Remove EIUR Ransomware Virus (DECRYPT .eiur FILES)

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

EIUR Ransomware Virus and Dangers Associated With It

Contents

EIUR Ransomware Virus and Dangers Associated With It
How to guard your computer against ransomware attacks
How to Remove EIUR Ransomware Virus and Restore Files
Decrypt EIUR files
Frequently Asked Questions

EIUR ransomware is a dangerous computer virus recently released by the STOP/DJVU cybercriminal gang. This file-encrypting malware is currently being circulated by these people to infect as many computer users as possible. Once it is introduced into any computer, it becomes triggered and starts its attack by encrypting files and appending them with .eiur extension, respectively. E.g., files that were previously saved as 1.jpg or 2.jpg would eventually become 1.jpg.eiur and 2.jpg.eiur respectively. A similar alteration will occur to other files stored on the computer at the same time. The next thing that would happen is the release of _readme.txt by the cybercriminals behind the attack.

The _readme.txt is more or less a ransom note notifying the computer user about the development and why they would have to pay particular amount of money as ransom before they could reclaim the encrypted files. They would also inform the victim that effective decryption tools are also with them but can only be released after payment of ransom.

This virus can be easily spread to diverse computers through cloned software embedded with malware. Regardless of the fact that this latest version is still being studied, from what can be deduced so far, it is quite similar to the earlier variants.

What’s included in the ransom note

The sudden loss of important files can be quite devastating, especially when there is no available backup. Data such as documents, videos, and pictures would be made unreadable once the encryption process is completed. At this point, the victim would be alarmed and desperate to retrieve their files. To explain what has happened, the virus drops a note composed by the cybercriminals. This note will appear as _readme.txt in each computer folder.

Already anticipating such situation, the cybercriminals would release two email addresses (support@bestyourmail.ch and supportsys@airmail.cc) with suggestions for the victim to reach out to them for possible solutions. They would also notify the victim about certain conditions that must be met, for instance, they would state that $980 is the ransom fee but half of it i.e. $490 would be accepted if only payment would be made within 3 days of being notified to do so. Failure to comply with this condition means that ransom fee would be fixed at $980.

As if such condition isn’t bad enough, they would also warn that payment can only be accepted through cryptocurrency transfer whereby the victim buy crypto that is worth the ransom fee and transfer same to a wallet address that would be sent to them. Sometimes, they would inform the victim to forward parts of the encrypted data to them for test decryption but add a caveat that returning the result to the victim would be at their own discretion. They would not return it if they perceive it as important to the victim.

Nevertheless, the general advice by the FBI as well as other top cybersecurity organizations is that victims should not comply with the demands of cybercriminals and neither should ransom be paid. The reasons for such recommendation are listed below:

It might be illegal to pay ransom to cybercriminals in your country.
There is no guarantee that your files would be recovered even after paying ransom.
Transferring huge sums of money to cybercriminals would encourage them to continue attacking computer users since they would find it lucrative.
There is a high chance they would target you again in the future just to extort more money.

Additional risks related to this malware

Although the cybercriminals behind STOP/DJVU ransomware are known to operate globally yet it was observed that certain countries are often avoided by them. It couldn’t be ascertained what could be their exact reasons for avoiding those countries which are listed as follows: Russia, Belarus, Ukraine, Syria, Tajikistan, Armenia, Kazachstan, Uzbekistan and Krygyzstan. To maintain the status quo, the malware is configured to ascertain the geo-location of any computer about to be infected by first connecting with the https[:]//api.2ip.ua/geo.json in order to verify its country, IP address, city, zip code, longitude and latitude. The outcome would signal if the mission should be continued or terminated.

The damaging effects of EIUR ransomware is already well known, but same can’t be said of the secondary malware that is often attached with them. However, these secondary malware are equally dangerous and are known as RATs which stands for Remote Access Trojans. Cybercriminals usually use them to pilfer sensitive information such as passwords, crypocurrency wallets, banking details, software login credentials, browsing history etc. When stolen, such information could be used to perpetrate further criminal acts that include financial scams and blackmails among others.

