Remove MINE Ransomware Virus (DECRYPT .mine FILES)

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

MINE ransomware is a new addition to STOP/DJVU file-encrypting malware family

Contents

MINE ransomware is a new addition to STOP/DJVU file-encrypting malware family
How ransomware-type viruses are distributed?
- How to avoid getting infected?
Remove MINE Ransomware Virus and Recover Your Files
Decrypt MINE files
Frequently Asked Questions

MINE is a name of a ransomware-type virus. It originates from the infamous STOP/DJVU ransomware group. Once it hops onto the computer system, it starts processes to encrypt all files detected in the computer and appends .mine extension after the original file extension. To illustrate, file named 1.jpg gets renamed to 1.jpg.mine, 2.txt to 2.txt.mine and so on.

The ransomware also creates and saves a copy of _readme.txt ransom note in every data folder including desktop. This note contains a message from cybercriminals who demand paying a ransom in exchange for MINE file decryption tool. According to them, the fate of victim’s files are now in their hands and they’re willing to provide the tools for data decryption only if the victim agrees to make a payment to them.

Ransom note demands money

The message left in the _readme.txt note suggests that the victim can still recover all lost data, however, in order to do it, one needs to purchase a special software and unique decryption key from MINE ransomware operators. According to the note, the victim can send one encrypted file for test decryption to the criminals using one of the provided email addresses: manager@time2mail.ch and supportsys@airmail.cc. The note explains that the criminals will reply with a decrypted file version in order to proof that they’re capable of restoring absolutely all data.

Further information in the ransom note explains that the victim might be eligible for a 50% discount on the initial ransom price, however, with one condition – the victim needs to write to the attackers within 3 days. If the victim contacts the attackers within given time frame (72 hours), they will agree to provide the decryption tools for $490. Otherwise, the victim has to pay the full amount which is $980. After being contacted via email, the criminals ask the victim to purchase cryptocurrency (such as Bitcoin) worth the said amount and transfer it to their virtual wallet address. Such transactions cannot be traced down, and this is exactly what the criminals want.

At the end of the ransom note, there is a personal ID provided. It is a unique string that helps the criminals to identify the victim.

You can see a screenshot of the _readme.txt file down below.

Victims of ransomware attacks should avoid paying ransoms to cybercriminals. The same recommendation is provided by the FBI as well. Doing so encourages the criminals to continue their activities, besides, it doesn’t guarantee data recovery in any way.

Ransomware drops information-stealing Trojans on the system

When analysing samples of MINE ransomware detected on online malware submission portals, we have discovered that it mostly travels along AZORULT or VIDAR malware, both known to be highly dangerous Remote Access Trojans (RATs).

Both VIDAR and AZORULT Trojans are widely known for their ability to steal private information from infected computers. The attackers can remotely give commands to it, for example, to view or delete computer-stored files and also to download more malware on it. On top of that, these threats can be used to steal and transfer sensitive details including browser-saved passwords and cryptocurrency wallets to cybercriminals. With their hands on such information, the criminals might try to hack these accounts and blackmail the computer user.

If your computer was infected with the described malware, we strongly advise you to remove MINE ransomware virus along with Trojans and other malware it installed. The best solution in this situation is to rely on an automatic malware removal software such as antivirus or anti-malware. Make sure you run it after booting your computer in Safe Mode with Networking. Additionally, we advise downloading RESTORO and scanning your computer with it. You can use the scan results to try and repair virus damage on Windows OS manually or use the full software’s version to fix it automatically.

Ransomware Summary

Name	MINE Ransomware Virus
Type	Ransomware; Crypto-malware; Virtual Extortion Virus
Family	STOP/DJVU
Encryption type	RSA 2048 + Salsa20
Previous versions	JHDD, DEWD, JHBG, JHGN, TTII, HHJK, MMOB (find full list here)
Version	469th
Extension	.mine
Cybercriminal emails	manager@time2mail.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 .mine 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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See a screenshot of files encrypted by this notorious ransomware variant.

How ransomware-type viruses are distributed?

Cybercriminals distribute ransomware-type viruses in several ways. They compromise websites to serve malicious drive-by downloads, or distribute fake ads suggesting to download alleged software updates. In other scenarios, cybercriminals disguise ransomware in email attachments named as legitimate files (such as invoices, order summaries, payment details, parcel tracking information, etc.)

When it comes to STOP/DJVU, cybercriminals behind this malware tend to distribute MINE ransomware virus in a form of pirated software copies, or at least lure potential victims with popular software names. Computer users who have a tendency to search for software cracks or keygens and download paid software from untrustworthy sources are at risk of infecting their computers with this ransomware. The malware usually awaits for the victims in various warez and crack sites in a form of torrents or password-protected archives. Once opened, they immediately infect the computer with file-encrypting ransomware.

Some threat actors go as far as concealing ransomware into fake file decryption tools. For instance, criminals behind ZORAB ransomware used to proliferate this threat via fake STOP/DJVU decryption tools online.

How to avoid getting infected?

Experts from Geek’s Advice team recommend staying away from untrustworthy websites and illegal downloads altogether. Most of them serve malware bundled with the advertised software/tools, and these additions can severely compromise your computer and cause extreme damage. We recommend that you only use legitimate online resources to download computer programs and only rely on legitimate license keys that you purchased yourself.

Additionally, it is extremely important to keep your computer protected by a legitimate antivirus software at all times. We recommend you to choose one that provides 27/7 real-time protection so that it can check incoming downloads in real-time and block them if anything suspicious is detected.

Moreover, we suggest that you act cautiously when checking email. Criminals nowadays try their best to deceive the victims and put the highest level of effort into crafting convincing email messages accompanied by malicious attachments. Avoid opening attached files even if the sender’s email seems legitimate – you should remember that crooks often leverage email spoofing techniques to conceal the real sender’s email address. On top of that, phishing emails typically tend to urge the recipient to take action – such as click on URL or attached files and reply to the sender immediately. Such sense of urgency is one of the red flags showing that the sender’s intentions aren’t benign.

Remove MINE Ransomware Virus and Recover Your Files

We do not advise manual MINE ransomware virus removal because there’s a high chance that some of the malicious modifications and components will be missed by inexperienced computer user. Instead, we recommend starting your computer system in Safe Mode with Networking as explained in the tutorial below. From there, you can run an antivirus software to remove MINE ransomware securely.

After a successful malware removal, you may want to download this tool – RESTORO and scan your computer with it. The full version can repair virus damage to Windows OS files without the need to reinstall the operating system.

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Our team recommends removing malware using a professional antivirus software and then using the following tool to repair virus damage to Windows system files:

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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.

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MINE 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 MINE 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 MINE 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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Decrypt MINE files

Fix and open large MINE 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 MINE 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. MINE Ransomware Virus is considered the new STOP/DJVU variant, just like JHDD, DEWD, JHBG, JHGN, TTII, HHJK, MMOB (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 MINE 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 MINE 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 MINE 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 MINE 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 MINE 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 .MINE files?

You can only open MINE 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 MINE 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 MINE 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.