What Is Vtua Virus?
Vtua virus is a ransomware infection for Windows computer. It encrypts your files, adding the .vtua file extension and demands a ransom to be paid via following the instructions in its _readme.txt note, dropped upon infection. This virus belongs to the notorious ransomware family, known as STOP/DJVU cryptoviruses. They all use the same ransom note and all have similar e-mails to contact the criminals, who want the victims to pay a lot of money in the anonymous cryptocurrency BitCoin.
Read this article if you want to remove Vtua virus from your computer and try to get your files to work once again.
Vtua Virus Summary
Name | Vtua, 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 | .vtua |
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 Vtua Virus ransomware will encrypt your files by appending the .vtua extension to them. |
Ransom Demanding Note | _readme.txt |
Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments |
Detection Tool |
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Vtua Virus – What Is Known So Far
Vtua is a variant of STOP ransomware, and the most recent viruses of this family include .ufwj, .tisc and .mded virus. This malware is the kind of software, whose main purpose is to make money by extorting you for your files. Be advised that you could get it in several different means, the main ones of which include:
- If it is sent as an e-mail attachment.
- Downloaded as an executable file from a suspicious website.
Vtua virus is the kind of ransomware that may replicate if it is downloaded from some shady type of site. Such websites include:
- Keygen (key generator activator).
- Patches for apps or games.
- Portable software.
- Fake setups.
- Cracks or activators.
Not only this, but this virus may also be sent to you as a part of a massive e-mail spam campaign, targeting victims. Such spam may distribute a disguised e-mail message that may appear as if it is coming from a legitimate website, for example:
- Work-related documents.
- Invoice of some sort.
- Tickets for flights.
- Purchase e-receipt.
When you open the infection file, this virus connects to a server (usually in Ukraine, as researchers report) and then downloads the virus payload (files) that are likely located in some or one of the following Windows directories:
- %SystemDrive%
- %Local%
- %Temp%
- %LocalLow%
- %AppData%
Among the files downloaded by this ransomware is also the ransom note, called _readme.txt. Its objective is to get you to show you how you can buy bitcoin and send it to the criminals as a form of a ransom payoff:
Among the activities this ransomware may perform while on your computer is also the likely placing of registry values in the following Windows registry sub-keys:
- 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
This is primarily done with the main objective to get the virus to run automatically on startup.
.vtua Files
Vtua virus is the kind of software, whose main goal is to encrypt your files. To accomplish this goal, the virus uses AES encryption mode that will change the structure of any of the following file types, if it detects them on your computer:
- Image files (.jpg, .png, .etc).
- Video files (.mp4, .avi, etc.).
- Document file types (.docx, .pptx, etc.).
- Audio (.mp3, .wav, etc.).
- Archives (.zip, .rar, etc).
- Other.
Vtua virus is the kind of software that has been designed to change the file structure, but after encryption it also generates a unique decryption key, which is sent to the servers of the criminals, leaving your files to appear like the following:
Picture.jpg.vtua
Keep reading this article to learn more about Vtua virus and how to remove it.
Remove Vtua Virus and Try to Restore Files
In case your computer has been infected by the Vtua ransomware virus, then we would strongly recommend that you read the instructions we have posted underneath this article. They have been created with the main purpose to provide the necessary steps it takes to get rid of this ransomware infection. For the most effective removal, be advised that security experts strongly recommend that you skip straight into a more automatic approach – scanning your computer using an advanced anti-malware software. Such a program has been created with the main purpose to help detect and delete any malware from your machine effectively.
If you want to try and get your files back if they have been encrypted by the Vtua virus, then we highly recommend that you see the alternative file recovery methods we have posted beneath this article. They are created with the main goal to help you restore as many files in case a free stop decryptor tool is not available yet, but they are not a direct 100% solution to help you with all of the files.
- Step 1
- Step 2
- Step 3
- Step 4
- Step 5
Step 1: Scan for Vtua virus with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall Vtua 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 Vtua 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 Vtua 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 Vtua virus
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by Vtua 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 Vtua 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.
Vtua virus-FAQ
What is Vtua virus Ransomware?
Vtua 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 Vtua 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 Vtua virus Infect?
Via several ways.Vtua 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 Vtua 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 .Vtua virus files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .Vtua 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 .Vtua virus files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".Vtua virus" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .Vtua 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 Vtua 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 Vtua virus ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .Vtua 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 Vtua 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 Vtua virus Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Vtua 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 Vtua 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.
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.
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- Always check "About Us" web page.
- Profile of the content creator.
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