VARI ransomware aims to extort money by locking victim’s data
Contents
VARI ransomware is a computer virus that encrypts personal files on victim’s PC using RSA algorithm, then suggests to pay a ransom for data decryption tool, or lose files forever. It is the 246th version of STOP/DJVU malware, which was first spotted by Michael Gillespie on August 15th. The encryption used by ransomware makes files inaccessible to the victim. The virus then marks encrypted data with .vari extension. For example, a file called document.doc becomes document.doc.vari. Next, the virus drops ransom-demanding notes called _readme.txt in every affected data folder and on desktop. The note demands the victim to pay $490 in three days or $980 later for VARI file decryption tools. Finally, the virus installs AZORULT malware on the system.
The main target of VARI ransomware developers is to use this software as a money extortion tool. It is designed to lock victim’s files and make them inaccessible until the ransom is paid. The attackers promise to provide data decryption tools shortly after, although their words can hardly be trusted. As explained in the _readme.txt ransom note, all victim’s files like photos, databases, documents and other important documents are encrypted with “strongest” encryption and unique key.
According to the note, the only way of restoring files is paying the ransom in Bitcoin. The attackers promise to provide test VARI file decryption on 1 file that does not hold any important file. The criminals’ emails provided in the note are helpmanager@mail.ch and restoremanager@airmail.cc.
The note suggests that if the victim rushes to contact the criminals within 3 days (72 hours) after the cyber attack, the ransom price applied will be %50 lower – $490. If the victim hesitates for a little longer, Vari decryption tool price bounces back to its full amount – $980 in Bitcoin.
Ransomware is one of the most successful cyber crime tools in 2020. The success of viruses like STOP/DJVU, NORD, GENO, OONN, NILE, DHARMA, XATI, BOOP, KASP and others, victims have paid millions of dollars to the attackers already. Unfortunately, not all of them restored their data successfully. Besides, paying the ransom means supporting the criminals and their evil operations. For that reason, we do not recommend paying up.
The first thing that you must do after a malware attack is to remove VARI ransomware virus safely. For that, we recommend following the instructions given below, and using a popular malware detection and PC Repair software – RESTORO.
Virus Summary
| Name | VARI ransomware virus |
| Type | Ransomware; File Locker; Extortion Software |
| Extension | .vari |
| Origins | STOP/DJVU family |
| Versions | COPA, KOLZ, OONN, NILE, REPL, MAAS, OPQZ, NORD, KOLZ, OGDO |
| Malicious executive | TMP.EXE extension file. Examples: 57AA.tmp.exe, 1B01.tmp.exe, 4H78.tmp.exe and similar |
| Criminal contact | helpmanager@mail.ch, restoremanager@airmail.cc |
| Ransom note | _readme.txt |
| Ransom price | $490-$980 |
| Primary damage | The virus encrypts files, making them impossible to open. |
| Distribution | Malicious downloads such as software cracks; infectious email attachments; fake update pop-ups |
| Removal | We recommend using RESTORO to identify the malware and repair virus damage on Windows OS |
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.
Encryption/decryption scheme
The VARI file virus uses a combination of symmetric and asymmetric encryption algorithms to lock data on the target computer. Such encryption is nearly impossible to break, and so it is typically used to secure military-grade information. What is also important is that the virus uses either online or offline encryption to affect victim’s files, based whether the virus manages to establish network access and connect to its Command&Control server during the attack.
Good news that victims of offline encryption can expect to restore their files in the future, as their decryption keys are identical. We have already received a couple of comments from victims with offline IDs, so if you are one, stay patient until the decryption tool appears online.
Unfortunately, when it comes to online encryption, the key pairs are generated for each victim separately and are unique. In such case, the only way of restoring .vari files for free is using data backups.
In case your data was encrypted with offline key (your personal ID in C:/SystemID/PersonalID.txt ends with t1), you can restore at least part of your data for free using Emsisoft’s STOP Decrypter. Find instructions here.
Ransomware distribution scheme
Data-locking malware, such as VARI ransomware, are typically distributed in three main ways:
- Malicious email attachments;
- Illegal downloads;
- Fake software update ads.
When it comes to malicious email attachments, ransomware payload can be hidden in a safe-looking document format, such as WORD, PDF, of even EXCEL. Once opened, the victim might be asked to enable editing or activate macros. This will trigger the payload and activate the scripts hidden in the file, which will then be used to download the ransomware from an external source and execute it on the victim’s computer. Therefore, you should be 100% sure that the file you’re receiving is coming from a trustworthy source. The attackers often pretend that they’re delivering cash refund information, invoices, or missing payment info.
