Ventsislav has been covering the latest malware, software and newest tech developments at SensorsTechForum for 3 years now. He started out as a network administrator. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for discovery of new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management and then Network Administration, he found his passion within cybersecrurity and is a strong believer in basic education of every user towards online safety.
Ventsislav has been covering the latest malware, software and newest tech developments at SensorsTechForum for 3 years now. He started out as a network administrator. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for discovery of new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management and then Network Administration, he found his passion within cybersecrurity and is a strong believer in basic education of every user towards online safety.
Ventsislav has been covering the latest malware, software and newest tech developments at SensorsTechForum for 3 years now. He started out as a network administrator. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for discovery of new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management and then Network Administration, he found his passion within cybersecrurity and is a strong believer in basic education of every user towards online safety.
Note! Your computer might be affected by Vipasana and other threats.
Threats such as Vipasana may be persistent on your system. They tend to re-appear if not fully deleted. A malware removal tool like SpyHunter will help you to remove malicious programs, saving you the time and the struggle of tracking down numerous malicious files. SpyHunter’s scanner is free but the paid version is needed to remove the malware threats. Read SpyHunter’s EULA and Privacy Policy
Ventsislav has been covering the latest malware, software and newest tech developments at SensorsTechForum for 3 years now. He started out as a network administrator. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for discovery of new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management and then Network Administration, he found his passion within cybersecrurity and is a strong believer in basic education of every user towards online safety.
Vipasana ransomware has been reported to encrypt mainline servers as well as PCs on a global scale. The name of the crypto-malware has nothing to do with the actual “Vipassana” which translates to a type of meditation. The ransom message of this malware is in Russian, and it creates malicious files on the user PC after which scans for and encrypts user data with a strong cypher. All users who have been affected by it are strongly advised to be very cautious when it comes to this cyber-threat.
Name
Vipasana
Type
Ransomware
Short Description
Encrypts key user files leaving them unable to be opened.
Symptoms
The user may witness the ransom message set as a wallpaper on the Desktop of the affected PC.
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.
How is Vipasana Ransomware Spread
This malware may be spread via many different methods. The primary method of spreading ransomware is via exploit kits featured in malicious e-mail web links:
Not only this, but the malware may spread over various local networks and infect the computers on the networks via spam bots. Another method of it spreading is in online chats and the social media, via malicious URLs. Either way, users are strongly advised to take caution when it comes opening web links and always to do it through a secure browser, virtual drive or a sandbox application.
What Does Vipasana Ransomware Do?
Once it has been activated on your computer, Vipasana displays a ransom message in Russian. The message is the following:
Source: Blaze’s Security Blog
The translation of the message goes as follows:
→ “Your files have been encrypted. If you want to get them back, send 1 encrypted file to this mail: [email protected] ATTENTION! You have one week to write me an email regarding this situation. After this deadline, the decryption of the files will be impossible.”
Besides the primary e-mail address, there has also been another one reported to be used by hackers – [email protected] This is particularly creative, because the creators of Vipasana want to establish contact with their victims before giving any other instructions, instead of directly telling them what to do. What is good for the user is that they give him 1-week deadline which is more than enough if there is a decryption method. However, it is not yet clear what encryption algorithm is being used by this ransomware. It is believed that the cypher may be RSA or AES or possibly both of them combined.
After this ransomware has situated its files on your computer, it begins to scan for the following file extensions, according to Blaze’s Security Blog:
The encrypted files are with random file extensions, and they look as the following example shows:
→ New Text [email protected] 1.2.0.id-{random ID}-{date and time of encryption}.{random three letter file extension}
After it scans for the files, the ransomware ciphers them, rendering the files unusable, at least not before they are decrypted. Users are strongly advised not to trust any cyber-crook utilizing this ransomware and to focus on removing this malicious threat from your device and seeking alternative methods to restore your data, instead of paying ransom money to the cyber-criminals.
Remove Vipasana Ransomware from Your Computer and Try to Restore Your Data
To be rid of this malware from your device, we strongly advise you to take the after-mentioned methodologically arranged removal steps. They will make sure the cyber-threat is gone from your computer without having to reinstall Windows.
Regarding file restoration, we strongly advise you not to pay the ransom money because:
You fund the cyber-criminals.
Your files may not be decrypted after all.
Instead, you may want to follow our security blog about any updates on the decryption and meanwhile try some or all of the general file recovering methods from step “4” in the instructions below.
1. Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove Vipasana
Boot Your PC Into Safe Mode
1. For Windows 7,XP and Vista. 2. For Windows 8, 8.1 and 10.
For Windows XP, Vista, 7 systems:
1. Remove all CDs and DVDs, and then Restart your PC from the “Start” menu. 2. Select one of the two options provided below:
– For PCs with a single operating system: Press “F8” repeatedly after the first boot screen shows up during the restart of your computer. In case the Windows logo appears on the screen, you have to repeat the same task again.
– For PCs with multiple operating systems: Тhe arrow keys will help you select the operating system you prefer to start in Safe Mode. Press “F8” just as described for a single operating system.
3. As the “Advanced Boot Options” screen appears, select the Safe Mode option you want using the arrow keys. As you make your selection, press “Enter“.
4. Log on to your computer using your administrator account
While your computer is in Safe Mode, the words “Safe Mode” will appear in all four corners of your screen.
Step 1: Open the Start Menu
Step 2: Whilst holding down Shift button, click on Power and then click on Restart. Step 3: After reboot, the aftermentioned menu will appear. From there you should choose Troubleshoot.
Step 4: You will see the Troubleshoot menu. From this menu you can choose Advanced Options.
Step 5: After the Advanced Options menu appears, click on Startup Settings.
