AZHI Virus (.AZHI File Decrypt) + Ransomware Removal

The Azhi virus, belongs to the STOP/Djvu ransomware family. This malware family is famous for its malicious file encryption capabilities. When the Azhi virus infiltrates a computer system, it targets various types of files, such as videos, photos, documents, and more. It alters the file structure and appends the “.azhi” extension to each encrypted file, rendering them unusable without the decryptor.

Azhi Virus Overview

Azhi

🤔 Azhi malware belongs to ransomware that originates from the DJVU/STOP family. Its main target is to lock all of your files it can reach. After that ransomware virus asks for a ransom fee – ($490 – $980) in Bitcoin.

The Azhi virus is a type of malware that encrypts your files and coerces you into paying for their decryption. This ransomware encrypts various file types. ciphered files can be identified by a distinct “.azhi” extension. As a result, the files touched by ransomware become inaccessible and unusable.

Then, the ransomware demands a ransom payment in Bitcoin from its victims, ranging from $490 to $980. Usually, a ransom text file is named as “_readme.txt“.

Azhi Ransomware uses Salsa20 encryption algorithms to scramble the contents of the targeted files. Since the Azhi virus utilizes such a strong ciphering method, it becomes particularly difficult, if not impossible, to find the decryption key without cooperating with the attackers.

Once the files are encrypted, the Azhi virus displays a ransom note to the victim, demanding a ransom payment in exchange for the decryption key. The ransom note provides instructions on the ways of making the payment and often contains threats of permanent data loss or increased ransom amounts if the demands are not met within a specified timeframe.

I have made a comprehensive list of the solutions, tips, and methods to stop the Azhi ransomware and recover access to your files. There are situations where it may be feasible to restore your files, but sometimes, it may be impossible.

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📌 Important Note!

It is critical to note that paying off the ransom does not guarantee the successful files recovery. The rascals who stand behind the Azhi virus are not trustworthy. There were cases where people have paid the ransom, only to be denied by the cyber criminals with the decryption key provision.

Azhi employs a unique key for each victim, with one exception:

The Azhi virus is highly similar to other DJVU ransomware variants like Wwhu, Wwpl, Wwty, and Wwza. This virus encrypts a wide range of common file types and appends its distinct “.azhi” extension to all files. For instance, a file named “1.jpg” would be altered to “1.jpg.azhi” and “2.png” to “2.png.azhi“.

After successful encryption, the virus spawns a special text file named “_readme.txt” and places it in every folder containing the encrypted files. It also adds this file to the desktop, so the user will not miss the attack even without opening folders.

The image below provides a visual representation of files with the “azhi” extension:

Encrypted Files by STOP/DJVU Ransomware

Name	Azhi Virus
Ransomware family¹	DJVU/STOP² ransomware
Extension	.azhi
Ransomware note	_readme.txt
Ransom	From $490 to $980 (in Bitcoins)
Contact	[email protected], [email protected]
Detection	MSIL/Kryptik.AJSO, Trojan.Win32.Injuke.hrwa, Trojan.Pirminay
Symptoms	Disables Volume Shadow copies, making victim’s attempts to restore data futile; Installs password-stealing Trojan on the system, like Vidar Stealer or RedLine Stealer; Successfully installs a SmokeLoader backdoor for remote access; Updates the HOSTS file with a list of domains to block access to certain security-related sites; Implements encryption to lock most of your files (photos, videos, documents) and adds a particular “.azhi” extension;
Fix Tool	To remove possible malware infections, scan your PC: 6-day free trial available.

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

_readme.txt (STOP/DJVU Ransomware) – The scary notification insisting users to pay off the ransom to decrypt the encoded data contains these frustrating cautions.

Azhi ransomware arrives as a set of procedures that are used to perform certain functions on a victim’s computer. One of the primary ones being launched is winupdate.exe, a tricky process that shows a fake Windows update notification during the attack. That is needed to convince the victim that their PC has become slow because of a Windows update.

