How to protect systems from infection with Viagra ransomware

What is Viagra?

Like most ransomware-type programs, Viagra is designed to encrypt files (in this case, using AES-256 and RSA-4096 encryption algorithms) and deny access to them unless a ransom is paid. It also creates an HTML file named "README-VIAGRA-E3m7Zwvk.HTML", which contains instructions about how to decrypt files.

Note that the "E3m7Zwvk" string within the filename of the ransom text file might differ. Also, Viagra changes the filename extension of each encrypted file.

For example, "1.jpg" might be renamed to a filename such as ".1.jpg.uwUkwUbvsWJR9sP+TVp9cw==E3m7". The appended extension is a string of random characters. Filenames of files stored on other computers infected with Viagra might be changed with a different random string of characters.

After encryption, Viagra ransomware logs victims out of operating system accounts. On the next attempt to log in, it displays a notification stating that all files are encrypted and encourages the victim to look for the HTML file for instructions about how to decrypt data.

This file is supposedly placed in each folder that contains encrypted data. Viagra also changes the victim's desktop wallpaper. According to the ransom message on the wallpaper, all files are encrypted using encryption algorithms (mentioned above) and it is impossible to 'crack' them.

All further information is provided within the HTML file. The message within this file states that tools such as Recuva or Shadow Copies will not help victims to recover their files, and the only way to do so is to pay a ransom of 0.4 BTC (Bitcoin), which should be transferred to the wallet address provided.

After payment, victims are encouraged to contact Viagra developers by sending an email to one of the addresses provided. They must attach the HTML file, use "Decryption" as the subject, and copy the ID, which can be found at the foot of the ransom message. According to these cyber criminals, they will provide further instructions after the email is sent.

Victims are encouraged to pay the ransom within 1.5 months of date of encryption. After that, the cost of decryption increases by 50%. It is also stated that after three months decryption becomes impossible. It is likely that only Viagra developers can decrypt the files.

Most ransomware-type programs perform encryptions that are impossible to decrypt without tools held only by the cyber criminals who designed the ransomware.

Note that it is not safe to trust cyber criminals or pay any ransoms. They generally do not keep their promises or send any decryption tools/keys, even if victims pay the ransoms. Typically, the only free way to recover files without contacting or paying cyber criminals is to restore them from a backup created prior to the infection.

Screenshot of a message encouraging users to pay a ransom to decrypt their compromised data:

Many malicious programs categorized as ransomware are similar. Other examples are NEMTY PROJECT, Masodas, and Vesrato. Typically, they have two main features in common: they encrypt files and generate ransom messages. Main differences are usually size of ransom and cryptographic algorithm used to lock the files.

In any case, encryptions are generally impossible to decode without tools held only by cyber criminals, unless the ransomware is not complete and/or has bugs/flaws. To avoid data/financial issues caused by this type of malware, maintain data backups and store them on a remote server (such as Cloud) or unplugged storage device.

How did ransomware infect my computer?

Typically, ransomware and other malware developers proliferate malicious software through emails (spam campaigns), fake software updating tools, dubious software download sources, trojans and software activation ('cracking') tools. They use spam campaigns to proliferate malicious programs through files that they attach to emails.

These attachments are usually Microsoft Office documents, PDF files, archives such as RAR, ZIP, executable files (.exe), JavaScript files, etc. Computers become infected with malware when people download and open these malicious files. Computers are also infected with malicious software through fake software updaters.

These tools usually exploit bugs/flaws of installed, outdated software, or download malware rather than the updates, fixes, and so on. Various Peer-to-Peer networks (eMule, torrent clients), third party downloaders, installers, freeware download and free file hosting websites, and other sources of this type also proliferate malware.

Cyber criminals use them to disguise infected files as legitimate. People who download and execute files downloaded from dubious sources often cause installation of malicious programs.

If installed, trojans proliferate other malicious programs (causing chain infections). Unofficial software activation ('cracking') tools supposedly activate paid software free of charge, however, these tools often proliferate malware - they install malicious programs rather than activating licensed programs.

