What Is Azov Virus?
Azov virus is the kind of ransomware, which has been created seemingly to mock the Azov batallion. It aims to encrypt the files on your computer system and leave the .azov file extension to them. Then, the virus may begin to extort you into paying a hefty ransom fee in order to get the files decrypted by receiving a decryption key from the cyber-crooks. However, in the case of Azov virus, the criminals do not seem to want any money.
Read this article to learn further information about Azov ransomware and what you can do to fully erase it from your device and fix it.
Azov Virus Summary
| Name | Azov |
| File Extension | .azov |
| 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 Azov Virus ransomware will encrypt your files by appending the . extension to them. |
| Ransom Demanding Note | RESTORE_FILES.txt |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments |
| Detection Tool |
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Azov Virus – How Did I Get Infected?
Azov virus is a typical ransomware infection, similar to what the recently detected POZQ, CRYPTONITE and NUIS viruses are. The Azov virus may end up on your computer via methods that are commonly used by ransomware viruses:
- If it is sent to you as an e-mail attachment or a URL.
- By being downloaded from a shady site.
If by e-mail, the infection files of Azov virus may pretend to be the following attached documents:
- Invoices.
- Work-related files.
- Receipts.
- E-Tickets for events or flights.
Once these documents are downloaded and their content is enabled, there is a chance that the following infection with malicious macro code may occur:
Azov virus is the type of threat that may end up on your computer system using the following files as a front, downloaded from some shady website:
- Fake installation files.
- Software patches.
- Self extracting archives or regular archives.
- Cracked portable versions of apps.
- Software or game cracks.
- Key generator (or Keygen).
Azov Virus – What Does It Do?
Once the Azov ransomware causes an infection of your computer, it may connect remotely to a device, from where it could initiate a download of its payload files in the following Windows directories:
- %Local%
- %Temp%
- %Windows%
- %SystemDrive%
- %LocalLow%
- %AppData%
- %System%
- %system32%
Among these files is also the ransom note of the virus, containing an extortion message, which states the following:
Hello, all your files have been damaged without any possible way to recover.
[Why did you do this to my files?] They asked me to do this…
Feel free to commit suicide.The hatred is that what makes me feel alive.
That’s what you secretly have fallen in love with.
The hatred is the force that drives the life forward.
The hell is my paradise.
The suffer is the bliss.
Others say the hate is what destroys yourself.
I say that the hatred is eternal cure.If you feel desperate you lost the files.
Use this despair to create the pain for others.
Make them hate you, it is the source of your powerDo you think why the people go to schools and kill others?
Why do people make terrorist ideologies?
Why do governments covertly makes you suffer?It’s the essence of future life.
All we are immortal beings.
When spiritual is not a way, the antispiritual is your victory point.
In the manifested life you have a choice to be with us either be against.
Sow the evil, reap the power is what I say to you.
Saw the good, reap the weakness is what spiritual says to you.When you hate, you feel the power.
[How can I use this power?]
You feel the flight.
That fly is the antispirit touch.
Use this to multiply the suffer.Find inside the source of bliss.
If this bliss goes stronger when you see the suffer.
That is what I call the source.Check that by looking through the news how people kill others.
[How can I give you my power?]
How the people dies.
How children are being tortured.
How animals are executed.
The death is your key.When you read this concentrate on the intent to give the energy of your source to the meta-source of this text.
Am vizu der strotum la fictus om spiritus.
From what we see on this note, there does not seem to be any way to even pay to get the files back.
Azov virus may also cause an attack on the Windows Registries, where it may set different values in the keys Run and RunOnce:
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
What Are .azov Files
The .azov files are likely encoded using the AES encryption algorithm. What this threat does is scan your computer and encrypt files that are important:
- Videos (.mp4, .avi, etc.).
- Audio (.mp3, .wav, etc.).
- Picture file kinds (.jpg, .png, .etc).
- Archive file formats (.zip, .rar, etc).
- Documents of different types (.docx, .pptx, etc.).
- Others.
Then, the files assume the following appearance:
Picture.jpg.azov
How to Remove Azov Virus?
Azov virus can be removed if you follow the steps in the removal guide beneath. They have been created mainly to help you delete the core files of the virus. For the best removal, we would highly advise you to automatically remove Azov virus from your computer by running a thorough check of your device using a professional anti-malware software. Using such a program is recommended by security professionals as it can thoroughly and automatically check and delete any malicious files with high effectiveness.
Ventsislav Krastev
Ventsislav is a cybersecurity expert at SensorsTechForum since 2015. He has been researching, covering, helping victims with the latest malware infections plus testing and reviewing software and the newest tech developments. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for learning new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management, Network Administration and Computer Administration of System Applications, he found his true calling within the cybersecrurity industry and is a strong believer in the education of every user towards online safety and security.
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Step 1: Scan for Azov with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall Azov 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:
Follow the instructions above and you will successfully delete most unwanted and malicious programs.
Step 3: Clean any registries, created by Azov 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 Azov there. This can happen by following the steps underneath:
Tip: To find a virus-created value, you can right-click on it and click "Modify" to see which file it is set to run. If this is the virus file location, remove the value.
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 Azov
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by Azov.
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 Azov 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.
Azov-FAQ
What is Azov Ransomware?
Azov 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 Azov 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 Azov Infect?
Via several ways.Azov 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 Azov 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 .Azov files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .Azov 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 .Azov files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".Azov" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .Azov 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 Azov 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 Azov ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .Azov 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 Azov 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 Azov Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Azov 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 Azov 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.