Removing STOP/DJVU Ransomware In Windows 11: A Step-by-Step Guide

  Category:  RANSOMWARE | 23rd August 2023 | Author:  CSI TEAM

Ransomware Attacks Have Become Increasingly Prevalent, And The STOP/DJVU Ransomware Strain Is Among The Notorious Culprits. If Your Windows 11 Computer Has Fallen Victim To This Malware, You're Likely Dealing With A Locked Screen And Encrypted Files.

In This Article, We'll Provide A Comprehensive Guide On How To Remove STOP/DJVU Ransomware From Your Windows 11 System And, If Possible, Recover Your Encrypted Files.

What Is STOP/DJVU Ransomware?

STOP/DJVU Is A Type Of ransomware That Encrypts Files On A Victim's Computer And Demands A Ransom For The Decryption Key.

It Typically Enters Systems Through Malicious Email Attachments, Infected Software Downloads, Or Compromised Websites. Once Infected, It Encrypts Files And Appends A ".djvu" Or ".promorad2" Extension To Them.

Step 1: Isolate The Infected System

Before Attempting To Remove STOP/DJVU Ransomware, It's Essential To Isolate The Infected System To Prevent The malware From Spreading To Other Devices On Your Network. Disconnect The Affected Computer From The Internet And Any Shared Network Resources.

Step 2: Identify The STOP/DJVU Ransomware Variant

There Are Multiple Variants Of The STOP/DJVU Ransomware, And Each May Require A Different Approach For Removal. You Can Identify The Variant By Examining The Extension Added To Your Encrypted Files (e.g., ".djvu," ".promorad2"). Knowing The Variant Can Help You Find The Appropriate Decryption Tools Or Methods.

Step 3: Remove The Ransomware

To Remove STOP/DJVU Ransomware From Your Windows 11 System, Follow These Steps:

1. Boot Into Safe Mode:

   • Restart Your Computer.
   • When The Windows Logo Appears, Press And Hold The Shift Key And Click "Restart" In The Lower-right Corner.
   • In The Advanced Options Menu, Select "Troubleshoot" > "Advanced Options" > "Startup Settings" > "Restart."
   • In The Startup Settings Screen, Press The F4 Key To Boot Into Safe Mode.

2. Use An Anti-Malware Tool:

   • Download And Install A Reputable Anti-malware Or Antivirus Program If You Don't Already Have One.
   • Update The Malware Definitions.
   • Perform A Full System Scan To Detect And Remove The Ransomware.

3. Manual Removal (Advanced Users Only):

   • Identify And Terminate Malicious Processes In The Task Manager.
   • Delete Suspicious Files And Folders From Your System.
   • Remove Any Suspicious Entries From The Windows Registry (be Extremely Cautious When Editing The Registry).

Step 4: Recover Your Files

Recovering Encrypted Files Without Paying The Ransom Can Be Challenging, But It's Worth Trying These Methods:

1. Restore From Backup:

   • If You Have Backup Copies Of Your Files, Restore Them From A Point Before The Ransomware Infection Occurred.

2. Use A Decryption Tool:

   • Some Variants Of STOP/DJVU Ransomware Have Decryption Tools Available. Check Online Resources Like The "No More Ransom" Project (https://www.nomoreransom.org/) For Tools That May Be Compatible With Your Variant.

3. File Recovery Software:

   • If You Don't Have Backups And Decryption Tools Aren't Available, You Can Use Data Recovery Software Like Recuva, PhotoRec, Or Stellar Data Recovery To Attempt File Recovery.

Step 5: Enhance Security Measures

To Prevent Future Ransomware Attacks:

1. Regular Backups: Regularly Back Up Your Data To An External Device Or A Cloud Service.

2. Update Software: Keep Your Operating System, Software, And Antivirus Program Up To Date.

3. Email Safety: Avoid Opening Email Attachments From Unknown Or Suspicious Sources.

4. Software Sources: Only Download Software And Files From Reputable Sources.

5. Security Software: Install And Maintain Robust Antivirus And Anti-malware Software.

6. User Awareness: Educate Yourself And Your Users (if On A Network) About The Dangers Of Phishing Emails And Suspicious Downloads.

Conclusion

Removing STOP/DJVU Ransomware From Your Windows 11 System Is A Challenging Task, But It's Crucial To Follow A Systematic Approach To Eliminate The Malware And Attempt File Recovery.

Additionally, Enhancing Your Cybersecurity Practices And Maintaining Regular Backups Will Help Safeguard Your System From Future Threats. Remember, It's Always Best To Consult With Cybersecurity Professionals For Assistance If You're Unsure About Any Step In The Process.