How to remove Vpsh ransomware, Decrypt .vpsh files.

What is Vpsh file extension

.Vpsh file extension is a file extension that is used by the 262th version of the STOP ransomware. Like other ransomware, Vpsh virus is created to encrypt the victim’s files, and then demand a ransom for decrypting them. Fortunately, there is a free Vpsh File Decrypt Tool, which in some cases can decrypt encrypted files. In addition to it, we have developed several methods for recovering the contents of encrypted files without a decryptor and a key. Scroll down to learn more about this decryptor and all ways to recover encrypted files.

Screenshot of files encrypted by Vpsh virus (‘.vpsh’ file extension)

What is Vpsh ransomware virus

Vpsh ransomware is new variant of the STOP (Djvu) ransomware. According to security researchers, this variant does not differ much from previous variants of the STOP ransomware, such as Jdyi and Iiss, which were discovered earlier. The ransomware infects the computer when the user downloads or runs malware infected files. Criminals lure unwary users into downloading ransomware by hiding malicious code within cracked versions of paid software, torrents, free software, key generators, and so on. Upon execution, an instance of Vpsh virus is installed on victim’s computer.

Once installed on a computer, Vpsh ransomware creates a folder in the Windows system directory where it places a copy of itself and changes some Windows settings so that it starts up every time the computer is restarted or turned on. The virus collects information about the victim’s computer and then tries to establish a connection with its command server. If the connection has been established, then it sends information about the infected computer to the server, and in response receives the encryption key (the so-called ‘online key’), additional commands and malware that must be executed on the victim’s computer. If the virus could not establish a connection with its command server, then it uses a fixed key (the so-called ‘offline key’).

The Vpsh ransomware virus encrypts files using a strong encryption algorithm and a key (‘offline key’ or ‘online key’, as described above). It tries to encrypt as many files as possible, for this it only encrypts the first 154kb of the contents of each file and thus significantly speeds up the encryption process. Vpsh has the ability to encrypt files on all drives connected to the computer: internal hard drives, flash USB disks, network storage, and so on. It skips without encryption: files located in the Windows system directories, files with the extension .ini, .bat, .dll, .lnk, .sys and files with the name ‘_readme.txt’. The remaining files located on the victim’s computer can be encrypted. For example, the following file types may be the target of ransomware attack:

.re4, .crt, .hkdb, .wpd, .1, .p7b, .3dm, wallet, .sie, .xdl, .xbdoc, .ibank, .ods, .cas, .epk, .flv, .map, .cer, .svg, .xmind, .mdbackup, .desc, .r3d, .rar, .z, .kf, .y, .vfs0, .dng, .txt, .ltx, .pptx, .raw, .ncf, .d3dbsp, .xbplate, .blob, .wpw, .accdb, .xmmap, .wpa, .pptm, .mlx, .wpd, .wp5, .yal, .zdb, .qdf, .7z, .xld, .sav, .crw, .tor, .kdb, .xwp, .3fr, .itl, .1st, .rw2, .srw, .jpeg, .wdb, .fsh, .arch00, .doc, .xlsm, .jpe, .wsd, .2bp, .xdb, .gho, .wpg, .wsc, .pdd, .erf, .raf, .psk, .wp4, .dazip, .itm, .wbm, .wsh, .dmp, .bkf, .sis, .cr2, .arw, .ws, .zi, .lrf, .bc6, .ppt, .webp, .apk, .xll, .xml, .lbf, .sid, .t13, .0, .ff, .odt, .menu, .m3u, .ysp, .xf, .wmv, .ptx, .wbc, .mdb, .hvpl, .odb, .py, .xls, .forge, .zip, .dcr, .pst, .sql, .cfr, .vdf, .x, .w3x, .wmf, .esm, .wotreplay, .vpk, .zif, .wbk, .wma, .xlsx, .js, .ai, .iwd, .jpg, .dba, .wp, .bsa, .xpm, .wp7, .rb, .cdr, .mov, .csv, .bkp, .p7c, .png, .big, .xx, .slm, .xy3, .wpe, .nrw, .hplg, .lvl, .xxx, .xlsx, .vpp_pc, .docx, .xlgc, .xls, .wpb, .db0, .psd, .webdoc, .pef, .ybk, .qic, .z3d, .srf, .iwi, .indd, .m2, .sidn, .wbz, .dbf, .pdf, .wma, .zw, .mp4, .wpt, .dwg, .mpqge, .wav, .layout, .wbd, .x3d, .dxg, .kdc, .litemod, .zabw, .fpk, .das, .wm, .zip, .m4a, .mrwref, .xyw, .mcmeta, .docm, .pkpass, .xyp, .bar, .odc, .wdp, .sb, .sr2, .ztmp, .tax, .wcf, .wps, .xlsb, .vcf, .wpl, .zdc, .syncdb, .snx, .rofl, .sidd, .xlsm, .rim, .bc7, .bay, .wmo, .hkx, .wgz, .mdf, .orf, .p12, .eps, .t12, .ntl, .x3f, .bik, .pfx, .rwl, .mddata, .wbmp, .sum, .odm, .odp, .icxs, .wot, .avi, .wmv, .asset, .yml, .wps, .rtf, .wmd, .gdb, .pak, .upk