Meanwhile, the ransomware runs another process (named 4 random chars) which starts scanning the computer for target files and encrypting them. Then the ransomware removes Volume Shadow Copies from the disk using the following CMD command:

vssadmin.exe Delete Shadows /All /Quiet

Once erased, it becomes impossible to retrieve the previous computer state using System Restore Points. The concern is, ransomware operators are getting rid of any built-in Windows approaches that could help the victim to regain files for free. In addition, the hackers modify the Windows HOSTS file by adding a list of domains to it and linking them to the localhost IP. As a result, the victim will see a DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN error when trying to open one of the listed websites.

We noticed that ransomware endeavors to restrict websites that post various how-to guides for computer users. It is evident that by limiting specific domains, the perpetrators are attempting to hinder the victim from connecting to relevant and helpful ransomware-attack-related information online. Malware also saves two .txt files on the victim’s computer that offer attack-related particulars – the victim’s public key and personal ID. These two files are named bowsakkdestx.txt and PersonalID.txt.

After all these modifications, the malware doesn’t halt. Variants of STOP/DJVU tend to install Vidar password-stealing Trojan on compromised systems. This threat has a large list of capabilities, including:

Stealing Steam, Telegram, Skype login/password;
Stealing cryptocurrency wallets;
Downloading other 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 the DJVU/STOP virus is AES-256. So, if your data got encrypted with an online decryption key, the chances of getting your files back are quite low. The thing is, the key is unique for each victim, and picking it will take an exceptionally big amount of time.

Retrieving the online decryption key in another way is also nearly impossible. It is kept on a command server owned by the crooks who spread the Azhi infection. For receiving the decryption key the payment should be $980. To get the payment details, the victims should contact the hackers 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 the strongest encryption and unique key.
The only method of recovering files is to purchase a decrypt tool and a unique key for you.
This software will decrypt all your encrypted files.

What guarantees do you have?

You can send one of your encrypted files from your PC and we decrypt it for free.
But we can decrypt only 1 file for free. The file must not contain valuable information.

You can get and look video overview decrypt tool:

https://we.tl/t-WJa63R98Ku

The price of private key and decrypt software is $980.
Discount of 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 an answer more than 6 hours.

To get this software you need to write on our e-mail:

[email protected]

Reserve an e-mail address to contact us:

[email protected]

Your personal ID:
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Do not pay the ransom!

Please, try to use the available backups, or Decrypter tool

_readme.txt file also states that the system user must get in touch with the hackers’ representatives within 72 hours starting from the moment of files were encrypted. If user contacts hackers within 72 hours, hackers grant a 50% off. This decreases the ransom sum down to $490.

Yet, stay away from paying off the ransom! I strongly recommend that you to avoid contacting these swindlers and do not pay. A highly effective solution to regain the lost data is just using the backups you have, or using Decrypter tool from Emsisoft.

The distinctiveness of all such viruses is the utilization a similar set of actions for decryption key generation. Thus, unless the ransomware is still in development or possesses with some hard-to-track flaws, manual data recovery is a thing you can’t perform. The only solution to prevent the loss of your valuable data is to regularly make backups of your important files.

Note that even if you do create such backups regularly, they should be stored into a specific location without loitering, not being connected to your main workstation. For instance, the backup may be kept on the USB flash drive or some substitute external hard drive storage. Optionally, you may turn to the help of online (cloud) information storage.

Needless to say, when you maintain your backup data on your common device, it may be encrypted together with your files. For this reason, storing the backup on your disk is surely not a wise idea.

How I was infected?

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

Ransomware attack following a successful phishing attempt.

However, cybercriminals can inject the Azhi virus into your PC through common vulnerabilities:

They use online free hosting resources to distribute the virus undetected.
They disguise the virus installer alongside various apps, especially freeware or shareware.
They spread the virus through spam emails containing deceptive links that lead to its installation.
They distribute pirated software through illegal peer-to-peer (P2P) resources, exposing users to potential malware threats.

In some cases, the Azhi virus masquerades as a legitimate process, such as messages urging you to initiate a browser update or install a codec for online media playback. This is a common tactic used in online scams to trick you into manually deploying the ransomware.

