Derp ransomware (Virus Removal Instructions) - Improved Guide
Derp virus Removal Guide
What is Derp ransomware?
Derp ransomware – the 176th version of the Djvu ransomware that is currently undecryptable
Derp virus is ransomware that might delete the hosts file to prevent users from entering security networks
Derp ransomware, discovered by Michael Gillespie,[1] is one of the latest variants of the Djvu ransomware family that promotes file decryption by using a unique algorithm. Emsisoft reported[2] that they have released the STOP/Djvu decryption software that works for Djvu ransomware variants that have been released earlier than August 2019, so Derp virus still remains undecryptable as it uses a different decryption tool than its previous ancestors that were released before August. However, the activity principle is the same – alterings of the Windows Registry/Task Manager, encryption by adding a specific appendix (.derp in this case), ransom demands from $490 to $980 via the _readme.txt message.
Name | Derp ransomware |
---|---|
Type | Ransomware |
Family | Djvu ransomware (STOP virus) |
Version number | Research shows that this malware is the 176th variant of the Djvu category |
Appendix | Once files are locked with a unique cipher, they end up with the .derp appendix |
Ransom message | The malware displays the _readme.txt message where crooks urge for $490 as a starter price if the money is transferred in 3 days and $980 if the victim goes over the time limit |
File location | Malicious executables might be found in the %LocalAppData% or %AppData% directories. Additionally, the Windows Task Manager and Registry might also be filled with suspicious entries/files |
Additional malware | STOP ransomware variants (this includes Derp virus) are known for distributing AZORult trojan |
Discoverer | Michael Gillespie has announced his findings on Twitter social network |
Elimination tip | Delete the ransomware virus automatically (find instructions at the end of this article). Afterward, try using FortectIntego to scan the computer for damage |
During installation, Derp ransomware will supposedly drop a malicious executable in the %LocalAppData% or %AppData% folder that is responsible for finding decryptable files on your Windows computer. Additionally, the malware can delete the Windows hosts file to prevent the user from accessing security-related forums and networks.
Nevertheless, you will supposedly find malicious entries and files in the Task Manager and Windows Registry added by Derp ransomware. This way the malware ensures that it will be automatically booted within every computer startup process. Additionally, some dropped entries might allow the malware to avoid being detected by security software.
Derp ransomware is the 176th version released by Djvu virus developers Furthermore, Derp ransomware might target Shadow Copies of the encrypted tada in order to harden the decryption process for the users themselves. For this purpose, the malware launches a module that runs specific PowerShell commands and permanently deletes the Shadow Volume Copies from the computer system.
If you have taken a good look to the _readme.txt ransom note, you will see that Derp ransomware developers are trying to threaten you that there is no other option of recovering your files instead of paying the demanded price:
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-sTWdbjk1AY
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:
gorentos@bitmessage.chReserve e-mail address to contact us:
gerentoshelp@firemail.ccYour personal ID:
The criminals urge for $490 if the ransom price is transferred in a three-day time period. However, if the victim is too late and decides to pay after 72 hours, he has to now transfer a doubled price. Derp ransomware urges a pretty big price here and our experts say that it is not worth paying such amount of money while there is a big risk of scamming.
The crooks also provide gorentos@bitmessage.ch, gorentoshelp@firemail.cc email addresses as a way to contact them. We suggest avoiding any contact possible and going straight for Derp ransomware removal. If you get scammed, it would be almost impossible to recover your money as hackers often urge prices in Bitcoin or another cryptocurrency that guarantees full anonymity.
Derp malware is a ransomware virus that urges for $490 if the victim transfers the money in 3 days One more reason why you should remove Derp ransomware ASAP is that the malware can distribute the AZORult Trojan horse. All STOP ransomware viruses might be capable of injecting this malicious threat for money swindling, private information stealing, or other illegitimate and damaging purposes.
After Derp ransomware is gone, you can try fixing the damage with software such as FortectIntego. However, note that the tool does not decrypt data. For that, travel to the end of the article and choose a method to try. Also, you can purchase DrWeb's Rescue Pack for $150 that includes decryption software that might be capable of recovering some data and also two full years of antimalware protection.
Vulnerable RDP configuration allows malware installation
Security experts from LosVirus.es[3] state that RDPs which include weak passwords or no password security at all are a very nice target for bad actors. These people hack the RDP[4] (for example, TCP port 3389) and connect to the targeted computer system by remote technique.
