RZEW Virus (.RZEW File) 🔐 Decrypt & Removal Guide

The Rzew virus, also known as a ransomware infection, is part of the STOP family. This malware family is famous for its malicious file encryption capabilities. Once the Rzew virus gets into a computer, it targets various types of files, such as documents, videos, photos, and more. It changes the file structure and adds the “.rzew” extension to each encrypted file, making them inaccessible and unusable without the decryption key.

Rzew Virus Overview

The Rzew virus is a type of malware that ciphers your files and forces you to pay for their recovery. This ransomware encrypts different file types. Encrypted files are identifiable by a distinct “.rzew” extension. The affected files become inaccessible and unusable.

After that, the ransomware asks for a file decryption payment in Bitcoin from the victims, that ranges from $490 to $980, depending on the time passed after the attack. Usually, a text file with ransom payment guidances is named as “_readme.txt“.

Rzew Ransomware uses Salsa20 encryption algorithms to cipher the targeted files. Since Rzew virus employs such a robust ciphering method, it becomes particularly difficult, if even possible, to pick the decryption key without cooperating with the attackers.

Once the files are encrypted, the Rzew virus displays a ransom note to the victim, asking for a ransom payment in exchange for the decryption key. The ransom note contains instructions on how to make the payment and also often includes threats of system wipeout or increased ransom amounts if the ransom is not paid within a specified timeframe.

I have made an all-encompassing list of potential solutions, advice, and methods to neutralize the Rzew virus and decrypt your files. In some cases, you can regain access to the files, while sometimes, it may be impossible.

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

The Rzew virus bears resemblance to other DJVU ransomware variants like Rzfu, Rzml, Rzkd, and Teza. This virus encrypts a wide range of common file types and appends its distinct “.rzew” extension to all files. For instance, a file named “1.jpg” would be altered to “1.jpg.rzew” and “2.png” to “2.png.rzew“.

After successful encryption, malware creates 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 “rzew” extension:

Encrypted Files by STOP/DJVU Ransomware

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

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

Rzew ransomware arrives as a set of actions that are meant to perform different functions on a victim’s computer. One of the initial ones being launched is winupdate.exe, a tricky 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.

Simultaneously, the ransomware runs another process (named as 4 random chars) which starts scanning the disk for target files and ciphering them. Next, the ransomware removes Volume Shadow Copies from the system through the following CMD command:

vssadmin.exe Delete Shadows /All /Quiet

Once deleted, it becomes nearly impossible to recover the previous computer state using System Restore Points. The problem is, ransomware operators are eliminating any built-in Windows techniques that could help the victim to regain files for free. In addition, the rascals modify the Windows HOSTS file by adding a list of domains to it and directing them to the localhost IP. As a result, the victim will encounter a DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN error when accessing one of the blacklisted websites.

We noticed that ransomware attempts to block websites that post various how-to guides for computer users. It is clear that by restricting specific domains, the perpetrators are attempting to stop the victim from accessing relevant and helpful ransomware-attack-related information online. This malware also stores two text files on the victim’s computer that present attack-related information – the public key of this victim and personal ID. These two files are named bowsakkdestx.txt and PersonalID.txt.

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

• Manipulating and viewing files on the victim’s computer without their knowledge.
• Extracting sensitive information such as browser cookies, saved passwords, and browsing history.
• Obtaining unauthorized access to login credentials of Steam, Telegram, and Skype.
• Granting the hackers remote control over the victim’s computer for various malicious activities.
• Stealing cryptocurrency wallets from the victim’s system.
• Gathering sensitive data by running malicious software on the victim’s computer.

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, the key is unique for each victim, and finding a suitable one will take too much time.

Getting the online decryption key in any other way is also close to impossible. It is stored on a server controlled by the crooks who spread the Rzew malware. For receiving unlocking key the payment should be $980. To obtain 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

Do not pay the ransom!

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

The _readme.txt document also requests that the computer owners must get in touch with the hackers’ representatives during 72 hours after the attack. If user contacts hackers within 72 hours, hackers grant a 50% discount. Thus the ransom amount will be minimized down to $490.