The Vpsh ransomware encrypts file-by-file. Each file that has been encrypted will be renamed, the .vpsh extension will be added at the end of its name. Thus, it marks all encrypted files. In every directory where there is at least one encrypted file, the virus places a file named ‘_readme.txt’. The file contains a message from the Vpsh authors. An example of the contents of this file is given below.

Screenshot of the contents of ‘_readme.txt’ file (Vpsh ransom note)

This message says that all files on the computer are encrypted and the only way to decrypt them is to purchase a key and a decryptor from the Vpsh authors. That is, criminals demand a ransom for unlocking the victim’s files. The size of the ransom is $980, but if the victim is ready to pay the ransom within 72 hours, then its size is halved to $490. Attackers offer victims to verify that encrypted files can be decrypted. To do this, the victim must send them a small file to one of the email addresses specified in the ‘_readme.txt’ file. Of course, it is obvious that a single decrypted file cannot guarantee that after paying the ransom, the criminals will provide the victim with a working key and decryptor.

Text presented in the ransomnote:

ATTENTION!

Don’t worry, you can return all your files!
All your files like pictures, 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-Uz1NIFxEUC
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:
helpmanager@mail.ch

Reserve e-mail address to contact us:
restoremanager@airmail.cc

Your personal ID:

Threat Summary

How to remove Vpsh ransomware virus, Recover, Decrypt .vpsh files

Security researchers confirm that all files with the extension ‘.vpsh’ are encrypted and cannot be read and used. The only way to decrypt the files is to use the key and the decryptor. Fortunately, there is some good news. As we already reported above, Vpsh belongs to the STOP (djvu) ransomware family, which means that you can use the free decryptor created by Emsisoft to decrypt the encrypted files. Even if the decryptor does not help, there are some alternative ways that can help restore the contents of the encrypted files. To learn more about decrypting files, simply scroll down to section ‘How to decrypt .vpsh files’. Read the entire manual carefully. To make it easier for you to follow the instructions, we recommend that you print it or open it on your smartphone.

1. How to remove Vpsh ransomware
2. How to decrypt .vpsh files
3. How to restore .vpsh files
4. How to protect your personal computer from Vpsh ransomware

How to remove Vpsh ransomware

Before you start decrypting or recovering .vpsh files, you need to remove the Vpsh autostart entries. This must be done since otherwise the ransomware may re-encrypt the restored files. You can stop the ransomware from working, as it is not difficult to do. Another option is to perform a full system scan using free malware removal tools capable of detecting and removing ransomware infection.

It is very important to scan the computer for malware, as security researchers found that spyware could be installed on the infected computer along with the Vpsh ransomware. Spyware is a very dangerous security threat as it is designed to steal the user’s personal information such as passwords, logins, contact details, etc. If you have any difficulty removing the Vpsh virus, then let us know in the comments, we will try to help you.

To remove Vpsh ransomware, follow the steps below:

1. Kill Vpsh ransomware
2. Disable Vpsh ransomware Start-Up
3. Delete Vpsh ransomware Task
4. Delete Vpsh virus file
5. Scan computer for malware

Kill Vpsh ransomware

Press CTRL, ALT, DEL keys together.

Click Task Manager. Select the “Processes” tab, look for something suspicious that is the Vpsh ransomware then right-click it and select “End Task” or “End Process” option. If your Task Manager does not open or the Windows reports “Task manager has been disabled by your administrator”, then follow the guide: How to Fix Task manager has been disabled by your administrator.

