Remove OOVB Ransomware Virus (DECRYPT .oovb FILES)

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

OOVB Ransomware Virus Is a New Threat Faced By Computers

Contents

OOVB Ransomware Virus Is a New Threat Faced By Computers
How to ensure that your computer doesn’t become infected
OOVB virus removal & file restoration
Decrypt OOVB files
Frequently Asked Questions

OOVB ransomware virus is a new malware variant recently released by the cybercriminals operating the STOP/DJVU ransomware group. Once the virus succeeds in infecting the victim’s computer, then it encrypts files contained in them, and afterward the virus demands a ransom fee with a promise to send across decryption tool to the victim. A noteworthy detail about this ransomware strain variant is that it appends .oovb extension to each encrypted file name. In other words, files that were previously bearing names like 1.jpg, 2.png or 5.jpeg automatically transform to 1.jpg.oovb, 2.png.oovb or 5.jpeg.oovb respectively. Additionally, the virus will create a copy of _readme.txt (ransom note) in every infected data folder.

To infect as many computers as possible, the STOP/DJVU ransomware operators would upload cloned and ransomware-embedded software to malicious online torrents, and when users download them to their various computers, they inadvertently unleash a dangerous virus on their computer.

Another prolific method used by these perpetrators is to embed malware on emails and attachments and distribute them to random addresses. If such unsolicited email/attachment is opened in any computer, it triggers a ransomware attack. To prevent your computer from becoming infected, such distribution channels should be avoided.

The _readme.txt note demands ransom payment

While the attack described above is still ongoing, the cybercriminals responsible for it would also forward notifications known as _readme.txt to inform the victim about what has occurred to their computer and why it has become necessary for ransom to be paid before they could hope to retrieve their encrypted files. This is the decisive moment when victims would either call their bluff or try to get in touch with them. Often, victims that have no backup form bulk of those that contemplate reaching out to cybercriminals and in anticipation, they would drop two email addresses, namely: support@bestyourmail.ch, datarestorehelp@airmail.cc.

If victims write to them via any of these emails, they will send an automated response detailing the ransom fee and the conditions of payment attached to them. For instance, they would state that $980 is the amount the victim has to pay, but if one wants to leverage their 50% price slash, then payment must be made within 72 hours of being notified to do so, and failure to do so within that deadline means that the victim must pay nothing short of the maximum fee.

To complicate matters further for the victim, they would insist that the computer user can only make ransom fee payment via cryptocurrency transfer to their wallet address. Nevertheless, victims should never communicate with cybercriminals and shouldn’t pay ransom no matter the pressure. This directive is supported by the FBI and other reputable security organizations. Below are the reasons they gave for maintaining such a stance:

Ransom payment does not guarantee that cybercriminals will restore encrypted files.
When huge sums of money are made available to cybercriminals, it helps them build up their capacity and put more people at risk.
When you pay the ransom, you reward criminality and encourage them to remain in their illegal business.
Cybercriminals are greedy and often attack paying victims again in the future.
Paying the ransom is not an advisable option, according to the law enforcement agencies.

The importance of cleaning your computer ASAP

It is important to emphasize that OOVB ransomware virus and others in the series usually carry secondary malware called RATs alongside. RAT is a shortened term for Remote Access Trojans. It is used by cybercriminals to covertly steal sensitive personal information of victims, such as passwords, browsing history, bank account details, software login credentials, etc. While the primary ransomware is used in extorting ransom money, these Trojans aid them in other criminal acts such as theft or blackmail.

Based on the risks, computer users are advised to remove OOVB ransomware virus without a delay. You can do this by setting up the infected computer through Safe Mode with Networking before running an antivirus on it. But you should ensure that such antivirus solution is reputable and you’re using a genuine option. Afterward, we strongly recommend using INTEGO to finalize the removal and repair virus damage on Windows OS files.

Ransomware Summary

Name	OOVB Ransomware Virus
Type	Ransomware; Crypto-malware; Virtual Extortion Virus
Family	STOP/DJVU
Encryption type	RSA 2048 + Salsa20
Previous versions	QQLC, QQLO, QQRI, QQPP, QQJJ, QQKK (find full list here)
Version	552nd
Extension	.oovb
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 .oovb 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

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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 below shows a data folder that’s been compromised by this ransomware.

How to ensure that your computer doesn’t become infected

Granted that cybercriminals use diverse deceptive ways in trying to spread malware, but by being proactive, one can still be able to safeguard their computer. Therefore, malicious online torrents must be totally avoided. Likewise, the use of P2P software sharing and the opening of unverified emails and attachments are other risk factors that users must avoid. From our studies so far, we were able to detect that cybercriminals usually clone software contents that are in high demand and embed them with malware.

Afterward, they would make them available at little or no cost using the platforms listed above. In the case of emails and attachments, they would embed malware alongside, and they would be triggered once opened by the recipient. You should always be on guard because they often impersonate notable brands or acquaintances. Other times, they may decide to spoof the sender’s address just to fool their target victims. Understanding their distribution methods will make it easier for you to protect your computer from infection.

The main reason why cybercriminals typically clone popular or highly demanded software content is to increase their chances of luring as many unsuspecting users as possible. By analyzing data at our disposal, we were able to tally some of them based on the number of incidences or currents as reported by victims, and determine that the crooks are using the following popular software names as a bait to trick unsuspecting victims into downloading malware: Adobe Photoshop, Corel Draw, Tenorshare 4ukey and others.

Instead of trying to download needed software content from such illegal platforms because they’re cheap or even free is not a wise thing to do, especially when you consider that doing so will put your computer in grave danger of becoming infected. It would be in your best interest to patronize the original producers by using their officially recognized pages to download such software. Whatever fee they request can never be compared to the outrageous amounts you would be asked to pay by cybercriminals if you become a victim of a ransomware attack. The inconvenience, wasted time, and potential loss of vital documents are more reasons you need to be proactive.

Although files like PDF, XLS, or DOCX, among other similar ones, were created with good intentions, cybercriminals now exploit them because of their macro function abilities. This feature makes it easy for them to attach and trigger malware alongside cloned software contents. For those who unfortunately became victims, please avoid sites that make unverified claims of having solutions for STOP/DJVU encryptions because they’re mostly fraudulent. So far, we can only endorse DiskTuna and Emsisoft as sufficiently reliable; others are unverified, fraudulent, or useless.

OOVB virus removal & file restoration

Before we conclude this piece, it is necessary to reemphasize that preventing virus infection via taking the steps pointed out here is the best thing to do. However, in cases where OOVB ransomware virus infects a computer, remember to make use of reliable antivirus to remove it. Download RESTORO to check if any of the virus damage can be reversed. Other steps you’re required to take are listed as follows:

Make use of backups for file restoration.
Change passwords that were used in the compromised computer.
Inform local police about the situation.
If no backup is available, research possible ways to decrypt the files.

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

DOWNLOAD RESTORO

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.

Read full review here.

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.

OOVB 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 OOVB 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 OOVB 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

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 OOVB files

Fix and open large OOVB 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 OOVB 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. OOVB Ransomware Virus is considered the new STOP/DJVU variant, just like QQLC, QQLO, QQRI, QQPP, QQJJ, QQKK (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 OOVB 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 OOVB 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 OOVB 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 OOVB 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 OOVB 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 .OOVB files?

You can only open OOVB 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 OOVB 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 OOVB 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.