RIBD ransomware has a function to encrypt all data on computer and also install a password-stealing trojan on the system. The name of this additional malware is AZORULT. It is capable of grabbing sensitive data and transferring to criminals, such as various login credentials, cryptocurrency, browser cookies and other. The ransomware developers also delete Volume Shadow Copies to ensure that victim finds to way to recover data for free. Finally, the virus adds a list of domains to Windows HOSTS system file, which helps to restrict access to a set of computer-related domains. It is believed that the criminals are trying to stop the victim from searching for help online. This ransomware tends to run a fake process called winupdate.exe, which imitates Windows Update screen. The criminals use this technique to trick the victim into thinking that sudden system slowdown is related to legitimate process and not some kind of PC infection.

_readme.txt file contents: pay or lose your data

RIBD file virus developers encrypt victim’s data for only one reason – they want to extort computer users by forcing them pay a ransom for file decryption. For this reason, they employ RSA cryptography to lock one’s files. To inform the victim about the attack, the virus is set to create and drop _readme.txt note in every affected folder, so that the victim could notice it easily. The note starts with “ATTENTION!” sign and states that victim still can decrypt all .ribd files. Although all files like pictures, databases, documents and other important files are encrypted, the criminals suggest that the victim can test their decryption tool on one file for free. They ask to contact them via provided emails, include one small file that doesn’t contain valuable information and personal ID. Then they will respond with decrypted file version and possibly more information about the payment and data decryption. The attackers also introduce the victim to their conditions regarding the ransom price. According to _readme.txt, the victim can purchase decryption tool and key for $490 if one contacts the criminals within 72 hours from the computer infection timestamp. If the victim delays, the ransom price goes back to its full price – $980. Our experts team want to warn you that despite the urge to attempt to recover your files in this way, paying the criminals is NOT RECOMMENDED. First, you might never recover your files after doing so, second, you would support illegal business by doing it. Next, there are a lot of instances when victims didn’t recover their files and continued to be extorted even after paying the ransom. In addition, paying the ransom might be illegal in your country. We highly recommend you to secure your system by cleansing it from malware first. For this, you need to remove RIBD ransomware virus professionally. You should use a trustworthy anti-malware for it and finalise the removal procedure with well-reviewed tool for virus damage repair, RESTORO.

Avoiding ransomware attacks easily

Speaking of RIBD ransomware distribution, it entirely relies on malicious online downloads. To be specific, this and previous versions of STOP/DJVU (CADQ, YGKZ and others) usually hide in various software cracks and keygens. Therefore, if you ever decide to look for free ways to install paid software on your system, remember that it most likely comes with a set of malware alongside it. The worst part is that computer users almost always receive security software warnings about a malicious torrent download, but they choose to ignore these, thinking that it is a false alarm. Sadly, such behaviour can lead directly to complete data corruption and privacy loss. We have received several reports from ransomware victims who report downloading variants of STOP/DJVU via Adobe Photoshop, game or video editing software cracks. Make sure you obtain such programs from their official developer’s websites or other confirmed and authorised software licence resellers only. It is always cheaper than paying hefty ransoms for cybercriminals. Another popular way to spread malware is malicious email attachments. The criminals compose convincing email headlines along with legitimate-looking messages, inviting the potential target to open “attached invoice” or view a document about pending/missing payment. Other deceptive strategies include invites to view parcel tracking updates (this technique is popular during these COVID-19 times, when many people shop online). For this reason, we want to advise you to be very careful when checking your e-mail and open only those letters that you were waiting for or expect to receive. Any other suspicious emails should be ignored – do not let your curiosity win! This is exactly the aim of cybercriminals who get really crafty with their spam e-mail topics. Yet another technique to spread malware is to inject it into fake software update ads online. Be very careful if you notice a random JAVA or Adobe Flash Player update suggestion on a suspicious pop-up window – such ads almost always include various spyware instances or, in the worst scenario, malware samples. Remember that just like you should download software from official developer websites, software updates should be downloaded from them.

Remove RIBD ransomware virus safely and recover data

Before you begin recovering your files using a data backup or provided decryption/repair tools, we strongly recommend you to remove RIBD ransomware virus professionally. For that, we recommend using malware removal software of your choice. To clean up malicious remains and repair virus damage on Windows OS files, we strongly suggest downloading and scanning with RESTORO. It is a useful PC maintenance tool that’s been well-reviewed by many professionals. Once RIBD ransomware removal is complete, we strongly suggest you to report cybercrime instance to respective authorities in your country and take actions to change your passwords for accounts saved in your web browsers. Make sure you do not reuse possibly leaked passwords for different accounts. Finally, use the given directions to try and repair at least part of your data. OUR GEEKS RECOMMEND Our team recommends a two-step rescue plan to remove ransomware and other remaining malware from your computer, plus repair caused virus damage to the system: GeeksAdvice.com editors select recommended products based on their effectiveness. We may earn a commission from affiliate links, at no additional cost to you. Learn more. Get INTEGO ANTIVIRUS for Windows to remove ransomware, Trojans, adware and other spyware and malware variants and protect your PC and network drives 24/7. This VB100-certified security software uses state-of-art technology to provide protection against ransomware, Zero-Day attacks and advanced threats, Intego Web Shield blocks dangerous websites, phishing attacks, malicious downloads and installation of potentially unwanted programs. Use INTEGO Antivirus to remove detected threats from your computer. Read full review here. RESTORO provides a free scan that helps to identify hardware, security and stability issues and presents a comprehensive report which can help you to locate and fix detected issues manually. It is a great PC repair software to use after you remove malware with professional antivirus. The full version of software will fix detected issues and repair virus damage caused to your Windows OS files automatically. RESTORO uses AVIRA scanning engine to detect existing spyware and malware. If any are found, the software will eliminate them. Read full review here.