Threat Summary:

Name	Viagra virus
Threat Type	Ransomware, Crypto Virus, Files locker
Encrypted Files Extension	.uwUkwUbvsWJR9sP+TVp9cw==E3m7 (it might differ)
Ransom Demanding Message	README-VIAGRA-E3m7Zwvk.HTML (filename of this file might differ)
Ransom Amount	0.4 of Bitcoin
Bitcoin Wallet Address	1Bqca3tn3Yco6SftgHeyYQUxqb2MPtwFBj
Cyber Criminal Contact	youngthug412, hparrockneverstop
Detection Names (dotnetfx35setup.exe)	Avast (Win32:Malware-gen), BitDefender (Generic.Ransom.Spora.6EC2E0B1), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of MSIL/Filecoder.UG), Kaspersky (HEUR:Trojan.MSIL.DelShad.gen), Full List Of Detections (VirusTotal)
Rogue Process Name	File Encryption Utility
Symptoms	Cannot open files stored on your computer, previously functional files now have a different extension (for example, my.docx.locked). A ransom-demand message is displayed on your desktop. Cyber criminals demand payment of a ransom (usually in bitcoins) to unlock your files.
Additional Information	This ransomware logs victims out of the operating system and displays a message when an attempt is made to log in.
Distribution methods	Infected email attachments (macros), torrent websites, malicious ads.
Damage	All files are encrypted and cannot be opened without paying a ransom. Additional password-stealing trojans and malware infections can be installed together with a ransomware infection.
Malware Removal (Windows)	To eliminate possible malware infections, scan your computer with legitimate antivirus software. Our security researchers recommend using Combo Cleaner. ▼ Download Combo Cleaner To use full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Combo Cleaner. 7 days free trial available. Combo Cleaner is owned and operated by Rcs Lt, the parent company of PCRisk.com read more.

How to protect yourself from ransomware infections?

Do not open files (attachments) or click links that are presented in irrelevant emails, especially when they are received from unknown, suspicious addresses. Software should be downloaded from official sources (websites) and using direct download links. Various third party downloaders, installers and other tools should not be trusted.

Sources of this kind are often used to proliferate malware. Keep software up-to-date, however, use implemented functions or tools designed by official developers. If an installed program is not free of charge, do not activate with a third party tool. 'Cracking' tools are illegal and often lead to installation of malicious programs such as ransomware.

Installed operating systems should be regularly scanned with a reputable anti-virus or anti-spyware suite and all detected threats must be removed immediately. If your computer is already infected with Viagra, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate this ransomware.

Screenshot of the HTML file (ransom message):

Text presented in this HTML file:

YOU BECAME VICTIM OF THE VIAGRA RANSOMWARE!
What happened to my files?
Your files were encrypted with AES-256 and RSA-4096. This combination is cryptographically secure and cannot be cracked. There are no flaws in the encryption method. Tools like Recuva, or Shadow Copies will fail as soon as they are launched. But, your hope is not to lose. Every file with the ".E3m7" extension was encrypted (you can verify by yourself that, just, go into your user profile folders, for example, or, into your connected drives).

How do I decrypt my files?
To decrypt your files, you will need to pay a certain amount of money to us, in an anonymous manner.
First step, is to create an Bitcoin account (if you don't have one), use the following URL:
Crypto Runner guide.
InvestoPedia guide.
Send a payment to the following BitCoin address of 0.4 BTC ~ 403.60 USD, and keep the transaction / payment ID:
1Bqca3tn3Yco6SftgHeyYQUxqb2MPtwFBj

After, contact one of the following e-mail addresses present below. If you do not get a reply from one, send to the other one, until you get a reply (this happens in less than 24 hours, in normal conditions); check also your spam folder. Use your real E-mail address, and use the subject "Decryption"; add as attached file this HTML document, and add to the body the payment ID. We do not give decryption for test service, so, don't request for free decryption on the e-mail. We will tell the rest of istructions after the e-mail was sent.
Do what you're told. Don't try to swear on us, or we will block you and your ID forever. Don't try to fool us into using 10MinuteMail or similar services,
use them for later.
E-mail addresses:
First address ("youngthug412")
First address ("hparrockneverstop")
After decryption, your E-mail address and your ID will be wiped off our servers, don't fear for your life.

Is there a time limit?
Yes, three months from now (day, month, year; 22 Aug 2019, 09:11:35). Date was added to the ID, and is not removable from it (will make us ignore you forever). Be quick to pay, after 1,5 months from now, the price will be raised of the 50%, and, after three months, your ID will be blocked, that will happen also to your real e-mail address.

