Remove REZM Ransomware Virus (2021 Decryption Guide)

REZM ransomware attacks to convert your files into useless data pile

REZM Ransomware is a file-encrypting virus which originates from DJVU ransomware group. The virus uses RSA cryptography to lock personal files stored on victim’s computer, then demands paying a ransom in exchange to access to personal files. The malicious program marks affected data with .rezm extensions and creates _readme.txt ransom notes in various folders. The note explains that all files have been encrypted and can be recovered only with a special decryption key. The criminals demand contacting them one of two provided emails and paying $490 or $980 in Bitcoin. In addition, the virus deletes Volume Shadow Copies and installs AZORULT password-stealing Trojan on the infected host.

REZM ransomware infects victim’s computer silently and starts file encryption procedure straight away. The malicious program is designed to encrypt particular file types, bypassing system folders to keep the operating system running. By default, the virus targets folders that hold victim’s personal data, such as Downloads, Documents, Pictures, Desktop, and other locations. The way that data is encrypted makes it impossible to reverse the procedure and recover files.

Next, the virus creates a text note, namely _readme.txt, to inform the victim about ways to restore data. The message from criminals informs about the severity of the situation and suggests contacting the attackers via helpdatarestore@firemail.cc or helpmanager@mail.ch. The victim must include his/hers personal ID (found in the ransom note) and one encrypted file to receive further instructions and decrypted .rezm file as a proof.

What is interesting about this virus is that it has an exception rule not to attack computers which have one of the following languages set as default: Russia, Belarus, Ukraine, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Syria.

However, if you have been affected by this virus, we do not recommend following the attackers commands. Instead, remove REZM ransomware virus safely using instructions provided below the article, then use the data backup that you have.

Threat Summary

Name	REZM ransomware virus
Type	File-encrypting virus; ransomware
Origins	STOP/DJVU
File marker	.rezm extension
Ransom note	_readme.txt
Ransom demand	$490 if paid within 72 hours or $980 later
Contact emails	helpdatarestore@firemail.cc or helpmanager@mail.ch
Distribution	Spreads via software cracks, keygens, and other illegal downloads
Decryption possibilities	Impossible to decrypt data, unless affected by offline encryption key
Removal	Remove using antivirus while in Safe Mode (see free instructions below)

Ransomware encryption routine: offline and online attacks compared

REZM file-encrypting virus uses online key to encrypt victim’s in case it manages to establish connection with a Command & Control server (also known as C&C or C2). The online encryption key is different for each victim. It means that if some victim pays for the decryption key, it won’t work for any other victim affected by this STOP/DJVU variant.

However, if the virus fails to connect to the C2 server, it uses a hardcoded offline encryption key, which is one and only. Therefore, victims who are affected by the offline encryption key can decrypt their files altogether once someone pays for the offline decryption key.

To determine how your .rezm extension files were encrypted, go to C:/SystemID/PersonalID.txt and look at IDs saved here. If one of them ends in t1, it is an indication of an offline encryption. In such case, keep checking for updates in STOP/DJVU decryption guide here. If your files were affected by the online encryption, then there are no good news to you.

The only way to restore data encrypted by online keys is either get the decryption key and software from the criminals, or use a data backup.

As mentioned earlier, this ransomware variant installs Azorult password-stealing Trojan on the system. It means that it can steal your login credentials (especially those saved in your browsers) and transmit them to cybercriminals. If you do not want to suffer from financial or private data loss, take actions to wipe all malware from your system altogether. Therefore, start with REZM removal and delete Azorult afterwards. An immediate password-changing procedure is required to ensure your safety.

Stay clear of illegal downloads to avoid ransomware viruses

REZM ransomware is a variant of STOP/DJVU, and this ransomware family is known to spread in a very particular way – via illegal downloads such as software cracks or keygens. Therefore, if you decide to search for games or software cracks online, keep in mind that you might end up installing an obfuscated variant of the ransomware, such as MOOL, OOSS, NPPP or others.

To prevent ransomware attacks, never surf through suspicious websites that deliver many pop-up ads, fake alerts, untrustworthy or pushy download links. Besides, we do not recommend looking for software licenses in various torrent-sharing websites, as these downloads can hide various malware variants, including STOP/DJVU versions, inside them.

Best way to remove REZM ransomware virus

The best way to remove REZM ransomware virus for us is starting the system in Safe Mode, then performing a full system scan using a trustworthy anti-malware or antivirus. Make sure you follow the steps attentively and do not miss a point to ensure a successful system cleanse.

Once you’re done with REZM virus removal, find that backup drive you’ve created previously and plug it into your computer. This will help you to restore at least a majority of corrupted data easily. Do not forget to continue creating data backups regularly in case of another attack. Finally, do not forget to change all of your passwords due to Azorult’s activity on your system.

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:

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.

Alternative software recommendations

Malwarebytes Anti-Malware

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System Mechanic Ultimate Defense

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