What is Aayu Virus?
Aayu is a File encrypting malware that belongs to STOP/DJVU Ransomware family. It encrypts all your files (photos, databases, documents, backups, etc.) and adds the “.aayu” extension to file names. After encryption, a ransom note “_readme.txt” is also dropped in all infected folders.
For example, if a file name “myphoto.jpg” gets encoded, then it will change into “myphoto.jpg.Aayu”. It is an encrypted file that you cannot open without a decryption code. Attackers are demanding a whopping $980 USD ransom fee to provide decryption software.
.Aayu File Virus forces its victims to pay ransom money to buy decryption keys. The ransom note contains instructions for the payment of ransom money through Bitcoin. Cybercriminals behind this virus want you to pay money to use your own files. This guide can help you remove this ransomware and recover your files.
Some threats keep getting back on the PC if all associated files are not removed. So you are advised to use a powerful Malware Removal Tool to run a thorough scan of your PC and delete all threats at once.
Compatible with: Windows XP/Vista/7/8/10/11
About Aayu Ransomware
Aayu File virus is actually a strain of STOP/Djvu ransomware virus. Cybercriminals who created this malware keep releasing new variants at regular intervals to avoid breaking their codes. Every time a new variant is launched, the decryption codes get changed. So the chances of creating any Universal decryptor which works for all variants are none.
Most of the victims of Aayu virus reported that their computers got infected after browsing untrustworthy sites like torrents in search of pirated programs. Cracked software usually contains some type of Trojan spoofing the license key authentication process. These Trojans can be easily used to distribute malware like .Aayu file virus. Users normally download such filthy programs on their own and also stop their antivirus protection to install them.
Once installed, this Aayu virus instantly starts the encryption process and targets important files, like videos, images, documents, audio, etc. This virus soon takes full control of the victim’s computer and all the personal files, then it leaves the ransom note with instructions for paying the extortion fees.
Aayu ransomware is a STOP/DJVU variant
Aayu is a recently detected ransomware-type malware infection that encrypts files on the victim’s computer. This nasty file-encrypting virus belongs to the notorious STOP/DJVU Ransomware family. It is set to corrupt files on the system which it has infected. It uses a powerful encryption algorithm to encode users’ files and after people cannot access their data. Encrypted files are marked with the “.Aayu” file extension which is its name. File locked by this malware has a custom decryption key which is needed to unlock the data. Creators of .Aayu File Virus demand ransom money to give that key and restore files upon payment.
Once this .Aayu virus encrypts your files, from that moment forward you can no longer access any of your data. A ransom note named “_Readme.txt” will be placed on your computer (almost in every folder) to remind you of encryption and demand ransom money. This note contains a text message in which hackers ask users to contact by writing on support@bestyourmail.ch or supportsys@airmail.cc email addresses. They also ask users to pay a hefty ransom amount of $480 to $980 USD in Bitcoins for the decryption tool.
Warning: Do not pay the ransom to the attackers, you may get cheated. Try the suggested malware removal and file recovery methods first explained in the tutorial.
What this Aayu virus Do to your files
As we told you, Aayu is file-encrypting malware and it uses very advanced RSA and AES encryption algorithms to lock files of infected PC. If you don’t know what encryption is, then you should understand that is a type of protection for digital files. Your data can be locked by a using unique private decryption key generated by the computer. There is no way to duplicate that key and thus it is simply not possible to unlock files without knowing the key.
Ransomware viruses like Aayu use this technique to lock files on infected computers. After successful encryption, victims have no option other than to pay ransom money to get files back. So this is the method used by cybercriminals to blackmail innocent users and force them into paying hefty ransom money.
Contents of the “_Readme.txt” ransom note left behind
Aayu Ransomware leaves the ransom note “_readme.txt” in all compromised folders. The note explains to victims that all their photos, databases, documents, and other important files are locked. It also stated that they can restore their files for a certain price.
Creators of this virus also offer free decryption of 1 file as proof that they can restore all the files to the previous version. They have set a price for the decryption key of $490 USB in Bitcoins if users contact them and pay the ransom within 72 hours. If not the price is likely to get doubled which is $980 USD. Contact details of hackers are also provided in the ransom note.
Ransom note “_readme.txt” contains the following text message :
ATTENTION! Don’t worry, you can return all your files! All your files like photos, databases, documents and other important are encrypted with strongest encryption and unique key. The only method of recovering files is to purchase decrypt tool and unique key for you. This software will decrypt all your encrypted files. What guarantees you have? You can send one of your encrypted file from your PC and we decrypt it for free. But we can decrypt only 1 file for free. File must not contain valuable information. You can get and look video overview decrypt tool: hxxps://we.tl/t-Oc0xgfzC7q Price of private key and decrypt software is $980. Discount 50% available if you contact us first 72 hours, that’s price for you is $490. Please note that you’ll never restore your data without payment. Check your e-mail “Spam” or “Junk” folder if you don’t get answer more than 6 hours. To get this software you need write on our e-mail: support@sysmail.ch Reserve e-mail address to contact us: supportsys@airmail.cc Your personal ID: -
Do Not pay Ransom money to hackers
As many security experts advise, you should not pay any money to cyber criminals. The main motive of hackers is to make an illegal profit and they might never give you a decryption tool. In many cases, we have observed that many victims reported to us that hackers stop all communications after getting the money. Since hackers demand ransom money in Bitcoins, so there is no way to find who you are paying.
