RansomwareRemoval Guide

Remove Vassago Virus (.[vassago_0203@tutanota.com].vassago Files Ransomware) – Makop Ransomware

Vassago – General Info

The Vassago mean a ransomware-type infection. The infection comes from the Makop ransomware family. Vassago was elaborated specifically to encrypt all major file types. Once the file is encrypted people are not able to use them. Vassago adds the “.[vassago_0203@tutanota.com].vassago” extension for each file encrypted by it. For example, the file “myphoto.jpg“, as soon as encrypted by Vassago, will be renamed into “myphoto.jpg.[vassago_0203@tutanota.com].vassago“. As quickly as the encryption is completed, Vassago places a special text file into every folder containing the encrypted data.

The message given by Vassago text file requesting for the ransom is absolutely the same as the statements given by other ransomware virus representatives coming from the Makop type. It literally points out that the info is encrypted and that the only way to bring back it is to use a a distinct decryption key. Regretfully, this is definitely true. The type of cryptography mechanism used by Vassago is still not properly examined. Still, it is definitely certain that each victim might be given the specific decryption key, which is completely distinct. It is impossible to restore the files without the key available.

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

However, regardless of the asked for quantity, people must keep away from paying the virus. Cyber frauds are unfair, so they tend to entirely disregard what their victims feel about the issue, even when the payment reaches their pockets. This is why paying the ransom typically does not give any positive result and people just waste their money for nothing.

We strongly encourage that you do not contact these crooks and definitely do not transfer money into their accounts. It is said to admit that there are no utilities able to crack Vassago ransomware and to recover the data data free of charge. Therefore, the only best decision is to recover the lost data from the available backup.

Virus Summary

NameVassago Ransomware
File Extension.[vassago_0203@tutanota.com].vassago
TypeRansomware
FamilyMakop
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 and RSA encryption algorithms. Once the encryption is completed, the ransomware adds its special [vassago_0203@tutanota.com].vassago extension to all the files modified by it.
Distribution MethodSpam Emails, Email Attachments
Similar InfectionsMoloch, Fair, Zes
Removal Tool   GridinSoft Anti-Malware

Bear in mind that the internet is now overwhelmed with threats that look comparable to Vassago ransomware. It is similar Moloch and many other ransomware-type threats. Destructive programs of such kind are generally elaborated to encrypt essential information and to state the need prior to 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 information decryption.

Therefore, as long as the ransomware is still being developed or has some hidden bugs, by hand recovering the information is just not feasible. The only way to avoid the loss of your essential files is to regularly create backups of your important information.

Bear in mind that even if you create such backups, they should be placed into a special storage utility not connect to your main computer. You may use the USB Flash Drive or external hard disk for this purpose, or refer to the help of the cloud storage. If you keep your backup files on your common system they may be encrypted together with other files, so it’s certainly not a good storage place.

How did ransomware infect my system?

There are a number of ways used by online scams to distribute Vassago virus. Despite the fact that it doubts how exactly Vassago injects your PC, there are some leaks through which it may infiltrate the system:

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

Typically Vassago ransomware might exist as some legitimate software application, for example, in the pop-ups instructing users to implement some important software updates. This is the typical technique used by online scams to persuade people into downloading and installing Vassago infection manually, by means of their direct participation in the installation process.

Additionally, the criminals may describe different e-mail spam techniques to inject harmful codes into systems. So, they may refer to to sending unsolicited spam e-mails 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 seriously damage the PC. Fictitious Adobe Flash Player update notifies may result in Vassago virus injection. When it comes to the cracked applications, these illegally downloaded programs may likewise consist of harmful codes resulting in Vassago secret installation. Lastly, injection of Vassago may take place by means of Trojans that secretly get injected into the system and set up harmful utilities without the user’s approval.

Is there any method to avoid the injection of Vassago ransom virus?

Although there is no 100% guarantee to avoid your PC from getting infected, there are some pieces of guidance we want to show with you. First of all, be very careful when you browse the web and particularly while downloading free programs. Keep away from opening suspicious email attachments, especially when the sender of the email is not familiar to you.

Keep in mind that some freeware installers may include other unwanted utilities in the bundle, so they may be harmful. Ensure that your current anti-virus and your entire OS is always appropriately updated.

Obviously, downloading pirated software is prohibited and may lead to important damage to be produced your PC. Hence, stay away from downloading cracked software. You are likewise highly advised to reconsider your existing security software and potentially switch to another security solution that can render better services of defending your computer.

Below please find the quotation from the Vassago text file:

::: Greetings :::

Little FAQ:
.1.
Q: Whats Happen?
A: Your files have been encrypted and now have the \"vassago\" extension. The file structure was not damaged, we did everything possible so that this could not happen.

.2.
Q: How to recover files?
A: If you wish to decrypt your files you will need to pay in bitcoins.

.3.
Q: What about guarantees?
A: Its just a business. We absolutely do not care about you and your deals, except getting benefits. If we do not do our work and liabilities - nobody will cooperate with us. Its not in our interests.
To check the ability of returning files, you can send to us any 2 files with SIMPLE extensions(jpg,xls,doc, etc... not databases!) and low sizes(max 1 mb), we will decrypt them and send back to you. That is our guarantee.

.4.
Q: How to contact with you?
A: You can write us to our mailbox: vassago_0203@tutanota.com or vassago0203@cock.li

.5.
Q: How will the decryption process proceed after payment?
A: After payment we will send to you our scanner-decoder program and detailed instructions for use. With this program you will be able to decrypt all your encrypted files.

.6.
Q: If I don’t want to pay bad people like you?
A: If you will not cooperate with our service - for us, its does not matter. But you will lose your time and data, cause only we have the private key. In practice - time is much more valuable than money.

:::BEWARE:::
DON\'T try to change encrypted files by yourself!
If you will try to use any third party software for restoring your data or antivirus solutions - please make a backup for all encrypted files!
Any changes in encrypted files may entail damage of the private key and, as result, the loss all data.

Screenshot of files with “.[vassago_0203@tutanota.com].vassago” extension added by the ransomware:
Vassago Ransomware - encrypt files with .[vassago_0203@tutanota.com].vassago extension

Use GridinSoft Anti-Malware to remove Vassago 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

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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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