OODT ransomware virus is highly destructive and can affect your computer
Contents
OODT ransomware is a computer virus that seeks to lock all files on the target system with the help of encryption. This virus is a new variant released by the cybercriminals behind the infamous STOP/DJVU ransomware group. Whenever OODT ransomware virus succeeds in invading a computer, the next action it takes is to encrypt all files within its reach, and in addition to that, it will also append .oodt extension to every encrypted file. In other words, files with names like 1.jpeg or 2.jpg would automatically become 1.jpeg.oodt and 2.jpg.oodt respectively. Additionally, it will also drop a money-demanding text note called _readme.txt in each data folder.
The idea behind this ransomware attack is to infect as many computers as possible and encrypt files so the perpetrators could demand victims a ransom in exchange for decryption tools. To achieve their plans, the STOP/DJVU cybercriminal group would clone software copies that are in high demand, embed them with OODT ransomware virus and upload to malicious online torrent platforms. When unsuspecting users download such unwholesome software content, they bring a highly destructive virus into their computer system.
Cybercriminals also make use of emails and attachments by embedding them with malware and distributing to random addresses. Therefore, it becomes imperative for computer users to be proactive at all times by shunning activities that would put their computers at risk.
More about the ransom note contents
Simultaneously, while the above-stated attack is still ongoing, the virus would release notifications known as _readme.txt. These notifications will explain what has occurred to the computer owner and also brief them on why they must pay a certain amount of money as ransom before they would be allowed to regain access to their encrypted files. Otherwise, the computer user would lose such encrypted files forever.
Usually, victims that have backup copies would call their bluff, but those that don’t have and also consider such files to be very important to them, may want to negotiate with the cybercriminals. In anticipation of such, the cybercriminals would also drop two emails: support@bestyourmail.ch, datarestorehelp@airmail.cc.
Once the victim writes to them, they would respond with an automated message stating that the ransom fee is $980, but if the victim is willing to pay within 72 hours, they will reduce the fee by half, thus bringing the ransom down to $490.
Their conditions don’t end there, and they would also warn that payment can only be accepted via cryptocurrency transfer. They consider the anonymous nature of crypto as a safe haven since it ensures that their real identity is protected. Nevertheless, victims are advised never to comply with the demands of cybercriminals. It’s even best never to communicate with them. The FBI and other reputable global security organizations unanimously agreed on this. Listed below are some of the reasons why they insist against ransom payment:
- Records have shown that cybercriminals don’t keep to their promise of providing effective decryption tools even after receiving ransom fees.
- When huge funds are made available to cybercriminals as ransom fees, their criminal activities are profitable, which encourages them.
- Ransom payment is generally considered illegal.
- Due to their greedy nature, cybercriminals typically targets paying victim again and again in the future, but they ignore those that don’t comply with their initial demands.
Delete the malware and protect your computer as soon as you can
Although more emphasis is being made on OODT ransomware virus, it should be noted that it isn’t the only risk associated with the malware. Other Trojans, referred to as RATs, are often attached alongside and are used in pilfering vital personal information such as cryptocurrency wallets, banking details, software login details, and browsing history, among others. RAT is a shortened term for Remote Access Trojans, which enable cybercriminals to commit further crimes against the victim.
When you consider these risk factors, the need to remove OODT ransomware virus once it is detected in any computer becomes more glaring. The recommended safe way to get rid of it is by logging in through Safe Mode with Networking booting. This set up will enable the antivirus to function optimally. After you’re done with the AV scan, we recommend downloading RESTORO to identify and repair virus damage to Windows OS files automatically.
Ransomware Summary
| Name | OODT Ransomware Virus |
| Type | Ransomware; Crypto-malware; Virtual Extortion Virus |
| Family | STOP/DJVU |
| Encryption type | RSA 2048 + Salsa20 |
| Previous versions | JYPO, KIFR, KIOP, KITZ, BOZA, BOTY, COZA (find full list here) |
| Version | 553rd |
| Extension | .oodt |
| 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 .oodt 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/Vigorf.A (Microsoft), Ransom:Win32/Vigorf.A, HEUR:Trojan-HEUR:Trojan.Win32.Injuke.gen (Kaspersky), Trojan.GenericKD.61723659 (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.
See below how encrypted files look like.
Proactive measures to safeguard your computer against ransomware
The saying that prevention is better than cure holds true when dealing with this virus. There are particularly dangerous activities that put your computer at significant risk of malware infection, and they include:
- Downloading of software contents from malicious online torrents
- Indiscriminate opening of emails, especially from unknown sources.
- P2P sharing of software contents.
Cybercriminals know that some software users habitually prefer sourcing them illegally because they do not want to pay the fees requested by the original producers. So, they clone popular ones, embed them with malware and freely distribute them thereby spreading OODT ransomware virus. Alternatively, they sometimes make use of emails/attachments which they send to diverse random addresses. Computer users are advised to stay away from emails with spoofed originating addresses that appear odd or unsolicited.
Cybercriminals are always seeking loopholes they could leverage in spreading ransomware viruses, but if computer users remain proactive at all times, they won’t become victims. Therefore, it is very important that software users should ensure they’re using original copies by downloading them from the official pages of the copyright owners.
From our records, we compiled a list of popular software contents that are often cloned by cybercriminals and uploaded to malicious online torrent platforms:
- Corel Draw;
- Adobe Photoshop;
- Adobe Illustrator;
- Tenorshare 4ukey;
- AutoCad;
- Cubase;
- League of Legends;
- Internet Download Manager.
While some of those using these cloned software copies may be oblivious of the dangers associated with it, others are aware but would still decide to risk it. The sad truth is that when they eventually become victims, they lose a lot in terms of lost documents, time wasted, or even loss of huge sums of money for those that pay ransom. Paying the fees requested by the original content producers is the right thing to do because they spent a lot during research and development, and they need to recover their investments. This is the only the IT industry will continue to grow and software users will be the better for it.
Also note that popular files such as DOCX, PDF and XLS despite being developed for genuine reasons are also being exploited by cybercriminals because of their macro function enablement. Such files enable them embed malware and also trigger them once opened in other computers. However, victims of ransomware attack should avoid sites that make bogus claims of having decryption tools that work. Most of them are fraudulent and they tend to have ulterior motives. So far, our team can recommend Emsisoft and DiskTuna tools as they have proven to be reliable to a large extent.
How to remove OODT ransomware virus and recover your data
Before we conclude this piece, we need to reiterate that removing OODT ransomware virus ASAP is the way to go once found in any computer. This should be done safely by setting up the computer through Safe Mode with Networking option before running any reliable antivirus software. We also recommend downloading this tool – RESTORO (see its review here) to repair affected Windows OS files. Lastly, you will also need to take the following steps:
- Recover lost files using your backup.
- If option one above is not available, check for possibilities of recovery through decryption.
- Let the local police know about the situation.
- Immediately change all passwords that were entered in the compromised computer.
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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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OODT 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 OODT 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 OODT 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
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System Mechanic Ultimate Defense
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Decrypt OODT files
Fix and open large OODT 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 OODT 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. OODT Ransomware Virus is considered the new STOP/DJVU variant, just like JYPO, KIFR, KIOP, KITZ, BOZA, BOTY, COZA (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 OODT 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 OODT 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 OODT 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 OODT 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 OODT 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 OODT 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 OODT 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 OODT 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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