Stax – Ransomware
Stax is a destructive software application functioning as typical ransomware. Michael Gillespie, the popular virus researcher, very first discovered this new name in the DJVU ransomware family.
Stax was created for the sole function to encrypt all popular file types. Rationally, as quickly as the file encryption is effectively accomplished, the users are unable to get access to them. Stax virus includes its own “.stax” to all the encrypted data. For example, the file “price_list.xls”, as soon as crypted by Stax, will be titled as “price_list.xls.stax”. Once the file encryption is accomplished, Stax puts its own unique text file (_readme.txt) into all the folders that store the encrypted files.
The alert specified by _readme.txt requesting for the random os very similar to the alerts offered by other ransomware hazards belonging to the DJVU family. The warning essentially indicates that the information has been secured and the only service to get access to it is to use an unique standalone key. Regretfully, this statement is definitely true.
The method to encrypt the files utilized by Stax is not completely investigated. Nevertheless, there is no doubt that each computer system owner may be provided a special decryption key, which is definitely special. It is exceptionally hard to recover the information without the appropriate key in place.
“Don’t worry, you can return all your files!”, from text file message:
One more peculiarity of the Stax infection is that the users are not able to get access to the key. The decrypting key is hosted on an unique server under the total control by the crooks who have actually introduced the Stax infection into the web. In order to get the key and bring back the important data, the users are told to contact the scams via e-mail or by telegram and to pay the ransom in the amount of $980.
The message likewise states that the people must contact the Stax authors within 72 hours upon the minute of the information encryption. The alert indicates that by doing so the people will get a 50% discount, for that reason, the ransom quantity drops down to $490.
Stax encrypted your data, nevertheless, it may not be the only hazard on your computer. Plus, the ransomware might be hidden deep in the system. To detect and delete the hazard completely, we advise you to refer to the help of GridinSoft Anti-Malware .
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No matter what the quantity of the ransom is, we strongly encourage that you do not pay the ransom. There is no guarantee that these online scoundrels will keep their guarantees, so they might not care at all what the victims feel about the file encryption, even when the amount of the ransom is received into their accounts. Thus, paying ransom often does not result in a successful healing. So, the users may simply lose their money for nothing.
Similarly, we urge you not to get in touch with the scams as they instruct. Do not transfer money into their wallets. There are no applications that could break the Stax virus or restore the information for free. For that reason, the only correct decision is to restore the data from possible backups (if offered).
Virus Summary
| Name | Stax Ransomware |
| File Extension | stax |
| Type | Ransomware |
| Family | DJVU |
| 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-256 algorithm (CFB mode) encryption algorithm. Once the encryption is completed, the ransomware adds its special .stax extension to all the files modified by it. |
| Distribution Method | Adware bundles and software cracks |
| Similar Infections | Lokas, Besub, Nusar |
| Stax Removal Tool | GridinSoft Anti-Malware |
| Stax Decryption Tool | Emsisoft Djvu Decryptor |
Do not forget that the Web is now full of infections comparable to the Stax virus. For example, this particular danger is basically identical to Brusaf and other ransomware-type infections. These destructive energies have been developed in order to secure the essential data and express the demand for the users to pay the ransom. All these infections use the identical algorithm to produce the particular key for successful files decryption.
Unless the Stax ransomware is still under the development process or has actually got some hidden bugs, it is not possible to bring back the information manually. Therefore, the only working service to avoid the loss of your important data is to frequently keep updated backups of all your important data.
Another crucial piece of recommendations is to save the backups on special storage not linked to your main computer. For instance, you might store it on the USB Flash Drive, or some external hard disk, or by using the cloud data storage services. Keeping the backups on your routine drive is extremely risky, because the backup might likewise be secured by the Stax virus.
Leakages for the Stax ransomware attack.
Stax utilizes lots of courses to infiltrate the susceptible computer systems. It is not specific what specific technique was used in your case, nevertheless, the invasion might happen through the following channels:
- bundling with third-party programs, mainly free apps;
- spam e-mails from the unidentified senders;
- websites offering free hosting;
- P2P (peer-to-peer) torrent downloads.
There are times when the Stax ransomware may camouflage itself as some authentic application, for example, through the deceptive signals requiring setup of some software update. This is the most typical technique utilized by the scams to inject the Stax ransomware files into the system. In this manner users partially participate in its installation, without plainly comprehending the danger.
Furthermore, the frauds may send out unsolicited spam e-mail with challenging informs encouraging the people to open dubious accessories or click some download links, for instance, those encouraging individuals to open specific photos, text files, tax documents and other info.
No doubt, opening these files or clicking on the harmful links might essentially damage the system. Fake Adobe Flash Player update notices may cause the Stax ransomware infiltration. Similarly, downloading the cracked software may additionally include the ransomware installer. The last however not the least, installation of Stax may happen through some Trojan horses that might be installed stealthily into the system and without the user’s direct authorization or even approval.
Avoiding the Stax ransom virus injection.
Of course, there is no absolute assurance that your computer will be constantly without any malware attacks, nevertheless, we wish to share some beneficial pointers with you to make it much safer. Make certain to pay very attention while searching the web and especially while downloading cost-free programs. Do not open any dubious email attachments, especially if the sender is not known to you.
Do not forget that specific freeware installer might also include some other extra apps in the package. These additional applications might be really damaging. It is of utmost significance to keep your anti-virus software and your operating system in basic to be always effectively updated.
It is quite sensible that downloading pirated programs is unlawful, nevertheless, furthermore, such unapproved apps use might likewise bring severe damage to your PC. Thus, do not download any split programs. Plus, the truth that your current anti-virus did not protect the system from the Stax ransomware is an excellent factor for you to reconsider your choices and switch to another program that can render the securing functions on a better level.
Below please find the quotation from the Stax 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 “.stax” extension added by the virus:”
Use GridinSoft Anti-Malware to remove Stax 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.
Use Emsisoft Decryptor for restore stax files
You can download Emsisoft Decryptor by clicking the button below:
- Run the decryptor as an administrator. The license terms will show up, which you have to agree to by clicking the “Yes” button.
- Once the license terms are accepted, the primary decryptor user interface opens.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
- 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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