EWDF ransomware distributed worldwide by STOP/DJVU malware operators
Contents
EWDF is a ransomware-type virus that attempts to encrypt all files on the target computers after a successful infiltration. It is recognized as a variant of the large STOP/DJVU ransomware family and is distinguished from a 4-character .ewdf extension it appends to encrypted files. To illustrate, files originally named 1.jpg and 2.docx will appear as 1.jpg.ewdf and 2.docx.ewdf after being encrypted. Consequently, the victim won’t be able to view, edit or manipulate the file in any other way.
Once the malware encrypts all files, it ensures that the computer user gets the message from EWDF ransomware operators. For this matter, the virus saves a copy of a ransom note dubbed _readme.txt in each affected data folder. In short, this file explains what happened to computer files and what do the cybercriminals want from the victim.
What’s explained in the ransom note
The ransom note left by the criminals in a form of a _readme.txt text file can be found in every data folder containing some encrypted files. The message in it explains that the ransomware has encrypted victim’s files with strongest encryption algorithms and that the only way to reverse the damage is to use a data decryption software along with a unique decryption key. However, these tools are held by the cybercriminals behind the attack, who now suggest that they want the victim to pay a ransom. To test these tools, the threat actors suggest sending one encrypted file sample to them via email and they promise to respond with a decrypted version attached.
The note suggests that the cybercriminals may apply a 50% discount on the initial ransom price if the victim rushes to contact the attackers via provided emails (admin@helpdata.top and supportsys@airmail.cc). If the victim succeeds to reach out to the criminals within 72 hours, they agree to settle the decryption price for $490. Otherwise, they demand paying the full amount, which is $980. One way or another, the crooks will instruct the victim to purchase cryptocurrency worth the amount and transfer it to their virtual wallet address.
They also may provide additional information related to buying virtual currency if the victim has zero experience with it. The reason why the criminals seek to convince the victim to pay using blockchain-based currencies is that it gives them anonymity and prevents law enforcement agencies from tracking the payments.
Remember that paying the ransom is not a good option. Not only it doesn’t guarantee data recovery, but it also helps the cybercriminals continue their operations, employ more developers or distributors and so on. If the victims keep paying, the criminals keep creating new attack schemes. For this reason, we strongly advise that you do not pay the ransom and read more about FBI’s recommendations regarding ransomware incidents.
Data encryption is usually the main part of a ransomware attack, but sadly, that is not the only damage the virus is set to inflict on the target systems. In case of STOP/DJVU, our experts have noticed that it mostly spreads in tandem with VIDAR/AZORULT malware, and both of these are known to be dangerous Remote Access Trojans (RATs).
In other words, these threats can be used to extract sensitive information from victim’s computer, including one’s passwords, cryptocurrency wallets, banking information, browsing history, cookies, and more. Afterward, the criminals may use collected data to blackmail the victim.
That being said, we strongly recommend that you remove EWDF ransomware virus without a delay. For this task, remember to boot your computer in Safe Mode with Networking (see a guide provided below) and then run an antivirus scan. On top of that, we recommend using RESTORO (secure download link) to repair virus damage on Windows OS files. Many users who have tried this tool agree that it works like a charm when it comes to repairing damaged Windows files and fixing various system errors.
Ransomware Summary
| Name | EWDF Ransomware Virus |
| Type | Ransomware; Crypto-malware; Virtual Extortion Virus |
| Family | STOP/DJVU |
| Encryption type | RSA 2048 + Salsa20 |
| Previous versions | DARJ DAZX, TYWD, TYCX, TYOS, TYPO, JYWD (find full list here) |
| Version | 490th |
| Extension | .ewdf |
| Cybercriminal emails | admin@helpdata.top 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 .ewdf 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). |
REPAIR VIRUS DAMAGE
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.
The screenshot provided below displays a data folder containing ransomware-encrypted files and the ransom note.
Ransomware distribution explained
Ransomware is usually hidden in files named as something else that users can download from the Internet. To be specific, STOP/DJVU variants like EWDF virus usually await for potential victims in rogue pages advertising cracked software versions. The victim usually downloads the “setup” via a generated link, only to find out that it is an executable of a severe computer malware.
Our experts advise computer users to avoid using peer-to-peer sharing networks or rogue websites to download pirated software versions. Instead, we strongly recommend visiting official and secure websites, ideally those that belong to companies behind these legitimate computer programs. By purchasing license keys to activate software in a genuine way, you can be sure the copy is secure, 100% functional and risk-free.
Another popular ransomware distribution method involves email spam. Cybercriminals create phishing messages that urge the victim to open email attachments (those usually come in PDF, DOCX, XLS or JS formats). These files may be named as invoices, order summaries, parcel tracking details and similar. These files are filled with scripts that are set to download the ransomware from an external source and run it on victim’s computer.
Due to such criminal activity, we advise computer users to be extremely vigilant when checking their email inboxes and avoid clicking on attachments or links in messages that seem suspicious or unexpected.
Cybercriminals have many other methods to spread ransomware: they may hide in in fake software update tools, drive-by downloads, fake online ads, or even rogue ransomware decryption tools.
Remove EWDF Ransomware Virus and Decrypt Files
In order to remove EWDF ransomware virus, we recommend following the instructions prepared by our team. You can find guidelines on how to boot your computer in Safe Mode with Networking and then run a chosen antivirus software to scan the entire file system.
Using an automatic malware removal software is a good idea especially because tracking down all of the malicious components dropped by a computer threat can be a tedious task. On top of that, we also recommend downloading RESTORO and scanning your computer with it. It can help to repair virus-damaged files of the Windows OS.
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
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EWDF 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 EWDF 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 EWDF 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.
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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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Decrypt EWDF files
Fix and open large EWDF 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 EWDF 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. EWDF 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 EWDF 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 EWDF 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 EWDF 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 EWDF 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 EWDF 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 EWDF 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 EWDF 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 EWDF 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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