Another common way of downloading the ransomware voluntary is searching for software cracks on torrent sharing sites. This is an extremely popular method of distributing ransomware nowadays. The criminals hide the virus in the archived download, and the victim can activate the virus instantly, thinking that it is a keygen or a crack component. What is even worse is that the victims know that such files typically are stopped by antivirus tools, but because they want to obtain the premium software versions for free, they choose the risk. Please do not ever obtain software from suspicious sources and only download it from the official developer’s websites only.
Finally, some ransomware victims run into this threat after clicking on a fake online pop-up stating that the victim’s system needs an important update for a random software specified. Most of these deceptive pop-ups suggest installing a missing Flash or Adobe update, even if the victim doesn’t actually need it. Please check whether you need the update on the official software developer’s websites only to be safe.
VARI infection details
The following information described common symptoms of this ransomware infection, including how affected file folders look, and contents of the ransom notes.
Screenshot of a file folder affected by the Vari file virus:
Text provided in the _readme.txt file:
ATTENTION!
Don’t worry, you can return all your files!
All your files like photos, databases, documents and other important files are encrypted with strongest encryption and unique key.
The only method of recovering files is to purchase decrypt tool and unique key for you.
This software will decrypt all your encrypted files.
What guarantees you have?
You can send one of your encrypted file from your PC and we decrypt it for free.
But we can decrypt only 1 file for free. File must not contain valuable information.
You can get and look video overview decrypt tool:
hxxps://we.tl/t-gSEEREZ5tS
Price of private key and decrypt software is $980.
Discount 50% available if you contact us first 72 hours, that’s price for you is $490.
Please note that you’ll never restore your data without payment.
Check your e-mail “Spam” or “Junk” folder if you don’t get answer more than 6 hours.To get this software you need write on our e-mail:
helpmanager@mail.chReserve e-mail address to contact us:
restoremanager@airmail.ccYour personal ID:
–
Additional file dropped is dropped by the virus in C:/SystemID/PersonalID.txt, and its contents vary according to the victim. Typically, it contains a lenghty string that represents victims ID.
Remove VARI ransomware virus and restore encrypted files
If your files were encrypted, you should remove VARI ransomware as soon as possible. Additionally, repair virus damage using software like RESTORO. Please first prepare your PC as advised in the instructions below. Booting in Safe Mode with Networking will stop the malicious processes from running, and it will be easier to eliminate the ransomware along with the Azorult Trojan that it installed.
Once the VARI virus removal is complete, you can plug your data backups to the computer safely, and start importing unaffected data copies. In case you do not have a data backup, please follow the data restoration guide presented below. If the Emsisoft’s decryption tool doesn’t work for you, you might need to wait for a couple of weeks and try again.
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VARI 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 VARI 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 VARI 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 VARI files
Fix and open large VARI 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 VARI 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. VARI ransomware virus is considered the new STOP/DJVU variant, just like BBYY, BBII, BBZZ, BBII, HKGT, EFVC, EIJY (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 VARI 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 VARI 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 VARI 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 VARI 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 VARI 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 VARI 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 VARI 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 VARI 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Once encrypted, .vari files can only be opened with the help of STOP/DJVU decryption tool. Unfortunately, this tool is capable of helping only if offline encryption method was used. In all other cases, data backups are required.
Computer users are advised to always create data backups for important data. You should check if you were hit by offline or online VARI ransomware encryption and determine your chances to restore data as explained in the article.
Please check the decryption tool’s message and see the reference guide in the article on how to decode the tool’s messages.
At the moment, VARI decryptor isn’t available yet. Please follow the updates in STOP/DJVU decryption guide.
You can report the ransomware attack to legal authorities listed in the guide below.
When it comes to media files, you can open .vari files without any decryption tools, but you should expect a bit of data loss in the beginning of the file. In other words, the ransomware encrypts only the beginning of the file. You can repair encrypted files using Media_Repair tool as explained here.
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did you success in decrypt your files or remove the virus only?
Hello, will it be possible for the virus to spread to my computer once I opened an infected network drive? Like I just visit the the drive and not open any files their.
I have removed the virus successfully – I also advise everyone to change your passwords as this AZORULT trojan that VARI installs can transmit your passwords to the criminals (If i got it correctly). Stay safe, guys
You are correct, it is essential to change your passwords after this virus’ attack.