REZM ransomware attacks to convert your files into useless data pileThreat SummaryRansomware encryption routine: offline and online attacks comparedStay clear of illegal downloads to avoid ransomware virusesBest way to remove REZM ransomware virus
REZM ransomware infects victim’s computer silently and starts file encryption procedure straight away. The malicious program is designed to encrypt particular file types, bypassing system folders to keep the operating system running. By default, the virus targets folders that hold victim’s personal data, such as Downloads, Documents, Pictures, Desktop, and other locations. The way that data is encrypted makes it impossible to reverse the procedure and recover files. Next, the virus creates a text note, namely _readme.txt, to inform the victim about ways to restore data. The message from criminals informs about the severity of the situation and suggests contacting the attackers via helpdatarestore@firemail.cc or helpmanager@mail.ch. The victim must include his/hers personal ID (found in the ransom note) and one encrypted file to receive further instructions and decrypted .rezm file as a proof. What is interesting about this virus is that it has an exception rule not to attack computers which have one of the following languages set as default: Russia, Belarus, Ukraine, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Syria. However, if you have been affected by this virus, we do not recommend following the attackers commands. Instead, remove REZM ransomware virus safely using instructions provided below the article, then use the data backup that you have.
Threat Summary
Ransomware encryption routine: offline and online attacks compared
REZM file-encrypting virus uses online key to encrypt victim’s in case it manages to establish connection with a Command & Control server (also known as C&C or C2). The online encryption key is different for each victim. It means that if some victim pays for the decryption key, it won’t work for any other victim affected by this STOP/DJVU variant. However, if the virus fails to connect to the C2 server, it uses a hardcoded offline encryption key, which is one and only. Therefore, victims who are affected by the offline encryption key can decrypt their files altogether once someone pays for the offline decryption key. To determine how your .rezm extension files were encrypted, go to C:/SystemID/PersonalID.txt and look at IDs saved here. If one of them ends in t1, it is an indication of an offline encryption. In such case, keep checking for updates in STOP/DJVU decryption guide here. If your files were affected by the online encryption, then there are no good news to you. The only way to restore data encrypted by online keys is either get the decryption key and software from the criminals, or use a data backup. As mentioned earlier, this ransomware variant installs Azorult password-stealing Trojan on the system. It means that it can steal your login credentials (especially those saved in your browsers) and transmit them to cybercriminals. If you do not want to suffer from financial or private data loss, take actions to wipe all malware from your system altogether. Therefore, start with REZM removal and delete Azorult afterwards. An immediate password-changing procedure is required to ensure your safety.
Stay clear of illegal downloads to avoid ransomware viruses
REZM ransomware is a variant of STOP/DJVU, and this ransomware family is known to spread in a very particular way – via illegal downloads such as software cracks or keygens. Therefore, if you decide to search for games or software cracks online, keep in mind that you might end up installing an obfuscated variant of the ransomware, such as MOOL, OOSS, NPPP or others. To prevent ransomware attacks, never surf through suspicious websites that deliver many pop-up ads, fake alerts, untrustworthy or pushy download links. Besides, we do not recommend looking for software licenses in various torrent-sharing websites, as these downloads can hide various malware variants, including STOP/DJVU versions, inside them.
Best way to remove REZM ransomware virus
The best way to remove REZM ransomware virus for us is starting the system in Safe Mode, then performing a full system scan using a trustworthy anti-malware or antivirus. Make sure you follow the steps attentively and do not miss a point to ensure a successful system cleanse. Once you’re done with REZM virus removal, find that backup drive you’ve created previously and plug it into your computer. This will help you to restore at least a majority of corrupted data easily. Do not forget to continue creating data backups regularly in case of another attack. Finally, do not forget to change all of your passwords due to Azorult’s activity on your system. OUR GEEKS RECOMMEND Our team recommends a two-step rescue plan to remove ransomware and other remaining malware from your computer, plus repair caused virus damage to the system: GeeksAdvice.com editors select recommended products based on their effectiveness. We may earn a commission from affiliate links, at no additional cost to you. Learn more. Get INTEGO ANTIVIRUS for Windows to remove ransomware, Trojans, adware and other spyware and malware variants and protect your PC and network drives 24/7. This VB100-certified security software uses state-of-art technology to provide protection against ransomware, Zero-Day attacks and advanced threats, Intego Web Shield blocks dangerous websites, phishing attacks, malicious downloads and installation of potentially unwanted programs. Use INTEGO Antivirus to remove detected threats from your computer. Read full review here. RESTORO provides a free scan that helps to identify hardware, security and stability issues and presents a comprehensive report which can help you to locate and fix detected issues manually. It is a great PC repair software to use after you remove malware with professional antivirus. The full version of software will fix detected issues and repair virus damage caused to your Windows OS files automatically. RESTORO uses AVIRA scanning engine to detect existing spyware and malware. If any are found, the software will eliminate them. Read full review here.
Alternative software recommendations
Malwarebytes Anti-Malware
Method 1. Enter Safe Mode with Networking
Before you try to remove the virus, you must start your computer in Safe Mode with Networking. Below, we provide the easiest ways to boot PC in the said mode, but you can find additional ones in this in-depth tutorial on our website – How to Start Windows in Safe Mode. Also, see a video tutorial on how to do it: Instructions for Windows XP/Vista/7 users Instructions for Windows 8/8.1/10 users Now, you can search for and remove REZM Ransomware files. It is very hard to identify files and registry keys that belong to the ransomware virus, Besides, malware creators tend to rename and change them repeatedly. Therefore, the easiest way to uninstall such type of a computer virus is to use a reliable malware removal program. In addition, we suggest trying a combination of INTEGO Antivirus (removes malware and protects your PC in real-time) and RESTORO (repairs virus damage to Windows OS files).
Method 2. Use System Restore
In order to use System Restore, you must have a system restore point, created either manually or automatically. Instructions for Windows XP/Vista/7 users Instructions for Windows 8/8.1/10 users After restoring the system, we recommend scanning the system with antivirus or anti-malware software. In most cases, there won’t be any malware remains, but it never hurts to double-check. In addition, we highly recommend checking ransomware prevention guidelines provided by our experts in order to protect your PC against similar viruses in the future. Removing spyware and malware is one step towards cybersecurity. To protect yourself against ever-evolving threats, we strongly recommend purchasing a Premium version of Malwarebytes Anti-Malware, which provides security based on artificial intelligence and machine learning. Includes ransomware protection. See pricing options and protect yourself now.
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