This article has been created to explain what is .styver files virus and how to remove it from your PC plus how to restore files, encrypted by it.
A new ransomware virus, going by the name .styver as the extension it uses, has been detected in the wild to compromise the computers of victims. The ransomware virus aims to encrypt the files on the PCs it has infected, making them no longer able to be opened. The malware then drops a HELP ME PLS.txt file which has ransom payoff instructions for victims to get the files back. If your files have been encrypted by the .styver files virus, we recommend that you read this article thoroughly to learn how to remove .styver files virus and restore encrypted data on your PC.
Threat Summary
Name | .styver Files Virus |
Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
Short Description | Aims to encrypt the data on the infected computer and ask for payment in cryptocurrencies to get the files decrypted once again. |
Symptoms | Drops a file, named HELP ME PLS.txt and files are encrypted with added .styver extension. |
Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments, Executable files |
Detection Tool |
See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware
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Malware Removal Tool
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User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss .styver Files Virus. |
Data Recovery Tool | Windows Data Recovery by Stellar Phoenix Notice! This product scans your drive sectors to recover lost files and it may not recover 100% of the encrypted files, but only few of them, depending on the situation and whether or not you have reformatted your drive. |
.styver Files Virus – Distribution Methods
The main method which may be used to spread this ransomware infection is believed to be via e-mail spam messages. The .styver ransomware, discovered by the researcher Michael Gillespie* https://twitter.com/demonslay335/status/968489946964267008) may come as a result of opening a malicious e-mail attachment which might as well be sent from companies, like:
- PayPal.
- DHL.
- FedEx.
- Amazon.
- eBay.
The e-mail messages themselves may be created in a deceitful manner, pretending that the attachment is an important document of some sort, from the likes of:
- An invoice.
- An order receipt.
- Banking statement.
In addition to this, there may also be another means via which the .styver files virus may infiltrate a computer system and this is if the virus file that causes the infection pretends as if it is:
- Setup or a program.
- Key generator.
- License activator.
- Crackfix.
- Patch.
.styver Files Virus – More Information
Once infected a certain computer system, the .styver files virus may begin to drop it’s payload on the computer of the victim. The payload consists of the HELP ME PLS.txt ransom note, which has the following contents:
Hello. If you want to restore files, write me to styver.goodman@aol.com.
In addition to this, the .styver ransomware may also check if it’s running on a virtual drive or actual machine and close itself if it’s running in a virtual environment. The malicious payoad files of the virus may be more than one and are likely in the following Windows folders:
- %AppData%
- %Local%
- %LocalLow%
- %AppData%
- %Roaming%
After the .styver ransomware infection has dropped it’s payload on the victim’s computer, the malware may also add registry entries in the Run or RunOnce Windows registry sub-keys in order to make it’s executables and ransom note run automatically on system login. The sub-keys have the following locations:
→ HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
After .styver ransomware has set it’s registry sub-keys to run on the computers of victims, the malware may begin to encrypt the files on the compromised computers and also may delete the shadow volume copies to eliminate any chances of restoring them via system backup. The commands to do this are the following:
→ process call create “cmd.exe /c vssadmin.exe delete shadows /all /quiet & bcdedit.exe /set {default} recoveryenabled no & bcdedit.exe /set {default} bootstatuspolicy ignoreallfailures”
.styver Files Virus – Encryption Process
In order to encrypt the files on the infected machine, .styver ransomware may firstly scan for the following file types:
→ Documents.
Videos.
Archives.
Pictures.
Music.
Backups.
The .styver ransomware may then encrypt those files on your PC, adding the .styver file suffix. After the encryption process is complete, the files can no longer be opened and contain the .styver file extension added after their name, looking like the following:
Remove .styver Files Virus and Restore Files Encrypted by It
In order to fully erase this ransomware infection, we advise you to follow the removal instructions down below. They are specifically created to help delete this ransomware threat either manually or automatically from your PC. If manual removal is not something you have done before, be advised that experts always outline that using an advanced anti-malware software is the best option to go for. Such program will make sure to scan for the .styver ransomware files and remove them automatically plus delete any other malware and secure your PC by ensuring active protection against future threats.
