ERIF ransomware strikes victims with unbreakable file encryption
Contents
ERIF ransomware is the 242nd variant of STOP/DJVU virus, designed to encrypt all files on victim’s computer system and mark them with .erif extension. Following a successful attack, the virus saves ransom-demanding note called _readme.txt in every affected file folder. The note suggests contacting the attackers via helpmanager@mail.ch or restoremanager@airmail.cc emails to pay a ransom worth $490-$980. The malware was first spotted by a researcher M.Gillespie on July 23rd and is currently very active as shown by ID-Ransomware service.
The ERIF file virus acts similarly to previous versions (KUUS, ZIPE, REPL). Once executed, it starts a set of malicious processes, each designated for specific reasons. The main malware process that encrypts files is typically called f01e.tmp.exe, BED5.tmp.exe, d7df.tmp.exe or similar, but it can start additional processes such as winupdate.exe, which is designed to launch a fake Windows update screen to the victim in order to pretend that the computer is installing essential updates.
In the meantime, the ERIF ransomware executable scans the system, encrypts files, marks them with .erif file extensions and saves ransom notes in every folder. Additionally, the ransomware creates and saves PersonalID.txt file to C:/SystemID folder.
Additional damage that this file-encrypting virus does to the system is that it installs AZORULT password-stealer. This Trojan is designed to steal all passwords saved in web browser and transfer them to the criminals. What is even worse is that the ransomware modifies Windows HOSTS file by adding a list of certain Internet domains to it. As a result, the victim can no longer access them.
ERIF virus states ransom demand in _readme.txt file
The _readme.txt file, namely the ransom note, is a text file that typically opens via Notepad. It contains a short note from the cybercriminals, informing about data encryption on the system, and details the whole pay a ransom – then recover your files model. In short, criminals suggest that only they have the encryption/decryption information required to restore files for each individual victim, and the ERIF ransomware decryption tool with key costs $490 (50% discount applied) if the computer owner contacts them within 3 days. Otherwise, the ransom price increases to $980.
It goes without saying that the attackers want to receive the money in a form of cryptocurrency, so the victim has to purchase, say, Bitcoins worth the amount of money required and transfer the sum to the criminals virtual wallet then.
Remember that security experts never recommend paying the ransom to criminals. Not only you would support their malicious operations this way, but also risk losing your money for nothing.
You can see a screenshot of the _readme.txt ransom note below.
In order to protect your computer system as soon as possible, it is essential to remove the installed malware instantly using anti-malware software of your choice. For virus damage repair, we recommend you to download and run RESTORO.
Virus Profile
| Name | ERIF ransomware |
| Type | File-encrypting virus, Crypto-malware, File locker |
| Family | STOP/DJVU |
| Other variants | KUUS, ZIPE, PEZI, NLAH, VAWE, ZIDA, REPL, MAAS, NILE, OONN, VARI |
| File extension | .erif |
| Version | 242nd |
| Name of malicious executable | [4 random chars].tmp.exe, such as f01e.tmp.exe, BED5.tmp.exe, d7df.tmp.exe, 6AEC.tmp.exe, c7c6.tmp.exe or similar (source VirusTotal) |
| Ransom note | _Readme.txt |
| Amount of money demanded | From $490 to $980 (lower if paid within 3 days) |
| Contacts | helpmanager@mail.ch, restoremanager@airmail.cc |
| Distribution | Fake Adobe Flash Player update pop-ups, illegal software activation tools, such as software cracks, also activators like KMSPICO. The virus can also be found in highly dangerous websites |
| Symptoms | The virus displays a fake Windows Update screen as it starts scanning the system for target files and encrypting them. Each affected data folder is complemented with _readme.txt ransom note. The virus marks all affected files with additional extension. |
| Damage | Files encrypted by ERIF ransomware cannot be opened or modified. The virus installs AZORULT password-stealing Trojan which steals login credentials saved in web browsers. Additionally, the malware modifies HOSTS file, thus preventing the victim from accessing computer-related websites. |
| Decryption | All victims of STOP/DJVU can recover their files using data backups. Victims subject to offline encryption should follow decryption guidelines here. |
| Removal | We recommend using RESTORO or another reputable malware removal software to delete the virus remains from the system |
Demonstration of the ransomware encrypting a file folder is shown below.
Summary
Name: ERIF Ransomware Virus
Description: ERIF ransomware belongs to file-encrypting virus category and is recognized as the 242nd STOP/DJVU version. Its aim is to encrypt all files on the target system, mark them with .erif file extensions. The _readme.txt ransom note created by the virus informs to contact the attackers as soon as possible regarding data decryption. As a result, the attackers respond with instructions how to pay the ransom.