Therefore, to avoid becoming a victim to all these, computer users should try as much as possible to remove STOP/DJVU ransomware virus from their computer as soon as it is detected. There are multiple ways to go about it, but we always recommend the use of only genuine antivirus software. Meanwhile, the compromised computer should be logged in through Safe Mode with Networking before scanning the antivirus. This would help the antivirus to work optimally and completely rid the computer of EIUR ransomware. In addition to that, the use of RESTORO (secure download link) is also recommended to help you salvage some of the corrupted files wherever possible.

Ransomware Summary

Name	EIUR Ransomware Virus
Type	Ransomware; Crypto-malware; Virtual Extortion Virus
Family	STOP/DJVU
Encryption type	RSA 2048 + Salsa20
Previous versions	HKGT, EFVC, EIJY, LLOO, LLTT, LLEE (find full list here)
Version	510th
Extension	.eiur
Cybercriminal emails	support@bestyourmail.ch and supportsys@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 .eiur 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.PAL!MTB (Microsoft), Trojan.Crypt (A) (Emsisoft), HEUR:Trojan-Ransom.Win32.Stop.gen (Kaspersky), Trojan.GenericKD.47850419 (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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To see how encrypted files appear in computer folders, inspect the image provided below.

How to guard your computer against ransomware attacks

Computer users are advised to stay away from online torrent platforms because cybercriminals often use such places in distributing ransomware. They usually upload pirated software contents (fake activation tools, cloned key generators, games etc.) that are embedded with malware in online torrents. Once unsuspecting computer users download them, they end up triggering ransomware attack. Also, caution is advised when opening emails or accompanying attachments, especially when they’re from unknown or unrecognized sources.

From what we have observed so far, cybercriminals usually pirate software contents that are in high demand and use them as bait in spreading ransomware. Some of the high in demand software copies they usually pirate and upload to online torrents are listed as follows:

Tenorshare 4ukey;
League of Legends;
AutoCad;
Virtual DJ PRO;
Cubase;
Corel Draw;
VMware Workstation;
Adobe Illustrator/Photoshop/Premiere Pro;
Internet Download Manager.

At this point, computer users should understand that different software contents may be available for download on online torrent platforms at little or no cost, yet they’re nothing but Greek gifts that should be totally avoided. Instead, you should rather do the right thing by paying the requisite fees that would enable you download genuine versions. Make sure you’re purchasing from the official page of the brand’s copyright owner or their third party partner. This would also enable them to conduct more research and development thereby helping to promote the IT industry.

The use of emails is another major way used by cybercriminals in spreading malware and they often make use of PDF, DOCX, XLS and other similar files that enable malware to be embedded and triggered in other computers.

Websites advertising about available solutions that could be used against STOP/DJVU ransomware virus should be ignored because they’re most likely to be scam. However, Emsisoft and DiskTuna are two tools that have proven to be effective against some malware versions.

How to Remove EIUR Ransomware Virus and Restore Files

Before we conclude, victims of STOP/DJVU ransomware virus should note that setting up their computer in Safe Mode with Networking is the recommended before applying genuine antivirus software. This is the best approach when trying to remove EIUR ransomware virus and related malware safely. On top of that, you may want to try and download RESTORO which is excellent software for cleansing malware remains and repairing damaged Windows OS files.

After the EIUR ransomware virus removal is finalised, you should also do the following:

Inform the police about the cyber attack.
Use any available backup to restore files.
Seek any means of restoring files affected by STOP/DJVU ransomware virus.
Passwords used on the compromised computer should be changed now.

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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EIUR 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 EIUR 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 EIUR 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

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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 EIUR files

Fix and open large EIUR 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 EIUR 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. EIUR Ransomware Virus is considered the new STOP/DJVU variant, just like HKGT, EFVC, EIJY, LLOO, LLTT, LLEE (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 EIUR 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 EIUR 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 EIUR 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 EIUR 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 EIUR 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 .EIUR files?

You can only open EIUR 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 EIUR 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 EIUR 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.