These deceptive update alerts won’t openly reveal that you’re installing the virus; instead, they’ll be disguised as urgent security updates or questionable programs.

Cracked apps also pose a threat. Using P2P for downloading software is illegal and can result in the injection of serious malware, including the Azhi ransomware.

To prevent the injection of ransomware into your system, while there’s no foolproof guarantee, follow these tips:

1. Exercise caution when using free software.

2. Always read and understand what’s offered in the installation window, especially with free programs.

3. Avoid opening suspicious email attachments.

4. Do not open files from unknown senders.

5. Ensure your anti-malware software is regularly updated.

The malware operates discreetly, staying hidden from your list of installed programs. Instead, it runs silently in the background, launching when you start your computer.

How To Remove Ransomware?

Video Guide

How To Decrypt .azhi Files?

How to restore big files?

Try deleting .azhi extension on a few big files and opening them. This malware has issues with large files encryption. Either the virus scanned and did not lock the file, or it failed and did not add the filemarker. If your files are very large (2GB+), the latter is most likely. Please, text me in the comments whether this helped you or not.

The newest extensions released around the end of August 2019 after the criminals made changes. This includes Wwhu, Wwpl, Wwty etc.

As a result of the modifications made by the criminals, STOPDecrypter is no longer supported. It has been replaced with the Emsisoft Decryptor for STOP Djvu Ransomware developed by Emsisoft.

You can download free decryption tool here: Decryptor for STOP Djvu.

Select folders for decryption.

Based on the default configurations, the decryptor will automatically choose the accessible directories in order to unlock the currently available drives (the connected ones), including the network drives. Additional (optional) locations can be selected with the aid of the “Add” button.

Decryptors typically offer several options considering the specific malware family. The present possible options are displayed in the Options tab and can be turned on or deactivated there. You may discover a detailed list of the currently active Options below.

Click on the “Decrypt” button.

As soon as you add all the desired locations for decryption into the list, click on the “Decrypt” button in order to initiate the decryption procedure.

Note that the main screen may turn you to a status view, letting you know of the active process and the decryption statistics of your data:

The decryptor will notify you as soon as the decryption procedure is completed. If you need the report for your personal papers, you can save it by choosing the “Save log” button. Note that it is also possible to copy it directly to your clipboard and to paste it into emails or messages here if you need to do so.

The Emsisoft Decryptor might display different messages after a failed attempt to restore your files:

✓ Error: Unable to decrypt file with ID: [your ID]

Emsisoft failed to find a correspondnig decryption key in their database.

✓ No key for New Variant online ID: [your ID]

Notice: this ID appears to be an online ID, decryption is impossible

Malware used an online key to cipher your files. There is no one to share the decryption key with you. File recovery without paying the ransom is impossible. 🙁

✓ Result: No key for new variant offline ID: [example ID]

This ID appears be an offline ID. Decryption may be possible in the future.

Malware used an offline key, though the file recovery operation failed (the offline decryption key isn’t available yet). Nonetheless, this message is a good news for you, since it is possible to restore your files in the future. 🙂
It can take a few weeks or months until the decryption key gets found and uploaded to the decryptor. Please follow updates regarding the decryptable DJVU versions here.

✓ Remote name could not be resolved

This stands for a DNS issues. Consider resetting your HOSTS file to default.

How to Restore .azhi Files?

In some case ransomware is not doom for your files…

The Azhi ransomware encryption mechanism sequence is next: it encrypts every file byte-by-byte, then saves a file copy, removing (not overriding!) the initial file. Hence, the data of the file placement on the physical disk is lost, but the original file is not removed from the disk. The cell, or the sector where this file was stored, can still contain this file, but it is not listed by the file system and can be overwritten by data that has been loaded to this drive after the deletion. Hence, it is possible to recover your files using special software.

I recently had my pc infected by the this virus. It managed to bypass 2 Antivirus software and 2 malware fighters.

