Vgkf virus (Decryption Methods Included) - Virus Removal Guide
Vgkf virus Removal Guide
What is Vgkf virus?
Vgkf virus is the ransomware that encodes files to demand large sums in Bitcoin cryptocurrency
Vgkf ransomware is a cryptovirus that belongs to a malware family known as Djvu ransomware. The version is coming after more than 360 variants on the list. This malware encrypts all the important files on a Windows computer, appends them with .vgkf extension, and restricts access to them.
Once encryption[1] is done and these files get locked, the ransom message gets dropped in those folders with encoded files and on the desktop. In the ransom note _readme.txt, cybercriminals behind the attack explain that the only way to recover data is by paying ransom in Bitcoin. The sum can vary, depending on how soon victims contact the developers because the discount of 50% is offered within the first 72 hours since the locking.
While it is true that the locked files require a unique decryption key to unlock them, experts[2] recommend not paying the ransom, as cybercriminals might not keep their promises, resulting in financial losses. In this article, we will explain how to get rid of malware and use alternative methods for data recovery. Vgkf file virus belongs to the family that is not worthy of users' trust, so it is not safe to even contact criminals at this instance.
The virus attacks Windows computers by using various infiltration methods. More common techniques include email spam, pirating platforms, malicious files, and even other threats like trojans. Once inside, it uses an encryption algorithm to lock up all documents, archives, videos, music, and other files. After that, ransomware delivers a ransom note text file, which includes instructions on how to recover the encrypted data.
The _readme.txt reads:
ATTENTION!
Don't worry, you can return all your files!
All your files like pictures, 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-ZYodHvPkHI
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:
manager@mailtemp.chReserve e-mail address to contact us:
helprestoremanager@airmail.cc
According to the virus authors, victims need to contact them via manager@mailtemp.ch and helprestoremanager@airmail.cc email and provide their personal ID. Once that is done, users should receive further instructions to proceed with the payment, provided in Bitcoin cryptocurrency. Nonetheless, we do not recommend contacting the attackers because they might not deliver the required decryption tool. Check out the alternative methods we provide below instead.
| Name | Vgkf virus |
|---|---|
| Type | Ransomware, crypto-virus, file locking virus |
| Malware family | STOP virus/Djvu ransomware |
| Extension | Files appended with .vgkf extension |
| Distribution | Files delivered via spam email, pirating platforms |
| Ransom note | _readme.txt |
| Contact emails | manager@mailtemp.ch and helprestoremanager@airmail.cc |
| File recovery | If no backups are available, recovering data is almost impossible. Nonetheless, we suggest you try the alternative methods that could help you in some cases – we list them below |
| Malware removal | Perform a full system scan with powerful security software, such as SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner, Malwarebytes |
| System repair | Malware can seriously tamper with Windows systems, causing errors, crashes, lag, and other stability issues after it is terminated. To recover the OS and avoid its reinstallation, we recommend scanning it with the FortectIntego or a similar app or system tool |
Ransomware more in detail
Vgkf file virus is classified as ransomware. These threats are known for accessing user machines without permission and encrypting all files on them. This way, cybercriminals behind the attack can ask for a ransom payment in return for a unique key. The infiltration is not noticed when the virus spreads in the first place due to stealthy methods.
The malware encrypts all files with the help of a powerful encryption algorithm and appends .vgkf extension to each of them. For example, a file “picture.jpg” is turned into a “picture.jpg.vgkf,” making suchlike data unusable. other damage includes disabled programs, system functions, alterations to system data. Once encryption is finished, the virus drops a ransom note, which is placed on the desktop and/or other locations within the computer.
In the note, the attackers write that they are willing to provide the decryption tool for a particular sum of money, to be paid in bitcoin cryptocurrency. However, this file recovery method is only possible when the decryption tool is obtained from criminals or developed by researchers. Paying is not recommended and the official decryption tool from experts is not yet released.
This virus derives from a well-known family Djvu ransomware, which was first spotted in 2018 and made headlines with attacks and widespread campaigns starting in 2019. The threat family received many changes and since August 2019 is undecryptable due to advanced encryption methods used. Since then family released multiple variants, including Miia, Loov, Xcmb. In this article, we will provide alternative methods for .vgkf file recovery and safe ways of deleting the infection from a Windows computer.
Get rid of the infection properly before anything else
Vgkf file virus is affecting the machine significantly. Malware like this comes in all shapes and sizes, but one thing they have in common is that you won't be able to see them coming. A virus will usually get its malicious code attached as an attachment or included within pirating packages. It may try injecting payload into your NBA game cheat or pirated versions of Adobe products. These methods are common for STOP/Djvu virus family members.
The machine gets infected pretty quickly after the file drop and 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, etc.
You need to remove the Vgkf virus and clear the machine. Removing the ransomware is important and tools like SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner or Malwarebytes that are based on detection[3] of the malware are crucial. Do not skip this step. However, removing infection is not the only step and it is not recovering encoded files.
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
![Reimage scan]( "Reimage scan")
- 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.
![Reimage results]( "Reimage results")
Decryption options for Djvu ransomware versions
There are two ways that the Vgkf virus uses during encryption. Offline and online IDs determine the possibility of decryption. Offline keys are the same for the machines affected by the same variant. It provides the option to recover files with one decryption key. That need to be obtained from criminals by obstruction or payment.
Online keys are uniquely formed for each individual machine that gets encrypted. It is made once the encryption is started and each victim get one and only ID that is needed later on when the decryption of files. Once the Vgkf file virus encrypts files there are limited options for recovery.
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.