If you want to restore files that have been encrypted with the added .styver file extension, we recommend that you follow the file recovery instructions in step ‘2. Restore files encrypted by ,styver Files Virus’. They may not be 100% effective, but may help you to recover as many files as possible without actually having to pay for the decryption to the cyber-criminals behind this infection.
- Step 1
- Step 2
- Step 3
- Step 4
- Step 5
Step 1: Scan for .styver Files Virus with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall .styver Files Virus and related malware from Windows
Here is a method in few easy steps that should be able to uninstall most programs. No matter if you are using Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista or XP, those steps will get the job done. Dragging the program or its folder to the recycle bin can be a very bad decision. If you do that, bits and pieces of the program are left behind, and that can lead to unstable work of your PC, errors with the file type associations and other unpleasant activities. The proper way to get a program off your computer is to Uninstall it. To do that:
Step 3: Clean any registries, created by .styver Files Virus on your computer.
The usually targeted registries of Windows machines are the following:
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
You can access them by opening the Windows registry editor and deleting any values, created by .styver Files Virus there. This can happen by following the steps underneath:
Before starting "Step 4", please boot back into Normal mode, in case you are currently in Safe Mode.
This will enable you to install and use SpyHunter 5 successfully.
Step 4: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove .styver Files Virus
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by .styver Files Virus.
Method 1: Use STOP Decrypter by Emsisoft.
Not all variants of this ransomware can be decrypted for free, but we have added the decryptor used by researchers that is often updated with the variants which become eventually decrypted. You can try and decrypt your files using the instructions below, but if they do not work, then unfortunately your variant of the ransomware virus is not decryptable.
Follow the instructions below to use the Emsisoft decrypter and decrypt your files for free. You can download the Emsisoft decryption tool linked here and then follow the steps provided below:
1 Right-click on the decrypter and click on Run as Administrator as shown below:
2. Agree with the license terms:
3. Click on "Add Folder" and then add the folders where you want files decrypted as shown underneath:
4. Click on "Decrypt" and wait for your files to be decoded.
Note: Credit for the decryptor goes to Emsisoft researchers who have made the breakthrough with this virus.
Method 2: Use data recovery software
Ransomware infections and .styver Files Virus aim to encrypt your files using an encryption algorithm which may be very difficult to decrypt. This is why we have suggested a data recovery method that may help you go around direct decryption and try to restore your files. Bear in mind that this method may not be 100% effective but may also help you a little or a lot in different situations.
Simply click on the link and on the website menus on the top, choose Data Recovery - Data Recovery Wizard for Windows or Mac (depending on your OS), and then download and run the tool.
.styver Files Virus-FAQ
What is .styver Files Virus Ransomware?
.styver Files Virus is a ransomware infection - the malicious software that enters your computer silently and blocks either access to the computer itself or encrypt your files.
Many ransomware viruses use sophisticated encryption algorithms to make your files inaccessible. The goal of ransomware infections is to demand that you pay a ransom payment to get access to your files back.
What Does .styver Files Virus Ransomware Do?
Ransomware in general is a malicious software that is designed to block access to your computer or files until a ransom is paid.
Ransomware viruses can also damage your system, corrupt data and delete files, resulting in the permanent loss of important files.
How Does .styver Files Virus Infect?
Via several ways..styver Files Virus Ransomware infects computers by being sent via phishing emails, containing virus attachment. This attachment is usually masked as an important document, like an invoice, bank document or even a plane ticket and it looks very convincing to users.
Another way you may become a victim of .styver Files Virus is if you download a fake installer, crack or patch from a low reputation website or if you click on a virus link. Many users report getting a ransomware infection by downloading torrents.
How to Open ..styver Files Virus files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the ..styver Files Virus files are encrypted. You can only open them once they are decrypted using a specific decryption key for the particular algorithm.
