VAZE VIRUS (.vaze FILE) RANSOMWARE 🔐 FIX & DECRYPT FILES

The Vaze virus is a STOP/DJVU family of ransomware-type infections. This virus encrypts your files (video, photos, documents) that can be tracked by a specific “.vaze” extension. It uses a strong encryption method, which makes it impossible to calculate the key in any way.

Vaze uses a unique key for each victim, with one exception:

• If Vaze cannot establish a connection to its command and control server (C&C Server) before starting the encryption process, it uses the offline key. This key is the same for all victims, making it possible to decrypt files encrypted during a ransomware attack.

I have gathered a complete collection of all possible solutions, tips and practices in neutralizing the Vaze virus and decrypting files. In some cases, it is easy to recover your files. And sometimes it is just impossible.

There are several universal methods for recovering encrypted .vaze files, which will be demonstrated below. It is vital to read the entire instruction manual carefully and make sure to understand it all. Do not skip any steps. Each of these steps is very important and must be completed by you.

Vaze virus?

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

The Vaze ransomware is a kind of threat that encrypted your files and then forces you to pay to restore them. Note that Djvu/STOP ransomware family was first revealed and discovered by virus analyst Michael Gillespie.

Vaze virus is basically similar to other representatives of the same DJVU family: Gatq, Gaze, Gapo. This virus encrypt all common file types and adds its own “.vaze” extension into all files. For example, the file “1.jpg”, will be changed into “1.jpg.vaze“. As soon as the encryption is successfully accomplished, virus creates a special message file “_readme.txt” and adds it into all folders that contain the modified files.

The image below gives a clear vision of how the files with “.vaze” extension look like:

Vaze File (STOP/DJVU Ransomware)

This message asking payment is for get files back via decryption key:

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

Vaze ransomware arrives on a victim’s computer as a set of processes that perform various tasks. One of the first processes launched is winupdate.exe, a deceptive process that displays a fake Windows update prompt during the attack. This process aims to convince the victim that a sudden system slowdown is caused by a Windows update. Simultaneously, the ransomware runs another process (usually named with four random characters), which scans the system for target files and encrypts them. The ransomware then deletes Volume Shadow Copies from the system using the following CMD command:

vssadmin.exe Delete Shadows /All /Quiet

Once deleted, restoring the previous computer state using System Restore Points becomes impossible. Ransomware operators eliminate any Windows OS-based methods that could assist the victim in restoring files free of charge. Additionally, the criminals modify the Windows HOSTS file by adding a list of domains and mapping them to the localhost IP. Consequently, when attempting to access one of the blocked websites, the victim will encounter a DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN error.

We observed that the ransomware attempts to block websites that publish various how-to guides for computer users. It is clear that by restricting specific domains, the criminals aim to prevent the victim from accessing relevant and helpful information online regarding ransomware attacks. The virus also saves two text files on the victim’s computer that contain 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 modifications, the malware doesn’t stop. Variants of STOP/DJVU tend to drop password-stealing trojans like Vidar Stealer or RedLine Stealer. Those threats 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.

DJVU/STOP ransomware utilizes the AES-256 cryptography algorithm. Therefore, if your documents have been encrypted with a unique online decryption key, it is impossible to decrypt the files without that specific key.

If Vaze ransomware operated in online mode, gaining access to the AES-256 key is impossible. The key is stored on a remote server owned by the individuals behind the Vaze ransomware scheme.

To receive the decryption key, a payment of $980 is required. The victims are instructed in the message to contact the perpetrators via email ([email protected]) to obtain the payment details.

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 for Vaze!

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

The _readme.txt file also states that computer owners must contact the representatives of Vaze within 72 hours from the time their files were encrypted. By doing so within the specified timeframe, users will receive a 50% rebate, reducing the ransom amount to $490. However, I strongly advise against paying the ransom.

Instead, I highly recommend considering alternative solutions to recover the lost data, such as utilizing available backups or using a Decrypter tool. These options have proven to be effective in recovering data affected by similar ransomware attacks.

It is important to note that viruses like these follow a similar process to generate a unique decryption key for recovering the encrypted data. Unless the ransomware is still in the development stage or has significant flaws that can be exploited, manual recovery of the encrypted data is not feasible. Regularly creating backups of your critical files is the best way to prevent the loss of valuable data.

When maintaining backups, ensure they are stored in a separate location and not connected to your main workstation. For example, you can store backups on a USB flash drive, an external hard drive, or utilize online (cloud) storage services. It is crucial to avoid keeping the backup data on your primary device, as it may also become encrypted if affected by the ransomware.

Therefore, it is unwise to store backups on your main device due to the risk of encryption.

How I was infected?

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

Vaze virus attack following a successful phishing attempt.

How To Remove Vaze Virus?

In addition to encode a victim’s files, the Vaze infection has also started to install the Azorult Spyware on system to steal account credentials, cryptocurrency wallets, desktop files, and more.⁴

Reasons why I would recommend GridinSoft⁵

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”.