The following guide explains modus operandi of this ransomware, its removal methods and prospects to decrypt .vpsh files.

Criminals’ message in _readme.txt, explained

After wreaking havoc on the victim’s Windows-running computer, VPSH virus drops text files called _readme.txt, which are meant to provide the victim with information about the cyberattack and explain recommended further actions. The note briefly explains that all files belonging to the computer user were encrypted using strongest cryptography algorithms, and that there is no way to recover them without a special decryption software and private decryption key. These tools are securely stored in criminals’ servers and can be purchased for a specified price, or in other words, ransom. The note provides “guarantees” for the ransomware victim, stating that one can test the suggested tools before paying the ransom. To do this, the victim has to write to the ransomware developers via given emails (primary and alternative one), include personal ID (attached to the end of the ransom note) and include one small encrypted file for test decryption.

Do not pay the ransom!

Please beware that cybersecurity experts do not recommend paying ransom to cybercriminals. There are numerous reasons for it.

You might never receive the decryption software after paying. It might be broken, or simply won’t work on your files due to the modifications you’ve made on them while trying to open them.If you decide to pay, the hackers will identify you as a potential victim for further attacks, because they will know you are willing to pay up.Paying the ransom funds further cybercrime industry projects.

That said, we definitely recommend investing your money in a robust anti-virus software or another useful program that can improve security and stability of your PC. What is more, consider creating data backups from now on – if you’ve had one now, you could restore your files with ease. Now that you’re infected, you need to figure out what you need to do next. First, we recommend you to remove VPSH ransomware remains, then repair virus damage on Windows system using software like RESTORO.

How the ransomware affected your files

Cryptography is widely used in information security. To be precise, cryptography helps to secure information in a way that only the parties meant to read the information can access it. For example, popular algorithms like RSA or AES are widely used in various areas, such as securing military-grade secrets, information transmission online, and similar. While the purpose of cryptography is entirely legitimate, criminals leverage it to take advantage of computer users who accidentally download malware to their computers, and take all of victim’s information (files) hostage. While the purpose of cryptography is entirely legitimate, criminals leverage it to take advantage of computer users who accidentally download malware to their computers, and take all of victim’s information (files) hostage. To encrypt victim’s files, the ransomware uses public key. However, for file decryption, private key is required. This key is the one that cybercriminals are trying to sell you. There is no way to crack this key, unless you can gain access to cybercriminals’ servers, which is nearly impossible. In addition, attempts to guess the decryption key, which is a very long string of characters, could take years even with the strongest computer.

Ransomware distribution: avoid getting infected

Since ransomware is extremely active cyber weapon nowadays, it is essential to learn how to avoid installing it accidentally. Therefore, we’d like to introduce common ways used for ransomware distribution, which will help you to bypass executing one on your Windows OS unexpectedly. The most common distribution method associated specifically with STOP/DJVU variants is malicious and often illegal downloads. To be precise, we are talking about usage of peer-to-peer file sharing platforms and websites providing copyrighted material for free. For example, downloads such as movies, software or game versions that typically cost money but are provided for “free” via various torrent-sharing domains are known to contain malware. STOP/DJVU versions are extremely likely to be disguised as cracks or keygens used to activate software licenses illegally. Some victims have also reported downloading this virus via KMSPico downloads. Needless to say, you must stay away from such content. If you want to get your hands on specific software or movies, you should head to its official developers website, or sign up for an official movie streaming platform. Another ransomware distribution method that is no less popular is malicious email spam. Criminals might send you messages including attachments, claiming to be someone from well-known companies or even governments. you can see some examples of infectious and phishing emails below. NOTE: Even if the message sender’s email looks legitimate, it can be spoofed. The rule of a thumb is to never let your curiosity win and never open emails you did not expect, or if you can feel that there is something “wrong” with the email – it contains typos, grammar mistakes, or suspicious graphic design or company’s logos that do not seem authentic.

