How to remove Cuag ransomware

Cuag ransomware is a malicious program designed to demand money from the virus victims

When the infection starts the infiltration, users might not notice any strange activities, but the Cuag file virus manages to damage the processes, programs on the machine and directly affect the stage of commonly used files. This is a really malicious and dangerous cyber threat.

Once inside the system, it encrypts all personal pictures videos documents archives, or other files by using an encryption algorithm that also appends a unique .cuag extension to each encrypted file's name. The process makes all data unreadable by anyone except those who have the key which is in possession of criminals behind this ransomware attack. This information can be found within the _readme.txt file placed on the desktop and in other folders.

There are many different types of malware that can affect your computer. One of the most dangerous types is ransomware that this Cuag virus is. It will encrypt all files on the victim’s device and provide the information with an intimidating message demanding money in return for the decryption. This cryptovirus was created specifically as a means to take financial advantage of people. The threat actors ask for a payment of Bitcoin that is starting with $490 and come up to $980.

You are advised to avoid paying the requested fee because there's always hope for restoration even without purchasing some kind of software or key from criminals who will only keep on promises but never deliver anything. The official decryption tool is not available, so it is not easy to achieve full file recovery, but removing the infection is crucial here.

When the virus locks down your device, it will encrypt all files and it comes out of nowhere. The threat can come when users download and open cracked or pirated software. They are activating a virus that can affect their system's performance significantly.

This is because of how the encryption process works alongside other functions conducted by cryptomalware. Cuag file viruses can damage files, functions, and other programs for the sake of virus detection avoidance. It ensures the persistence to keep the machine running the threat and additional infections.

The family of dangerous ransomware

The developers of this nasty file-locking parasite want to persuade you that the only way to regain access is by purchasing their decryption software. And they're trying really hard to convince. The discount is offered for the first 72 hours after the Cuag ransomware encryption process.

Cryptovirus belongs to the malware family known as STOP virus and is derived from Djvu ransomware virus directly. This malicious software encrypts files since 2018 and changes introduced in August 2019 make the threat not decryptable, unfortunately. It is a bummer for victims, but there are alternate options that we list through the article.

These decryption options depend on the encryption keys and IDs formed during the process. The latest versions like the Cuag file virus, use the online IDs that are formed precisely for each different device that is affected. This way the decryption is only possible when the key is obtained by law enforcement or after payment.

If your computer got infected with one of the Djvu variants, you should try using Emsisoft decryptor for Djvu/STOP. It is important to mention that this tool will not work for everyone – it only works if data was locked with an offline ID due to malware failing to communicate with its remote servers.

Even if your case meets this condition, somebody from the victims has to pay criminals, retrieve an offline key, and then share it with security researchers at Emsisoft. As a result, you might not be able to restore the encrypted files immediately. Thus, if the decryptor says your data was locked with an offline ID but cannot be recovered currently, you should try later. You also need to upload a set of files – one encrypted and a healthy one to the company's servers before you proceed.

• Download the app from the official Emsisoft website.
• After pressing Download button, a small pop-up at the bottom, titled decrypt_STOPDjvu.exe should show up – click it.
  
• If User Account Control (UAC) message shows up, press Yes.
• Agree to License Terms by pressing Yes.
  
  
• After Disclaimer shows up, press OK.
• The tool should automatically populate the affected folders, although you can also do it by pressing Add folder at the bottom.
  
• Press Decrypt.
  
  

From here, there are three available outcomes:

1. “Decrypted!” will be shown under files that were decrypted successfully – they are now usable again.
2. “Error: Unable to decrypt file with ID:” means that the keys for this version of the virus have not yet been retrieved, so you should try later.
3. “This ID appears to be an online ID, decryption is impossible” – you are unable to decrypt files with this tool.

Removing the infection and restoring the performance of the machine

Experts^[1] recommend not paying the ransom, as cybercriminals might not keep their promises. Different ransomware is rapidly infecting computers after encrypting users' files. Some types of malware are practically impossible to eliminate without specific tools or options for data recovery. Others can be removed using regular antivirus software like SpyHunterCombo Cleaner or MalwarebytesMalwarebytes.

You should base this tool selection on the fact that mainly this family is detected^[2] by various AV tools and can be terminated using a security application like this when the system is fully scanned and checked for malicious pieces. You can find additional issues on the system not only the ransomware, so make sure to remove all the listed programs from the device.

We recommend getting rid of the Cuag file virus as soon as you notice issues with the machine. These applications can help eliminate the threat and all its files or related programs. It is up to the cybercriminal whether they will provide the necessary tool or not. This is why it's best not to trust criminals and pay ransoms that can cost thousands of dollars. You can remove the infection fully and then worry about those affected files.

Cuag virus can be exceptionally dangerous if you do not react as soon as possible. The demand for $980 or $490 in Bitcoin with the discount can look manageable when your files are valuable. However, you should never consider payment as the best option for this infection and data recovery. If you contact criminals via support@sysmail.ch, helprestoremanager@airmail.cc, you get another infection instead of the decryption tool or any other help.

Once a computer is infected with malware, its system is changed to operate differently. For example, an infection can alter the Windows registry database, damage vital bootup, and other sections, delete or corrupt DLL files,^[3] etc. Once a system file is damaged by malware, antivirus software is not capable of doing anything about it, leaving it just the way it is. Consequently, users might experience performance, stability, and usability issues, to the point where a full Windows reinstallation is required.

Therefore, we highly recommend using a one-of-a-kind, patented technology of FortectIntego repair. Not only can it fix virus damage after the infection, but it is also capable of removing malware that has already broken into the system thanks to several engines used by the program. Besides, the application is also capable of fixing various Windows-related issues that are not caused by malware infections, for example, Blue Screen errors, freezes, registry errors, damaged DLLs, etc.

• Download the application by clicking on the link above
• Click on the ReimageRepair.exe
  
  
• If User Account Control (UAC) shows up, select Yes
• Press Install and wait till the program finishes the installation process
• The analysis of your machine will begin immediately
• Once complete, check the results – they will be listed in the Summary
• You can now click on each of the issues and fix them manually
• If you see many problems that you find difficult to fix, we recommend you purchase the license and fix them automatically.

File encryption and Cuag ransomware infection are two independent processes, but cryptocurrency extortion happens when there is a virus running in your operating system.  The same goes for file recovery and virus removal. Threat actors have the option of blackmailing you because they can make changes within the system. You need to terminate the infection and then can repair files with options available to you.

You should copy the encrypted files onto a separate medium, such as a USB flash drive or SSD, and then disconnect them. Encrypted data does not hold any malicious code so it's safe to transfer between devices. Then you can wait for some decryption tool developments later. The Cuag ransomware virus infection has caused issues. The threat may also lock down various applications needed for data recovery and system functions.