The ERIF file virus acts similarly to previous versions (KUUS, ZIPE, REPL). Once executed, it starts a set of malicious processes, each designated for specific reasons. The main malware process that encrypts files is typically called f01e.tmp.exe, BED5.tmp.exe, d7df.tmp.exe or similar, but it can start additional processes such as winupdate.exe, which is designed to launch a fake Windows update screen to the victim in order to pretend that the computer is installing essential updates. In the meantime, the ERIF ransomware executable scans the system, encrypts files, marks them with .erif file extensions and saves ransom notes in every folder. Additionally, the ransomware creates and saves PersonalID.txt file to C:/SystemID folder. Additional damage that this file-encrypting virus does to the system is that it installs AZORULT password-stealer. This Trojan is designed to steal all passwords saved in web browser and transfer them to the criminals. What is even worse is that the ransomware modifies Windows HOSTS file by adding a list of certain Internet domains to it. As a result, the victim can no longer access them.

ERIF virus states ransom demand in _readme.txt file

The _readme.txt file, namely the ransom note, is a text file that typically opens via Notepad. It contains a short note from the cybercriminals, informing about data encryption on the system, and details the whole pay a ransom – then recover your files model. In short, criminals suggest that only they have the encryption/decryption information required to restore files for each individual victim, and the ERIF ransomware decryption tool with key costs $490 (50% discount applied) if the computer owner contacts them within 3 days. Otherwise, the ransom price increases to $980. It goes without saying that the attackers want to receive the money in a form of cryptocurrency, so the victim has to purchase, say, Bitcoins worth the amount of money required and transfer the sum to the criminals virtual wallet then. Remember that security experts never recommend paying the ransom to criminals. Not only you would support their malicious operations this way, but also risk losing your money for nothing. You can see a screenshot of the _readme.txt ransom note below. In order to protect your computer system as soon as possible, it is essential to remove the installed malware instantly using anti-malware software of your choice. For virus damage repair, we recommend you to download and run RESTORO.

Virus Profile

Demonstration of the ransomware encrypting a file folder is shown below.

Prospects of free data decryption

If you’re looking for a way to open .erif file extension data or decrypt it, you should know that at a time no such tool exists. The criminals actually are the ONLY ones that can do it, but that doesn’t mean you should pay them. Description: ERIF ransomware belongs to file-encrypting virus category and is recognized as the 242nd STOP/DJVU version. Its aim is to encrypt all files on the target system, mark them with .erif file extensions. The _readme.txt ransom note created by the virus informs to contact the attackers as soon as possible regarding data decryption. As a result, the attackers respond with instructions how to pay the ransom. Offer price: 490-980 Currency: USD Operating System: Windows Application Category: Ransomware Author: STOP/DJVU authors When it comes to .erif file decryption, you should first inspect which encryption – online or offline was applied to your files. An identificator of offline encryption version is a personal ID ending in t1. You can check it in C:/systemID/PersonalID.txt file created by the ransomware. In such case, you should remain patient and check for updates in this STOP/DJVU decryption guide. Unfortunately, victims of online encryptions can only restore their files from data backups.

Ransomware distribution is based on peer-to-peer downloads

Victims of ERIF ransomware mostly download this threat along illegal online files, especially software cracks. It is known to be the primary distribution vector for all STOP/DJVU virus versions. The majority of victims inform that they have downloaded it alongside malicious Photoshop, video-editing software, or game crack. It seems that despite cybersecurity experts’ warnings, computer users still head to sites promoting illegal torrent downloads to get premium software licenses for free. However, we recommend you not to do so, as this is the straightest and easiest way to drag malware to your computer. Besides, it is an extremely easy way for malware developers to quickly upload malware and switch its versions via such distribution vector. Another reported DJVU distribution method is suspicious websites. In other words, you might be forced to download the file-encrypting malware after visiting a highly suspicious website that triggers pop-ups or redirects randomly. As a result, you will find all of your files turned useless in no time. It is said that the most dangerous and malware-filled sites are typically related to adult or gambling content, so be extremely cautious when browsing them, and try to choose better known ones, although they are also prone to hacks. You might also get this ransomware after clicking on a malicious online ad pushing fake Adobe Flash Player updates. Another known way to distribute ERIF virus is to disguise it as a KMSPico, a well-known Microsoft Windows operating system activator. Therefore, by having all these distribution methods in mind, you can be more careful and avoid ransomware attacks in the future. However, please be aware that ransomware can be distributed via deceptive emails or even social media messaging, so we invite you to read more about crypto-malware prevention here.