Step 6: Click on Restart.
Step 7: A menu will appear upon reboot. You should choose Safe Mode by pressing its corresponding number and the machine will restart.
2. Remove Vipasana with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Remove Vipasana with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
1. Install SpyHunter to scan for and remove Vipasana.2. Scan with SpyHunter to Detect and Remove Vipasana.
Step 1:Click on the “Download” button to proceed to SpyHunter’s download page.
It is highly recommended to run a scan before purchasing the full version of the software to make sure that the current version of the malware can be detected by SpyHunter.
Step 2: Guide yourself by the download instructions provided for each browser. Step 3: After you have installed SpyHunter, wait for it to automatically update.
Step1: After the update process has finished, click on the ‘Scan Computer Now’ button. Step2: After SpyHunter has finished scanning your PC for any Vipasana files, click on the ‘Fix Threats’ button to remove them automatically and permanently. Step3: Once the intrusions on your PC have been removed, it is highly recommended to restart it.
3. Back up your data to secure it against infections and file encryption by Vipasana in the future
Back up your data to secure it against attacks in the future
IMPORTANT! Before reading the Windows backup instructions, we highly recommend to back up your data automatically with cloud backup and insure it against any type of data loss on your device, even the most severe. We recommend reading more about and downloading SOS Online Backup.
To back up your files via Windows and prevent any future intrusions, follow these instructions:
1. For Windows 7 and earlier 1. For Windows 8, 8.1 and 10 1. Enabling the Windows Defense Feature (Previous Versions)
1-Click on Windows Start Menu 2-Type Backup And Restore 3-Open it and click on Set Up Backup 4-A window will appear asking you where to set up backup. You should have a flash drive or an external hard drive. Mark it by clicking on it with your mouse then click on Next. 5-On the next window, the system will ask you what do you want to backup. Choose the ‘Let Me Choose’ option and then click on Next. 6-Click on ‘Save settings and run backup’ on the next window in order to protect your files from possible attacks by Vipasana.
1-Press Windows button + R 2-In the window type ‘filehistory’ and press Enter 3-A File History window will appear. Click on ‘Configure file history settings’ 4-The configuration menu for File History will appear. Click on ‘Turn On’. After its on, click on Select Drive in order to select the backup drive. It is recommended to choose an external HDD, SSD or a USB stick whose memory capacity is corresponding to the size of the files you want to backup. 5-Select the drive then click on ‘Ok’ in order to set up file backup and protect yourself from Vipasana.
1- Press Windows button + R keys. 2- A run windows should appear. In it type ‘sysdm.cpl’ and then click on Run. 3- A System Properties windows should appear. In it choose System Protection. 5- Click on Turn on system protection and select the size on the hard disk you want to utilize for system protection. 6- Click on Ok and you should see an indication in Protection settings that the protection from Vipasana is on. Restoring a file via Windows Defense feature: 1-Right-click on the encrypted file, then choose Properties. 2-Click on the Previous Versions tab and then mark the last version of the file. 3-Click on Apply and Ok and the file encrypted by Vipasana should be restored.
4. Restore files encrypted by Vipasana
Restore Files Encrypted by Vipasana
Security engineers strongly advise users NOT to pay the ransom money and attempt restoring the files using other methods. Here are several suggestions:
To restore your data, your first bet is to check again for shadow copies in Windows using this software:
Another method of restoring your files is by trying to bring back your files via data recovery software. Here are some examples of data recovery programs:
There is also the technical option to use a network sniffer:
Another way to decrypt the files is by using a Network Sniffer to get the encryption key, while files are encrypted on your system. A Network Sniffer is a program and/or device monitoring data traveling over a network, such as its internet traffic and internet packets. If you have a sniffer set before the attack happened you might get information about the decryption key.
Optional: Using Alternative Anti-Malware Tools
Remove Vipasana Using Other Alternative Tools
STOPZilla Anti Malware
1. Download and Install STOPZilla Anti-malware to Scan for And Remove Vipasana. Step 1: Download STOPZilla by clicking here. Step 2: A pop-up window will appear. Click on the ‘Save File’ button. If it does not, click on the Download button and save it afterwards. Step 3: After you have downloaded the setup, simply open it. Step 4: The installer should appear. Click on the ‘Next’ button. Step 5: Check the ‘I accept the agreement’ check circle if not checked if you accept it and click the ‘Next’ button once again. Step 6: Review and click on the ‘Install’ button. Step 7: After the installation process has completed click on the ‘Finish’ button.
2. Scan your PC with STOPZilla Anti Malware to remove all Vipasana associated files completely. Step 1:Launch STOPZilla if you haven’t launched it after install. Step 2: Wait for the software to automatically scan and then click on the ‘Repair Now’ button. If it does not scan automatically, click on the ‘Scan Now’ button. Step 3: After the removal of all threats and associated objects, you should Restart your PC.
NOTE! Substantial notification about the Vipasana threat: Manual removal of Vipasana requires interference with system files and registries. Thus, it can cause damage to your PC. Even if your computer skills are not at a professional level, don’t worry. You can do the removal yourself just in 5 minutes, using a malware removal tool.
Ventsislav has been covering the latest malware, software and newest tech developments at SensorsTechForum for 3 years now. He started out as a network administrator. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for discovery of new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management and then Network Administration, he found his passion within cybersecrurity and is a strong believer in basic education of every user towards online safety.
Source: Blaze’s Security Blog
1. For Windows 7,XP and Vista.
2. For Windows 8, 8.1 and 10.
1. Install SpyHunter to scan for and remove Vipasana.
1. For Windows 7 and earlier
STOPZilla Anti Malware
