Verasto ransomware (Free Guide) - updated Aug 2019

Verasto virus Removal Guide

What is Verasto ransomware?

Verasto ransomware is the cryptovirus that has the same contact emails as the previous version in Djvu family

Verasto virusVerasto virus - ransomware that urges a price of $490 if contact with the criminals is made in a three day time period Verasto ransomware is the member of a notorious ransomware family that has been actively releasing new versions since the beginning of 2019. Djvu ransomware is the threat discovered at the end of 2018, and since then virus developers haven't stopped releasing one version after another. Two of the more recent ones haven't been much changed and contact emails vengisto@india.com and vengisto@firemail.cc remain the same for Verasto ransomware and Moresa ransomware. Besides this fact, the ransom note file _readme.txt also haven't been changed too. It stays the same with the name and contents inside for the whole month of April. Although there is a possible decryption solution that Michael Gillespie offers, this ransomware family is one of the more active and dangerous in the cybersecurity world, so keep away from contacting criminals behind the threat.

Verasto ransomware belongs to a category of crypto-extortion based cyber threats, so the initial purpose is to use an encryption algorithm and encode files found on the infiltrated machine. Various data that is important for the victim gets changed and locked including photos, documents, videos, audio files, or even databases and archives.

Name Verasto ransomware
Type Cryptovirus
File extension .verasto
Family Djvu ransomware
Damage Leads to permanent loss of personal data, files or money. May damage the machine
Ransom note _readme.txt
Ransom amount $980
Additional Feature This ransomware virus (as other of its kind) might be capable of injecting the AZORult Trojan virus into the infected computer system
Distribution Spam email attachments with infected files
Removal Employ reputable anti-malware and remove the cryptovirus. Use FortectIntego for Verasto ransomware virus damage termination
Decryptable? We cannot state that there is an original decryptor released for .verasto files. However, cybersecurity specialists have created a tool for various STOP versions. You should try it as it might work on this malware also

Since Verasto ransomware virus belongs to the family of crypto-malware, it is known that trying to trick more users into paying the ransom, developers offer to lower the price by half if victims contact criminals in less than 72 hours since the initial ransom demand. If users fail to follow this rule, they will supposedly be left with the option to pay $980 instead of $490.

However, we as any other expert[1] don't recommend contacting Verasto ransomware creators or any other hacker that released malware in your device. Cybercriminals only focus on getting victims' files encrypted and locked, so the payment can be demanded. Once the money is transferred, you will supposedly be left just with an empty bank account.

When the infiltration process ends, the malware places itself in the system and locks up various documents and files, Verasto ransomware displays a ransom message in the file _readme.txt that reads the following:

ATTENTION!

Don't worry my friend, 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:
hxxps://we.tl/t-aSdhfTOs1G
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:
vengisto@firemail.cc
Reserve e-mail address to contact us:
vengisto@india.com
Support Telegram account:
@datarestore
Your personal ID:

Verasto ransomware developers encourage people to contact them so there is a feeling of trust created and people get more willing to pay the demanded amount. For the same reason, they offer to lower the ransom amount from $980 to $490. However, paying these criminals can lead to permanent loss of data and money.[2]

Additionally to the encrypted files, Verasto ransomware alters files on the system folders and makes changes in Windows directories and registry to keep the malware running all the time. These changes need to be completely reversed, programs installed by the virus deleted and all associated files removed. This is the only solution if you want to terminate the crypto-malware properly.

Verasto ransomwareVerasto ransomware virus is the version of Djvu ransomware that spreads around the world since 2018.

We recommend employing professional help if you want to remove Verasto ransomware. This is the best advice because using anti-malware tools can improve the speed and performance of your computer significantly. These programs like FortectIntego can check the system thoroughly and remove all indicated malware or even repair corrupted Windows files.

However, remember to keep the antivirus tool on the machine after the Verasto ransomware removal, so the antivirus tool can block additional PUPs[3] or malicious programs from accessing the system. This way cyber infection like this is not going to repeat itself, and you can be sure that machine is virus-free.

