Remove LJAZ Ransomware [Virus Removal Guide]

In the course of our review of malware samples submitted to VirusTotal, it has been identified that Ljaz is ransomware belonging to the Djvu family. Ljaz encrypts files, appends its extension (".ljaz") to filenames), and creates the "_readme.txt" file (a ransom note).

An example of how Ljaz modifies filenames: it renames "1.jpg" to "1.jpg.ljaz", "2.png" to "2.png.ljaz", and so forth. Significantly, Djvu ransomware attacks frequently incorporate information stealers such as Vidar or RedLine, with cybercriminals intending to steal data before encrypting files.

What is Ljaz ransomware?

Seeing that your files have .ljaz extension and _readme.txt files in various folders mean that you are infected with Ljaz ransomware. This sort of malware is created to extort money from the users, previously encrypting the files on its PC. It is likely impossible to decrypt the files without special software.


Ljaz virus and any other member of the STOP/Djvu family use the Salsa20 encryption mechanism. This cipher has an enormous amount of possible decryption keys, so it is impossible to brute force them, for example. Even with quantum computers, you will likely spend more time than our planet will approximately exist. But don’t worry - using specific applications designed especially for file decryption purposes, you may get your files back in just several hours.

The main ways of Ljaz ransomware distribution are third-party websites that offer the users to get some programs for free or use different dubious tools. Hackers who break the license checking procedure in programs (this action allows them to use the program without any payments) inject malicious code, or even the whole virus, into their “products”. Malware developers pay such people.

Dubious tools are even easier to use for that purpose. Usually, they are created for outlaw actions, like generating the license keys for specific programs or activating Windows without any payments. Antivirus programs detect all such apps, so crooks always instruct you to disable your security tool or add the hack tool to the allowlist. Unfortunately, you will not understand what happens until it is too late.

Encryption process

The Ljaz ransomware uses the Salsa20 encryption algorithm. That is not the strongest method, but it still provides an overwhelming amount of possible decryption keys. To brute force the 78-digit number of keys, you need 3.5 unvigintillion years (1*10^65), even if you use the most powerful regular PC. Quantum computers can show a bit better results, but it is still too slow to get your files back while you are alive.

The exact algorithm of encryption is next: malware scans each folder for the files it is able to encrypt. Then, when it finds the target, it makes a copy of your file, removes the original one, encrypts the copy and leaves it instead of the removed original. Such a procedure is done to prevent the situation when you have already opened the file, so ransomware is not able to read it because of the Windows restrictions. To each encrypted copy, the virus adds the specific extension - ".ljaz". Then, ransomware creates a _readme.txt file in the folder where the encrypted file is located, and goes to the next folder.

Such an encryption method can be exploited for file recovery. Since the original file is deleted, you may try to recover it using the file recovery tools. The less time is passed - the bigger the chance to get your files back, so hurry up!

Another specific moment that can help you to use the files even after the encryption is the fact that Ljaz ransomware encrypts only the first 150KB of each file. Hence, you can try to run a big file, such as video or music, without the encryption. Similar feature also works with other ransomware families - Dharma, Conti and Makop encrypt the same 150KB.

Ransom note: _readme.txt

Ransom note is the same for the whole ransomware family. In fact, it is one of the main signs of to which family the certain ransomware belongs. Here is the typical note for STOP/Djvu family:




ATTENTION!




Don't worry, you can return all your files!

All your files like pictures, 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-mFyI2phKff

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:

support@freshmail.top

Reserve e-mail address to contact us:

datarestorehelpyou@airmail.cc

Your personal ID:



****************

Steps to Remove LJAZ Ransomware

Hhuy (.hhuy) ransomware virus - removal and decryption options

 

What kind of malware is Hhuy?

After a review, it has been established that Hhuy is ransomware belonging to the Djvu family. The purpose of Hhuy is to encrypt files. Also, Hhuy renames files by appending the ".hhuy" extension and creates a ransom note ("_readme.txt"). Since Hhuy is part of the Djvu family, it may be distributed with RedLine, Vidar, or other information stealer.

