Vtym ransomware / virus (Decryption Steps Included) - Virus Removal Instructions
Vtym virus Removal Guide
What is Vtym ransomware virus?
Vtym file virus collects commonly used files and locks them using the particular encryption algorithms
Vtym ransomware is a virus that explains to victims that the only option for file recovery is ransom payment. The program is created by criminals focused on their financial gains, so the ransom message _readme.txt and other instructions try to encourage you to be scared enough to willingly pay the amount asked from you. It can result in major financial losses and permanently damage data. Stay away from the malicious application entirely.
Vtym ransomware is a virus that attacks Windows computers by using stealthy infiltration methods. The infection can not be stopped once it starts. Even though users are mainly responsible for this, because if they download an email attachment or pirated software without knowing what's inside. Threat actors manage to inject payload in various files, so the distribution is quick and not noticed easily.
The .vtym extension is given to all encrypted files after they're locked by the virus using an army-grade encryption algorithm. The ransom note _readme.txt text file includes instructions on how you can recover your data if it was encrypted. The statement about the $980 payment and even the discount of 50% should not encourage you to pay since that can come to financial losses and damaged data still.
Instead of responding directly to the attackers or going through the email via support@sysmail.ch, supportsys@airmail.cc, helprestoremanager@airmail.cc, and contacting them, rely on virus removal instead. There are no guarantees that files can be recovered by them. Based on the reports and previous versions of this threat, criminals do not provide options for users.
| Name | Vtym file virus |
|---|---|
| Type | Ransomware, cryptovirus, file-locker |
| Family | STOP virus/ Djvu ransomware |
| File appendix | .vtym |
| Ransom note | _readme.txt |
| Distribution | Files can contain a payload of the virus when get attached to email messages or included in the pirated software package |
| Contact details | support@sysmail.ch, supportsys@airmail.cc, helprestoremanager@airmail.cc |
| Removal | The threat can be removed easily with anti-malware tools and security programs because those tools work on proper malware detection processes[1] |
| File recovery | Limited. Non-decryptable versions mainly |
| Repair | Try to repair the system files using FortectIntego because data can get corrupted, damaged, altered by the virus |
Vtym ransomware is a computer infection that encrypts all personal files changing the original code and leading to the locking of data. The malware also drops an intimidating note demanding money be paid in the first 72 hours or the demand gets doubled. This aggressive type does offer discounts too, so it's more convincing for people. However, it is important to note that the hackers might not deliver on their end of giving out decryption tools. We, as other experts[2] recommend not contacting them.
What is already known about this ransomware?
The Vtym ransomware is a cryptovirus that belongs to the malware family known as Djvu virus or STOP ransomware that was the first threat, and Djvu emerged from it. The particular family became active in 2019 and since then a lot has changed. Not in the favor of researchers or virus victims, however.
This virus encrypts all important files on your Windows computer and restricts access to them, causing severe problems for users who are trying desperately in order restore their data or make sure it doesn't get lost forever. Cybercriminals behind this attack explain how you can pay the ransom if desired and claims that this is the only solution. File recovery should not be considered while the threat is still active, however.
These demands are listed in the ransom note:
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-XG8CpMbJwj
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:
support@sysmail.chReserve e-mail address to contact us:
helprestoremanager@airmail.ccYour personal ID:
Transfering payments to Vtym virus creators can end up with issues on the machine and additional malware released on the computer instead of the decryption tool delivery. You should remove the infection as soon as possible and then worry about the issues created by the threat activities and your lost data.
1. Removal of the infection requires professional tools with an AV detection engine
The Vtym ransomware virus can infect devices quickly because it releases various files with a malware payload. The infection starts off when someone clicks on an infected link or opens a malicious email attachment that downloads this particular type of ransomware onto the device, which is how fast these things are distributed nowadays. Fully terminating the threat helps avoid secondary rounds of encryption and permanent data damage.
Vtym file virus is the one that can damage your valuable files, so you would likely pay the ransom. There's a serious infection on the system once those files get locked, and it means that the infection needs to be removed immediately. Otherwise, it will execute file corruption by triggering other processes.
You can remove all threats even a little bit related to this infection, and that can be done with anti-malware tools or security programs. Threats are detectable by these security tools like SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner and Malwarebytes, so the Vtym ransomware can be one of the malicious pieces indicated on the screen after a full system scan. Rely on trustworthy tools and make sure to double-check before anything else.
2. Clearing the Vtym file virus leftovers and damage
Vtym ransomware is a serious piece of malware that can affect the machine significantly with additional processes as well. For example, an infection can alter the Windows registry database, damage vital bootup, and other sections, delete or corrupt DLL files, etc. 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.
