Robm ransomware (virus) - Decryption Steps Included

What is Robm ransomware?

Robmransomware is the virus asking for payments from victims via the _readme.txt file

The virus that demands money for the alleged decryption tool

Robm virus locks up your files and makes them useless, but the ransomware is more than just a locker virus. The infection comes from installing malicious files into the computer or downloading cracks for games with attachments that include malicious software as well. People might not notice the infiltration, but once those files get locked and the .robm extension is placed on every document, image, video, or audio file, the main encryption process is done. This is the dangerous threat deriving from another malware like this known for a while – Djvu ransomware.

You cannot open those documents once the system is infected by this type of nasty virus. Infections happen when people install crack bundles on systems which then downloads other things like keygens. It is known for quite some time that the developers of this threat family like to place their infections in cracks for NBA, FIBA games, Adobe software versions.

Once the ransomware gets inside there is no turning back because code has been written into every part making it impossible to get rid of the threat completely and easily. There are many issues that such an infection can create besides file-locking. However, the main worry should be removing the infection. Even though file recovery is an important issue, when the virus is still active, the machine can get permanently damaged.

With the Robm virus, you cannot avoid being scammed out of your money because the developers use blackmail methods to lure people into paying the ransom and even inject other malware on the machine to achieve additional goals. This is not recommended because it is not safe.

Malware runs an army-grade algorithm for file encoding and demands payment for file decryption services in exchange. The offer for the recovery is false and the threat actors can trick you into downloading additional malware instead. So experts^[1] recommend staying away from these people and removing the threat as soon as possible.

Unfortunately, victims think they pay for restoring personal data back to how it was before infection by this malicious program, but malware creators provide no such thing. Usually, when people transfer funds onto a website they trust criminals that do not provide anything in return instead.

The best cure for malware like this is antivirus programs because tools like SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner or Malwarebytes can help with the malicious files, leftovers, trojans that run in the background and terminate the ransomware thoroughly. This is not the same as decryption or file recovery, but until the system is clear of the infection, your files are at risk of getting permanently damaged.

This is why we recommend removing the Robm ransomware with a proper AV detection-based app.^[2] Then you can worry about your files and we are here for you with all the possible options for file recovery.

What can be done first?

If your computer got infected with one of the Djvu variants, you should try using Emsisoft decryptor for Djvu/STOP. Even though it is less possible for the Robm virus to be decryptable, you must check to be sure. 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.

Robm virus in-depth

Affected files are appended with an extra .robm extension, so after each filename and type indication follows the appendix. Hence malware name: Robm ransomware. In most cases, it cannot be seen until the encryption has been done. You will see those extensions when your data gets locked. The ransom note _readme.txt also appears after the successful file-locking. This is the infection that hits hard and that manages to run other processes just for persistence purposes making cleanup and recovery extremely difficult.

It is important to be aware that the ransom note reminds victims of their obligations, including using the key and specific software in order for files access restoration. This way criminals create fake trustworthiness. It is also done by promising discounts on decryption tools or offers if contacted within 72 hours after compromising the device.

The tool they want you to buy is expensive at $490-$980, it gets doubled after the first hours from their encryption and message delivery. However, paying for the Djvu ransomware family cannot give positive results. Robm ransomware creators try to extort money out of victims by claiming that certain files need cleaning and offering the test decryption. Malware like this is made for financial gains only. The versions of this family include recently released IISA and PQGS.

The note lists the contact details, ransom amount, and other information needed for the payment

Once a computer is infected with any malware, its system is changed to operate differently. It is exceptionally dangerous when it comes to ransomware like the Robm file virus. For example, an infection can alter the Windows registry database, damage vital bootup, and other sections, delete or corrupt DLL files, etc.

If the important 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.

Other options for .robm file recovery

It is important to clear the system before you attempt any recovery in order to avoid possible errors or damage. Anti-malware tools can help to remove Robm file viruses, but it is not the same as restoring files. If you try to restore files when the malware is present the second round can run. This encryption can be more difficult leading up to permanent damage.

Data recovery can be a difficult task, but it is possible. One of the most reliable methods for getting your data back after ransomware attacks is decryption tools, but there is no official app. The other approaches are listed below, but remember to be careful and follow each step to avoid any corruption.

Since many users do not prepare proper data backups prior to being attacked by such threats like Robm ransomware, they might often lose access to their files permanently. Paying criminals is also very risky, as they might not fulfill the promises and never send back the required decryption tool.

While this might sound terrible, not all is lost – data recovery software might be able to help you in some situations (it highly depends on the encryption algorithm used, whether ransomware managed to complete the programmed tasks, etc.). Since there are thousands of different ransomware strains, it is immediately impossible to tell whether third-party software will work for you.

Therefore, we suggest trying regardless of which ransomware attacked your computer. Before you begin, several pointers are important while dealing with this situation:

• Since the encrypted data on your computer might permanently be damaged by security or data recovery software, you should first make backups of it – use a USB flash drive or another storage.
• Only attempt to recover your files using this method after you perform a scan with anti-malware software.

Install data recovery software

1. Download Data Recovery Pro.
2. Double-click the installer to launch it.
   
3. Follow on-screen instructions to install the software.
4. As soon as you press Finish, you can use the app.
5. Select Everything or pick individual folders where you want the files to be recovered from.
6. Press Next.
7. At the bottom, enable Deep scan and pick which Disks you want to be scanned.
8. Press Scan and wait till it is complete.
9. You can now pick which folders/files to recover – don't forget you also have the option to search by the file name!
10. Press Recover to retrieve your files.

Distribution of malicious files and holding property for ransom are criminal acts in many countries. These cyberattacks have had a significant impact on the world, so it is important that victims report them to law enforcement where they reside as this helps determine how best to investigate these activities.^[3]

Robm ransomware is going to make sure that your files are not recoverable, so the sooner you remove them the better. We note how important it is to keep tools like SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner, Malwarebytes, FortectIntego on the machine. You can avoid future infections by having these tools running from time to time.