It is not difficult to detect a process related to the Vpsh ransomware. When looking for a malicious process, pay attention to the process icon and its name. Most often, this ransomware has a process name in the following format: 4-characters.tmp.exe or 4-characters.exe. For example: 7533.tmp.exe, A4b1.exe, CD15.tmp.exe, 19b2.exe. The process name can also contain “(32 bit)”. If you do not find a process with a similar name in the list of processes, then most likely the Vpsh ransomware has finished working. But keep in mind, if you do not remove the ransomware autostart entries, as demonstrated below, and do not delete its file, then after a while it may start again, and if it finds unencrypted files, immediately encrypt them.

Disable Vpsh ransomware Start-Up

Select the “Start-Up” tab, look for something similar to the one shown in the example below, right click to it and select Disable.

Close Task Manager.

Delete Vpsh ransomware Task

Type “Task Scheduler” in the search bar. Click Task Scheduler app in the search results. Click “Task Scheduler Library” in the left panel. On the right panel, right-click to “Time Trigger Task” and select Delete.

Close Task Scheduler.

Delete Vpsh virus file

Run Task Manager and select the “Start-Up” tab. Right click to the Vpsh ransomware Start-Up entry and select Open File Location as shown below.

A directory containing one file will open in front of you, this file is the Vpsh ransomware. It needs to be removed. If you try to delete it immediately, then you will not succeed, since this file is protected from deletion.

To delete this file, you need to do the following. Right-click on the file, select Properties. In the window that opens, select Security tab. Next, click the Advanced button below. A window will open as shown in the following example.

Click Disable inheritance. In the Block inheritance dialog box that opens, select the first item (Convert inherited permissions…) as shown below.

In the Permission entries list, select “Deny Everyone”, click Remove button and then OK. Close the file properties window. You should now be able to remove the Vpsh ransomware File. Right-click on the file and select Delete.

Scan computer for malware

Zemana Anti-Malware (ZAM) is a malware scanner that is very effective for detecting and deleting Vpsh ransomware virus. The steps below will explain how to download, install, and use Zemana AntiMalware to scan your computer and remove ransomware, trojans, malware, worms, adware software, spyware and other security threats for free.

Click the following link to download Zemana Anti Malware. Save it on your Windows desktop.

Zemana AntiMalware
164113 downloads
Author: Zemana Ltd
Category: Security tools
Update: July 16, 2019

After the downloading process is finished, close all windows on your PC. Further, start the setup file called Zemana.AntiMalware.Setup. If the “User Account Control” prompt pops up as displayed on the image below, click the “Yes” button.

It will open the “Setup wizard” which will allow you install Zemana Anti Malware (ZAM) on the personal computer. Follow the prompts and do not make any changes to default settings.

Once installation is complete successfully, Zemana AntiMalware (ZAM) will automatically start and you may see its main window as displayed on the image below.

Next, press the “Scan” button to perform a system scan for the Vpsh crypto virus, other malware, worms and trojans. A system scan can take anywhere from 5 to 30 minutes, depending on your device. While the Zemana tool is checking, you can see how many objects it has identified as being affected by malware.

After the scan get completed, Zemana Anti-Malware (ZAM) will open a screen which contains a list of malware that has been detected. When you’re ready, click “Next” button.

Zemana AntiMalware will delete Vpsh ransomware virus and other security threats. After that process is finished, you can be prompted to reboot your device.

In order to be 100% sure that the computer no longer has the Vpsh ransomware virus, we recommend using the Kaspersky virus removal tool (KVRT). It is free and easy to use. KVRT can scan and remove ransomware, spyware, PUPs, worms, trojans, adware software and other malware. Kaspersky virus removal tool is powerful enough to find and delete malicious registry entries and files that are hidden on the PC.

Download Kaspersky virus removal tool (KVRT) from the link below. Save it to your Desktop.

Kaspersky virus removal tool
129082 downloads
Author: Kaspersky® lab
Category: Security tools
Update: March 5, 2018

Once downloading is finished, double-click on the KVRT icon. Once initialization procedure is complete, you will see the KVRT screen as shown below.

Click Change Parameters and set a check near all your drives. Press OK to close the Parameters window. Next click Start scan button to look for Vpsh crypto virus and other known infections. While the Kaspersky virus removal tool program is checking, you can see how many objects it has identified as threat.

