What is a .STOP file?
A .STOP file is a type of file that has been locked and changed by a harmful computer program called STOP ransomware. This malware is created and spread by cybercriminals to take control of your files. The files that get affected could originally be documents, images, or other common file types like .DOCX or .PNG. After infection, these files are renamed and encrypted, making them inaccessible without a decryption key.
The .STOP file cannot be opened in a normal way because it is encrypted. To try and get these files back to their original form, you can use a specific tool called Emsisoft Decryptor for STOP Djvu. This program is designed to decrypt files affected by STOP ransomware, especially if they have the .DJVU, .RUMBA, .RADMAN, .GERO, or .CADQ extensions, which are other variants of the same ransomware.
More about STOP Ransomware: STOP ransomware, also known as STOP Djvu ransomware, is a widespread form of ransomware. It typically locks files on a user's computer and then creates a ransom note named _readme.txt. This note gives instructions on how to pay a ransom to unlock the files. The usual ransom amount is $980, but if the victim contacts the cybercriminal within the first 72 hours of infection, the ransom is reduced to $490.
How computers get infected: STOP ransomware often comes bundled with "free programs" available on various software download websites. These programs might appear legitimate and useful but are actually bundled with malicious software, including STOP ransomware. Downloading and installing such programs can inadvertently lead to a ransomware infection.
In summary, if you find a .STOP file on your computer, it indicates that your files have been encrypted by STOP ransomware. You can attempt to recover these files using the Emsisoft Decryptor for STOP Djvu, but prevention of such infections through cautious downloading and installing of software is crucial.
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