Remove OFLG Ransomware Virus (DECRYPT .oflg FILES)

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

OFLG ransomware virus attacks computers globally

Contents

OFLG ransomware virus attacks computers globally
- Beware of additional malware dropped
- Ransomware Summary
Main ways used to distribute this ransomware
- Tips to protect computers from ransomware attacks
Easy way to remove OFLG ransomware virus
Decrypt OFLG files
Frequently Asked Questions

OFLG ransomware virus is a dangerous computer malware that encrypts files on target systems. Once it infects a unprotected Windows OS-running computer, this ransomware immediately begins encrypting computer-stored data. After encryption of a file, .oflg extension will be added to its filename. For example, files that were previously named 1.png or 2.jpg automatically changes to 1.jpg.oflg and 2.png.oflg afterward.

In addition to these changes that are taking place, the cybercriminals will also drop _readme.txt notifying the victim about the successful cyber-attack and why they must pay specific amount of money as a ransom fee so they could receive decryption tools that will enable them to regain access to their files. To the cybercriminals, there is no middle ground, the victim either pays ransom or forever lose their files.

The ransom note contains a primary email and an alternate one i.e. support@bestyourmail.ch, datarestorehelp@airmail.cc. This is a risky bait that should not be taken but should the victim decide to seek their help by writing to them; an automated response will notify them of conditions that must be met i.e., the payment of the $980 ransom fee. However, there is a caveat that any victim who is capable of paying within 72 hours of receiving the notification can leverage their 50% ransom fee slash, thereby bringing it down to $490. Failure to complete the transaction within that stipulated time means that only the maximum fee becomes acceptable.

To make the situation worse for the victim, the cybercriminals do not accept bank payments or any other conventional money transfer. They only receive payment through cryptocurrency because they’re afraid to use any other platform that could be traceable to them.

Nevertheless, it’s in the best interest of ransomware victims not to pay ransom to cybercriminals and, better still, not to communicate with them. This advice was also supported by globally recognized security agencies like the FBI. Some of the reasons that were given are reproduced below:

Paying a ransom is never beneficial to the victim, considering that cybercriminals mostly do not provide effective decryption tools as promised. Besides, there are no refunds.
When the ransom is paid to cybercriminals, it encourages them to continue indulging in such criminality to the detriment of law-abiding citizens.
Such funds enable them to build their illegal activities, thus putting more users at risk.
When you pay the ransom, you make yourself vulnerable to further attacks in the future.

Beware of additional malware dropped

In addition to the risks already highlighted, it is important to note that OFLG ransomware virus also spreads other Trojans called RATs. Otherwise known as Remote Access Trojans, cybercriminals make use of these to steal sensitive personal information such as software login credentials, cryptocurrency wallets, passwords, browsing history, and banking details, among others. Currently STOP/DJVU versions are spotted spreading VIDAR and AZORULT.

Due to these reasons, victims should remove OFLG ransomware virus without delay to forestall further damages. Computer users should remove it via Safe Mode with Networking login option. This option is best because it limits system functions, enabling the antivirus to work optimally. As an additional option, users often use additional tools that help to repair virus damage. RESTORO (secure download link) is a tool that we recommend because it helps to repair ransomware damage to Windows OS files.

Ransomware Summary

Name	OFLG Ransomware Virus
Type	Ransomware; Crypto-malware; Virtual Extortion Virus
Family	STOP/DJVU
Encryption type	RSA 2048 + Salsa20
Previous versions	OFLG, OFOQ, AABN, AAMV, AAWT, EEBN, (find full list here)
Version	566th
Extension	.oflg
Cybercriminal emails	support@bestyourmail.ch, datarestorehelp@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 .oflg 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.MK!MTB (Microsoft), Gen:Heur.Mint.Zard.52 (B) (Emsisoft), HEUR:Trojan.Win32.Scarsi.gen (Kaspersky), Gen:Heur.Mint.Zard.52 (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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Main ways used to distribute this ransomware

The promoters of this file-encrypting malware are no other than the notorious STOP/DJVU ransomware group. These online rogues are infamous for being behind the spread of a series of ransomware targeting computers and files stored in them.

