Remove RRYY Ransomware Virus (DECRYPT .rryy FILES)

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

RRYY ransomware attacks unprotected computers, encrypts files

Contents

RRYY ransomware attacks unprotected computers, encrypts files
Methods that ransomware operators use to spread malware
Remove RRYY ransomware virus and decrypt affected files
Decrypt RRYY files
Frequently Asked Questions

RRYY ransomware is a new malicious computer virus that has just been released by the notorious STOP/DJVU cybercriminal group. Even though it is similar in nature to the earlier variants before it, this latest version is considered to be probably more destructive. It does not only encrypt files but also appends .rryy extension to each file name. To illustrate it more graphically, files that were saved with names like 1.jpg, 2.jpg now appears 1.jpg.rryy, 2.jpg.rryy and so on. From now on, these files can no longer be opened or viewed by the user.

In addition to that, ransom notes named as _readme.txt would also be dropped by the cybercriminals behind the attack. The ransom note explains the situation to those at the receiving end, about how their files have been successfully encrypted and why they must pay ransom in order to be given RRYY decryption tool. The threat actors simply seek to extort the computer user after illegally taking one’s files hostage.

Ransom note demands money for data decryption tools

Having read the attached ransom note, it would become evident to the victim that RRYY ransomware has not only infected their computer but has equally rendered the entire data contained in it unreadable. In essence, all important files such as documents, photos, emails, videos etc. can’t be accessed anymore except they cooperate with the cybercriminals and oblige their requests.

Those behind the attack also drop two email addresses (support@bestyourmail.ch and supportsys@airmail.cc) so that victims could contact the ransomware operators. Furthermore, the specific amount of money the victim is required to pay as well as the terms of payment will also be attached. Although the ransom fee is usually pegged at $980, they will state that half payment can also be accepted if the victim can pay within three days of being notified to do so. This caveat brings the payable ransom fee down to $490, but it will become void once the 72 hours “grace period” elapses.

To further complicate an already difficult situation, the cybercriminals will state categorically that payment must be made using cryptocurrency. They will forward a wallet address to the victim and direct them to send the exact equivalent of the ransom fee into it. They make use of such untraceable payment methods so that law enforcement agents won’t be able to come after them.

To assure their victims who may be having doubts, the cybercriminals may ask them to forward any random part of the encrypted files for test decryption but will also warn that such shouldn’t contain texts that could be considered as important to the victim.

Be that as it may, victims should never cooperate with cybercriminals, and neither are they supposed to pay the ransom. This is the memo passed by the FBI and is also supported by other reputable cybersecurity experts. Various factors were considered before arriving at this conclusion, and they’re listed below:

Ransom payment does not guarantee that lost files would be recovered.
It indirectly encourages criminality since those behind it would find it lucrative.
Those that pay the ransom are often targeted again in the future.

Additional details regarding the ransomware damage

Research conducted by our cybersecurity experts on different variants of STOP/DJVU ransomware has shown that they were all programmed to avoid certain countries located in the Middle East and Baltic region. They are listed as follows Russia, Belarus, Syria, Ukraine, Armenia, Krygyzstan, Kazachstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. In order to detect the geo-location of the infected computer, the virus will connect to https[:]//api.2ip.ua/geo.json and would later save it in a geo.json file, which would also contain the IP address, city, country, zip code, longitude, and latitude. From the result, it would be able to decipher if the country is among those on their exempted list or not.

Even though more attention is paid to data encryption, it is equally necessary to state that it is not the only danger attributed to RRYY virus. There are other malwares that pilfer information known as Remote Access Trojans or RATs for short. These RATs are then used by the cybercriminals to steal sensitive data like banking details, passwords, cryptocurrency wallets, and browsing history, among others. Their target is to use them in perpetrating additional criminal acts.

Victims of STOP/DJVU ransomware are advised to remove every trace of RRYY ransomware from their computer without delay. The recommended way of going about this is to first set up the infected computer through the Safe Mode with Networking. This should be followed by activation of a genuine antivirus. Next recommended action would be to download RESTORO which could be used in restoring Windows OS files that were damaged during the cyber-attack.

Ransomware Summary

Name	RRYY Ransomware Virus
Type	Ransomware; Crypto-malware; Virtual Extortion Virus
Family	STOP/DJVU
Encryption type	RSA 2048 + Salsa20
Previous versions	QLLN, EWDF, UIHJ, ZFDV, RRBB, RRCC, RRYY (find full list here)
Version	493rd
Extension	.rryy
Cybercriminal emails	support@bestyourmail.ch and supportsys@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 .rryy 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).

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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 provided below shows a data folder containing files encrypted by this ransomware variant.

Methods that ransomware operators use to spread malware

The most common methods used by cybercriminals in infecting random computers are basically through distribution of pirated key generators and tools, illegal software contents uploaded on dubious online torrents platforms, and lastly, through malicious email attachments.

Aside from malicious email attachments, the others are triggered when unsuspecting computer users try to obtain software contents through illegal means. Unknown to them, cybercriminals have already embedded malware on these software contents before uploading them to online torrent-sharing platforms, only for them to become active once executed by the victim. Over the years, a number of popular software names have been used as a clickbait by cybercriminals as outlined below in no particular order:

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

On the face value, it may seem like a smart idea to download needed software contents from online torrents platform without having to pay for them. However, such act is very risky and can have devastating consequences on the user’s computer. Aside the fact that it’s ethically wrong to obtain other people’s property without paying for it, also note that cybercriminals usually embed malware on such pirated software contents.

Cybercriminals also spread malware using malicious email attachments; therefore, computer users should be wary of unsolicited emails that arrive in their inboxes. Such emails and the accompanying attachments could be in the form of DOCX, PDF or XLS, among others. Other warning signs that indicate an email could be malicious include typo errors, strange titles, unrecognizable or spoofed sender’s email address, etc.

In addition to the factors mentioned above, victims of STOP/DJVU ransomware are advised to avoid any online adverts claiming to have solutions for their encrypted files because they’re more likely than not to be scams. However, only tools created by Emsisoft and Disktuna have been found to be reliable in repairing files affected by the virus.

Remove RRYY ransomware virus and decrypt affected files

As stated earlier, it is important to switch your computer to Safe Mode with Networking before trying to remove RRYY ransomware virus. Using a professional anti-malware or antivirus solution is strongly recommended. Also ensure you make use of only genuine software copy if you want to experience impressive result. As a bonus step, we recommend downloading RESTORO to help you repair Windows OS files damaged by the ransomware.

Below are the things you should do after removing RRYY ransomware:

Report to any police station or relevant government agency nearest to you.
Make use of your backup device in restoring lost files.
Research more on STOP/DJVU ransomware and how to overcome its variants.
You should change all your passwords that were used on the computer.

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.

RRYY 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 RRYY 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 RRYY 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

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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 RRYY files

Fix and open large RRYY 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 RRYY 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. RRYY Ransomware Virus is considered the new STOP/DJVU variant, just like QLLN, EWDF, UIHJ, ZFDV, RRBB, RRCC, RRYY (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 RRYY 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 RRYY 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 RRYY 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 RRYY 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 RRYY 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 .RRYY files?

You can only open RRYY 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 RRYY 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 RRYY 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.