Offer price: 490-980
Currency: USD
Operating System: Windows
Application Category: Ransomware
Author: STOP/DJVU authors
-
DAMAGE
(5)
-
DISTRIBUTION
(5)
-
ENCRYPTION STRENGTH
(5)
Overall
5User Review
( votes)Prospects of free data decryption
If you’re looking for a way to open .erif file extension data or decrypt it, you should know that at a time no such tool exists. The criminals actually are the ONLY ones that can do it, but that doesn’t mean you should pay them.
When it comes to .erif file decryption, you should first inspect which encryption – online or offline was applied to your files. An identificator of offline encryption version is a personal ID ending in t1. You can check it in C:/systemID/PersonalID.txt file created by the ransomware.
In such case, you should remain patient and check for updates in this STOP/DJVU decryption guide. Unfortunately, victims of online encryptions can only restore their files from data backups.
Ransomware distribution is based on peer-to-peer downloads
Victims of ERIF ransomware mostly download this threat along illegal online files, especially software cracks. It is known to be the primary distribution vector for all STOP/DJVU virus versions. The majority of victims inform that they have downloaded it alongside malicious Photoshop, video-editing software, or game crack.
It seems that despite cybersecurity experts’ warnings, computer users still head to sites promoting illegal torrent downloads to get premium software licenses for free. However, we recommend you not to do so, as this is the straightest and easiest way to drag malware to your computer. Besides, it is an extremely easy way for malware developers to quickly upload malware and switch its versions via such distribution vector.
Another reported DJVU distribution method is suspicious websites. In other words, you might be forced to download the file-encrypting malware after visiting a highly suspicious website that triggers pop-ups or redirects randomly. As a result, you will find all of your files turned useless in no time. It is said that the most dangerous and malware-filled sites are typically related to adult or gambling content, so be extremely cautious when browsing them, and try to choose better known ones, although they are also prone to hacks.
You might also get this ransomware after clicking on a malicious online ad pushing fake Adobe Flash Player updates.
Another known way to distribute ERIF virus is to disguise it as a KMSPico, a well-known Microsoft Windows operating system activator.
Therefore, by having all these distribution methods in mind, you can be more careful and avoid ransomware attacks in the future. However, please be aware that ransomware can be distributed via deceptive emails or even social media messaging, so we invite you to read more about crypto-malware prevention here.
Remove ERIF ransomware and rescue your files
Remove ERIF ransomware as soon as possible. For that matter, we recommend you to follow the given instructions to boot your PC in Safe Mode with Networking, download RESTORO and scan your system. The tool not only repairs virus damage on default Windows OS files, but includes Avira Antivirus scanner engine, which can remove malware in no time.
Ransomware is a highly complicated virus and their developers typically stuff them with various extras to perform malicious tasks, persist on the system to continue privacy-infringing tasks or steal valuable data. Although you might know that some ransomware viruses delete themselves after the attack, this isn’t the case with ERIF virus.
By using an automated malware removal tool, you will be sure that all malicious components, including those of Azorult Trojan, will be detected and eliminated. Plus, such dangerous malware tend to root deeply into the system, damaging Windows registry and other important settings. Erif ransomware removal is not an easy task, and the manual option should be left for cybersecurity experts only.
To kickstart the removal process, please follow the instructions given below. After removing the virus, you can start recovering your files from data backups. If you do not have them, please find a lengthy ERIF file decryption guide below.
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:
STEP 1. REMOVE AUTOMATICALLY WITH ROBUST ANTIVIRUS
STEP 2. REPAIR VIRUS DAMAGE TO YOUR COMPUTER
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.
ERIF 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 ERIF 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 ERIF 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. For virus damage repair, consider using RESTORO.
Special Offer
Compatibility: Microsoft Windows
See Full Review
RESTORO is a unique PC Repair Tool which comes with an in-built Avira scan engine to detect and remove spyware/malware threats and uses a patented technology to repair virus damage. The software can repair damaged, missing or malfunctioning Windows OS files, corrupted DLLs, and more. The free version offers a scan that detects issues. To fix them, license key for the full software version must be purchased.
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 ERIF files
Fix and open large ERIF 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 ERIF 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. ERIF ransomware virus is considered the new STOP/DJVU variant, just like DARJ DAZX, TYWD, TYCX, TYOS, TYPO, JYWD (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 ERIF 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 ERIF 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 ERIF 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 ERIF 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 ERIF 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 ERIF 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 ERIF 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 ERIF 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.
It doesn’t work.
“No key for New Variant offline ID: *********************************************
Notice: this ID appears be an offline ID, decryption MAY be possible in the future”
Yes, because it takes time for the offline decryption key to appear.
Very helpful article, sir. Saved my life