Remove StopFiles Virus (.stopfiles Files Ransomware) – MedusaLocker Ransomware

StopFiles Virus – Details

The StopFiles mean a ransomware-type infection. The infection comes from the MedusaLocker ransomware family. StopFiles was elaborated particularly to encrypt all major file types. As soon as the file is encrypted people are not able to use them. StopFiles adds the “.stopfiles” extension for each file encrypted by it. For example, the file “myphoto.jpg“, when encrypted by StopFiles, will be renamed into “myphoto.jpg.stopfiles“. As soon as the encryption is finished, StopFiles places a special text file into every folder containing the encrypted data.

The message given by StopFiles text file requesting for the ransom is definitely the same as the statements given by other ransomware representatives belonging to the MedusaLocker type. It actually mentions that the information is encrypted which the only way to bring back it is to use a a special decryption key. Sadly, this is absolutely true. The kind of cryptography mechanism applied by StopFiles is still not properly examined. Still, it is absolutely certain that each victim may be given the specific decryption key, which is totally distinct. It is difficult to restore the files without the key available.

Another trick of StopFiles is that the victims cannot get to the key. The key is stored on a particular server run by the frauds connected with StopFiles ransomware. To get the key and recover the important info people have to pay the ransom.

Nevertheless, regardless of the requested amount, people need to stay away from paying the ransom virus. Cyber frauds are not fair, so they tend to totally ignore what their victims feel about the problem, even when the payment reaches their pockets. This is why paying the ransom typically does not give any positive outcome and people simply waste their money for absolutely nothing.

We strongly recommend that you do not contact these crooks and certainly do not transfer money into their accounts. It is said to admit that there are no utilities able to crack StopFiles ransomware and to recover the data data totally free. Therefore, the only right decision is to recover the lost information from the available backup.

Virus Summary

Name	StopFiles Ransomware
File Extension	.stopfiles
Type	Ransomware
Family	MedusaLocker
Short Description	The ransomware encrypts all the data stored on your system and requires a ransom to be paid on your part supposedly to recover your important files.
Symptoms	File encryption by the ransomware is performed by means of the AES and RSA encryption algorithms. Once the encryption is completed, the ransomware adds its special stopfiles extension to all the files modified by it.
Distribution Method	Spam Emails, Email Attachments
Removal Tool	GridinSoft Anti-Malware

Remember that the internet is now overwhelmed with threats that look similar to StopFiles ransomware. Destructive programs of such kind are usually elaborated to encrypt essential data and to state the need before the user to pay the ransom. The peculiarity of all such ransomware threats is that all apply a similar algorithm to create the special decryption key for files decryption.

Thus, as long as the ransomware is still being developed or has some hidden bugs, manually recovering the information is simply not feasible. The only method to avoid the loss of your important data is to regularly create backups of your important information.

Keep in mind that even if you create such backups, they should be put into a special storage utility not connect to your main PC. You may use the USB Memory Stick or external disk drive for this purpose, or refer to the help of the cloud storage. If you store your backup files on your common system they may be encrypted along with other files, so it’s definitely not a good storage location.

How did ransomware infect my system?

There are several methods used by online frauds to distribute StopFiles virus. Although it is uncertain how exactly StopFiles injects your system, there are some leaks through which it may penetrate the system:

• integration with third-party apps, especially freeware;
• spam emails from unknown senders;
• sites rendering free hosting services;
• pirated peer-to-peer (P2P) downloads.

Frequently StopFiles virus may be presented as some legitimate software application, for example, in the pop-ups instructing users to carry out some essential software application updates. This is the common trick used by online frauds to persuade people into downloading and installing StopFiles infection manually, by methods of their direct participation in the installation process.

In addition, the criminals may refer to various email spam strategies to inject harmful codes into copmuter. So, they may refer to to sending unsolicited spam emails with tricky notices promoting users to download the attachments or click on certain download links, for example, the ones motivating users to open some photos, files, tax reports or invoices.

Needless to mention, opening such documents or clicking on such dangerous links may significantly harm the PC. Fictitious Adobe Flash Player upgrade alerts may result in StopFiles ransom injection. As for the cracked software, these illegally downloaded programs may also contain harmful codes leading to StopFiles secret installation. Lastly, injection of StopFiles may take place by ways of Trojans that privately get injected into the system and install malicious utilities without the user’s authorization.

Is there any method to avoid the injection of StopFiles ransomware?

Although there is no 100% guarantee to avoid your system from getting infected, there are some pieces of recommendations we want to share with with you. To start with, be extremely cautious when you browse the web and particularly while downloading complimentary programs. Stay away from opening suspicious email attachments, especially when the sender of the email is not familiar to you.

Bear in mind that some freeware installers may consist of other unwanted utilities in the package, so they may be harmful. Ensure that your current anti-virus and your entire OS is always duly updated.

Obviously, downloading pirated software is illegal and may result in essential damage to be produced your system. Hence, stay away from downloading cracked software. You are likewise highly advised to reconsider your existing security software and perhaps change to another security solution that can render much better services of defending your system.

Screenshot of files with “.stopfiles” extension added by the ransomware:

Use GridinSoft Anti-Malware to remove StopFiles ransomware from your computer

1.Download GridinSoft Anti-Malware.

You can download GridinSoft Anti-Malware by clicking the button below:

  GridinSoft Anti-Malware

2. Double-click on the setup file.

When setup file has finished downloading, double-click on the setup-antimalware-ag.exe file to install GridinSoft Anti-Malware on your computer.

An User Account Control asking you about to allow GridinSoft Anti-Malware to make changes to your device. So, you should click “Yes” to continue with the installation.

3. Press Install button for run GridinSoft Anti-Malware.

3.Once installed, GridinSoft Anti-Malware will automatically run.

4. Wait for the GridinSoft Anti-Malware scan to complete.

GridinSoft Anti-Malware will automatically start scanning your computer for Win Speedup 2018 and other malicious programs. This process can take a 20-30 minutes, so we suggest you periodically check on the status of the scan process.

5. Click on “Clean Now”.

When the scan has completed, you will see the list of infections that GridinSoft Anti-Malware has detected. To remove them click on the “Clean Now” button in right corner.