After the system scan is done, KVRT will open you the results like below.

Make sure to check mark the threats that are unsafe and then click on Continue to start a cleaning task.

How to decrypt .vpsh files

As we already reported above, files with .vpsh extension are files that have been encrypted by the Vpsh ransomware virus. Their contents will remain locked until decrypted using the decryptor and the key. Fortunately, there is a free decryptor that can decrypt .vpsh files. Below we provide instructions on where to download and how to use a free Vpsh File Decrypt Tool.

Free Vpsh File Decrypt Tool (STOP Djvu decryptor)

To decrypt .vpsh files, use Vpsh File Decrypt Tool

• Download Vpsh File Decrypt Tool from the following link.
  STOP Djvu decryptor
• Scroll down to ‘New Djvu ransomware’ section.
• Click the download link and save the decrypt_STOPDjvu.exe file to your desktop.
• Run decrypt_STOPDjvu.exe, read the license terms and instructions.
• On the ‘Decryptor’ tab, using the ‘Add a folder’ button, add the directory or disk where the encrypted files are located.
• Click the ‘Decrypt’ button.

Vpsh File Decrypt Tool is a free software that can decrypt the encrypted files only in some cases, when the files were encrypted with an ‘offline key’. If the files were encrypted with an ‘online key’, then they cannot be decrypted. The reason for this is that the decryption key is in the hands of criminals and this key can not be determined. This does not mean that if your files are encrypted with an online key, then their contents are lost forever. Fortunately, there are several ways to recover encrypted files. These methods do not involve the use of decryption and therefore can be used in any case, no matter what key the ransomware used to encrypt files.

How to find out which key was used to encrypt files

Since Vpsh File Decrypt Tool only decrypts files encrypted with an offline key, each Vpsh’s victim needs to find out which key was used to encrypt the files. Determining the type of key used is not difficult. Below we give two ways. Use any of them.

Personal ID is highlighted here

Find out the type of key using ‘_readme.txt’ file

• Open the ransom demand message (‘_readme.txt’ file).
• Scroll down to the end of the file.
• There you will see a line with the text ‘Your personal ID’.
• Below is a line of characters that starts with ‘0262’ – this is your personal id.

Find out the type of key using ‘PersonalID.txt’ file

• Open disk C.
• Open directory ‘SystemID’.
• Open file named ‘PersonalID.txt’. This file lists ‘Personal ID’s that match the keys that the virus used to encrypt files.

The ‘Personal ID’ is not a key, it is an identifier related to a key that was used to encrypt files. If the ID ends with ‘t1’, then the files are encrypted with an offline key. If the ID does not end with ‘t1’, Vpsh virus used an online key. If you could not figure out how to determine which key was used to encrypt files, then we can help. Just write a request here or in the comments below.

Vpsh File Decrypt Tool : “No key for New Variant online ID”

If, when you try to decrypt .vpsh files, Vpsh File Decrypt Tool reports:

No key for New Variant online ID: *
Notice: this ID appears to be an online ID, decryption is impossible

It means that your files are encrypted with an ‘online key’ and their decryption is impossible, since only the Vpsh authors have the key necessary for decryption. In this case, you need to use alternative methods listed below to restore the contents of encrypted files.

Vpsh File Decrypt Tool : “No key for New Variant offline ID”

If, during decryption of .vpsh files, Vpsh File Decrypt Tool reports:

No key for New Variant offline ID: *t1
Notice: this ID appears be an offline ID, decryption MAY be possible in the future.

It means the following: your files are encrypted with an ‘offline key’, but the key itself has not yet been obtained by security researchers, in this case, you need to be patient and wait a while, in addition, you can also use alternative ways for recovering encrypted data.

If for some reason you were unable to decrypt the encrypted files, then We recommend to follow the news on our Facebook or YouTube channels. So you ‘ll know right away that it ‘s possible to decrypt .vpsh files.

This video step-by-step guide will demonstrate How to remove Vpsh ransomware and Decrypt/Recover .vpsh files.

How to restore .vpsh files

As we mentioned above, in addition to using the Vpsh File Decrypt Tool, there are several more methods for recovering encrypted files. These methods do not require the use of a decryptor and a key, and therefore are suitable for all cases when the ransomware used an online key, and for the case when the virus used an offline key. It is very important to check your computer for malware before you try to recover encrypted files. You must be 100% sure that the Vpsh ransomware virus is completely removed. To scan your computer for ransomware, use free malware removal tools.

