terms in both windows.
The tool will automatically include C:// disk as a location to decrypt. The file recovery tool will prepopulate the locations to scan, including connected data storage drives or network drives. Click Add folder if you wish to add additional locations.
In Options tab, you can choose to keep encrypted file copies. We recommend leaving this option selected, especially if you do not know if the decryption tool will work.
Click Decrypt to start restoring EEBN files. You will see the progress in the Results tab. Here, you can see messages from the tool, such as whether the decryption procedure is successful, or you need to wait for an update.
You might also be informed that online key was used to encrypt your files. In such case, the decryption tool won't work for you, and the only way to recover your files is to use a data backup.

Meanings of decryptor's messages

The EEBN 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 EEBN 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.

Report Internet crime to legal departments

Victims of EEBN Ransomware Virus should report the Internet crime incident to the official government fraud and scam website according to their country:

In the United States, go to the On Guard Online website.
In Australia, go to the SCAMwatch website.
In Germany, go to the Bundesamt für Sicherheit in der Informationstechnik website.
In Ireland, go to the An Garda Síochána website.
In New Zealand, go to the Consumer Affairs Scams website.
In the United Kingdom, go to the Action Fraud website.
In Canada, go to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.
In India, go to Indian National Cybercrime Reporting Portal.
In France, go to the Agence nationale de la sécurité des systèmes d’information.

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

✓ How can I open .EEBN files?

You can only open EEBN files if you have the decryption key, or if you were affected by offline encryption type.

✓ How do I know if my files were encrypted with offline or online encryption?

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.

✓ My files contain very important information (family memories). Every tool I used says it is impossible to decrypt. What should I do?

Please follow the guidances provided by the official EEBN 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).

✓ I am afraid virus is still in my computer system. What should I do?

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.

✓ I saw several Youtube videos suggesting secret decryption tools. Can I trust them?

Beware of fake EEBN 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

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.