Odveta ransomware: what it is and how to remove it

From our report of Mar 2020 · not reviewed since

More from our earlier report on Odveta ransomware

• Examples of encrypted files: picture.jpg.Email=[fixallfiles@tuta.io]ID= .odveta picture.jpg.Email=[Recoveryhelp2019@protonmail.com]ID= .odveta picture.jpg.Email=[OdvetaSupport@elude.in]ID= .odveta

From our report of Mar 2020 · not reviewed since

Odveta ransomware - a file locking virus that attacks hospitals and other establishments via insecure RDP connections

Odveta ransomware is a type of malware goal of which is to make users pay a predetermined sum of money for locked data on the computer or a network.

For that, it employs sophisticated encryption algorithms RSA + AES-256, and each of the files is appended with .odveta marker after the process is complete. None of the data is accessible, as users need to acquire a unique set of keys in order to unlock it. Sadly, these are held hostage by cybercriminals who are asking to pay a ransom in Bitcoin in exchange for Odveta ransomware decryptor.

To ensure that victims of Odveta virus know what happened to their computers, hackers deliver a ransom note named HowToDecrypt.txt or Unlock-Files.txt. It asks uses to contact them via josefrendal797@gmail.com, Filedecryptor@protonmail.com, or other emails (depends on a version) for negotiations about the payment.

Additionally, Odveta ransomware developers also state that the ransom size will increase steadily if it is not paid within a certain amount of time (two days, one week, etc.).

Odveta ransomware is one of the variants of Ouroboros ransomware/Zeropadypt ransomware, which was not capable of proper encryption. In any case, cybercriminals behind the strain are known to fail to deliver a working decryptor to victims who paid the ransom, so security experts highly discourage doing so.

Malware family that Odveta ransomware belongs to was first released in April 2019, and initially did not encrypt any files on the system (despite threat actors claiming so in the ransom note) but rather replaced all the contents with zeros, corrupting data in the process.

Nevertheless, several new versions were released over time - Zeropadypt NextGen, Kronos, Limbo, and others - and seems like crooks learned how to use cryptography properly during the time. While this variant uses a secure encryption method, a tool released by BloodDolly might be able to help recover data for free. However, you have first to remove Odveta ransomware from your system - employ anti-malware software that can detect the infection for that.

Odveta ransomware is known to be mostly delivered with the help of weakly protected Remote Desktop connections to institutions in plane manufacturing, healthcare, and other industries. Additionally, malware can also attack regular users - mostly, they get infected after download software cracks and pirated program installers.

Nevertheless, Odveta ransomware may also be distributed using the following methods:

Before the Odveta virus begins encrypted data, it will perform several changes to the Windows OS.

For example, it will place executables into AppData, Temp, User or other folders, modify Windows registry, delete Shadow Volume Copies, create new processes, execute Shell commands, etc. These modifications might create difficulties after Odveta ransomware removal, as a system may start malfunctioning and crash, lag, return errors, etc. To fix these issues, you can employ tools like .

Since Odveta extension is used for many different versions of the Ouroboros, crooks use many different contact emails, ransom note names, compound extensions, etc. Therefore, depending on a version of the virus, you might be asked to contact crooks via different emails, and ransom sums may vary significantly.

Here is one of the examples of Odveta ransomware ransom note that you may receive once infected - Unlock-Files.txt:

As mentioned above, paying cybercriminals behind the Odveta file virus is not recommended, as you are highly likely to lose the paid money as well. Besides, by paying the ransom, you will only encourage crooks to develop the malicious code even further, complicating recovery for other victims. Instead, you should employ existing free decryptor or apply alternative recovery methods listed below.

Before you do that, however, you should backup all the encrypted data - this is relevant to those who do not have backups which could be used to restore files. In case you do not copy locked files before trying the recovery, you might lose access to them forever. Once this is done, you can then run a full system scan with anti-malware to get rid of the Odveta ransomware.

• Malicious spam email attachments and embedded hyperlinks
• Exploits and software vulnerabilities
• Repacked software
• Fake updates
• Malicious links on social media, etc.

From our report of Mar 2020 · not reviewed since

Tips on avoiding ransomware infections

Currently, ransomware development and the infection rate is on the rise - more cybercriminal gangs are delivering new malware strains, and new versions emerge every day.

The growth of ransomware can be attributed to its lucrative nature - by infecting thousands of users or high profile organizations, hackers receive a high amount of money, even if just a fraction of the affected do so. In the meantime, the users lose their files and money permanently, as malware's termination does not retrieve the encrypted data.

Therefore, it is important not to get infected in the first place, although users who have to deal with file locking malware usually are doing it for the first time, and do not take warnings from cybersecurity experts seriously. Here are a few tips that would help you repel multiple different infections:

• Never download software cracks or pirated application installers - these are typically booby-trapped with malware;
• If using a Remote Desktop connection, make sure it is protected by a strong password. Additionally, do not use a default TCP/UDP port 3389 and employ VPN to increase protection;
• When accessing your inbox, make sure that you carefully filter out any malicious emails. The ones that include attachments (.zip, .exe, .pdf, .exe) can pose the highest risk - so never allow macros to run when asked ("Allow content"). Additionally, do not click on hyperlinks that might look official - hover the mouse to see the real destination first;
• Always update the software installed on your machine, along with the operating system as soon as new patches are shipped;
• Employ sophisticated anti-malware software with real-time protection feature;
• Backup your files on a regular basis - this will negate most of the negative effects of a ransomware infection.

From our report of Mar 2020 · not reviewed since

Take control of your PC back by removing Odveta ransomware

Despite the popular belief, Odveta ransomware removal should not be performed immediately.

Once inside the system, the malware modifies files in a way that its termination may permanently damage the data, and even a working decryption tool may not be helpful anymore.

Thus, copy all the locked files over to a remote server or an external drive, such a USB flash. Nevertheless, if you have backups that could be used to restore all the locked files, do not hesitate and remove Odveta ransomware immediately.

To get rid of the Odveta virus from your system, you should perform a full system scan with the help of anti-malware software, such as , , or another powerful tool. In case the malware is tampering with your security software, you can access Safe Mode with Networking and run a full scan from there.

Finally, you can connect your backups and recover the encrypted data. If you do not have them prepared, employ the methods we provide below.

[GI=method-1]If you need to access Safe Mode with Networking to eliminate Odveta file virus properly, follow these steps:

Data recovery tools may sometimes be able to retrieve working copies of your files from the HDD. Thus, the less you use your machine after the infection, the higher the chances of it being successful.

Make use of Windows Previous Versions feature

If you had System Restore enabled before the attack, you might be able to restore files one-by-one.

ShadowExplorer can sometimes recover your data for free

If the virus failed to delete Shadow Volume Copies, this tool should be able to help you.

Try using Ouroboros decoder

Ouroboros decoder provided by security expert BloodDolly might work for some variants of Odveta ransomware.