-- N*gga livin life like vulcano and this only the beginnin' --
ID: -

Screenshot of Viagra desktop wallpaper:

Text presented within this image:

Your files are encrypted.
Your files were encrypted with a AES-256 \ RSA-4096 combination. The combination is cryptographically secure and cannot be cracked. There are no flaws in the encryption method, and original file contents were wiped forever.

To recover your files and return to normal, please, look for the files with viagra in their filenames, and, look for their contents, there will be instructions.
Do it as fast as possible, time will not stand still.

Screenshot of files encrypted by Viagra (extension is a string of random characters):

Malicious Viagra process in Task Manager ("File Encryption Utility"):

Viagra ransomware removal:

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Video suggesting what steps should be taken in case of a ransomware infection:

Quick menu:

• What is Viagra virus?
• STEP 1. Reporting ransomware to authorities.
• STEP 2. Isolating the infected device.
• STEP 3. Identifying the ransomware infection.
• STEP 4. Searching for ransomware decryption tools.
• STEP 5. Restoring files with data recovery tools.
• STEP 6. Creating data backups.

Reporting ransomware to authorities:

If you are a victim of a ransomware attack we recommend reporting this incident to authorities. By providing information to law enforcement agencies you will help track cybercrime and potentially assist in the prosecution of the attackers. Here's a list of authorities where you should report a ransomware attack. For the complete list of local cybersecurity centers and information on why you should report ransomware attacks, read this article.

List of local authorities where ransomware attacks should be reported (choose one depending on your residence address):

•  USA - Internet Crime Complaint Centre IC3
•  United Kingdom - Action Fraud
•  Spain - Policía Nacional
•  France - Ministère de l'Intérieur
•  Germany - Polizei
•  Italy - Polizia di Stato
•  The Netherlands - Politie
•  Poland - Policja
•  Portugal - Polícia Judiciária

Isolating the infected device:

Some ransomware-type infections are designed to encrypt files within external storage devices, infect them, and even spread throughout the entire local network. For this reason, it is very important to isolate the infected device (computer) as soon as possible.

Step 1: Disconnect from the internet.

The easiest way to disconnect a computer from the internet is to unplug the Ethernet cable from the motherboard, however, some devices are connected via a wireless network and for some users (especially those who are not particularly tech-savvy), disconnecting cables may seem troublesome. Therefore, you can also disconnect the system manually via Control Panel:

Navigate to the "Control Panel", click the search bar in the upper-right corner of the screen, enter "Network and Sharing Center" and select search result:

Click the "Change adapter settings" option in the upper-left corner of the window:

Right-click on each connection point and select "Disable". Once disabled, the system will no longer be connected to the internet. To re-enable the connection points, simply right-click again and select "Enable".

Step 2: Unplug all storage devices.

As mentioned above, ransomware might encrypt data and infiltrate all storage devices that are connected to the computer. For this reason, all external storage devices (flash drives, portable hard drives, etc.) should be disconnected immediately, however, we strongly advise you to eject each device before disconnecting to prevent data corruption:

Navigate to "My Computer", right-click on each connected device, and select "Eject":

Step 3: Log-out of cloud storage accounts.

Some ransomware-type might be able to hijack software that handles data stored within "the Cloud". Therefore, the data could be corrupted/encrypted. For this reason, you should log-out of all cloud storage accounts within browsers and other related software. You should also consider temporarily uninstalling the cloud-management software until the infection is completely removed.

Identify the ransomware infection:

To properly handle an infection, one must first identify it. Some ransomware infections use ransom-demand messages as an introduction (see the WALDO ransomware text file below).

This, however, is rare. In most cases, ransomware infections deliver more direct messages simply stating that data is encrypted and that victims must pay some sort of ransom. Note that ransomware-type infections typically generate messages with different file names (for example, "_readme.txt", "READ-ME.txt", "DECRYPTION_INSTRUCTIONS.txt", "DECRYPT_FILES.html", etc.). Therefore, using the name of a ransom message may seem like a good way to identify the infection. The problem is that most of these names are generic and some infections use the same names, even though the delivered messages are different and the infections themselves are unrelated. Therefore, using the message filename alone can be ineffective and even lead to permanent data loss (for example, by attempting to decrypt data using tools designed for different ransomware infections, users are likely to end up permanently damaging files and decryption will no longer be possible even with the correct tool).