An example of how Hhuy renames files: it changes "1.jpg" to "1.jpg.hhuy", "2.png" to "2.png.hhuy", and so forth. This ransomware has been discovered during examination of malware samples submitted to VirusTotal website.

Hhuy ransom note overview

The ransom notification communicates to the victim that their files, encompassing images and documents, have been encrypted. The attackers propose purchasing a decryption tool and a key to recover the files. They extend an offer to decrypt one file at no cost as long as it does not contain important data.

The ransom amount is $980, but contacting the cybercriminals within 72 hours entitles the victim to a 50% discount, bringing the total to $490. The message emphasizes that data recovery is unattainable without payment and supplies the email addresses support@freshmail.top and datarestorehelpyou@airmail.cc for communication.

More about ransomware

Typically, those affected by ransomware attacks are compelled to pay cybercriminals for data decryption unless they have a backup or can find a third-party decryption tool. Paying a ransom is discouraged as cybercriminals do not always provide decryption tools.

Moreover, it is essential to remove ransomware from infected computers to prevent further damage. While active, ransomware has the potential to encrypt additional files and spread throughout a local network, impacting other computers.

Ransomware in general

Ransomware is harmful software designed to block access to files by encrypting them. The goal is to force individuals or organizations to pay a ransom to get their data back. In order to protect against this, it is recommended to regularly back up data on remote servers or offline devices. This helps reduce the impact and avoids the need to give in to ransom demands if an attack occurs. 

Examples of different ransomware variants are DoctorHelp, Elpy, and Intel.

How did ransomware infect my computer?

Typically, Djvu ransomware is distributed using pages hosting pirated software, cracking tools, key generators, emails containing malicious attachments or links, and deceptive websites offering to download videos from YouTube. Cybercriminals succeed when users download and execute ransomware on their computers.

Also, threat actors distribute ransomware via Trojans, software vulnerabilities, P2P networks, drive-by downloads, malicious advertisements, and similar channels. Cybercriminals use various files, including executables (.exe), JavaScript files (.js), document files (.doc, .docx, .pdf), archive files (.zip, .rar), and executable files (.exe), to distribute malware.

How to protect yourself from ransomware infections?

Keep antivirus and anti-malware software and other programs and the operating system up to date, conduct regular system scans and exercise caution when opening attachments or clicking links, especially in unsolicited emails. Download files only from trusted sources, use official websites or app stores for software downloads and be wary of unexpected pop-ups or ads.

Do not download pirated software or agree to receive notifications from dubious websites. If your computer is already infected with Hhuy, we recommend running a scan with a powerful Anti-Malware tool to automatically remove .Hhuy Ransomware.

Hhuy's text file ("_readme.txt"):

There are currently two versions of Djvu ransomware infections: old and new. The old versions were designed to encrypt data by using a hard-coded "offline key" whenever the infected machine had no internet connection or the server was timing out/not responding.

Therefore, some victims were able to decrypt data using a tool developed by cyber security researcher, Michael Gillespie, however, since the encryption mechanism has been slightly changed (hence the new version, released in August, 2019), the decrypter no longer works and it is not supported anymore.

If your data has been encrypted by an older version, you might be able to restore it with the another tool developed by Emsisoft and Michael Gillespie. It supports a total of 148 Djvu's variants and you can find more information, as well as download link and decryption instructions in Emsisoft's official page.

Additionally, Emsisoft is now providing a service that allows to decrypt data (again, only if it was encrypted by Djvu variants released before August, 2019) for those victims who have a pair of the same file before and after the encryption. All victims have to do is upload a pair of original and encrypted file to Emsisoft's Djvu decryption page and download the aforementioned decryption tool (the download link will be provided after uploading files).

Note that the file processing may take some time so be patient. It is also worth mentioning that the system must have an Internet connection during the entire decryption process, otherwise it will fail.