Even though this ransomware distribution method is a very popular one, there are other techniques that are not less popular. Criminals often drop questionable email messages to the user's inbox or spam sections. Sometimes, the crooks pretend to be from official shipping companies such as FedEx/DHL, banking firms, or healthcare organizations in order to give the look of a trustworthy email.
Afterward, users are encouraged to click on a particular hyperlink or open an infectious attachment where ransomware is hiding. Nevertheless, this still is not it. Hackers are capable of distributing malware via many other different sources! Unsecured p2p networks, outdated software, exploit kits, fake Flash Player updates, infectious downloading links and ads, gambling networks, porn sources – all these places are potential ransomware holders.
Avoiding ransomware and preventing system damage
Once you have learned about ransomware distribution techniques, it is about time to learn how to avoid these dangerous cyber threats. First of all, you should purchase reliable antivirus protection. You can find various user and expert reviews in forums and security pages where you might be able to choose the right tool for you. When you have the program, do not forget to update it when official upgrades are released.
Continuously, learn how to manage your email box. Delete all messages that fall to your spam section but also be careful with letters that appear in the inbox. Evaluate the expectancy of the email, check out the sender, and search the entire content for grammar/style mistakes. If you have a questionable feeling of the email, better delete it as any reputable company would manage to contact you in other ways, e.g. mobile phone.
Furthermore, avoid downloading movies and video clips from sources such as The Pirate Bay, eMule, and other torrenting networks as these websites provide software cracks that might be filled with dangerous viruses, including ransomware. Also, do not perform any software updates you are not aware of, keep all of your programs regularly upgraded, and keep a fair distance from all questionable online sources.
Derp ransomware removal guidelines
Derp ransomware removal needs to be performed as soon as you find .derp files on your computer system. Eliminating the virus on your own is not a possibility here. Keep in mind that reputable antimalware software is necessary if you are looking forward to a safety elimination process.
After you remove Derp ransomware, you can try downloading one of these tools: FortectIntego, SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner, or Malwarebytes. This software might help you to fix the damage that has been brought by the malware. Additionally, below you will find some data recovery techniques that might help you with file restoring.
When Derp virus is gone, you should start taking care of your future data. Purchase and USB flash drive and keep your data or at least copies of important files stored on the remote device in case of a repeated malware attack in the future.
Getting rid of Derp virus. Follow these steps
Manual removal using Safe Mode
Boot your Windows computer to Safe Mode with Networking. Focus on the process with the help of these instructing guidelines.
Important! →
Manual removal guide might be too complicated for regular computer users. It requires advanced IT knowledge to be performed correctly (if vital system files are removed or damaged, it might result in full Windows compromise), and it also might take hours to complete. Therefore, we highly advise using the automatic method provided above instead.
Step 1. Access Safe Mode with Networking
Manual malware removal should be best performed in the Safe Mode environment.
Windows 7 / Vista / XP
- Click Start > Shutdown > Restart > OK.
- When your computer becomes active, start pressing F8 button (if that does not work, try F2, F12, Del, etc. – it all depends on your motherboard model) multiple times until you see the Advanced Boot Options window.
- Select Safe Mode with Networking from the list.
Windows 10 / Windows 8
- Right-click on Start button and select Settings.
- Scroll down to pick Update & Security.
- On the left side of the window, pick Recovery.
- Now scroll down to find Advanced Startup section.
- Click Restart now.
- Select Troubleshoot.
- Go to Advanced options.
- Select Startup Settings.
- Press Restart.
- Now press 5 or click 5) Enable Safe Mode with Networking.
Step 2. Shut down suspicious processes
Windows Task Manager is a useful tool that shows all the processes running in the background. If malware is running a process, you need to shut it down:
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc on your keyboard to open Windows Task Manager.
- Click on More details.
- Scroll down to Background processes section, and look for anything suspicious.
- Right-click and select Open file location.
- Go back to the process, right-click and pick End Task.
- Delete the contents of the malicious folder.
Step 3. Check program Startup
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc on your keyboard to open Windows Task Manager.
- Go to Startup tab.
- Right-click on the suspicious program and pick Disable.
Step 4. Delete virus files
Malware-related files can be found in various places within your computer. Here are instructions that could help you find them:
- Type in Disk Cleanup in Windows search and press Enter.
- Select the drive you want to clean (C: is your main drive by default and is likely to be the one that has malicious files in).
- Scroll through the Files to delete list and select the following:
Temporary Internet Files
Downloads
Recycle Bin
Temporary files - Pick Clean up system files.
