STOLEN Virus – Details
The STOLEN stands for a ransomware-type infection. The infection comes from the VoidCrypt ransomware family. STOLEN was elaborated specifically to encrypt all major file types. Once the file is encrypted people are unable to use them. STOLEN adds the “.STOLEN” extension for each file encrypted by it. For example, the file “myphoto.jpg“, once encrypted by STOLEN, will be renamed into “myphoto.jpg.STOLEN“. As soon as the encryption is finished, STOLEN places a special text file into every folder containing the encrypted data.The message given by STOLEN text file asking for the ransom is definitely the same as the statements given by other ransomware virus representatives coming from the VoidCrypt type. It literally mentions that the info is encrypted which the only way to bring back it is to use a a special decryption key. Sadly, this is absolutely true. The type of cryptography mechanism used by STOLEN is still not correctly examined. Still, it is absolutely particular that each victim may be given the specific decryption key, which is totally unique. It is difficult to bring back the files without the key available.
Another trick of STOLEN is that the victims cannot access to the key. The key is kept on a specific server run by the frauds associated with STOLEN ransomware. To get the key and recover the important information people need to pay the ransom.
STOLEN encrypted your documents, but that might not be the only damage done to you. The ransomware might still be hidingon your computer. To identify whether this holds true, we suggest downloading GridinSoft Anti-Malware.
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However, regardless of the asked for amount, people need to keep away from paying the ransom. Cyber frauds are not fair, so they tend to completely ignore what their victims feel about the problem, even when the payment reaches their pockets. This is why paying the ransom normally does not give any positive result and people just waste their money for nothing.
We strongly advise 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 STOLEN ransomware and to recover the data data free of charge. Thus, the just best decision is to recover the lost information from the available backup.
Virus Summary
| Name | STOLEN Ransomware |
| File Extension | .STOLEN |
| Type | Ransomware |
| Family | VoidCrypt |
| 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 STOLEN extension to all the files modified by it. |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments |
| Removal Tool | GridinSoft Anti-Malware |
Bear in mind that the web is now overwhelmed with threats that look similar to STOLEN ransomware. Malicious programs of such kind are typically elaborated to encrypt crucial information and to state the demand before the user to pay the ransom. The peculiarity of all such ransomware threats is that all apply a comparable algorithm to create the unique decryption key for information decryption.
Hence, as long as the ransomware is still being developed or has some hidden bugs, manually recovering the information is simply not feasible. The only way to prevent the loss of your important data is to routinely create backups of your important information.
Remember that even if you create such backups, they should be placed into a special storage utility not connect to your main PC. You may use the USB Memory Stick or external hard 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 absolutely not a good storage place.
How did ransomware infect my computer?
There are numerous ways used by online frauds to distribute STOLEN virus. Although it is uncertain how exactly STOLEN injects your computer, there are some leaks through which it may penetrate the system:
- integration with third-party software application, especially freeware;
- spam emails from unknown senders;
- websites rendering free hosting services;
- pirated peer-to-peer (P2P) downloads.
Typically STOLEN ransomware might be presented as some genuine software application, for instance, in the pop-ups advising users to carry out some essential software updates. This is the common trick used by online scams to persuade people into downloading and installing STOLEN infection manually, by means of their direct participation in the installation process.
Furthermore, the criminals might refer to various e-mail spam tactics to inject destructive codes into PC. So, they may describe to sending unsolicited spam emails with tricky notifications promoting users to download the attachments or click on certain download links, for example, the ones encouraging users to open some receipts, documents, tax reports or invoices.
Needless to mention, opening such files or clicking on such dangerous links may badly damage the system. Fictitious Adobe Flash Player update informs may result in STOLEN virus injection. When it comes to the cracked software, these illegally downloaded programs may likewise consist of harmful codes resulting in STOLEN secret installation. Lastly, injection of STOLEN may happen by means of Trojans that privately get injected into the system and set up malicious tools without the user’s consent.
Is there any way to avoid the injection of STOLEN ransom virus?
Even though there is no 100% guarantee to avoid your PC from getting infected, there are some pieces of guidance we wish to show with you. First off, be extremely cautious when you browse the web and particularly while downloading free 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 destructive. Make certain that your current anti-virus and your entire OS is always duly updated.
Naturally, downloading pirated software is unlawful and may result in important damage to be produced your system. Thus, stay away from downloading cracked software. You are likewise strongly advised to reconsider your existing security software and perhaps switch to another security solution that can render better services of defending your PC.
Below please find the quotation from the STOLEN text file:
All your DATA has been STOLEN -- For several months we have been downloading your databases, sources software, private email, documents and etc It\'s time to discuss the ransom amount transfer \"3000\" BITCOINS to our wallet : \"bc1qcw4xraclcjevcj4hcrvxtr054538cqq5hgaawq\" if we do not receive the transfer within 30 days, the AMOUNT WILL DOUBLE if after 45 days you do nothing, then we will sell part of the information on the black market, and publish some of it in internet, and notify all clients/partners/staff and maximum number of media and bloggers they will be interested to know all the details about how and that your company has lost the data, and is trying to hide information about data stolen. -- After payment, write to us a use secure client Bitmessage -- address: BM-NBaptUA9UYd1LNe19A13YRVduqXjDZkK subject : - We will reply within 72 hours -- download latest client hxxps://download.bitmessage.org/snapshots/ --
Screenshot of files with “.STOLEN” extension added by the ransomware:
Use GridinSoft Anti-Malware to remove STOLEN ransomware from your computer
1.Download GridinSoft Anti-Malware.
You can download GridinSoft Anti-Malware by clicking the button below:
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.
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