Yet, stay away from paying the ransom! I strongly recommend that you do not contact these fraudsters and do not pay. One of the most real working solution to regain the lost data is just using the backups you have, or using Decrypter tool from Emsisoft.

The uniqueness of all such viruses is the employment a similar set of actions for generating the unique decryption key to recover the ciphered data. Thus, unless the ransomware is still under the stage of development or has some hard-to-track encryption, manually recovering the ciphered data is a thing you can’t perform. The sole remedy to prevent the loss of your valuable data is to regularly make backups of your critical files.

Remember that even if you do create such backups regularly, they ought to be located 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 alternative external hard drive storage. Alternatively, you may rely to the help of online (cloud) information storage.

Unnecessary to mention, when you keep your backup data on your regular 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.

Nevertheless, these are the common leaks through which it may be injected into your PC:

• Utilizing online free hosting resources to distribute the virus discreetly.
• Disguising the virus installer within other apps, particularly utilities offered as freeware or shareware.
• Propagation through spam emails containing dubious links leading to the virus installation.
• Downloading pirated software from illegal peer-to-peer (P2P) resources, which may include hidden malware.

There were cases when the Rzew virus hiding as a legit procedure, for example, the messages requesting to run a browser update or a vastly needed codec for online media playback. This is usually the way how some online deceptions aim to force you into deploying the ransomware manually, by actually making you directly participate in this process.

Surely, the fake update alert will not indicate that you are going to actually embed the virus. This process will be hidden under some alert stating that you must install an urgent security update or some questionable program whatsoever.

Certainly, the software cracks represent the threat too. Using P2P is both illegal and may result in the injection of serious malware, including the Rzew ransomware.

To sum up, what can you do to avoid the penetration of the ransomware into your computer? Even though there is no 100% guarantee to thwart your PC from getting damaged, there are some tips I want to give you to avert the Rzew penetration. You must be vigilant while using free software today.

Make sure you always read what the installer offers aside from the main free program. Stay away from launching dubious email attachments. Do not run files from the unknown senders. Naturally, your current anti-malware program must always be updated.

The malware does not states openly about itself. It will not be mentioned in the list of your available programs. However, it will be masked under some malevolent process running consistently in the background, starting from the moment when you boot up your computer.

How To Remove Ransomware?

Video Guide

How To Decrypt .rzew Files?

The newest extensions released around the end of August 2019 after the criminals made changes. This includes Rzfu, Rzml, Rzkd etc.

As a consequence 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.

1. Select folders for decryption.

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

   Decryptors generally offer several options depending on the specific malware family. The present possible options are shown in the Options tab and can be turned on or turned off there. You may locate a detailed list of the currently active Options below.

2. 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]

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

Notice: this ID appears to be an online ID, decryption 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.

✓ Remote name could not be resolved

How to Restore .rzew Files?

In some case ransomware is not doom for your files…

The Rzew ransomware encryption mechanism sequence is next: it encodes every file byte-by-byte, then saves a duplicate, erasing (not overriding!) the original file. Thus, the data of the file placement on the disk drive is lost, but the original file is not removed from the drive. The cell, or the sector where this file was kept, can still contain this file, but it is absent in the file system and can be replaced by data that has been loaded to this drive after the removal. Hence, it is possible to recover your files using special software.

Recovering your files with PhotoRec

PhotoRec is an free program, which is originally created for file retrieval from damaged disks, or for file retrieval in case if they are unintentionally deleted. However, with time flow, this program got the ability to recover the files of 400 different formats. Hence, it can be used for file restoration after the Rzew attack.

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

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

After the start, you will encounter the screen showing you the full list of your disk drives. However, this details are presumably useless, because the required menu is placed a bit higher. Click this tab, then choose the disk which was attacked by ransomware.

After choosing the disk, you need to choose the destination folder for the retrieved 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 define the file formats. This choice is located at the bottom, too. As it was mentioned, PhotoRec can retrieve the files of about 400 different formats.

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

Rzew files recovery Video Guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. My files are encrypted by ransomware, what should I do now?
2. About DJVU (STOP) Ransomware.

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