- You can also look for other malicious files hidden in the following folders (type these entries in Windows Search and press Enter):
%AppData%
%LocalAppData%
%ProgramData%
%WinDir%
After you are finished, reboot the PC in normal mode.
Remove Derp using System Restore
Launch System Restore on your machine to reverse all bogus changes. Use the below-provided instructions if you need some help with this procedure.
-
Step 1: Reboot your computer to Safe Mode with Command Prompt
Windows 7 / Vista / XP- Click Start → Shutdown → Restart → OK.
- When your computer becomes active, start pressing F8 multiple times until you see the Advanced Boot Options window.
- Select Command Prompt from the list
Windows 10 / Windows 8- Press the Power button at the Windows login screen. Now press and hold Shift, which is on your keyboard, and click Restart..
- Now select Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Startup Settings and finally press Restart.
- Once your computer becomes active, select Enable Safe Mode with Command Prompt in Startup Settings window.
-
Step 2: Restore your system files and settings
- Once the Command Prompt window shows up, enter cd restore and click Enter.
- Now type rstrui.exe and press Enter again..
- When a new window shows up, click Next and select your restore point that is prior the infiltration of Derp. After doing that, click Next.
- Now click Yes to start system restore.
Bonus: Recover your data
Guide which is presented above is supposed to help you remove Derp from your computer. To recover your encrypted files, we recommend using a detailed guide prepared by 2-spyware.com security experts.If your files are encrypted by Derp, you can use several methods to restore them:
Employ Data Recovery Pro for file restoring purposes.
Use this software to restore some of the files and documents that were locked by the ransomware virus.
- Download Data Recovery Pro;
- Follow the steps of Data Recovery Setup and install the program on your computer;
- Launch it and scan your computer for files encrypted by Derp ransomware;
- Restore them.
Use Windows Previous Versions feature for data recovery tasks.
If you have enabled System Restore in the past, you can try employing this technique for file restoring purposes.
- Find an encrypted file you need to restore and right-click on it;
- Select “Properties” and go to “Previous versions” tab;
- Here, check each of available copies of the file in “Folder versions”. You should select the version you want to recover and click “Restore”.
Try using Shadow Explorer for data restore:
You can use this method for the recovery of your files, however, it might not work if the ransomware virus eliminated Shadow Copies of the encrypted files.
- Download Shadow Explorer (http://shadowexplorer.com/);
- Follow a Shadow Explorer Setup Wizard and install this application on your computer;
- Launch the program and go through the drop down menu on the top left corner to select the disk of your encrypted data. Check what folders are there;
- Right-click on the folder you want to restore and select “Export”. You can also select where you want it to be stored.
Sadly, the official decryptor for this ransomware version has not been developed yet.
Finally, you should always think about the protection of crypto-ransomwares. In order to protect your computer from Derp and other ransomwares, use a reputable anti-spyware, such as FortectIntego, SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner or Malwarebytes
How to prevent from getting ransomware
Do not let government spy on you
The government has many issues in regards to tracking users' data and spying on citizens, so you should take this into consideration and learn more about shady information gathering practices. Avoid any unwanted government tracking or spying by going totally anonymous on the internet.
You can choose a different location when you go online and access any material you want without particular content restrictions. You can easily enjoy internet connection without any risks of being hacked by using Private Internet Access VPN.
Control the information that can be accessed by government any other unwanted party and surf online without being spied on. Even if you are not involved in illegal activities or trust your selection of services, platforms, be suspicious for your own security and take precautionary measures by using the VPN service.
Backup files for the later use, in case of the malware attack
Computer users can suffer from data losses due to cyber infections or their own faulty doings. Ransomware can encrypt and hold files hostage, while unforeseen power cuts might cause a loss of important documents. If you have proper up-to-date backups, you can easily recover after such an incident and get back to work. It is also equally important to update backups on a regular basis so that the newest information remains intact – you can set this process to be performed automatically.
When you have the previous version of every important document or project you can avoid frustration and breakdowns. It comes in handy when malware strikes out of nowhere. Use Data Recovery Pro for the data restoration process.
- ^ Michael Gillespie. #STOP #Djvu #Ransomware. Twitter. Demonslay335 status.
- ^ Emsisoft Decryptor for STOP Djvu. Emsisoft.com. Relevant information.
- ^ LosVirus.es. LosVirus. Security and spyware news network.
- ^ Remote Desktop Protocol. Wikipedia. The free encyclopedia.