Another way to identify a ransomware infection is to check the file extension, which is appended to each encrypted file. Ransomware infections are often named by the extensions they append (see files encrypted by Qewe ransomware below).

This method is only effective, however, when the appended extension is unique - many ransomware infections append a generic extension (for example, ".encrypted", ".enc", ".crypted", ".locked", etc.). In these cases, identifying ransomware by its appended extension becomes impossible.

One of the easiest and quickest ways to identify a ransomware infection is to use the ID Ransomware website. This service supports most existing ransomware infections. Victims simply upload a ransom message and/or one encrypted file (we advise you to upload both if possible).

The ransomware will be identified within seconds and you will be provided with various details, such as the name of the malware family to which the infection belongs, whether it is decryptable, and so on.

Example 1 (Qewe [Stop/Djvu] ransomware):

Example 2 (.iso [Phobos] ransomware):

If your data happens to be encrypted by ransomware that is not supported by ID Ransomware, you can always try searching the internet by using certain keywords (for example, a ransom message title, file extension, provided contact emails, crypto wallet addresses, etc.).

Search for ransomware decryption tools:

Encryption algorithms used by most ransomware-type infections are extremely sophisticated and, if the encryption is performed properly, only the developer is capable of restoring data. This is because decryption requires a specific key, which is generated during the encryption. Restoring data without the key is impossible. In most cases, cybercriminals store keys on a remote server, rather than using the infected machine as a host. Dharma (CrySis), Phobos, and other families of high-end ransomware infections are virtually flawless, and thus restoring data encrypted without the developers' involvement is simply impossible. Despite this, there are dozens of ransomware-type infections that are poorly developed and contain a number of flaws (for example, the use of identical encryption/decryption keys for each victim, keys stored locally, etc.). Therefore, always check for available decryption tools for any ransomware that infiltrates your computer.

Finding the correct decryption tool on the internet can be very frustrating. For this reason, we recommend that you use the No More Ransom Project and this is where identifying the ransomware infection is useful. The No More Ransom Project website contains a "Decryption Tools" section with a search bar. Enter the name of the identified ransomware, and all available decryptors (if there are any) will be listed.

Restore files with data recovery tools:

Depending on the situation (quality of ransomware infection, type of encryption algorithm used, etc.), restoring data with certain third-party tools might be possible. Therefore, we advise you to use the Recuva tool developed by CCleaner. This tool supports over a thousand data types (graphics, video, audio, documents, etc.) and it is very intuitive (little knowledge is necessary to recover data). In addition, the recovery feature is completely free.

Step 1: Perform a scan.

Run the Recuva application and follow the wizard. You will be prompted with several windows allowing you to choose what file types to look for, which locations should be scanned, etc. All you need to do is select the options you're looking for and start the scan. We advise you to enable the "Deep Scan" before starting, otherwise, the application's scanning capabilities will be restricted.

Wait for Recuva to complete the scan. The scanning duration depends on the volume of files (both in quantity and size) that you are scanning (for example, several hundred gigabytes could take over an hour to scan). Therefore, be patient during the scanning process. We also advise against modifying or deleting existing files, since this might interfere with the scan. If you add additional data (for example, downloading files/content) while scanning, this will prolong the process:

Step 2: Recover data.

Once the process is complete, select the folders/files you wish to restore and simply click "Recover". Note that some free space on your storage drive is necessary to restore data:

Create data backups:

Proper file management and creating backups is essential for data security. Therefore, always be very careful and think ahead.

Partition management: We recommend that you store your data in multiple partitions and avoid storing important files within the partition that contains the entire operating system. If you fall into a situation whereby you cannot boot the system and are forced to format the disk on which the operating system is installed (in most cases, this is where malware infections hide), you will lose all data stored within that drive. This is the advantage of having multiple partitions: if you have the entire storage device assigned to a single partition, you will be forced to delete everything, however, creating multiple partitions and allocating the data properly allows you to prevent such problems. You can easily format a single partition without affecting the others - therefore, one will be cleaned and the others will remain untouched, and your data will be saved. Managing partitions is quite simple and you can find all the necessary information on Microsoft's documentation web page.