Typically, their major distribution channels are via emails and attachments, malicious online torrent platforms, and P2P. They aim to infect as many computers as possible with this ransomware, encrypt files contained in them and consequently demand ransom while promising to provide a decryption tool.

They use deceptive means in taking their victims unawares, such as uploading pirated software contents that are embedded with ransomware on online torrent platforms. They may also decide to forward random email/attachment containing malware while impersonating a representative of a popular brand or even an acquaintance. These are some of the risk factors that should be avoided by taking preventive measures (more details on that below).

Tips to protect computers from ransomware attacks

Not using computers responsibly can lead to OFLG ransomware virus infection. Therefore, activities such as downloading software from malicious online torrents, using P2P to share software contents or even opening of emails and accompanying attachments without first scrutinizing them should all be avoided.

These are the popular deceptive methods used by cybercriminals in spreading malware to many computers. They are aware that some software users do not like paying the fees requested by the original content producers, so they cunningly provide them a free alternative, but in doing so, they will first embed malware on them. When such malware-carrying software contents are downloaded by the intending user, they end up downloading dangerous malware alongside.

Alternatively, cybercriminals also embed malware on email attachments and forward to lots of random addresses. When such attachments are opened, they trigger a ransomware attack. The only way to avoid becoming a victim through such means is by not visiting malicious online torrents as well as not opening email attachments you’re not sure of their source.

We encourage the use of official channels in downloading genuine software content like going to official pages of the copyright owners or buying the original software. Whatever fee you pay for them is worth it knowing you won’t be at risk of a ransomware attack or any other problem often associated with the cloned versions. Also consider it a red flag when unrecognizable emails and attachments drop in your inbox or spam and, therefore shouldn’t be opened.

You can find some of the popular software contents often cloned and used by cybercriminals in distributing malware as shown below:

Microsoft Office;
Adobe Photoshop;
Corel Draw;
Cubase;
Adobe Illustrator;
VMware Workstation;
AutoCad;
League of Legends;
Tenorshare 4ukey;
Internet Download Manager;
Adobe Premiere Pro.

In addition to the need to protect your computer from being infected, it should also be noted that making use of these pirated software contents is inimical to the growth of the IT/Software industry. It requires a lot of resources and time invested in the development of these important software content and when those that invested in their research and development fail to make a reasonable profit, it doesn’t encourage them and there won’t be newer versions for users to enjoy. Other problems like loss of important files to encryption and the attendant loss of time, money and the distress that goes with it will all be prevented by using only genuine versions.

Easy way to remove OFLG ransomware virus

Every user who has accidentally downloaded this malware to their computers should remove OFLG ransomware virus without a hesitation. The recommended way of logging into the infected computer is using the Safe Mode with Networking option. Meanwhile, genuine antivirus software has to be installed and scanned as well. Our team additionally recommends this tool that can be downloaded via secure link here – RESTORO, which has a great record of removing malware remains and repairing virus damage to Windows OS files.

Now that OFLG ransomware virus removal is complete, here are other things that need to be done:

Immediately replace all passwords that were used prior to when the computer became compromised.
Use any available backup to restore lost files.
When you can’t find any backup, consider checking this guide for possible solutions.
It is necessary to report the incident to relevant government authorities.

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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RESTORO uses AVIRA scanning engine to detect existing spyware and malware. If any are found, the software will eliminate them.

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OFLG 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 OFLG 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 OFLG 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 OFLG files

Fix and open large OFLG 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 OFLG 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. OFLG Ransomware Virus is considered the new STOP/DJVU variant, just like OFLG, OFOQ, AABN, AAMV, AAWT, EEBN, (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 OFLG 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 OFLG 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 OFLG 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 OFLG 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 OFLG 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 .OFLG files?

You can only open OFLG 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 OFLG 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 OFLG 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.