Cryptovirus like Verasto ransomware can affect more on the machine than you notice. The primary purpose is to encrypt users data and demand payment, but additional malware that steals credentials, passwords or any other personal data stored on the machine can get installed without permission or users' knowledge.

To make the machine clean again you need to terminate all processes running in the background, programs installed by Verasto ransomware virus and other trojans or malware delivered alongside the malicious cryptovirus payload. It is known that many versions that come from the STOP ransomware family might be capable of installing AZORult virus secretly.

Spam email attachments deliver malicious script hidden on the legitimate-looking file

Corrupted websites, p2p networks,[4] and freeware sharing sites can be filled with malware, automatic downloads, and various unwanted programs. However, the more severe malware like ransomware gets delivered via email with macro-filled attachments.[5]

Verasto malwareVerasto malware is a ransomware virus that locks files with the .verasto appendix and displays ransom urges via the _readme.txt message

Common files like documents, executables, archives or spreadsheets, and PDFs have macros that get triggered by the user once document gets downloaded and opened on the targeted machine. Clicking Allow button or initiating the hyperlink may be enough to trigger the malicious script and downloading the ransomware payload.

You can avoid this infiltration and malicious infection if you pay more attention to received emails and clean the email box more often. Delete suspicious notifications from companies you are not familiar with. Also, keep a note of what websites you ordered from. Companies or services are not sending emails to people that are not using their products.

Eliminate Verasto ransomware from the machine

This nasty Verasto ransomware virus is the intruder that makes the most damage on the affected machine because it disables some functions and features like security software and features of the OS. For that reason, you may get the benefit from Safe Mode and System Restore feature.

To remove Verasto ransomware from your machine altogether, you need to clean the computer with a proper tool thoroughly. Only this method can help with all programs and files installed by the notorious cryptovirus since in the background it may change various functions and add programs on the system.

Verasto ransomware removal is not a difficult process, but you need to pay close attention to make sure everything is done correctly. We don't recommend going the manual virus removal route because automatic elimination cleans the device entirely and there is no possible damage to your computer.

While removing the threat manually, you may delete needed or important files and damage the system. So clean the system with FortectIntego, SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner , or Malwarebytes and them focus on data recovery.

Offer
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Compatible with Microsoft Windows Compatible with macOS
What to do if failed?
If you failed to fix virus damage using Fortect Intego, submit a question to our support team and provide as much details as possible.
Fortect Intego has a free limited scanner. Fortect Intego offers more through scan when you purchase its full version. When free scanner detects issues, you can fix them using free manual repairs or you can decide to purchase the full version in order to fix them automatically.
Alternative Software
Different software has a different purpose. If you didn’t succeed in fixing corrupted files with Fortect, try running SpyHunter 5.
Alternative Software
Different software has a different purpose. If you didn’t succeed in fixing corrupted files with Intego, try running Combo Cleaner.

Getting rid of Verasto virus. Follow these steps

Manual removal using Safe Mode

Keep the system clean with the help of Safe Mode with Networking. Reboot the machine in Safe Mode, get the antivirus program and scan the machine to remove Verasto ransomware:

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
  1. Click Start > Shutdown > Restart > OK.
  2. 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.
  3. Select Safe Mode with Networking from the list. Windows 7/XP
Windows 10 / Windows 8
  1. Right-click on Start button and select Settings.
    Settings
  2. Scroll down to pick Update & Security.
    Update and security
  3. On the left side of the window, pick Recovery.
  4. Now scroll down to find Advanced Startup section.
  5. Click Restart now.
    Reboot
  6. Select Troubleshoot. Choose an option
  7. Go to Advanced options. Advanced options
  8. Select Startup Settings. Startup settings
  9. Press Restart.
  10. Now press 5 or click 5) Enable Safe Mode with Networking. Enable safe mode

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:

  1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc on your keyboard to open Windows Task Manager.
  2. Click on More details.
    Open task manager
  3. Scroll down to Background processes section, and look for anything suspicious.
  4. Right-click and select Open file location.
    Open file location
  5. Go back to the process, right-click and pick End Task.
    End task
  6. Delete the contents of the malicious folder.

