RIBD ransomware infects PCs to encrypt all files
Contents
RIBD ransomware is a confirmed 284th version of STOP/DJVU virus that maliciously encrypts all files on the target system using RSA algorithm. Files affected by this ransomware variant can be recognized from .ribd extensions added by the virus. For example, file called 1.jpg becomes 1.jpg.ribd after the cyber attack. To inform the victim about file corruption and ways to decrypt data, the ransomware drops ransom notes called _readme.txt in every folder. The message in this file states that criminals can provide data decryption tools for $490 in three days or $980 later (in Bitcoin). The criminals behind this malware ask to contact them via helpmanager@airmail.cc or helpteam@mail.ch.
RIBD ransomware has a function to encrypt all data on computer and also install a password-stealing trojan on the system. The name of this additional malware is AZORULT. It is capable of grabbing sensitive data and transferring to criminals, such as various login credentials, cryptocurrency, browser cookies and other.
The ransomware developers also delete Volume Shadow Copies to ensure that victim finds to way to recover data for free. Finally, the virus adds a list of domains to Windows HOSTS system file, which helps to restrict access to a set of computer-related domains. It is believed that the criminals are trying to stop the victim from searching for help online.
This ransomware tends to run a fake process called winupdate.exe, which imitates Windows Update screen. The criminals use this technique to trick the victim into thinking that sudden system slowdown is related to legitimate process and not some kind of PC infection.
_readme.txt file contents: pay or lose your data
RIBD file virus developers encrypt victim’s data for only one reason – they want to extort computer users by forcing them pay a ransom for file decryption. For this reason, they employ RSA cryptography to lock one’s files. To inform the victim about the attack, the virus is set to create and drop _readme.txt note in every affected folder, so that the victim could notice it easily.
The note starts with “ATTENTION!” sign and states that victim still can decrypt all .ribd files. Although all files like pictures, databases, documents and other important files are encrypted, the criminals suggest that the victim can test their decryption tool on one file for free. They ask to contact them via provided emails, include one small file that doesn’t contain valuable information and personal ID. Then they will respond with decrypted file version and possibly more information about the payment and data decryption.
The attackers also introduce the victim to their conditions regarding the ransom price. According to _readme.txt, the victim can purchase decryption tool and key for $490 if one contacts the criminals within 72 hours from the computer infection timestamp. If the victim delays, the ransom price goes back to its full price – $980.
Our experts team want to warn you that despite the urge to attempt to recover your files in this way, paying the criminals is NOT RECOMMENDED. First, you might never recover your files after doing so, second, you would support illegal business by doing it. Next, there are a lot of instances when victims didn’t recover their files and continued to be extorted even after paying the ransom. In addition, paying the ransom might be illegal in your country.
We highly recommend you to secure your system by cleansing it from malware first. For this, you need to remove RIBD ransomware virus professionally. You should use a trustworthy anti-malware for it and finalise the removal procedure with well-reviewed tool for virus damage repair, RESTORO.
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.
| Name | RIBD Ransomware Virus |
| Type | Ransomware; Crypto-malware; Virtual Extortion Virus |
| Family | STOP/DJVU |
| Previous versions | VGKF, NQHD, ZAQI, YBER, VFGJ, FHKF, MAAK (find full list here) |
| Version | 284th |
| Extension | .ribd |
| Damage | The ransomware encrypts all files on the system using RSA algorithm. It might also install AZORULT malware on compromised system or network. The virus removes Volume Shadow Copies and maliciously modifies Windows HOSTS file. |
| Ransom note | _readme.txt |
| Ransom demand | $490-$980 in Bitcoin |
| Distribution | Can be found in variety of torrent downloads, usually those including software crack, keygens or tools like KMSPico. Once executed, downloads and runs ransomware on the system |
| Detection names | Trojan:Win32/Glupteba (Microsoft), Glupteba.Backdoor.Bruteforce.DDS (Malwarebytes), TR/AD.InstaBot.ysgps (Avira), HEUR:Exploit.Win32.Shellcode.gen (Kaspersky), Gen:Variant.Midie.79167 (B)(Emsisoft), see all detection name variations on VirusTotal |
| Removal | You can remove this ransomware virus using AV or AM software of your choice. After that, download and run a full system scan using RESTORO to repair virus damage on Windows OS files. |
Avoiding ransomware attacks easily
Speaking of RIBD ransomware distribution, it entirely relies on malicious online downloads. To be specific, this and previous versions of STOP/DJVU (CADQ, YGKZ and others) usually hide in various software cracks and keygens. Therefore, if you ever decide to look for free ways to install paid software on your system, remember that it most likely comes with a set of malware alongside it. The worst part is that computer users almost always receive security software warnings about a malicious torrent download, but they choose to ignore these, thinking that it is a false alarm. Sadly, such behaviour can lead directly to complete data corruption and privacy loss.
We have received several reports from ransomware victims who report downloading variants of STOP/DJVU via Adobe Photoshop, game or video editing software cracks. Make sure you obtain such programs from their official developer’s websites or other confirmed and authorised software licence resellers only. It is always cheaper than paying hefty ransoms for cybercriminals.
Another popular way to spread malware is malicious email attachments. The criminals compose convincing email headlines along with legitimate-looking messages, inviting the potential target to open “attached invoice” or view a document about pending/missing payment. Other deceptive strategies include invites to view parcel tracking updates (this technique is popular during these COVID-19 times, when many people shop online).
Scammers often impersonate legitimate and well-known company workers and pretend to be writing on behalf of Amazon, eBay, DPD, DHL or others. The attackers even disguise their sender’s address, making it look like an official email. You should learn how to identify spoofed e-mail address and check the real sender’s address.
For this reason, we want to advise you to be very careful when checking your e-mail and open only those letters that you were waiting for or expect to receive. Any other suspicious emails should be ignored – do not let your curiosity win! This is exactly the aim of cybercriminals who get really crafty with their spam e-mail topics.
Yet another technique to spread malware is to inject it into fake software update ads online. Be very careful if you notice a random JAVA or Adobe Flash Player update suggestion on a suspicious pop-up window – such ads almost always include various spyware instances or, in the worst scenario, malware samples. Remember that just like you should download software from official developer websites, software updates should be downloaded from them.
Remove RIBD ransomware virus safely and recover data
Before you begin recovering your files using a data backup or provided decryption/repair tools, we strongly recommend you to remove RIBD ransomware virus professionally. For that, we recommend using malware removal software of your choice. To clean up malicious remains and repair virus damage on Windows OS files, we strongly suggest downloading and scanning with RESTORO. It is a useful PC maintenance tool that’s been well-reviewed by many professionals.
Once RIBD ransomware removal is complete, we strongly suggest you to report cybercrime instance to respective authorities in your country and take actions to change your passwords for accounts saved in your web browsers. Make sure you do not reuse possibly leaked passwords for different accounts. Finally, use the given directions to try and repair at least part of your data.
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:
STEP 1. REMOVE AUTOMATICALLY WITH ROBUST ANTIVIRUS
STEP 2. REPAIR VIRUS DAMAGE TO YOUR COMPUTER
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RIBD 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 RIBD 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, see a video tutorial on how to do it:
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 RIBD 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.
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Decrypt RIBD files
Fix and open large RIBD 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 RIBD 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. RIBD ransomware virus is considered the new STOP/DJVU variant, just like VGKF, NQHD, ZAQI, YBER, VFGJ, FHKF, MAAK (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 RIBD 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 RIBD 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 RIBD 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 RIBD 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 RIBD 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 RIBD 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 RIBD 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 RIBD 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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