EPOR ransomware seeks to lock your personal files using cryptography
Contents
EPOR ransomware is a computer virus that is designed to encrypt all personal files on victim’s computer. This piece of malware originates from the most widespread ransomware family of 2020, called STOP/DJVU. During the attack, the virus appends .epor extension to encrypted file names and saves _readme.txt note in every file folder. As a consequence, a file named 1.jpg becomes 1.jpg.epor and so on. The aim of this virus is to force the victim to pay for file decryption software which cybercriminals possess.
As explained in the ransom note _readme.txt, creators of EPOR file virus have encrypted all files on your computer. To be specific, this malware employs RSA cryptography for wreaking havoc on target systems. The cybercriminals state that there is no other way of recovering lost files than paying for the “special decryption software and key”.
They promise to provide instructions how to pay the ransom, which costs $490 if the victim writes to criminals within 3 days from the infection timestamp, or $980 later. This sum, of course, has to be paid out in cryptocurrency so that the criminals would remain anonymous. The note suggests writing to one of provided emails – helpmanager@mail.ch or restoremanager@airmail.cc.
The cybercriminals suggest proving the decryption tool works
The cybercriminals behind this virus want to convince the victim to pay the ransom, so they offer testing the .epor decryption service first. They advise to attach 1 encrypted file to the email. However, the file should not contain any valuable information. The crooks promise to send back decrypted version of this file to prove that it is “worth” paying the ransom.
However, despite that, there is a number of reasons why you should not pay the ransom. Here are some of the most obvious reasons:
- The criminals might never provide you with decryption tool/key, or it might be faulty and still fail to restore your files.
- Paying the required sum directly funds creation of more malware everyday. You can tell how successful STOP/DJVU malware is based on the fact that it already has more than 260 versions.
- If you fulfill cybercriminals demands, you will be targeted over and over again because you can be identified as a potential victim who agrees to pay up.
- Finally, you should never pay because this virus installs AZORULT malware on the system that is supposed to steal you login credentials, which can already lead to security issues and money theft itself.
That said, we strongly recommend you to initiate EPOR virus removal. You can find extensive instructions below this article. You can also use automatic software to eliminate virus damage on the system.
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.
| Name | EPOR Virus (Ransomware) |
| Type | Ransomware; Crypto-virus; File Locker; |
| Malicious files | L3XN.exe, 2N6K.tmp.exe (or similar), updatewin.exe |
| Detection names | Gen:Heur.Dreidel.Tu0@xu4klpk (B) (Emsisoft), TR/AD.InstaBot.BJ (Avira), Trojan:Win32/Glupteba (Microsoft) see full list on VT |
| Dropped files | _readme.txt, PersonalID.txt, all encrypted files |
| Origins | STOP/DJVU |
| Encryption algorithm | RSA |
| Version | 265th |
| Other versions | BBYY, BBII, BBZZ, BBII, HKGT, EFVC, EIJY (find full list here) |
| Ransom note | _readme.txt |
| Decryption price | $490 in 3 days, $980 if later |
| Extension used | .epor |
| Criminal contact | helpmanager@mail.ch and restoremanager@airmail.cc |
| Symptoms of infection | The ransomware modifies all files so that they have new file extensions and blank icons now; they can no longer be opened. Each file folder contains a text note from the cybercriminals. The virus modifies Windows HOSTS file to block access to certain sites online. The system restore points are deleted. |
| Additional damage | Viruses originating from STOP/DJVU family are known to install AZORULT Trojan on PCs and maliciously modify Windows HOSTS file. You can restore this file back to default using these instructions, or with the help of the recommended software for this matter. |
| Distribution | Mostly detected in software/game cracks, keygens, KMSPico. Such files are promoted via untrustworthy torrent sites. |
| Removal | To get rid of this malware, use robust virus removal software. We also advise scanning with RESTORO to repair virus damage caused for the computer system. |
It is essential to protect yourself against ransomware attacks because it is a very prevalent malware variant nowadays. You can download viruses like DHARMA, VVOA, MATRIX and others from various online sources. Get to know current virus distribution techniques described below to avoid getting infected with similar threat in the future.
Ransomware distribution relies on deceptive schemes
Distribution technique: malicious downloads
Ransomware-type viruses are mostly distributed in common ways, which will be explained below. However, let’s start by describing the method that EPOR ransomware relies on. This virus, similarly to all STOP/DJVU versions, travel around disguised as software cracks, keygens or tools like KMSPico. In other words, anything illegal and copyright-protected that can be downloaded from various torrent sites can deliver you malware.
The biggest problem is that computer users often bypass antivirus’ notifications informing about possible malware. Consequently, once the victim tries to open the keygen/crack file, the ransomware immediately starts encrypting all files on the computer. Needless to say, to avoid getting infected this way, head to official software developers’ websites to obtain legitimate program versions.
Distribution technique: malicious spam
Another ransomware distribution method is malicious spam. The attackers create convincing emails with specific attachments, often DOC/PDF/ZIP files that are named as invoices, payment/shipping information documents. Unfortunately, these safe-looking attachments can contain malicious JavaScript that downloads and executes payloads from external sources.
Therefore, we strongly recommend you to avoid opening emails with attachments or links unless you knew that you were supposed to receive that email. Remember that criminals use such techniques as logo/email design replication and email address spoofing to trick the victim into believing that the sender is genuine.
Distribution technique: fake software updates
Finally, we recommend you to avoid downloading software updates from suspicious pop-ups that arise when visiting untrustworthy websites. Deceptive websites often push fake Adobe Flash Player or Java updates that hide malware or spyware inside of them.
Remove EPOR ransomware virus safely
You can remove EPOR ransomware virus by following instructions provided below the article. Make sure you complete all the steps to entirely eliminate the virus from the system. We also recommend scanning the system with RESTORO to repair virus damage caused by this crypto-malware.
Once EPOR virus removal is complete, you should take further actions to secure your privacy. First, we recommend you to change all login credentials for websites saved in your browser (Chrome, Firefox, others). Next, we recommend reporting cybercrime incident via provided links below. Finally, do not forget that you simply must create data backups on external data storage device regularly. Such backups come in handy in case of malware attack, computer destruction/theft or similar situations.
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EPOR 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 EPOR 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 EPOR 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.
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Decrypt EPOR files
Fix and open large EPOR 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 EPOR 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. EPOR ransomware virus is considered the new STOP/DJVU variant, just like BBYY, BBII, BBZZ, BBII, HKGT, EFVC, EIJY (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 EPOR 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 EPOR 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 EPOR 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 EPOR 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 EPOR 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
You can only open EPOR 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 EPOR 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 EPOR 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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