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Urgent: Windows 10 Pro Infected with STOP/DJVU (KVAG) Ransomware

Hossein Safaviyeh 0 Reputation points
2025-12-02T07:02:56.7666667+00:00

Hello, I hope you are doing well.

I am experiencing a serious issue on my Windows 10 Pro system and I need urgent assistance.

Recently, while looking for an activated version of ESET, I downloaded and ran a suspicious file from an unknown website (possibly Chinese). During installation, the program requested Administrator privileges, and after it connected to the internet, my system suddenly restarted.

After Windows loaded again, I noticed that most of my personal files (including photos) had been encrypted with the .KVAG extension. A file named _readme.txt also appeared in many folders, demanding a ransom payment in order to recover the encrypted files.

It seems that my system has been infected with ransomware from the STOP/DJVU family (KVAG variant).

I kindly request guidance on how to properly remove this malware and whether there is any possibility of recovering my encrypted files.

Any official tools or recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you.

Windows for home | Windows 10 | Settings
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  1. Q&A Assist
    2025-12-02T07:03:10.81+00:00
    AI generated content. This question contains an answer created with AI from Q&A Assist. Learn more

    To address the ransomware infection on your Windows 10 Pro system, follow these steps:

    1. Engage Third-Party Support: Early in the attack, consider reaching out to third-party support, particularly from threat intelligence providers or antimalware solution providers. They may have insights or tools specific to the STOP/DJVU ransomware variant.
    2. Remove the Ransomware: Run a full, current antivirus scan on your system to detect and remove the ransomware payload. You can use tools like Windows Defender or the Malicious Software Removal Tool (MSRT) to help with this process.
    3. Verify Backups: If you have offline backups, ensure they are not infected before restoring your files. You may be able to restore your data after removing the ransomware.
    4. Contact Law Enforcement: If you are in the United States, you can report the ransomware breach to local or federal law enforcement agencies, such as the FBI.
    5. Recovery Options: Unfortunately, recovering files encrypted by STOP/DJVU ransomware can be challenging. There are no guaranteed decryption tools available, but you can check resources like the No More Ransom project for any potential decryption solutions.
    6. Prevent Future Attacks: Ensure your antivirus and endpoint protection solutions are up to date, and consider implementing additional security measures to prevent future infections.

    It’s crucial to act quickly to mitigate the damage and prevent further loss of data.

    References:

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  2. DaveM121 815.3K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2025-12-02T07:36:52.1966667+00:00

    1

    Do you have a data backup of your files, or do you use a Cloud service like OneDrive, DropBox... etc.

    2

    The only way to get your files back is with the use of a decrypter

    Please Note ransomware decryptors are always made available for free, do not get caught by websites that will claim to be able to decrypt you files, if you purchase their software - that is a scam.

    Full details can be found on the link below

    https://www.emsisoft.com/ransomware-decryption/stop-Djvu/

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    Standard Disclaimer: This is a non-Microsoft website. The page appears to be providing accurate, safe information. Watch out for ads on the site that may advertise products frequently classified as a PUP (Potentially Unwanted Products). Thoroughly research any product advertised on the site before you decide to download and install it.

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