How to remove Djvuq ransomware

Djvuq ransomware is file locking virus that encrypts documents, photos, databases and other data for blackmail purposes

Djvuq ransomware is a cryptovirus that uses RSA encryption algorithm to lock up data and demands ransom for its release. The malware is a part of STOP family and was spotted in the mid-December first, together with similar variants like .djvu, .djvuu, .udjvu. .uudjvu, and .djvus. Once the personal files are locked, and .djvuq extension is added, the virus contacts C&C^[1] server to send out the unique decryption key and upload the ransom note on victim's PC. The message from the attackers, _openme.txt, explains the situation and urges users to contact them via the restoredjvu@india.com or restoredjvu@firemail.cc email to receive further instructions. At the time of the writing, there is no free decryption tool for Djvuq ransomware available, although there are several other methods that can be tried to recover the encoded data. 

Djvuq is a file locking virus, which means that photos, music, videos and similar personal data become inaccessible after the infection. For example, a file named picture.jpg turns into picture.jpg.djvuq and prevents users from opening it. Unfortunately, Djvuq ransomware removal will not recover data, and no official decryptor is yet created.

As soon as Djvuq encrypts data, it drops a ransom note into each of the affected folders which states the following:

————————  ALL YOUR FILES ARE ENCRYPTED ———————– 
Don't worry, you can return all your files!
All your files documents, photos, databases 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 do we give to you?
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 look online overview decrypt tool:

Don't try to use third-party decrypt tools because it will destroy your files.
Discount 50% available if you contact us first 72 hours.
————————————————– ————————————————– ———– 
To get this software you need write on our e-mail:
restoredjvu@india.com 
Reserve e-mail address to contact us:
restoredjvu@firemail.cc 
Your personal ID: 

As you can see, crooks offer an alleged discount of 50% if they are contacted within the first 72 hours. However, many experts^[2] and malware researchers do not recommend contacting hackers, as they might fail to send you the decryptor and you will end up losing your money. Additionally, the payment will support Djvuq ransomware and prompt criminals to create more malware in the future.

While no official decryptor for the virus is available yet, we suggest you remove Djvuq ransomware from your machine immediately and ignore malware authors' demands. You will find all the instructions below.

For file recovery, you should use backups. If you do not possess any, you should try data recovery tools that might be able to help you, although chances are not that high. Later on, you should scan your computer with FortectIntego or similar repair software, merely to make sure that .djvuq virus damage is eliminated entirely.

Stay safe online by protecting your PC using security software

Users often underestimate the importance of online security and fail to use security tools, open spam emails or casually visit high-risk websites. Unfortunately, such activity can quickly result in ransomware infection, and users are caught off guard without backups available.

Therefore, these several tips should help you stay safe online:

• Download and install anti-malware software with real-time protection feature;
• Backup your files on a regular basis;
• When opening an email from an unknown source, make sure it is legitimate first. Phishing emails often include attachments that carry the payload of ransomware;
• Keep your system and software up to date, and vulnerabilities^[3] are often exploited by criminals to inject malware;
• Avoid using torrent, file-sharing and other suspicious websites;
• Beware of fake updates. Visit official websites to update your software and never trust random pop-ups.

Get rid of Djvuq ransomware using powerful anti-malware

As malware authors keep improving their malicious code and release new variants, not all security software tools can keep up with pace immediately. Therefore, there is a possibility that your security software might not be able to detect and remove Djvuq virus.

We recommend using a few different AV engines to make sure the threat is gone (note that you should not use security software that conflicts with each other at the same time). As soon as Djvuq ransomware removal is complete, you can try to recover your data from a backup but by using third-party recovery solutions. You will see all our recommendations below.