What is Ust29 Ransomware?
Ust29 is the latest malicious strain of the infamous Dharma ransomware. Ust29 ransomware is created with the main purpose to extort ransom fees from victims whose files it locks. Infection with this ransomware leads to the corruption of major system settings as well as personal files. When files get encrypted by this ransomware, they become recognisable by the appearance of two malicious suffixes – an email address (ust29@aol.com) and the .ust29 extension. Following data encryption, the threat drops two files that contain ransom messages.
If you are one of Ust29’s virus victims then keep reading this article to learn more about the specifics of this cryptovirus and the steps for its complete removal.
UST29 Summary
| Name | UST29 |
| Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
| Malicious Extensions | .[ust29@aol.com].ust29 |
| Short Description | A data locker ransomware that utilizes strong cihper algorithm to encrypt personal files stored on the infected computer. It demands a ransom for a decryption solution. |
| Symptoms | Important files are locked and renamed completely. Their names are changed with two extensions, the last of which is .ust29. Corrupted files remain unusable until their code is reverted back to original state. |
| Ransom Message | FILES ENCRYPTED.txt |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments, Corrupted Websites, Software Installers |
| Detection Tool |
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How Does Ust29 Ransomware Infect PCs?
Ransomware infections like Ust29 infect computer operating systems via methods that install them unnoticeably. Techniques that can be used by hackers to hide malware infections and trick people to run them on their computers are malspam (spam email messages that host malicious files), malicious adverts, software cracks, free applications and others.
Malicious files attached to legitimate-like email messages are the most popular choice of malware authors. This technique for ransomware distribution may also use the help of links that open hacked web pages.
The load of sites that host dangerous scripts in a web application may result in the unnoticed download of ransomware files and their activation in the background of all other running apps. Except email messages, social media, other bogus sites like Youtubetomp3song.com redirect may run redirect scripts to open such dangerous pages.
Beware of the places you visit online. Always keep an active anti-malware program that will guarantee your system protection and prevent it from getting infected with malware.
What Does Ust29 Ransomware Do?
Ust29 ransomware damages some major computer settings that help it to encrypt personal files afterwards. Typically, such kinds of threats lock files used for the storage of valuable data. The end goal of this program is to blackmail its victims to pay a hefty ransom fee for the recovery of .ust29 files.
When the malicious file responsible for the beginning of an attack with the Ust29 virus runs on a computer system, it initiates several more system modifications that lead to the completion of a few more infection stages. Downloads and installs of additional harmful files may occur. There are several directories that can be used by Ust29 ransomware for the storage of its malicious files and they include:
- %AppData%
- %Windows%
- %SystemDrive%
- %LocalLow%
- %Temp%
- %System%
Once the Ust29 virus plagues essential system components, it proceeds with a data encryption process. After encryption, the ransomware creates two ransom messages with the purpose to urge victims to contact cybercriminals and pay them for the decryption tool. All victims of Ust29 ransomware may find the file FILES ENCRYPTED.txt on their infected machines. This file informs the following:
YOUR FILES ARE ENCRYPTED
Don’t worry,you can return all your files!
If you want to restore them, follow this link:email ust29@aol.com
If you have not been answered via the link within 12 hours, write to us by e-mail: ust29@aol.com
Attention!
Do not rename encrypted files.
Do not try to decrypt your data using third party software, it may cause permanent data loss.
Decryption of your files with the help of third parties may cause increased price (they add their fee to our) or you can become a victim of a scam.
Similar to other ransomware infections, Ust29 may start an information-gathering module that is set to collect sensitive details. All the data can then be transferred to remote servers and provided to hackers. Hackers, in turn, may misuse harvested data for financial abuses and future malware attack campaigns.
.ust29 Virus Files
The encryption of personal files is a complex process dealt with the help of a sophisticated cypher algorithm. Every time the threat detects a target file, it applies changes to its original code and leaves it out of order. The bad news is that all files encoded by Ust29 ransomware remain inaccessible for an unspecified period of time.
You can easily spot files encoded by Ust29 ransomware by looking for the following renaming pattern of their names:
- .[ust29@aol.com].ust29
For example the file photo.jpg will appear as a broken file with the name photo.jpg.[ust29@aol.com].ust29
If you want to prevent being tricked by cybercriminals once again, you should avoid paying the demanded ransom. There is no guarantee that they have a working decryption tool which they will send you for the recovery of your .ust29 files.
Remove Ust29 Ransomware Virus and Attempt to Restore Files
The so-called UST29 is a threat with a highly complex code that disrupts system security in order to encrypt personal files. Hence the infected system could be used in a secure manner again only after the complete removal of all malicious files and objects created by the ransomware. That’s why it is recommendable that all steps presented in the ransomware removal guide below should be completed. Beware that manual ransomware removal is suitable for more experienced computer users. If you don’t feel comfortable with the manual steps navigate to the automatic part of the guide.
Gergana Ivanova
Highly motivated writer with 5+ years of experience writing for ransomware, malware, adware, PUPs, and other cybersecurity-related issues. As a writer, I strive to create content that is based on thorough technical research. I find joy in the process of creating articles that are easy to understand, informative, and useful. Follow me on Twitter (@IRGergana) for the latest in the field of computer, mobile, and online security.
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Step 1: Scan for UST29 with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall UST29 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 UST29 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 UST29 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 UST29
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by UST29.
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 UST29 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.
UST29-FAQ
What is UST29 Ransomware?
UST29 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 UST29 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 UST29 Infect?
Via several ways.UST29 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 UST29 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 .UST29 files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .UST29 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 .UST29 files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".UST29" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .UST29 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 UST29 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 UST29 ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .UST29 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 UST29 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 UST29 Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this UST29 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 UST29 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.
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