Step 3. Check program Startup

  1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc on your keyboard to open Windows Task Manager.
  2. Go to Startup tab.
  3. Right-click on the suspicious program and pick Disable.
    Startup

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:

  1. Type in Disk Cleanup in Windows search and press Enter.
    Disk cleanup
  2. 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).
  3. Scroll through the Files to delete list and select the following:

    Temporary Internet Files
    Downloads
    Recycle Bin
    Temporary files

  4. Pick Clean up system files.
    Delete temp files
  5. 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 Verasto using System Restore

Make the damage on the system reverse by restoring the computer to a previous point with System Restore feature:

  • Step 1: Reboot your computer to Safe Mode with Command Prompt
    Windows 7 / Vista / XP
    1. Click Start Shutdown Restart OK.
    2. When your computer becomes active, start pressing F8 multiple times until you see the Advanced Boot Options window.
    3. Select Command Prompt from the list Select 'Safe Mode with Command Prompt'

    Windows 10 / Windows 8
    1. Press the Power button at the Windows login screen. Now press and hold Shift, which is on your keyboard, and click Restart..
    2. Now select Troubleshoot Advanced options Startup Settings and finally press Restart.
    3. Once your computer becomes active, select Enable Safe Mode with Command Prompt in Startup Settings window. Select 'Enable Safe Mode with Command Prompt'
  • Step 2: Restore your system files and settings
    1. Once the Command Prompt window shows up, enter cd restore and click Enter. Enter 'cd restore' without quotes and press 'Enter'
    2. Now type rstrui.exe and press Enter again.. Enter 'rstrui.exe' without quotes and press 'Enter'
    3. When a new window shows up, click Next and select your restore point that is prior the infiltration of Verasto. After doing that, click Next. When 'System Restore' window shows up, select 'Next' Select your restore point and click 'Next'
    4. Now click Yes to start system restore. Click 'Yes' and start system restore
    Once you restore your system to a previous date, download and scan your computer with FortectIntego and make sure that Verasto removal is performed successfully.

Bonus: Recover your data

Guide which is presented above is supposed to help you remove Verasto 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 Verasto, you can use several methods to restore them:

Data Recovery Pro is the tool that makes a difference after Verasto ransomware attack because it can recover encrypted files without file backups

Try Data Recovery Pro if you need an alternative to files backed on external devices or cloud services

  • 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 Verasto ransomware;
  • Restore them.

Try ShadowExplorer as the option for data recovery

However, remember that when Verasto ransomware deletes Shadow Volume Copies, you cannot rely on ShadowExplorer

  • 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.

You can try using the STOP decryptor as it works for many ransomware variants

Finally, you should always think about the protection of crypto-ransomwares. In order to protect your computer from Verasto and other ransomwares, use a reputable anti-spyware, such as FortectIntego, SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner or Malwarebytes

How to prevent from getting ransomware

Protect your privacy – employ a VPN

There are several ways how to make your online time more private – you can access an incognito tab. However, there is no secret that even in this mode, you are tracked for advertising purposes. There is a way to add an extra layer of protection and create a completely anonymous web browsing practice with the help of Private Internet Access VPN. This software reroutes traffic through different servers, thus leaving your IP address and geolocation in disguise. Besides, it is based on a strict no-log policy, meaning that no data will be recorded, leaked, and available for both first and third parties. The combination of a secure web browser and Private Internet Access VPN will let you browse the Internet without a feeling of being spied or targeted by criminals. 

No backups? No problem. Use a data recovery tool

If you wonder how data loss can occur, you should not look any further for answers – human errors, malware attacks, hardware failures, power cuts, natural disasters, or even simple negligence. In some cases, lost files are extremely important, and many straight out panic when such an unfortunate course of events happen. Due to this, you should always ensure that you prepare proper data backups on a regular basis.

If you were caught by surprise and did not have any backups to restore your files from, not everything is lost. Data Recovery Pro is one of the leading file recovery solutions you can find on the market – it is likely to restore even lost emails or data located on an external device.

About the author
Olivia Morelli
Olivia Morelli - Ransomware analyst

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