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
![Reimage download]( "Reimage download")
- If User Account Control (UAC) shows up, select Yes
- Press Install and wait till the program finishes the installation process
![Reimage installation]( "Reimage installation")
- 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.
An additional tip for decryption – available tool
Vtym file virus belongs to a dangerous family of threats that were decryptable for a year once it came out. Since August 2019 this is the advanced version of ransomware that has spread quickly and stealthily. Improvements took the decryption opportunity from victims and researchers, so the newer versions coming out weekly are not decryptable.
It is because of the advanced coding methods and techniques introduces a few years back. The infection relies on keys to identify victims' devices, and for the most part, these variants use online ids that are unique for each device despite the version of the threat. However, for the online ID, there is a need for the proper C&C server connection[3] that might not be possible each time.
If the connection fails, Vtym ransomware uses offline ids that are unique with the virus, not the device, so all computers can be decrypted once one key is obtained by the researcher or some of the victims pay the ransom for it. This is how the threat family was decrypted before the newest alterations. Since the connection sometimes might fail, you can try and check if you can use these possible options.
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.
![Vtym ransomware virus]( "Vtym ransomware virus")
- 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.
![Vtym ransomware virus]( "Vtym ransomware 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.
![Vtym ransomware virus]( "Vtym ransomware virus")
- Press Decrypt.
![Vtym ransomware virus]( "Vtym ransomware 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.
Remember that decryption and virus termination is not the same. Infection and file locking are two separate processes, and both need to be taken care of before you use the machine normally again. If you run SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner, Malwarebytes on the machine, this infection can be removed, and all related files get deleted alongside the Vtym file virus.
Then you can think about file repair and data recovery. However, do not forget about the proper virus termination and double-check before adding additional files on the machine. Running the FortectIntego also helps to find the virus damage and clean any leftovers. Then you can check options for Vtym ransomware decryption and file repair.
Getting rid of Vtym virus. Follow these steps
Important steps to take before you begin malware removal
File encryption and ransomware infection are two independent processes (although the latter would not be possible without the former). However, it is important to understand that malware performs various changes within a Windows operating system, fundamentally changing the way it works.
IMPORTANT for those without backups! →
If you attempt to use security or recovery software immediately, you might permanently damage your files, and even a working decryptor then would not be able to save them.
Before you proceed with the removal instructions below, you should copy the encrypted files onto a separate medium, such as USB flash drive or SSD, and then disconnect them from your computer. Encrypted data does not hold any malicious code, so it is safe to transfer to other devices.
The instructions below might initially seem overwhelming and complicated, but they are not difficult to understand as long as you follow each step in the appropriate order. This comprehensive free guide will help you to handle the malware removal and data recovery process correctly.
If you have any questions, comments, or are having troubles with following the instructions, please do not hesitate to contact us via the Ask Us section.
IMPORTANT! →
It is vital to eliminate malware infection from the computer fully before starting the data recovery process, otherwise ransomware might re-encrypt retrieved files from backups repeatedly.
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 Vtym and other ransomwares, use a reputable anti-spyware, such as FortectIntego, SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner or Malwarebytes
How to prevent from getting ransomware
Choose a proper web browser and improve your safety with a VPN tool
Online spying has got momentum in recent years and people are getting more and more interested in how to protect their privacy online. One of the basic means to add a layer of security – choose the most private and secure web browser. Although web browsers can't grant full privacy protection and security, some of them are much better at sandboxing, HTTPS upgrading, active content blocking, tracking blocking, phishing protection, and similar privacy-oriented features. However, if you want true anonymity, we suggest you employ a powerful Private Internet Access VPN – it can encrypt all the traffic that comes and goes out of your computer, preventing tracking completely.
Lost your files? Use data recovery software
While some files located on any computer are replaceable or useless, others can be extremely valuable. Family photos, work documents, school projects – these are types of files that we don't want to lose. Unfortunately, there are many ways how unexpected data loss can occur: power cuts, Blue Screen of Death errors, hardware failures, crypto-malware attack, or even accidental deletion.
To ensure that all the files remain intact, you should prepare regular data backups. You can choose cloud-based or physical copies you could restore from later in case of a disaster. If your backups were lost as well or you never bothered to prepare any, Data Recovery Pro can be your only hope to retrieve your invaluable files.
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.
- ^ Virus detection rate. VirusTotal. Online malware scanner.
- ^ Command and Control [C&C] Server. Trendmicro. Cybersecurity 101.
- ^ Zondervirus. Zondervirus. SPyware news.