Djvu VirusRansomwareRemoval Guide

Assm Virus Removal Guide (+Decrypt .assm files)

Assm – General Info

Assm is a malicious software functioning as typical ransomware. Michael Gillespie, the well-known malware researcher, first discovered this new name in the DJVU ransomware family.

Assm was created for the sole function to encrypt all popular file types. Rationally, as soon as the encryption is successfully accomplished, the users are unable to get access to them. Assm virus includes its own “.assm” to all the encrypted data. For instance, the file “price_list.xls”, as soon as crypted by Assm, will be entitled as “price_list.xls.assm”. Once the encryption is accomplished, Assm puts its own special text document (_readme.txt) into all the folders that store the encrypted files.

The message specified by document asking for the random os really comparable to the alerts given by other ransomware hazards coming from the DJVU family. The caution essentially shows that the data has been encrypted and the only option to get access to it is to use an unique standalone key. Regretfully, this declaration is absolutely true.

The approach to encrypt the files used by Assm is not completely investigated. Nevertheless, there is no doubt that each computer owner may be issued a special decryption key, which is absolutely distinct. It is incredibly tough to recover the information without the suitable key in location.

“Don’t worry, you can return all your files!”, from text file message:

Don't worry, you can return all your files! virus

One more peculiarity of the Assm virus is that the users are unable to get access to the key. The decrypting key is hosted on an unique server under the total control by the criminals who have launched the Assm virus into the web. In order to acquire the key and restore the crucial information, the users are told to get in touch with the scams via e-mail or by telegram and to pay the ransom in the amount of $980.

The message also states that the people should call the Assm authors within 72 hours upon the minute of the data file encryption. The alert suggests that by doing so individuals will get a 50% discount rate, for that reason, the ransom amount falls to $490.

No matter what the amount of the ransom is, we highly recommend that you do not pay the ransom. There is no guarantee that these online crooks will keep their guarantees, so they may not care at all what the victims feel about the file encryption, even when the quantity of the ransom is gotten into their accounts. Thus, paying ransom often does not result in an effective recovery. So, the users might merely lose their money for nothing.

Likewise, we prompt you not to contact the frauds as they advise. Do not transfer money into their wallets. There are no applications that might split the Assm ransomware or bring back the data at no charge. For that reason, the only right choice is to restore the data from possible backups (if available).

Virus Summary

NameAssm Ransomware
File Extensionassm
TypeRansomware
FamilyDJVU
Short DescriptionThe 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.
SymptomsFile encryption by the ransomware is performed by means of the AES-256 algorithm (CFB mode) encryption algorithm. Once the encryption is completed, the ransomware adds its special .assm extension to all the files modified by it.
Distribution MethodAdware bundles and software cracks
Similar InfectionsLokas, Besub, Nusar
Assm Removal Tool   GridinSoft Anti-Malware
Assm Decryption Tool   Emsisoft Djvu Decryptor

Do not forget that the Web is now full of infections comparable to the Assm virus. For example, this specific threat is generally similar to Brusaf and other ransomware-type infections. These destructive energies have actually been established in order to secure the important information and express the need for the users to pay the ransom. All these infections use the similar algorithm to create the particular key for successful data decryption.

Unless the Assm ransomware is still under the advancement process or has got some hidden bugs, it is not possible to bring back the data by hand. Hence, the only working service to prevent the loss of your essential information is to regularly keep up-to-date backups of all your crucial data.

Another essential piece of guidance is to store the backups on special storage not linked to your primary device. For instance, you might keep it on the USB Flash Drive, or some external hard disk drive, or by using the cloud data storage services. Keeping the backups on your regular drive is extremely dangerous, because the backup may likewise be encrypted by the Assm infection.

Leakages for the Assm ransomware attack.

Assm uses many paths to penetrate the susceptible computers. It is not certain what particular approach was utilized in your case, however, the intrusion might occur via the following channels:

  • bundling with third-party programs, generally free apps;
  • spam emails from the unknown senders;
  • websites providing free hosting;
  • P2P (peer-to-peer) torrent software.

There are times when the Assm ransomware might disguise itself as some genuine application, for example, through the deceptive alerts requiring installation of some software upgrade. This is the most typical trick utilized by the scams to inject the Assm infection files into the system. This way users partly participate in its installation, without clearly understanding the danger.

In addition, the scams might send out unsolicited spam email with challenging informs motivating the people to open suspicious attachments or click on some download links, for example, those encouraging individuals to open specific images, text files, tax documents and other information.

No doubt, opening these files or clicking on the harmful links might basically harm the system. Fake Acrobat Reader upgrade notices may lead to the Assm ransomware infiltration. Likewise, downloading the split software application might in addition include the ransomware installer. The last but not the least, setup of Assm might happen through some Trojan horses that may be set up stealthily into the system and without the user’s direct authorization or even permission.

Preventing the Assm virus injection.

Of course, there is no outright guarantee that your computer system will be always without any malware attacks, however, we would like to share some beneficial suggestions with you to make it more secure. Make certain to pay very attention while searching the web and specifically while getting cost-free programs. Do not open any suspicious email attachments, specifically if the sender is not understood to you.

Do not forget that certain freeware installer may likewise consist of some other extra apps in the package. These extra applications may be extremely damaging. It is of utmost significance to keep your anti-virus software and your os in basic to be constantly correctly upgraded.

It is quite logical that downloading pirated apps is unlawful, nevertheless, furthermore, such unauthorized software use might also bring severe damage to your system. Thus, do not download any cracked programs. Plus, the reality that your current anti-virus did not secure the system from the Assm ransomware is a great reason for you to reevaluate your choices and switch to another program that can render the protecting functions on a better level.

Below please find the quotation from the Assm text file:

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:
 https://we.tl/t-2P5WrE5b9f
 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:
 restorealldata@firemail.cc

 Reserve e-mail address to contact us:
 gorentos@bitmessage.ch

 Our Telegram account:
 @datarestore

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

Assm Ransomware - encrypt files with .assm extension

Use GridinSoft Anti-Malware to remove Assm 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.
GridinSoft Anti-Malware
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.
GridinSoft Anti-Malware Setup

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

GridinSoft Anti-Malware Install

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

GridinSoft Anti-Malware  Start

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.
GridinSoft Anti-Malware Scan

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.
GridinSoft Anti-Malware Scan Result

Use Emsisoft Decryptor for restore assm files

You can get Emsisoft Decryptor by clicking the button below:

  Emsisoft Decryptor

  1. Run the decryptor as an administrator. The license terms will show up, which you have to agree to by clicking the “Yes” button.
  2. Once the license terms are accepted, the primary decryptor user interface opens.
  3. By default, the decryptor will pre-populate the locations to decrypt with the currently connected drives and network drives. Additional locations can be added using the Add” button.
  4. Decryptors typically offer various options depending on the particular malware family. The available options are located in the Options tab and can be enabled or disabled there. You can find a detailed list of the available Options below.
  5. After you have added all the locations you want to decrypt to the list, click the “Decrypt” button to start the decryption process. The screen will switch to a status view, informing you about the current process and decryption status of your files
  6. The decryptor will inform you once the decryption process is finished. If you require the report for your personal records, you can save it by clicking the “Save log” button. You can also copy it straight to your clipboard to paste it into emails or forum posts if you are asked to.
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Daniel Zimmermann

Daniel Zimmermann has been writing on security and malware subjects for many years and has been working in the security industry for over 10 years. Daniel was educated at the Saarland University in Saarbrücken, Germany and currently lives in New York.

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