The Ppvs virus, known as a ransomware, is part of the STOP/DJVU family. This malware is known for malignant file encryption operations. Once the Ppvs virus infects a computer, it scans the system for files like documents, videos, photos, and more. It changes the file structure and adds the “.ppvs” extension to each file, making them unusable without the decryptor.
Ppvs Virus Overview
Ppvs
🤔 Ppvs virus belongs to ransomware that belongs to the DJVU/STOP family. Its primary purpose is to encrypt all of your files it can reach. Then, ransomware virus asks for a ransom fee – ($490 – $980) in Bitcoin.
The Ppvs virus is a type of malware that ciphers your files and forces you to pay for their decryption. This ransomware encrypts various file types. Encrypted files become identifiable by a distinct “.ppvs” extension. As a result, the affected files become inaccessible and unusable.
After that, the ransomware demands a ransom payment in Bitcoin from its victims, ranging from $490 to $980. Typically, a text file with ransom payment guidances is named as “_readme.txt“.
Ppvs Ransomware operates by Salsa20 encryption algorithms to scramble the contents of the targeted files. Since Ppvs virus employs such a robust encryption method, it becomes quite hard, if not impossible, to pick the decryption key without cooperating with the attackers.
Once Ppvs malware finishes the encryption, it shows a ransom note to the user, asking for a ransom payment for the decryption key. The ransom note contains instructions on how to pay off the bill and also often contains threats of permanent data loss or ransom amounts surge if the demands are not met within a specified timeframe.
I have made an all-encompassing list of potential solutions, tips, and approaches to remove the Ppvs malware and decrypt and recover your files. There are situations when you can decrypt the files, while sometimes, it may be impossible.
📌 Important Reminder!
It is crucial to note that paying off the ransom does not guarantee the successful files recovery. The hackers who stand behind the Ppvs virus are known for their untrustworthiness. There have been instances where victims have paid the ransom, only to be denied by the cybercriminals with the decryption key provision.
Ppvs employs a unique key for every victim, with one exception:
The Ppvs virus bears resemblance to other DJVU ransomware samples such as Zput, Zpas, Zpww, and Itqw. This virus encrypts a wide range of common file types and appends its distinct “.ppvs” extension to all files. For instance, a file named “1.jpg” would be altered to “1.jpg.ppvs” and “2.png” to “2.png.ppvs“.
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 its appearance even without opening folders.
The image below provides a visual representation of files with the “ppvs” extension:
Encrypted Files by STOP/DJVU Ransomware
| Name | Ppvs Virus |
| Ransomware family1 | DJVU/STOP2 ransomware |
| Extension | .ppvs |
| Ransomware note | _readme.txt |
| Ransom | From $490 to $980 (in Bitcoins) |
| Contact | [email protected], [email protected] |
| Detection | Win32/Agent_AGen.CQD, Trojan:Win32/CryptRan.SA!MTB, Trojan:Script/Phonzy.B!ml |
| Symptoms |
|
| Fix Tool |
To remove possible malware infections, scan your PC:
6-day free trial available. |
This message asking payment is for restore files via decryption key:
_readme.txt (STOP/DJVU Ransomware) – The terrifying alert insisting users to pay the ransom to unlock the encoded data contains these exasperating warnings.
Ppvs ransomware arrives as a set of actions that are meant to execute different functions on a victim’s computer. One of the first ones being launched is winupdate.exe, a sneaky process that displays a fraudulent Windows update prompt during the attack. That is needed to convince the victim that their PC has become slow because of a Windows update.
At the same time, the ransomware runs another process (named as 4 random chars) which starts scanning the PC for target files and ciphering them. Then the ransomware removes Volume Shadow Copies from the system disk by 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 problem is, ransomware operators are getting rid of any built-in Windows methods that could help the victim to restore files for free. In addition, the hackers modify the Windows HOSTS file by including a list of domains to it and mapping them to the localhost IP. As a result, the victim will witness a DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN error when accessing one of the listed websites.
We’ve observed that ransomware attempts to restrict websites that post various how-to guides for computer users. It is obvious that by limiting specific domains, the perpetrators are seeking to stop the victim from connecting to relevant and helpful ransomware-attack-related information online. Malware also saves two text files on the victim’s computer that present attack-related details – the victim’s public encryption key and personal ID. These two files are named bowsakkdestx.txt and PersonalID.txt.