What to Do If a Decryptor Does Not Work?
Do not panic, and backup the files. If a decryptor did not decrypt your ..styver Files Virus files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore "..styver Files Virus" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore ..styver Files Virus files.
These methods are in no way 100% guaranteed that you will be able to get your files back. But if you have a backup, your chances of success are much greater.
How To Get Rid of .styver Files Virus Virus?
The safest way and the most efficient one for the removal of this ransomware infection is the use a professional anti-malware program.
It will scan for and locate .styver Files Virus ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important ..styver Files Virus files.
Can I Report Ransomware to Authorities?
In case your computer got infected with a ransomware infection, you can report it to the local Police departments. It can help authorities worldwide track and determine the perpetrators behind the virus that has infected your computer.
Below, we have prepared a list with government websites, where you can file a report in case you are a victim of a cybercrime:
Cyber-security authorities, responsible for handling ransomware attack reports in different regions all over the world:
Germany - Offizielles Portal der deutschen Polizei
United States - IC3 Internet Crime Complaint Centre
United Kingdom - Action Fraud Police
France - Ministère de l'Intérieur
Italy - Polizia Di Stato
Spain - Policía Nacional
Netherlands - Politie
Poland - Policja
Portugal - Polícia Judiciária
Greece - Cyber Crime Unit (Hellenic Police)
India - Mumbai Police - CyberCrime Investigation Cell
Australia - Australian High Tech Crime Center
Reports may be responded to in different timeframes, depending on your local authorities.
Can You Stop Ransomware from Encrypting Your Files?
Yes, you can prevent ransomware. The best way to do this is to ensure your computer system is updated with the latest security patches, use a reputable anti-malware program and firewall, backup your important files frequently, and avoid clicking on malicious links or downloading unknown files.
Can .styver Files Virus Ransomware Steal Your Data?
Yes, in most cases ransomware will steal your information. It is a form of malware that steals data from a user's computer, encrypts it, and then demands a ransom in order to decrypt it.
In many cases, the malware authors or attackers will threaten to delete the data or publish it online unless the ransom is paid.
Can Ransomware Infect WiFi?
Yes, ransomware can infect WiFi networks, as malicious actors can use it to gain control of the network, steal confidential data, and lock out users. If a ransomware attack is successful, it could lead to a loss of service and/or data, and in some cases, financial losses.
Should I Pay Ransomware?
No, you should not pay ransomware extortionists. Paying them only encourages criminals and does not guarantee that the files or data will be restored. The better approach is to have a secure backup of important data and be vigilant about security in the first place.
What Happens If I Don't Pay Ransom?
If you don't pay the ransom, the hackers may still have access to your computer, data, or files and may continue to threaten to expose or delete them, or even use them to commit cybercrimes. In some cases, they may even continue to demand additional ransom payments.
Can a Ransomware Attack Be Detected?
Yes, ransomware can be detected. Anti-malware software and other advanced security tools can detect ransomware and alert the user when it is present on a machine.
It is important to stay up-to-date on the latest security measures and to keep security software updated to ensure ransomware can be detected and prevented.
Do Ransomware Criminals Get Caught?
Yes, ransomware criminals do get caught. Law enforcement agencies, such as the FBI, Interpol and others have been successful in tracking down and prosecuting ransomware criminals in the US and other countries. As ransomware threats continue to increase, so does the enforcement activity.
About the .styver Files Virus Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this .styver Files Virus how-to removal guide included, is the outcome of extensive research, hard work and our team’s devotion to help you remove the specific malware and restore your encrypted files.
How did we conduct the research on this ransomware?
Our research is based on an independent investigation. We are in contact with independent security researchers, and as such, we receive daily updates on the latest malware and ransomware definitions.
Furthermore, the research behind the .styver Files Virus ransomware threat is backed with VirusTotal and the NoMoreRansom project.
To better understand the ransomware threat, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.
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- Always check "About Us" web page.
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