Remove VVEO Ransomware Virus (DECRYPT .vveo FILES)

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

VVEO Ransomware Virus & How It Infects Computers

Contents

VVEO Ransomware Virus & How It Infects Computers
Safety Measures That Need To Be Taken In Order To Avoid VVEO Ransomware Virus
Effective Way to Remove VVEO Ransomware Virus
Decrypt VVEO files
Frequently Asked Questions

VVEO ransomware is a file-encrypting computer virus that has been released by the STOP/DJVU cybercriminal gang lately. Following a successful computer infiltration, the virus will commence encryption of files while appending them with .vveo extension respectively. In other words, saved files with names like 1.jpeg or 2.jpg would now become 1.jpeg.vveo and 2.jpg.vveo, and the same will be applicable to every other file stored in the computer. While these changes are still going on, the cybercriminals behind the ransomware attack would also release messages with the caption _readme.txt.

Contained in them are notifications informing the victim about what has taken place and why they would have to pay a particular amount of money as ransom fee so they could be given decryption tools that would enable them to retrieve their encrypted files. To facilitate further discussions between them, they would suggest that the victim could reach them using any of these emails: support@bestyourmail.ch and supportsys@airmail.cc.

Just like with the other STOP/DJVU ransomware versions in the series, the aim of this virus’ operators is to use it as a tool to extort ransom fees from those who would fall victim to it. To infect as many computers as possible, they clone popular software contents and embed malware in them before uploading them on malicious online torrent platforms. Alternatively, they also attach them to emails and distribute to random email addresses.

While using email distribution method, in order to deceive their target audience, they would impersonate individuals or notable brands such as DHL, eBay or Amazon and would give the accompanying attachments inciting names like Tracking Details, Order Summary or Invoice just to lure the computer user into opening them. If the computer user fails to detect the red flags and goes ahead to click on them, it would ultimately result in a ransomware attack.

The cybercriminals suggest contacting them sooner to get a discount

If the victim decides to email the ransomware operators, they would respond by stating the exact amount that has to be paid as ransom fee, which they usually put at $980 but they would also say that should the victim agree to pay within 72 hours of getting their go-ahead order. To complicate matters for the victim, the crooks would insist that payment must be made with crypto whereby the exact ransom fee would have to be converted to crypto and transferred to a wallet address to be made available by them. The obvious reason why they don’t accept another conventional mode of payment is that they could be trailed and arrested.

Whatever the case, victims of a ransomware attack should never respond to cybercriminals’ demands. It is best to ignore them and independently seek for ways to overcome the challenge. The FBI, as well as other reputable security organizations, unanimously support this idea, and below are some of the reasons given by them:

Any form of ransom payment is considered unlawful and should never be encouraged.
When you pay ransom to cybercriminals, you’re only encouraging them to continue in their criminal activities.
Their promise to make decryption tools available after receiving payment is only a gimmick because they keep to it.
When you refuse to pay the ransom, they will move on, but those that pay the ransom will also be extorted again in the future because cybercriminals are greedy.
The more money they can extort from victims, the more they can expand their operations, so don’t indulge them.

Victims should secure their computers as soon as possible

Although VVEO ransomware virus is a threat that should be avoided, there is another less known but equally dangerous malware that often accompanies it. They’re known as RAT, which stands for Remote Access Trojan, and is primarily used in covertly obtaining vital personal information that may include banking details, passwords, software login details, and cryptocurrency wallets among others. When cybercriminals steal such sensitive information without the owner being aware, they would use it to commit further criminal acts.

This is one of the major reasons why victims should remove VVEO ransomware virus as soon as it is observed on a computer. Logging into the infected computer using the Safe Mode with Networking option is the recommended way to set up the computer before applying antivirus software. Afterward, our team recommends downloading RESTORO, a tool that can help to repair virus damage to Windows OS files

Ransomware Summary

Name	VVEO Ransomware Virus
Type	Ransomware; Crypto-malware; Virtual Extortion Virus
Family	STOP/DJVU
Encryption type	RSA 2048 + Salsa20
Previous versions	OOXA, HHYU, VVWQ, VVEO, VVEW, (find full list here)
Version	533rd
Extension	.vveo
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 .vveo 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.

You can see a screenshot of a compromised data folder down below.

Safety Measures That Need To Be Taken In Order To Avoid VVEO Ransomware Virus

Computer systems are always at risk of being infected, and that is why it is very important to take proactive measures in order to protect it. Do not download needed software contents from online torrent platforms; instead, obtain it from websites of the copyright owners or their affiliates. Also avoid p2p sharing methods or plugging of random external storage devices like flash drives. Opening of emails as well as attachments from unknown sources should be avoided. These are some of the primary risk factors you should be wary of.

Because of awareness being created on how to prevent ransomware virus, cybercriminals now resort to deceptive means in spreading it further. The use of cloned (and malware embedded) software copies of popular brands have consistently remained their top choice. The list below contains some of the software contents they usually clone and embed with ransomware:

Corel Draw;
Adobe Photoshop;
VMware Workstation;
Adobe Illustrator;
Adobe Premiere Pro;
Fifa 20;
Cubase;
Tenorshare 4ukey;
League of Legends;
AutoCad;
Internet Download Manager.

On the face value, it may seem cheap to use alternative but illegal means such as online torrent platforms and P2P, among others, to obtain needed software contents. However, aside the moral inhibitions of stealing other people’s contents, you will also be putting your computer at significant risk of ransomware attack which could end up costing you a lot more (in terms of ransom fees, lost data and time) than you would have spent in obtaining it legally. Therefore, you’re better off doing the right thing by going to the official pages of the genuine content producers to pay their asking price so you can use it without any risk attached.

Also note that cybercriminals make use of files that enable macro functions such as DOCX, PDF or XLS etc. These files were configured to have such features for genuine reasons, but online rogues decided to exploit it for their own criminal activities. What makes it even more dangerous is the fact that there is hardly any viable means that can be used to reverse STOP/DJVU ransomware encryptions. That is why it is best to avoid getting infected in the first place. Even the sites that claim to have solutions for it are mostly fraudulent and intend to scam the victim further. Records have shown that only Emsisoft and DiskTuna are the two data decryption/reparation solutions that work.

Effective Way to Remove VVEO Ransomware Virus

The effective way you can get rid of VVEO ransomware virus is to set up the infected PC using the option of Safe Mode with Networking booting process before activating an antivirus on it. It is very important to make use of only genuine antivirus otherwise you will not get optimal results.

Having successfully gotten rid of the VVEO ransomware virus, it is time to do the following:

Restore lost files using any available backup device.
Engage with the local police or other relevant authorities and explain to them.
All passwords used on the infected computer should be replaced ASAP.

Lastly, the most assured way of staying safe is to ensure your computer doesn’t get infected by taking precautionary measures, as enumerated in this article.

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

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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.

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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.

VVEO 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 VVEO 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 VVEO 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 VVEO files

Fix and open large VVEO 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 VVEO 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. VVEO Ransomware Virus is considered the new STOP/DJVU variant, just like OOXA, HHYU, VVWQ, VVEO, VVEW, (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 VVEO 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 VVEO 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 VVEO 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 VVEO 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 VVEO 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 .VVEO files?

You can only open VVEO 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 VVEO 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 VVEO 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.