![Vgkf virus]( "Vgkf virus")
- If User Account Control (UAC) message shows up, press Yes.
- Agree to License Terms by pressing Yes.
![Vgkf virus]( "Vgkf virus")
- 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.
![Vgkf virus]( "Vgkf virus")
- Press Decrypt.
![Vgkf virus]( "Vgkf virus")
From here, there are three available outcomes:
- “Decrypted!” will be shown under files that were decrypted successfully – they are now usable again.
- “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.
- “This ID appears to be an online ID, decryption is impossible” – you are unable to decrypt files with this tool.
Getting rid of Vgkf virus. Follow these steps
Restore Windows "hosts" file to its original state
Some ransomware might modify Windows hosts file in order to prevent users from accessing certain websites online. For example, Djvu ransomware variants add dozens of entries containing URLs of security-related websites, such as 2-spyware.com. Each of the entries means that users will not be able to access the listed web addresses and will receive an error instead.
Here's an example of “hosts” file entries that were injected by ransomware:
In order to restore your ability to access all websites without restrictions, you should either delete the file (Windows will automatically recreate it) or remove all the malware-created entries. If you have never touched the “hosts” file before, you should simply delete it by marking it and pressing Shift + Del on your keyboard. For that, navigate to the following location:
C:\\Windows\\System32\\drivers\\etc\\
Restore files using data recovery software
Since many users do not prepare proper data backups prior to being attacked by 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
- Download Data Recovery Pro.
- Double-click the installer to launch it.
- Follow on-screen instructions to install the software.
- As soon as you press Finish, you can use the app.
- Select Everything or pick individual folders where you want the files to be recovered from.
- Press Next.
- At the bottom, enable Deep scan and pick which Disks you want to be scanned.
- Press Scan and wait till it is complete.
- You can now pick which folders/files to recover – don't forget you also have the option to search by the file name!
- Press Recover to retrieve your files.
Create data backups to avoid file loss in the future
One of the many countermeasures for home users against ransomware is data backups. Even if your Windows get corrupted, you can reinstall everything from scratch and retrieve files from backups with minimal losses overall. Most importantly, you would not have to pay cybercriminals and risk your money as well.
Therefore, if you have already dealt with a ransomware attack, we strongly advise you to prepare backups for future use. There are two options available to you:
- Backup on a physical external drive, such as a USB flash drive or external HDD.
- Use cloud storage services.
The first method is not that convenient, however, as backups need to constantly be updated manually – although it is very reliable. Therefore, we highly advise choosing cloud storage instead – it is easy to set up and efficient to sustain. The problem with it is that storage space is limited unless you want to pay for the subscription.
Using Microsoft OneDrive
OneDrive is a built-in tool that comes with every modern Windows version. By default, you get 5 GB of storage that you can use for free. You can increase that storage space, but for a price. Here's how to setup backups for OneDrive:
- Click on the OneDrive icon within your system tray.
- Select Help & Settings > Settings.
- If you don't see your email under the Account tab, you should click Add an account and proceed with the on-screen instructions to set yourself up.
- Once done, move to the Backup tab and click Manage backup.
- Select Desktop, Documents, and Pictures, or a combination of whichever folders you want to backup.
- Press Start backup.
After this, all the files that are imported into the above-mentioned folders will be automatically backed for you. If you want to add other folders or files, you have to do that manually. For that, open File Explorer by pressing Win + E on your keyboard, and then click on the OneDrive icon. You should drag and drop folders you want to backup (or you can use Copy/Paste as well).
Using Google Drive
Google Drive is another great solution for free backups. The good news is that you get as much as 15GB for free by choosing this storage. There are also paid versions available, with significantly more storage to choose from.
You can access Google Drive via the web browser or use a desktop app you can download on the official website. If you want your files to be synced automatically, you will have to download the app, however.
- Download the Google Drive app installer and click on it.
- Wait a few seconds for it to be installed.
- Now click the arrow within your system tray – you should see Google Drive icon there, click it once.
- Click Get Started.
- Enter all the required information – your email/phone, and password.
- Now pick what you want to sync and backup. You can click on Choose Folder to add additional folders to the list.
- Once done, pick Next.
- Now you can select to sync items to be visible on your computer.
- Finally, press Start and wait till the sync is complete. Your files are now being backed up.
Report the incident to your local authorities
Ransomware is a huge business that is highly illegal, and authorities are very involved in catching malware operators. To have increased chances of identifying the culprits, the agencies need information. Therefore, by reporting the crime, you could help with stopping the cybercriminal activities and catching the threat actors. Make sure you include all the possible details, including how did you notice the attack, when it happened, etc. Additionally, providing documents such as ransom notes, examples of encrypted files, or malware executables would also be beneficial.
Law enforcement agencies typically deal with online fraud and cybercrime, although it depends on where you live. Here is the list of local authority groups that handle incidents like ransomware attacks, sorted by country:
- USA – Internet Crime Complaint Center IC3
- United Kingdom – ActionFraud
- Canada – Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre
- Australia – ScamWatch
- New Zealand – ConsumerProtection
- Germany – Polizei
- France – Ministère de l'Intérieur
If your country is not listed above, you should contact the local police department or communications center.
Manual removal using Safe Mode
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.
Finally, you should always think about the protection of crypto-ransomwares. In order to protect your computer from Vgkf 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.
If this free guide helped you and you are satisfied with our service, please consider making a donation to keep this service alive. Even a smallest amount will be appreciated.
- ^ Encryption. Wikipedia. The free encyclopedia.
- ^ Zondervirus. Zondervirus. News on spyware.
- ^ Virus sample detection. Virustotal. Online malware scanner.