Data backups: One of the most reliable backup methods is to use an external storage device and keep it unplugged. Copy your data to an external hard drive, flash (thumb) drive, SSD, HDD, or any other storage device, unplug it and store it in a dry place away from the sun and extreme temperatures. This method is, however, quite inefficient, since data backups and updates need to be made regularly. You can also use a cloud service or remote server. Here, an internet connection is required and there is always the chance of a security breach, although it's a really rare occasion.

We recommend using Microsoft OneDrive for backing up your files. OneDrive lets you store your personal files and data in the cloud, sync files across computers and mobile devices, allowing you to access and edit your files from all of your Windows devices. OneDrive lets you save, share and preview files, access download history, move, delete, and rename files, as well as create new folders, and much more.

You can back up your most important folders and files on your PC (your Desktop, Documents, and Pictures folders). Some of OneDrive’s more notable features include file versioning, which keeps older versions of files for up to 30 days. OneDrive features a recycling bin in which all of your deleted files are stored for a limited time. Deleted files are not counted as part of the user’s allocation.

The service is built using HTML5 technologies and allows you to upload files up to 300 MB via drag and drop into the web browser or up to 10 GB via the OneDrive desktop application. With OneDrive, you can download entire folders as a single ZIP file with up to 10,000 files, although it can’t exceed 15 GB per single download.

OneDrive comes with 5 GB of free storage out of the box, with an additional 100 GB, 1 TB, and 6 TB storage options available for a subscription-based fee. You can get one of these storage plans by either purchasing additional storage separately or with Office 365 subscription.

Creating a data backup:

The backup process is the same for all file types and folders. Here’s how you can back up your files using Microsoft OneDrive

Step 1: Choose the files/folders you want to backup.

Click the OneDrive cloud icon to open the OneDrive menu. While in this menu, you can customize your file backup settings.

Click Help & Settings and then select Settings from the drop-down menu.

Go to the Backup tab and click Manage backup.

In this menu, you can choose to backup the Desktop and all of the files on it, and Documents and Pictures folders, again, with all of the files in them. Click Start backup.

Now, when you add a file or folder in the Desktop and Documents and Pictures folders, they will be automatically backed up on OneDrive.

To add folders and files, not in the locations shown above, you have to add them manually.

Open File Explorer and navigate to the location of the folder/file you want to backup. Select the item, right-click it, and click Copy.

Then, navigate to OneDrive, right-click anywhere in the window and click Paste. Alternatively, you can just drag and drop a file into OneDrive. OneDrive will automatically create a backup of the folder/file.

All of the files added to the OneDrive folder are backed up in the cloud automatically. The green circle with the checkmark in it indicates that the file is available both locally and on OneDrive and that the file version is the same on both. The blue cloud icon indicates that the file has not been synced and is available only on OneDrive. The sync icon indicates that the file is currently syncing.

To access files only located on OneDrive online, go to the Help & Settings drop-down menu and select View online.

Step 2: Restore corrupted files.

OneDrive makes sure that the files stay in sync, so the version of the file on the computer is the same version on the cloud. However, if ransomware has encrypted your files, you can take advantage of OneDrive’s Version history feature that will allow you to restore the file versions prior to encryption.

Microsoft 365 has a ransomware detection feature that notifies you when your OneDrive files have been attacked and guide you through the process of restoring your files. It must be noted, however, that if you don’t have a paid Microsoft 365 subscription, you only get one detection and file recovery for free.

If your OneDrive files get deleted, corrupted, or infected by malware, you can restore your entire OneDrive to a previous state. Here’s how you can restore your entire OneDrive:

1. If you're signed in with a personal account, click the Settings cog at the top of the page. Then, click Options and select Restore your OneDrive.

If you're signed in with a work or school account,  click the Settings cog at the top of the page. Then, click Restore your OneDrive.

2. On the Restore your OneDrive page, select a date from the drop-down list. Note that if you're restoring your files after automatic ransomware detection, a restore date will be selected for you.

3. After configuring all of the file restoration options, click Restore to undo all the activities you selected.

The best way to avoid damage from ransomware infections is to maintain regular up-to-date backups.

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