What Is Aeur Virus
Aeur virus is a ransomware-type of computer infection that aims to encrypt your files and extort you into paying a ransom of about $1000 in the form of BitCoin. This particular virus is part of a large ransomware family, called “STOP ransomware”, or also known as DJVU. It aims to use AES encryption on your important documents, images, videos, and other such files and then leave a _readme.txt file that contains instructions on how to contact the criminals who are behind this virus and receive more instructions on where you must pay the ransom money.
Read this article to understand more information concerning Aeur virus plus how you can remove it and try to get your files to work once again.
Aeur Virus Summary
Name | Aeur Virus, also known as UDS:Trojan.Win32.Chapak.gen, Ransom:Win32/StopCrypt.KM!MTB, Win32:PWSX-gen [Trj], Win32:PWSX-gen [Trj], A Variant Of Win32/GenKryptik.FHJB |
File Extension | .aeur |
Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
Short Description | The ransomware encrypts files on your computer system and demands a ransom to be paid to allegedly recover them. |
Symptoms | The Aeur Virus ransomware will encrypt your files by appending the .aeur extension to them. |
Ransom Demanding Note | _readme.txt |
Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments |
Detection Tool |
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User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss Aeur. |
Aeur Virus – What We Know About It
Just like the .zzla, .wwka and .nwji variants, the Aeur virus may also attack your computer system via two of the following ways:
- If it lands as e-mail attachment.
- If you have downloaded the file from some third-party site.
In case the virus is downloaded from the web, it most often imitates the following file types:
- Setups.
- Cracks.
- Portable software.
- Patches.
- Keygens (key generators).
If however, the Aeur ransomware is sent to you via e-mail, then it could be included as an e-mail attachment or some other form of file linked on external service, like Dropbox or Google Drive. There, the files may appear as:
- Invoice files.
- Documents for purchases.
- Work-related documents.
- Tickets for a flight.
As soon as the Aeur virus has caused an infection on your machine, it may download its module files. They may carry different, often random names and may be left in the following Windows directories:
- %locallow%
- %Temp%
- %local%
- %AppData%
Aeur virus is the kind of malware that may also attack your Windows Registry Editor, adding data in the following sub-keys:
- Run.
- RunOnce.
This allows for the virus to auto-run on the system start.
Once the Aeur has infected your computer, it may leave its mandatory ransom note file, called _readme.txt. It has the following contents, shown in the screenshot below:
.aeur Files
The main target of this virus are your personal files. It scans for the following file types based on the file extensions they have (.jpg, .png, .docx, etc.) and uses AES encryption mode to change their data and “lock” them:
- Images.
- Audio file types.
- Archives.
- Video file kinds.
- Document files.
- Other.
Once the files are encrypted, a unique decrypt key is sent to the criminals’ server and the files are left looking like the following:
File.jpg.aeur
Remove Aeur Virus and Try to Restore Files
Aeur virus is the kind of malware that creates multiple files and other objects on your computer. According to security experts, the best way to remove is to follow the manual or automatic removal steps below. For automatic removal, the most effective way is to scan your computer using anti-malware software. Such a professional tool has been designed to best detect and remove any detected malware from your computer and make sure it is clean in the future as well.
If you want to try and get some of the encrypted files back to normal, then our recommendations are to see the alternative file recovery methods that have been posted underneath this article. They are made with the main idea in mind to best assist you in recovering as many fils as possible if you do not have a decryptor.
- Step 1
- Step 2
- Step 3
- Step 4
- Step 5
Step 1: Scan for Aeur with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall Aeur 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 Aeur 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 Aeur 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 Aeur
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by Aeur.
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 Aeur 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.
Aeur-FAQ
What is Aeur Ransomware?
Aeur 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 Aeur 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 Aeur Infect?
Via several ways.Aeur 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 Aeur 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 .Aeur files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .Aeur 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 .Aeur files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".Aeur" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .Aeur 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 Aeur 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 Aeur ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .Aeur 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 Aeur 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 Aeur Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Aeur 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 Aeur 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.
As a site that has been dedicated to providing free removal instructions for ransomware and malware since 2014, SensorsTechForum’s recommendation is to only pay attention to trustworthy sources.
How to recognize trustworthy sources:
- Always check "About Us" web page.
- Profile of the content creator.
- Make sure that real people are behind the site and not fake names and profiles.
- Verify Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter personal profiles.