Aayu ransomware works with a single motive of blackmailing users and forcing them to pay money. Providing a decryption key solely depends on evil hackers that you cannot trust. We suggest you remove this virus completely from your system and then try alternative ways to restore your encrypted files like backup copies or using data recovery software.
Threat Analysis
Name | Aayu |
Type | Ransomware, File-Encrypting virus |
Family | STOP/DJVU Ransomware |
Extension | .Aayu |
Threat Level | High (Encrypt all your data and Restrict access to your files). |
Symptoms | Victims cannot access any files on their PC and find Ransom notes asking for money. |
Damage | Aayu Ransomware will encrypt your data by adding “.Aayu” extension to file names and demand ransom money for the decryption key |
Ransom Note | _Readme.txt |
Ransom Amount | $490 USD to $980 USD |
Distribution | It is mainly distributed through spam emails, bundled freeware, porn, or torrent sites. |
Removal | Download SpyHunter 5 Anti-Malware |
File Recovery | Download Data Recovery Software |
How did your PC got infected?
It is very important to understand how your system got infected by this virus so that you can protect your PC in the future. The first thing we would like to mention is, that the use of cracked or pirated software on your system can bring Aayu File Virus on your system. Pirated copy of Windows is also vulnerable to threats because it uses KMSPICO for the activation which is a well-known virus and malware distributor.
Clicking on unknown ads, pop-ups, banners, and push notifications in search of free applications also redirect users to suspicious websites which may host malicious codes. Most freeware programs contain malicious attachments which can be installed silently without users’ permission. Browsing porn sites or sharing files on an unsafe network can also bring this malware to your PC.
Aayu ransomware virus removal tips
Aayu ransomware is a not common threat and thus it might not be so easy to get rid of this infection. You must seek professional help the removal of this nasty malware from your system. We advise using both manual and automatic methods to ensure the safe and permanent elimination of this threat. For that, you will need to use a Powerful Anti-Malware Tool that finds and remove this infection at once. We have created a detailed guide with step-by-step instructions to help you in Aayu Viru removal process.
Anti-malware tools can easily detect and remove this infection from your and can also block this malware or similar threats in the future. You need to run a thorough scan of your PC and remove all the files and elements related to this Aayu ransomware virus. Do not try to format or reinstall your Windows because you can never restore your files.
Once the removal of this infection then you can create a backup of all the encrypted files and store them on any external hard drive or the cloud drive. Then if you have any backup of your precious files then you can use them to restore your files. If you don’t have a backup then you can wait for the decryption tool or try a good Data Recovery Software to help you recover your files.
How to Remove Aayu File Virus
As you already know, Aayu Virus is a notorious and cunning malware that is quite hard to remove through manual means. This virus can keep coming back on the infected computer through files and shortcuts or settings that it has already created on your machine. Removing all those at once is the only way to get rid of this infection and stop it from getting into your system ever again.
So the best way to remove Aayu effectively is to use a powerful Automatic Removal Tool and save your time and efforts. This software is a well-trusted and very powerful anti-malware program that can detect all hidden threats like Trojan, Ransomware, Worms, Spyware, Rootkits, and many others. It also provides 24X7 customer support and one-on-one Spyware HelpDesk support for Custom Malware removal. Advanced System Guard feature detects and removes threats in real-time. It has a very User-Friendly Interface and regular Malware updates make it most effective against the latest malware attacks.
How SpyHunter 5 Anti-Malware Works
- First, you need to click on the below download button to get the software.
Geek’s Recommendation
Some threats keep getting back on the machine if all associated files are not removed. So you are advised to use a powerful Malware Removal Tool to run a thorough scan of your PC and delete all threats at once.
Compatible with: Windows 11/10/8/7 (32 Bit and 64 Bit)
- Then double-click on the installer you downloaded to install the program.
- Launch the Anti-Malware application and click on Start Scan Now button.
- The software will scan your PC for all hidden threats and viruses on your system.
- Click on the Next button to see results and delete all the threats and viruses.
How To Decrypt .Aayu Files
As all your files are encrypted, you need to recover your data without paying ransom money to hackers. If your files are important then you must have created a backup and you can use that backup to recover your files. If you don’t have a backup or this virus has encrypted your backup files, then you are left to seek professional help.
As there is no Aayu ransomware decryptor available, we recommend you use powerful data recovery software to decrypt Aayu virus files. It is a risk-free and smart way. You can just download the free version and scan your PC for files. There is a high probability that it can recover most of your files in a fraction of the amount that hackers are demanding. It is also needless to say that paying hackers will only motivate hackers to carry out more attacks.