After all these changes, the malware doesn’t cease. Variants of STOP/DJVU have a tendency to release Vidar password-stealing Trojan on compromised systems. This threat possesses an large list of capabilities, including:
- Infiltrating the victim’s computer with malware and executing it to gain unauthorized access.
- Obtaining unauthorized access to login credentials of Steam, Telegram, and Skype.
- Manipulating and viewing files on the victim’s computer without their knowledge.
- Stealing cryptocurrency wallets from the victim’s system.
- Granting the hackers remote control over the victim’s computer for various malicious activities.
- Extracting sensitive information such as browser cookies, saved passwords, and browsing history.
The cryptography algorithm in STOP/Djvu ransomware is AES-256. So, once your data is encrypted with an online decryption key, the chances to get your files back without paying the ransom are quite low. Thing is, online key is unique for each victim, and brute forcing it will take too much time.
Obtaining the online decryption key in any other way is also merely impossible. It is kept on a server owned by the hackers who promote the Ppvs infection. For receiving unlocking 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 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 To Remove STOP/Djvu Ransomware?
Video Guide
How To Decrypt .ppvs Files?
How to restore big files?
Try removing .ppvs extension on a few big files and opening them. This malware has issues with large files encryption. Either the virus read and did not lock the file, or it failed and did not add the filemarker. If your files are very large (2GB+), such a situation is highly probable. 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 Zput, Zpas, Zpww etc.
As a outcome of the alterations made by the criminals, STOPDecrypter is no longer assisted. 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.
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Select folders for decryption.
Based on the default configurations, the decryptor will by default choose the available directories in order to decrypt the currently accessible drives (the connected ones), including the network drives. You can choose other locations with the “Add” button.
Decryptors generally propose several options considering the specific malware family. The existing possible options are displayed in the Options tab and can be activated or disabled there. You may discover a comprehensive list of the currently active Options below.
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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]
There is no corresponding decryption key in the Emsisoft decryptor’s database.
✓ No key for New Variant online ID: [your ID]
Notice: this ID appears to be an online ID, decryption is impossible
Your original files were encrypted with an online key. 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.
An offline key was used, but files could not be restored (the offline decryption key isn’t available yet). But, receiving this message is good news for you, because 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. Try resetting your HOSTS file to default.
How to Restore .ppvs Files?
In some case ransomware is not doom for your files…
The Ppvs ransomware encryption algorithm is next: it encrypts every file byte-by-byte, then saves a file copy, deleting (not overriding!) the initial file. Hence, the data of the file location on the disk drive is lost, but the original file is not removed from the physical disk. The cell, or the sector where this file was stored, can still keep this file, but it is not listed by the file system and can be rewritten by data that has been loaded to this disk after the removal. Hence, it is possible to restore your files using special software.
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 NewlandRecovering your files with PhotoRec
PhotoRec is an open-source program, which is originally created for files recovery from damaged disks, or for file retrieval in case if they are unintentionally deleted. However, as time has gone by, this program got the ability to retrieve the files of 400 different formats. Hence, it can be used for file recovery after the Ppvs 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 recovered. PhotoRec is spread together with other program of the same developer – TestDisk. The resulting archive will have TestDisk name, but don’t worry. PhotoRec files are right inside.
To open PhotoRec, you need to find and open “qphotorec_win.exe” file. No installation is required – this program has all the files it need within the archive, hence, you can mount it on your USB drive, and help your friends/parents/anyone who has been attacked by Ppvs ransomware.
Upon the start, you will observe the screen showing you the complete list of your disk spaces. However, this data is likely useless, because the required menu is placed a bit higher. Click this menu, then choose the disk which was attacked by ransomware.
After choosing the disk, you need to choose the destination folder for the recovered files. This menu is located at the lower part of the PhotoRec window. The best selection is to export them on USB drive or any other type of removable disk.
Then, you need to designate the file formats. This setting is located at the bottom, too. As it was mentioned, PhotoRec can restore the files of about 400 different formats.
Finally, you can start files restoration by pressing the “Search” button. You will view the screen where the findings of the scan and recovery are shown.
Ppvs files recovery Video Guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
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