Remove VPSH ransomware safely

Now that your computer has been compromise, it is essential to remove VPSH ransomware virus from your computer securely. We recommend following professional guidelines provided below, and using your selected malware removal software for deleting malicious remains from the system. Once VPSH virus removal is done, we recommend running a scan with RESTORO, a popular PC repair software that can fix virus damage done to Windows system. You can learn more about the software here. We have also appended file decryption instructions and guidelines where to report cybercrime incident in your country. Additionally, we recommend you to change all login credentials for websites saved in your browsers due to the Azorult Trojan’s activity on the 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.

Method 1. Enter Safe Mode with Networking

Before you try to remove VPSH ransomware virus 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, if you prefer a video version of the tutorial, check our guide How to Start Windows in Safe Mode on Youtube. Instructions for Windows XP/Vista/7 users Instructions for Windows 8/8.1/10/11 users Now, you can search for and remove VPSH ransomware virus 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 security program such as INTEGO Antivirus. For virus damage repair, consider using RESTORO.

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 8/8.1/10/11 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.

Alternative software recommendations

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Decrypt VPSH files

Fix and open large VPSH files easily:

It is reported that STOP/DJVU ransomware versions encrypt only the beginning 150 KB of each file to ensure that the virus manages to affect all files on the system. In some cases, the malicious program might skip some files at all. That said, we recommend testing this method on several big (>1GB) files first.

STOP/DJVU decryption tool usage guide

STOP/DJVU ransomware versions are grouped into old and new variants. VPSH ransomware virus is considered the new STOP/DJVU variant, just like BPTO, ISWR, ISZA, BPSM, ZOUU, MBTF, ZNSM (find full list here). This means full data decryption is now possible only if you have been affected by offline encryption key. To decrypt your files, you will have to download Emsisoft Decryptor for STOP DJVU, a tool created and maintained by a genius security researcher Michael Gillespie. Note! Please do not spam the security researcher with questions whether he can recover your files encrypted with online key - it is not possible. In order to test the tool and see if it can decrypt VPSH files, follow the given tutorial.

Meanings of decryptor’s messages

The VPSH decryption tool might display several different messages after failed attempt to restore your files. You might receive one of the following messages: Error: Unable to decrypt file with ID: [example ID] This message typically means that there is no corresponding decryption key in the decryptor’s database. No key for New Variant online ID: [example ID]Notice: this ID appears to be an online ID, decryption is impossible This message informs that your files were encrypted with online key, meaning no one else has the same encryption/decryption key pair, therefore data recovery without paying the criminals is impossible. Result: No key for new variant offline ID: [example ID]This ID appears to be an offline ID. Decryption may be possible in the future. If you were informed that an offline key was used, but files could not be restored, it means that the offline decryption key isn’t available yet. However, receiving this message is extremely good news, meaning that it might be possible to restore your VPSH extension files in the future. It can take a few months until the decryption key gets found and uploaded to the decryptor. We recommend you to follow updates regarding the decryptable DJVU versions here. We strongly recommend backing up your encrypted data and waiting.

Victims of VPSH ransomware virus should report the Internet crime incident to the official government fraud and scam website according to their country:

In the United States, go to the On Guard Online website.In Australia, go to the SCAMwatch website.In Germany, go to the Bundesamt für Sicherheit in der Informationstechnik website.In Ireland, go to the An Garda Síochána website.In New Zealand, go to the Consumer Affairs Scams website.In the United Kingdom, go to the Action Fraud website.In Canada, go to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.In India, go to Indian National Cybercrime Reporting Portal.In France, go to the Agence nationale de la sécurité des systèmes d’information.

If you can’t find an authority corresponding to your location on this list, we recommend using any search engine to look up “[your country name] report cyber crime”. This should lead you to the right authority website. We also recommend staying away from third-party crime report services that are often paid. It costs nothing to report Internet crime to official authorities. Another recommendation is to contact your country’s or region’s federal police or communications authority.