Restore .vpsh files using Shadow Explorer

The Microsoft Windows has a feature called ‘Shadow Volume Copies’ that can help you to recover .vpsh files encrypted by the ransomware. A small tool called ShadowExplorer will allow you to easily access the Shadow copies and restore the encrypted files to their original state. Unfortunately, the ransomware can delete these Shadow copies before it starts encrypting files. Therefore, if ShadowExplorer did not help you, then try another method, which is given below.

Download ShadowExplorer on your Microsoft Windows Desktop from the following link.

ShadowExplorer
438823 downloads
Author: ShadowExplorer.com
Category: Security tools
Update: September 15, 2019

Once the download is complete, extract the saved file to a folder on your PC. This will create the necessary files like the one below.

Launch the ShadowExplorerPortable program. Now select the date (2) that you wish to recover from and the drive (1) you wish to restore files (folders) from like the one below.

On right panel navigate to the file (folder) you wish to recover. Right-click to the file or folder and click the Export button as shown in the figure below.

And finally, specify a directory (your Desktop) to save the shadow copy of encrypted file and press ‘OK’ button.

This video step-by-step guide will demonstrate How to recover encrypted files using Shadow Explorer.

Restore .vpsh files with PhotoRec

The last chance to restore encrypted files to their original state is using data recovery tools. We recommend a program called PhotoRec. It has all the necessary functions to restore the contents of encrypted files. It helped many victims recover data when it seemed like there was no more hope.

Download PhotoRec on your computer from the following link.

PhotoRec
220680 downloads
Author: CGSecurity
Category: Security tools
Update: March 1, 2018

After the download is finished, open a directory in which you saved it. Right click to testdisk-7.0.win and select Extract all. Follow the prompts. Next please open the testdisk-7.0 folder as shown on the screen below.

Double click on qphotorec_win to run PhotoRec for MS Windows. It will show a screen as displayed on the screen below.

Select a drive to recover as displayed on the image below.

You will see a list of available partitions. Select a partition that holds encrypted documents, photos and music as on the image below.

Click File Formats button and specify file types to restore. You can to enable or disable the restore of certain file types. When this is done, press OK button.

Next, press Browse button to choose where recovered photos, documents and music should be written, then click Search. We strongly recommend that you save the recovered files to an external drive.

Count of recovered files is updated in real time. All recovered photos, documents and music are written in a folder that you have selected on the previous step. You can to access the files even if the restore process is not finished.

When the restore is complete, click on Quit button. Next, open the directory where recovered personal files are stored. You will see a contents as shown below.

All restored personal files are written in recup_dir.1, recup_dir.2 … sub-directories. If you are searching for a specific file, then you can to sort your recovered files by extension and/or date/time.

This video step-by-step guide will demonstrate How to recover encrypted files using PhotoRec.

How to protect your personal computer from Vpsh ransomware

Most antivirus applications already have built-in protection system against the crypto virus. Therefore, if your PC system does not have an antivirus application, make sure you install it. As an extra protection, run the HitmanPro.Alert. All-in-all, HitmanPro.Alert is a fantastic tool to protect your personal computer from any ransomware. If ransomware is detected, then HitmanPro.Alert automatically neutralizes malware and restores the encrypted files. HitmanPro.Alert is compatible with all versions of MS Windows operating system from MS Windows XP to Windows 10.

HitmanPro.Alert can be downloaded from the following link. Save it to your Desktop.

HitmanPro.Alert
6830 downloads
Author: Sophos
Category: Security tools
Update: March 6, 2019

After downloading is done, open the directory in which you saved it. You will see an icon like below.

Double click the HitmanPro Alert desktop icon. When the tool is started, you’ll be displayed a window where you can select a level of protection, like below.

Now click the Install button to activate the protection.

To sum up

This guide was created to help all victims of Vpsh ransomware virus. We tried to give answers to the following questions: how to remove ransomware; how to decrypt .vpsh files; how to recover files, if Vpsh File Decrypt tool does not help; what is an online key and what is an offline key. We hope that the information presented in this manual has helped you.

If you have questions, then write to us, leaving a comment below. If you need more help with Vpsh related issues, go to here.