- First, you need to download Data Recovery software on your PC.
Download Data Recovery Software Now
- Install the program, launch it then select the Data type to recover, and click the Next button.
- Select the location from where you want to recover data and click the Scan button.
- After the scan, the software will list all files, select them and click the Recover button.
Manual Aayu Virus Removal Guide
Please Bookmark This Page by pressing the {ctrl+D} button or print it out on paper before you start the Manual Removal because you may need to restart your PC or browser.) Attention! For the safety of your system, please confirm a few things before you begin manual removal:
- You have done this before, which means you have experience in removing the virus manually;
- That you know your way around PC and all necessary processes and applications;
- You know about Registry entry and the Serious repercussions of any mistake;
- Make sure you can reverse any mistake made during virus removal.
If you don’t attain any of the above standards, then manual removal could be a very risky idea. It is most likely best for you to use the SpyHunter 5 Anti-Malware which is totally secure and efficient method.
Compatible with: Windows 11/10/8/7 (32 Bit and 64 Bit)
Start PC in safe mode with networking
- Press Windows Key + R buttons together on the keyboard.
- Type msconfig in the Run Box then click the OK button.
- Click on the Boot tab then the System configuration window will appear.
- Choose Safe Boot, check the network box, Click Apply, and press the OK button.
Kill Malicious Process From Task Manager
- Press Windows Key + R buttons together on the keyboard.
- Type taskmgr in Run Box and then click the OK button.
- Find the virus related or unknown malicious process.
- Now right-click on it then click End process.
Remove Aayu Ransomware Virus from PC
- First of all Press Windows Key + R buttons together.
- Type appwiz.cpl in the Run box and then click the OK button.
- Now Programs and Features windows will appear on the screen.
- Find and remove all virus related or malicious programs.
Warning: Do not play with Windows registry, host file, or restore options if you don’t have previous experience with it. Removing wrong files may break your system entirely. So if you are not sure, then stick to the Automatic Malware Removal option.
Compatible with: Windows 11/10/8/7 (32 Bit and 64 Bit)
Remove Virus related IP addresses from Hosts’ Files
- Press Windows Key + R buttons together on the keyboard.
- Type C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc in Run Box and then click the OK button.
- Now open the host file with Notepad.
- Look for any suspicious IP addresses that might be related to the Virus.
- Delete all the malicious IP addresses and save the host files.
Remove Virus related Windows Registry entries
- Press Windows Key + R buttons together on the keyboard.
- Type regedit in Run Box and then click the OK button.
- Registry Editor will open, then press CTRL +F buttons together.
- Now type Aayu and then click on Find Next button.
- Find all the related entries and delete them one by one
Delete Virus related files from your PC
When a threat gets on to a PC, it most likely creates some files at different locations on the system. These files are used to perform a specific action and also help malware in getting back to the computer once it’s removed. So you just need to find also delete all those files associated with the virus. Carefully follow the below instruction :
- Press Windows Key + R buttons together on the keyboard
- Type each of the following in Run Box and press the OK button
- %AppData%
- %LocalAppData%
- %ProgramData%
- %WinDir%
- %Temp%
For the first four options, look for any recent folder related to the .Aayu File Virus and remove them. For the Temp folder, you can delete all the files.
Remove Aayu Virus via system restore
- Press Windows Key + R buttons together on the keyboard.
- Type cmd in Run Box and then click the OK button.
- Type cd restore and press Enter, then type rstrui.exe and press Enter.
- When the System Restore window opens on your computer screen click the Next button, then choose a System Restore point you have created in the past and click the Next button.
- Finally, click on the Yes button to start the system restoration process.
Note: This will only work if you have a restore point set on your PC or it will give an error message. Restoring the computer to a previous version may or may not remove this virus. Most of the time, viruses just delete all the restore points. If this trick does not work for you then don’t get disappointed.
Prevent Aayu Virus in Future
- Use a good anti-virus, be it a free version but don’t use cracked security programs.
- Make sure that your Windows firewall is active, so it can block upcoming threats.
- Keep your Windows/Mac OS and other programs updated to avoid vulnerabilities.
- Download updates only from official websites, don’t use suspicious sites.
- Never download and install pirated software, games, or illegal patches on your PC.
- Do not open spam emails from an unknown sender and scan all attachments before opening.
- Never download freeware third-party programs from unreliable sources or websites.
- Avoid connecting your PC to unsafe public Wi-Fi to protect your privacy.
- You can also use a VPN to spoof your connection and avoid malicious sites.
- Create a system restore point on your system for security purposes.
- Keep a backup of all your important files to avoid data loss.
Some threats keep getting back on the PC if all associated files are not removed. So you are advised to use a powerful Malware Removal Tool to run a thorough scan of your PC and delete all threats at once.
Compatible with: Windows XP/Vista/7/8/10/11
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