Remove ERIF ransomware and rescue your files

Remove ERIF ransomware as soon as possible. For that matter, we recommend you to follow the given instructions to boot your PC in Safe Mode with Networking, download RESTORO and scan your system. The tool not only repairs virus damage on default Windows OS files, but includes Avira Antivirus scanner engine, which can remove malware in no time. Ransomware is a highly complicated virus and their developers typically stuff them with various extras to perform malicious tasks, persist on the system to continue privacy-infringing tasks or steal valuable data. Although you might know that some ransomware viruses delete themselves after the attack, this isn’t the case with ERIF virus. By using an automated malware removal tool, you will be sure that all malicious components, including those of Azorult Trojan, will be detected and eliminated. Plus, such dangerous malware tend to root deeply into the system, damaging Windows registry and other important settings. Erif ransomware removal is not an easy task, and the manual option should be left for cybersecurity experts only. To kickstart the removal process, please follow the instructions given below. After removing the virus, you can start recovering your files from data backups. If you do not have them, please find a lengthy ERIF file decryption guide below. OUR GEEKS RECOMMEND Our team recommends a two-step rescue plan to remove ransomware and other remaining malware from your computer, plus repair caused virus damage to the system: GeeksAdvice.com editors select recommended products based on their effectiveness. We may earn a commission from affiliate links, at no additional cost to you. Learn more. Get INTEGO ANTIVIRUS for Windows to remove ransomware, Trojans, adware and other spyware and malware variants and protect your PC and network drives 24/7. This VB100-certified security software uses state-of-art technology to provide protection against ransomware, Zero-Day attacks and advanced threats, Intego Web Shield blocks dangerous websites, phishing attacks, malicious downloads and installation of potentially unwanted programs. Use INTEGO Antivirus to remove detected threats from your computer. Read full review here. RESTORO provides a free scan that helps to identify hardware, security and stability issues and presents a comprehensive report which can help you to locate and fix detected issues manually. It is a great PC repair software to use after you remove malware with professional antivirus. The full version of software will fix detected issues and repair virus damage caused to your Windows OS files automatically. RESTORO uses AVIRA scanning engine to detect existing spyware and malware. If any are found, the software will eliminate them. Read full review here.

Method 1. Enter Safe Mode with Networking

Before you try to remove ERIF ransomware virus virus, you must start your computer in Safe Mode with Networking. Below, we provide the easiest ways to boot PC in the said mode, but you can find additional ones in this in-depth tutorial on our website – How to Start Windows in Safe Mode. Also, if you prefer a video version of the tutorial, check our guide How to Start Windows in Safe Mode on Youtube. Instructions for Windows XP/Vista/7 users Instructions for Windows 8/8.1/10/11 users Now, you can search for and remove ERIF ransomware virus files. It is very hard to identify files and registry keys that belong to the ransomware virus, Besides, malware creators tend to rename and change them repeatedly. Therefore, the easiest way to uninstall such type of a computer virus is to use a reliable security program such as INTEGO Antivirus. For virus damage repair, consider using RESTORO.

Method 2. Use System Restore

In order to use System Restore, you must have a system restore point, created either manually or automatically. Instructions for Windows XP/Vista/7 users Instructions for Windows 8/8.1/10/11 users After restoring the system, we recommend scanning the system with antivirus or anti-malware software. In most cases, there won’t be any malware remains, but it never hurts to double-check. In addition, we highly recommend checking ransomware prevention guidelines provided by our experts in order to protect your PC against similar viruses in the future.

Alternative software recommendations

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Decrypt ERIF files

Fix and open large ERIF files easily:

It is reported that STOP/DJVU ransomware versions encrypt only the beginning 150 KB of each file to ensure that the virus manages to affect all files on the system. In some cases, the malicious program might skip some files at all. That said, we recommend testing this method on several big (>1GB) files first.

STOP/DJVU decryption tool usage guide

STOP/DJVU ransomware versions are grouped into old and new variants. ERIF ransomware virus is considered the new STOP/DJVU variant, just like BPTO, ISWR, ISZA, BPSM, ZOUU, MBTF, ZNSM (find full list here). This means full data decryption is now possible only if you have been affected by offline encryption key. To decrypt your files, you will have to download Emsisoft Decryptor for STOP DJVU, a tool created and maintained by a genius security researcher Michael Gillespie. Note! Please do not spam the security researcher with questions whether he can recover your files encrypted with online key - it is not possible. In order to test the tool and see if it can decrypt ERIF files, follow the given tutorial.

Meanings of decryptor’s messages

The ERIF decryption tool might display several different messages after failed attempt to restore your files. You might receive one of the following messages: Error: Unable to decrypt file with ID: [example ID] This message typically means that there is no corresponding decryption key in the decryptor’s database. No key for New Variant online ID: [example ID]Notice: this ID appears to be an online ID, decryption is impossible This message informs that your files were encrypted with online key, meaning no one else has the same encryption/decryption key pair, therefore data recovery without paying the criminals is impossible. Result: No key for new variant offline ID: [example ID]This ID appears to be an offline ID. Decryption may be possible in the future. If you were informed that an offline key was used, but files could not be restored, it means that the offline decryption key isn’t available yet. However, receiving this message is extremely good news, meaning that it might be possible to restore your ERIF extension files in the future. It can take a few months until the decryption key gets found and uploaded to the decryptor. We recommend you to follow updates regarding the decryptable DJVU versions here. We strongly recommend backing up your encrypted data and waiting.

Victims of ERIF ransomware virus should report the Internet crime incident to the official government fraud and scam website according to their country:

In the United States, go to the On Guard Online website.In Australia, go to the SCAMwatch website.In Germany, go to the Bundesamt für Sicherheit in der Informationstechnik website.In Ireland, go to the An Garda Síochána website.In New Zealand, go to the Consumer Affairs Scams website.In the United Kingdom, go to the Action Fraud website.In Canada, go to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.In India, go to Indian National Cybercrime Reporting Portal.In France, go to the Agence nationale de la sécurité des systèmes d’information.

If you can’t find an authority corresponding to your location on this list, we recommend using any search engine to look up “[your country name] report cyber crime”. This should lead you to the right authority website. We also recommend staying away from third-party crime report services that are often paid. It costs nothing to report Internet crime to official authorities. Another recommendation is to contact your country’s or region’s federal police or communications authority.