Remove EEYU Ransomware Virus (DECRYPT .eeyu FILES)

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

EEYU ransomware virus is a new threat to all computers

Contents

EEYU ransomware virus is a new threat to all computers
How to ensure your computer is protected at all times
How to remove EEYU ransomware virus
Decrypt EEYU files
Frequently Asked Questions

EEYU ransomware is a new virus that has emerged on the scene, and most computers are at risk of being infected. The notorious cybercriminal gang, STOP/DJVU group, is known to be behind this new threat. This ransomware is designed to encrypt all files on the target computer. What happens afterwards is appending of .eeyu extension to all the infected files, respectively, which is more or less a identification mark. For instance, files that were previously stored as 1.jpeg or maybe 2.png in a given computer now transform to 1.jpeg.eeyu and 2.png.eeyu respectively. To provide the computer user with an explanation, the virus drops _readme.txt ransom notes in each data folder.

The motive of STOP/DJVU ransomware operators is already clear i.e., infect as many computers as possible, encrypt files contained in them, and afterward demand huge sums of money as ransom while promising to make their decryption tool available. Their distribution channels remain largely unchanged as they have continued to exploit online torrent platforms and the use of emails and attachments among similar mediums.

These online rogues are cunning and manipulative in nature. They understand that some software users do not like paying the necessary fees attached to them by their original producers, so they clone such software contents (they usually disguise malware under software names in high demand) and embed them with highly infectious malware before uploading to online torrent platforms.

Unsuspecting users now assume they’re getting a good deal since they’re now getting such software content at little or no cost instead of paying the official fees. Another tricky option used by cybercriminals is to create emails and attach malware-ridden content or link to it and send it to random addresses.

Contents of the ransom note explained

During the system attack, the ransomware would also save messages in a form of _readme.txt file to the victim. This note informs the victim about the development i.e. the ransomware attack on their computer and the encryption of files contained in it. They would also threaten that all encrypted files are at risk of being lost forever, except if they hasten up and pay the ransom being demanded.

To facilitate possible further discussions with the victim, cybercriminals now drop two email addresses (support@bestyourmail.ch and datarestorehelp@airmail.cc). Out of desperation, some victims would decide to reach out to them to seek a way out.

However, once they message the cybercriminals using any of the above email addresses, they would receive an automated response informing them that $980 is the ransom fee but if the victim could pay within a space of 3 days, they could leverage their 50% ransom fee slash and thus pay only $490. However, once that ‘grace’ period elapses, only the maximum fee becomes acceptable.

As if that wasn’t enough challenge, the victim would also be informed that payment can only be accepted via cryptocurrency transfer. They avoid other payment methods because of the risk of exposure and possible arrest, so they find comfort in using crypto, ensuring anonymity. Nevertheless, those in such a situation are advised not to adhere to cybercriminals. It is even best never to communicate with them in the first place. Top security organizations, including the FBI, have also recommended this, and listed below are some of the reasons given:

Payment of ransom in any form is considered illegal.
Cybercriminals often do not keep to the agreement of providing encryption tools that work, even after receiving payment.
When victims pay a ransom, they inadvertently encourage criminality.
More funds in the hands of cybercriminals make it easy for them to expand operations, putting many others at risk.
When victims pay a ransom, they make themselves vulnerable to future attacks.

The threats need to be removed ASAP

EEYU ransomware virus often triggers the release of RATs that portends danger in other forms. Remote Access Trojans or RATs for short, which usually accompany the primary malware, are known for invading the privacy of victims and stealing sensitive personal details that may include software login credentials, cryptocurrency wallets, banking information, and browsing history, among others, thereby exposing the victim to further risk of attacks in diverse ways.

These are some of the major reasons why victims of STOP/DJVU malware infections must immediately remove them once they’re detected in any computer. This should be done using Safe Mode with Networking option to ensure an optimal result. To remove EEYU ransomware virus safely, we recommend running a genuine and trustworthy antivirus, and then download RESTORO (secure download link) to repair virus damage to Windows OS files.

Ransomware Summary

Name	EEYU 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	559th
Extension	.eeyu
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 .eeyu 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	Trojan:Win32/Krypter.AA!MTB (Microsoft), Gen:Variant.Jaik.94865 (B) (Emsisoft), UDS:DangerousObject.Multi.Generic (Kaspersky), Gen:Variant.Jaik.94865 (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 provided below to understand how data on computer is modified during the attack.

How to ensure your computer is protected at all times

Computers should be used responsibly, especially when working on the internet. Getting involved in risky activities such as going to online torrent platforms can only endanger your computer and the files contained in it. Likewise, emails shouldn’t be opened unless you’re sure of its source. Also, computer users should avoid other P2P software sharing devices. These are the methods/platforms used by cybercriminals in spreading EEYU ransomware virus, and once computer users can avoid them, their systems and files will remain safe.

You should note that not all emails that drop into your inbox have genuine intentions. Some of them might have been sent by cybercriminals with the malicious intent of triggering a ransomware attack. Therefore, you should scrutinize emails and attachments to ascertain if they make any sense in being sent to you or not. Emails that seem odd or came from questionable sources should not be opened because they might be a decoy. Also, you should get your needed software content through the right channels endorsed by the original content producers.

Be aware that cybercriminals usually pirate popular software contents, embed them with malware, and upload to online torrents to spread EEYU ransomware virus and others. Listed below are some of the most common ones often cloned by cybercriminals:

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

In addition to the risks involved, also take cognizance of the fact that it is indeed very unfair to use software products developed by others without paying the requisite fees. Remember that lots of money and other resources must have been invested during research and development; therefore, they’re entitled to recover it and also make a profit.

Files such as XLS, PDF, and DOCX are very important in our day-to-day computer use, but you should be careful when opening them because cybercriminals now exploit them due to their macro function abilities.

How to remove EEYU ransomware virus

You should set up the infected computer using Safe Mode with Networking login option. Also, install good antivirus software and do a full scan to remove EEYU ransomware for good. Finally, a good bonus step to cleanse undetected malware remains and also repair virus damage to Windows files is running RESTORO tool (secure download link).

Once you’re sure that EEYU ransomware virus removal is completed, the following actions should be taken as well:

All previously used passwords should be changed ASAP.
Use any available backup to reinstall lost files.
If, unfortunately, you do not have any back up available, you may seek for possible help online, but that must be done with caution.
You should also inform the police or any other relevant government agency.

Lastly, prevention, as they say, is always better than care, so remember to avoid the risk factors and keep your computer protected at all times using reputable antivirus software.

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.

EEYU 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 EEYU 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 EEYU 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

If you're looking for an all-in-one system maintenance suite that has 7 core components providing powerful real-time protection, on-demand malware removal, system optimization, data recovery, password manager, online privacy protection and secure driver wiping technology. Therefore, due to its wide-range of capabilities, System Mechanic Ultimate Defense deserves Geek's Advice approval. Get it now for 50% off. You may also be interested in its full review.

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 EEYU files

Fix and open large EEYU 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 EEYU 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. EEYU 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 EEYU 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 EEYU 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 EEYU 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 EEYU 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 EEYU 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 .EEYU files?

You can only open EEYU 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 EEYU 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 EEYU 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.