Djvu VirusRansomwareRemoval Guide

Stare Virus Removal Guide (+Decrypt .stare files)

Stare – General Info

Stare is a destructive software application working as typical ransomware. Michael Gillespie, the well-known virus researcher, first discovered this new name in the DJVU ransomware family.

Stare was created for the sole purpose to encrypt all popular file types. Logically, as soon as the encryption is successfully achieved, the users are unable to get access to them. Stare ransomware adds its own “.stare” to all the encrypted files. For instance, the file “price_list.xls”, as soon as crypted by Stare, will be titled as “price_list.xls.stare”. When the encryption is achieved, Stare puts its own distinct text file (_readme.txt) into all the folders that store the encrypted files.

The alert specified by document requesting the random os very similar to the notices offered by other ransomware risks coming from the DJVU family. The warning generally indicates that the information has been secured and the only option to get access to it is to use an unique standalone key. Regretfully, this statement is absolutely true.

The approach to encrypt the files utilized by Stare is not completely investigated. Nevertheless, there is no doubt that each computer system owner may be issued an unique decryption key, which is absolutely special. It is exceptionally tough to recover the data 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 Stare ransomware is that the users are unable to get access to the key. The decrypting key is hosted on a special server under the total control by the crooks who have actually introduced the Stare ransomware into the internet. In order to obtain the key and restore the crucial information, the users are informed to get in touch with the frauds through email or by telegram and to pay the ransom in the amount of $980.

The message likewise states that individuals ought to get in touch with the Stare authors within 72 hours upon the minute of the information encryption. The alert shows that by doing so individuals will acquire a 50% discount, therefore, the ransom amount drops down to $490.

No matter what the amount of the ransom is, we strongly recommend that you do not pay the ransom. There is no guarantee that these online criminals will keep their promises, so they might not care at all what the victims feel about the encryption, even when the quantity of the ransom is gotten into their accounts. Hence, paying ransom typically does not lead to a successful recovery. So, the users might merely lose their money for nothing.

Similarly, we prompt you not to call the scams as they instruct. Do not transfer loan into their wallets. There are no applications that might crack the Stare virus or restore the data for free. For that reason, the only right decision is to bring back the information from possible backups (if available).

Virus Summary

NameStare Ransomware
File Extensionstare
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-556 algorithm (CFB mode) encryption algorithm. Once the encryption is completed, the ransomware adds its special .stare extension to all the files modified by it.
Distribution MethodAdware bundles and software cracks
Similar InfectionsCetori, Masodas, Vesrato
Removal Tool   GridinSoft Anti-Malware

Do not forget that the Internet is now full of infections similar to the Stare virus. For instance, this specific threat is generally similar to Brusaf and other ransomware-type infections. These destructive energies have been developed in order to secure the crucial data and express the need for the users to pay the ransom. All these infections use the similar algorithm to create the specific key for effective information decryption.

Unless the Stare ransomware is still under the development process or has got some hidden bugs, it is not possible to restore the information by hand. Hence, the only working option to avoid the loss of your essential data is to frequently keep current backups of all your essential files.

Another essential piece of recommendations is to store the backups on unique storage not connected to your main PC. For example, you might store it on the USB Flash Drive, or some external disk drive, or by using the cloud data storage services. Keeping the backups on your routine drive is extremely risky, because the backup may likewise be secured by the Stare ransomware.

Leakages for the Stare ransomware attack.

Stare uses numerous paths to infiltrate the vulnerable computer systems. It is not specific what particular method was utilized in your case, however, the intrusion may occur by means of the following channels:

  • bundling with third-party programs, generally free software;
  • spam e-mails from the unknown senders;
  • sites offering free hosting;
  • P2P (peer-to-peer) torrent downloads.

There are times when the Stare ransomware may camouflage itself as some real application, for example, through the misleading signals requiring installation of some software application update. This is the most common trick used by the scams to inject the Stare virus files into the system. In this manner users partially take part in its installation, without plainly understanding the risk.

Moreover, the frauds may send out unsolicited spam email with tricky notifies encouraging individuals to open suspicious accessories or click on some download links, for example, those encouraging the people to open particular pictures, text files, tax files and other information.

No doubt, opening these files or clicking on the malicious links might essentially damage the system. Fake Acrobat Reader upgrade alerts may result in the Stare ransomware infiltration. Similarly, downloading the broken software may furthermore contain the ransomware installer. The last but not the least, setup of Stare might occur through some Trojan horses that might be installed stealthily into the system and without the user’s direct permission and even authorization.

Avoiding the Stare ransom virus injection.

Of course, there is no absolute assurance that your computer will be constantly without any malware attacks, nevertheless, we would like to share some beneficial suggestions with you to make it safer. Make certain to pay extremely close attention while searching the web and especially while getting cost-free programs. Do not open any dubious email accessories, especially if the sender is not known to you.

Do not forget that specific freeware installer may likewise contain some other additional apps in the package. These additional applications might be really harmful. It is of utmost significance to keep your anti-virus software application and your os in general to be always appropriately updated.

It is rather sensible that downloading cracked software is unlawful, nevertheless, in addition, such unauthorized programs use might likewise bring severe damage to your computer. Hence, do not download any broken programs. Plus, the truth that your present anti-virus did not safeguard the system from the Stare ransomware is an excellent factor for you to reevaluate your options and switch to another program that can render the safeguarding functions on a much better level.

Below please find the quotation from the Stare 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:
 gorentos@bitmessage.ch
  
 Reserve e-mail address to contact us:
 gorentos2@firemail.cc
  
 Our Telegram account:
 @datarestore

Screenshot of files with “.stare” extension added by the virus:”

Stare Ransomware - encrypt files with .stare extension

Use GridinSoft Anti-Malware to remove Stare 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

Sending
User Review
0 (0 votes)
Comments Rating 0 (0 reviews)

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.

Related Articles

One Comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Sending

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Back to top button