Anyway, after realizing it was an online algorithm, it is impossible to retrieve my encrypted files. I also had my backup drive plugged in at the time of the virus, and this was also infected, or so I thought. Every folder within my backup drive had been infected and was encrypted. However, despite losing some important files, I retrieved almost 80% of my 2TB storage.

When I started going through the folders, I noticed the readme.txt ransom note in every folder. I opened some of the folders and found that all files that were not in a subfolder within that folder had been encrypted. However, I found a flaw and glimmer of hope when I went into the subfolders in other folders and found that these files had not been encrypted. Every folder within my c and d drives, including subfolders, had been encrypted, but this was not the case with the backup drive. Having subfolders created within a folder has saved 80% of my data.

As I said, I believe this to be only a small loophole on a backup drive. I’ve since found a further 10 % of my data on another hard drive on a different pc. So my advice is if you use a backup drive, create subfolders. I was lucky, I guess. But I was also unlucky that the virus hit as I was transferring some files from my backup.

Hopefully, this can help some other people in my situation.

Jamie Newland

Some pointers for recovery repair of Azhi files (true for all STOP/DJVU variants):

I have seen Stop/Djvu variants fail to encrypt deeper nested folders, so that you can check that. You may find those are not encrypted.

This ransomware saves encrypted data to a new file, deletes the original. So there’s a slight chance part of that deleted file can be recovered using file recovery software. It’s unlikely the folder structure can be restored, so a free tool like PhotoRec may be as good as any.

This ransomware only partially encrypts (about the first 150 KB), so depending on file size and type of data, the not encrypted part may be recoverable.

Joep

Recovering your files with PhotoRec

PhotoRec is an open-source program, which is initially created for file retrieval from damaged disks, or for files recovery in case if they are unintentionally deleted. However, as time has gone by, this program received the ability to retrieve the files of 400 different file types. Hence, it can be used for data recovery after the Azhi attack.

First, you need to download this app. It is 100% free, but the developer notifies that there is no guarantee that the files will be restored. PhotoRec is distributed in a pack with another utility of the same developer – TestDisk. The downloaded archive will bear TestDisk name, but don’t worry. PhotoRec files are right inside.

To launch PhotoRec, find and open “qphotorec_win.exe” file. No setup is needed – this program has all the files it need inside of the archive, hence, you can fit it on your USB drive, and help your friends/parents/anyone who has been attacked by Azhi ransomware.

Upon the launch, you will observe the screen showing you the full list of your disk drives. However, this details are probably futile, because the required menu is placed a bit higher. Click this menu, then choose the disk which was attacked by ransomware.

After selecting the disk, you need to pick the destination folder for the restored files. This menu is located at the lower part of the PhotoRec window. The best choice is to export them on USB drive or any other type of removable disk.

Then, you need to specify the file formats. This option is located at the bottom, too. As it was mentioned, PhotoRec can regain the files of about 400 different formats.

Finally, you can begin files recovery by pressing the “Search” button. You will observe the screen where the outcomes of the scan and recovery are shown.

Frequently Asked Questions

🤔 How can I open “.azhi” files?

No way. These files are encrypted by ransomware. The contents of encrypted files are not available until they are decrypted.

🤔 You have advised using GridinSoft Anti-Malware to remove Azhi. Does this mean that the program will delete my encrypted files?

Of course not. Your encrypted files do not pose a threat to the computer. What happened has already happened.

🤔 This virus has blocked infected PC: I can’t get the activation code.

In this situation, you need to prepare the memory stick with a pre-installed

🤔 Decryptor did not decrypt all my files, or not all of them were decrypted. What should I do?

Have patience. You are infected with the new version of STOP/DJVU ransomware, and decryption keys have not yet been released. Follow the news on our website. We will keep you posted on when new keys or new decryption programs appear.

🤔 What can I do right now?

The Azhi ransomware encrypts only the first 150KB of files. So MP3 files are rather large, some media players (Winamp for example) may be able to play the files, but – the first 3-5 seconds (the encrypted portion) will be missing. You can try to find a copy of an original file that was encrypted: Files you downloaded from the Internet that were encrypted and you can download again to get the original.

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Brendan Smith