AGPO Virus (.AGPO Files Ransomware) Decrypt + Removal Tool

During our analysis of malware samples submitted to VirusTotal, we encountered Agpo, which is a ransomware belonging to the Djvu ransomware family. Agpo utilizes encryption to block access to files and adds a new extension (“.agpo”) to the filenames. Furthermore, it generates a ransom note in the form of a text file named “_readme.txt”. For instance, Agpo transforms “a.jpg” into “a.jpg.agpo“, “b.png” into “b.png.agpo“, and so forth. It is important to mention that Djvu ransomware often gets distributed alongside information stealers such as Vidar and RedLine Stealer.

I have compiled an extensive list of potential solutions, tips, and best practices to neutralize the Agpo virus and recover encrypted files. Depending on the circumstances, file recovery may be either straightforward or impossible.

The Agpo ransomware employs a unique key for each victim, with one exception:

• If Agpo fails to establish a connection with the command and control server (C&C Server) before initiating the encryption process, it resorts to the offline key. This particular key is shared among all victims, offering the possibility of decrypting files affected by a ransomware attack.

What is Agpo virus?

☝️ Agpo can be correctly identify as a STOP/DJVU ransomware-type virus.

The Agpo ransomware is a specific kind of threat that encrypted your documents and then forces you to pay to restore them. The image below gives a clear vision of how the files with “.agpo” extension look like:

Agpo File (STOP/DJVU Ransomware)

This message asking payment is for restore files via decryption key:

_readme.txt (STOP/DJVU Ransomware) – The scary alert demanding from users to pay the ransom to decrypt the encoded data contains these frustrating warnings

Agpo ransomware arrives as a set of processes that are meant to perform different tasks on a victim’s computer. One of the first ones being launched is winupdate.exe, a tricky process that displays a fake Windows update prompt during the attack. This is meant to convince the victim that a sudden system slowdown is caused by a Windows update. However, at the same time, the ransomware runs another process (usually named by four random characters) which starts scanning the system for target files and encrypting them. Next, the ransomware deletes Volume Shadow Copies from the system using the following CMD command:

vssadmin.exe Delete Shadows /All /Quiet

Once deleted, it becomes impossible to restore the previous computer state using System Restore Points. The thing is, ransomware operators are getting rid of any Windows OS-based methods that could help the victim to restore files for free. In addition, the crooks modify the Windows HOSTS file by adding a list of domains to it and mapping them to the localhost IP. As a result, the victim will run into a DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN error when accessing one of the blocked websites.

We noticed that ransomware attempts to block websites that publish various how-to guides for computer users. It is evident that by restricting specific domains, the crooks are trying to prevent the victim from reaching relevant and helpful ransomware-attack-related information online. The virus also saves two text files on the victim’s computer that provide attack-related details – the victim’s public encryption key and personal ID. These two files are called bowsakkdestx.txt and PersonalID.txt.

After all these modifications, the malware doesn’t stop. Variants of STOP/DJVU tend to drop Vidar password-stealing Trojan on compromised systems. This threat has a lengthy list of capabilities, such as:

• Stealing Steam, Telegram, Skype login / password;
• Stealing cryptocurrency wallets;
• Downloading malware to the computer and running it;
• Stealing browser cookies, saved passwords, browsing history, and more;
• Viewing and manipulating files on victim’s computer;
• Allowing the hackers to perform other tasks on the victim’s computer remotely.

The cryptography algorithm used by DJVU/STOP ransomware family is AES-256. So, if your documents got encrypted with an online decryption key, which is totally distinct. The sad reality is that it is impossible to decrypt the files without the unique key.

In case if Agpo worked in online mode, it is impossible for you to gain access to the AES-256 key. It is stored on a distant server owned by the criminals who promote the Agpo virus.

For receiving decryption key the payment should be $980. To obtain the payment details, the victims are encouraged by the message to contact the frauds by email ([email protected]).

The message by the ransomware states the following information:

ATTENTION!

Don't worry, you can return all your files!

All your files like photos, databases, documents and other important 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:

https://we.tl/t-WJa63R98Ku

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:

[email protected]

Reserve e-mail address to contact us:

[email protected]

Your personal ID:
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

How I was infected?

Ransomware has a various methods to built into your system. But it doesn’t really matter what concrete way was used in your case.

Agpo virus attack following a successful phishing attempt.

How To Remove Agpo Virus?

In addition to encode a victim’s files, the Agpo virus has also started to install the Vidar Stealer on computer to steal account credentials, cryptocurrency wallets, desktop files, and more.

1. Run the setup file.

   
   

2. Press “Install” button.

   

3. Once installed, Anti-Malware will automatically run.

   

4. Wait for complete.

   

5. Click on “Clean Now”.