Method 1. Enter Safe Mode with Networking

Before you try to remove RIBD ransomware virus virus, you must start your computer in Safe Mode with Networking. Below, we provide the easiest ways to boot PC in the said mode, but you can find additional ones in this in-depth tutorial on our website – How to Start Windows in Safe Mode. Also, if you prefer a video version of the tutorial, check our guide How to Start Windows in Safe Mode on Youtube. Instructions for Windows XP/Vista/7 users Instructions for Windows 8/8.1/10/11 users Now, you can search for and remove RIBD ransomware virus files. It is very hard to identify files and registry keys that belong to the ransomware virus, Besides, malware creators tend to rename and change them repeatedly. Therefore, the easiest way to uninstall such type of a computer virus is to use a reliable security program such as INTEGO Antivirus. For virus damage repair, consider using RESTORO.

Method 2. Use System Restore

In order to use System Restore, you must have a system restore point, created either manually or automatically. Instructions for Windows XP/Vista/7 users Instructions for Windows 8/8.1/10/11 users After restoring the system, we recommend scanning the system with antivirus or anti-malware software. In most cases, there won’t be any malware remains, but it never hurts to double-check. In addition, we highly recommend checking ransomware prevention guidelines provided by our experts in order to protect your PC against similar viruses in the future.

Alternative software recommendations

Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Removing spyware and malware is one step towards cybersecurity. To protect yourself against ever-evolving threats, we strongly recommend purchasing a Premium version of Malwarebytes Anti-Malware, which provides security based on artificial intelligence and machine learning. Includes ransomware protection. See pricing options and protect yourself now.

System Mechanic Ultimate Defense If you’re looking for an all-in-one system maintenance suite that has 7 core components providing powerful real-time protection, on-demand malware removal, system optimization, data recovery, password manager, online privacy protection and secure driver wiping technology. Therefore, due to its wide-range of capabilities, System Mechanic Ultimate Defense deserves Geek’s Advice approval. Get it now for 50% off. You may also be interested in its full review.

Disclaimer. This site includes affiliate links. We may earn a small commission by recommending certain products, at no additional cost for you. We only choose quality software and services to recommend.

Decrypt RIBD files

Fix and open large RIBD files easily:

It is reported that STOP/DJVU ransomware versions encrypt only the beginning 150 KB of each file to ensure that the virus manages to affect all files on the system. In some cases, the malicious program might skip some files at all. That said, we recommend testing this method on several big (>1GB) files first.

STOP/DJVU decryption tool usage guide

STOP/DJVU ransomware versions are grouped into old and new variants. RIBD ransomware virus is considered the new STOP/DJVU variant, just like BPTO, ISWR, ISZA, BPSM, ZOUU, MBTF, ZNSM (find full list here). This means full data decryption is now possible only if you have been affected by offline encryption key. To decrypt your files, you will have to download Emsisoft Decryptor for STOP DJVU, a tool created and maintained by a genius security researcher Michael Gillespie. Note! Please do not spam the security researcher with questions whether he can recover your files encrypted with online key - it is not possible. In order to test the tool and see if it can decrypt RIBD files, follow the given tutorial.

Meanings of decryptor’s messages

The RIBD decryption tool might display several different messages after failed attempt to restore your files. You might receive one of the following messages: Error: Unable to decrypt file with ID: [example ID] This message typically means that there is no corresponding decryption key in the decryptor’s database. No key for New Variant online ID: [example ID]Notice: this ID appears to be an online ID, decryption is impossible This message informs that your files were encrypted with online key, meaning no one else has the same encryption/decryption key pair, therefore data recovery without paying the criminals is impossible. Result: No key for new variant offline ID: [example ID]This ID appears to be an offline ID. Decryption may be possible in the future. If you were informed that an offline key was used, but files could not be restored, it means that the offline decryption key isn’t available yet. However, receiving this message is extremely good news, meaning that it might be possible to restore your RIBD extension files in the future. It can take a few months until the decryption key gets found and uploaded to the decryptor. We recommend you to follow updates regarding the decryptable DJVU versions here. We strongly recommend backing up your encrypted data and waiting.

Victims of RIBD ransomware virus should report the Internet crime incident to the official government fraud and scam website according to their country:

In the United States, go to the On Guard Online website.In Australia, go to the SCAMwatch website.In Germany, go to the Bundesamt für Sicherheit in der Informationstechnik website.In Ireland, go to the An Garda Síochána website.In New Zealand, go to the Consumer Affairs Scams website.In the United Kingdom, go to the Action Fraud website.In Canada, go to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.In India, go to Indian National Cybercrime Reporting Portal.In France, go to the Agence nationale de la sécurité des systèmes d’information.

If you can’t find an authority corresponding to your location on this list, we recommend using any search engine to look up “[your country name] report cyber crime”. This should lead you to the right authority website. We also recommend staying away from third-party crime report services that are often paid. It costs nothing to report Internet crime to official authorities. Another recommendation is to contact your country’s or region’s federal police or communications authority.