To bring to the knowledge of the victim about what is going on, those behind the cyber-attack will also drop ransom notes called _readme.txt in every folder. The information contained in it will clarify that a ransomware attack has just occurred, and as a result, the entire files saved in the system have become encrypted. In other words, they have been made unreadable/useless to the owner with the use of powerful algorithms that can’t be reversed by anyone else. As a result of that, the victim would have to pay the ransom so they could forward a decryption tool for the SIJR malware.

Contents of the ransom note fully explained

The cybercriminals will caption the _readme.txt ransom note in such a way it will appear threatening to the victim. They will claim that all available data is stored in the computer has been rendered useless by way of encryption, including important documents, pictures, videos, etc. However, they would also be quick in letting the victim know that there is no other way to solve the problem except by complying with their ransom demands. In other words, they are paying them for the software and decryption key that will enable them to regain the lost/encrypted data. Already, the motive of the cybercriminals is the ransom fee they hope to collect from the victim. To establish a communication channel between them, they will also make available two email addresses, namely, manager@time2mail.ch and supportsys@airmail.cc with suggestions that the victim should respond via them. To remove doubt in the victim’s mind and encourage them to pay, they may request that any part of the encrypted files be sent to them for a trial test decryption as a way of showing their expertise. However, when it comes to the ransom proper, they will emphasize that the ransom is $980, but if the victim could respond within the next three days after being notified, 50% discount could be leveraged by them, thus bringing the ransom down to $490. However, once 72 hours elapses, the discount would be removed. Since they typically do not accept cash payments/transfers, the cybercriminals would also inform the victim to make use of cryptocurrency such as bitcoin or similar ones in paying the ransom. The obvious reason why they prefer cryptocurrency is to cover their tracks and avoid law enforcement agents coming after them. Shown in the screenshot below is a typical _readme.txt ransom note cybercriminals often leave for their target victims. No matter how important the encrypted files may be, those at the receiving end of cyber-attacks have been warned by the FBI and other cybersecurity experts never to pay ransom. When victims pay ransom, they worsen the situation in many ways. More ransom funds in the hands of cybercriminals would only encourage them to perpetrate more crimes in hopes of getting additional money. It would also enable them to employ more hands in the illegal business. Also, past experiences have shown that victims who pay ransom end up being attacked again in the future, unlike those that refuse to pay.

Further risks associated with cyberattack

Generally, different variants of STOP/DJVU ransomware virus including the one under discussion usually release other types of malware/Trojans on any computer they’ve already infected. These secondary malware or Trojans can equally be as dangerous. Typical ones include AZORULT and VIDAR and can be used in stealing important personal information like passwords, banking details, browsing details, cryptocurrency wallets etc. When cybercriminals pilfer such sensitive details, it could lead to more losses or even blackmail. Cybercriminals also make use of other means such as deleting of Volume Shadow Copies as well as modification of the original system processes to make the computer more vulnerable once it is compromised following a ransomware attack. For this and other reasons, it is crucial to remove SIJR virus as soon as possible whenever it infects a computer. The best way to go about it is to boot the infected computer through Safe Mode with Networking and afterward, you install and scan any genuine antivirus software. The download and use of RESTORO in scanning and repairing affected Windows OS files is highly recommended.

Ransomware Summary

REPAIR VIRUS DAMAGE Screenshot of files encrypted by SIJR ransomware is provided below.

Ransomware threats and the need to safeguard your PC

The need to safeguard your computer against ransomware attacks can’t be overemphasized. Cybercriminals now make use of diverse methods in spreading viruses, including phishing, fake ads, pirated software contents and other inordinate social engineering gimmicks. Again, since they keep changing their methods, computer users should remain vigilant at all times. However, it may interest you to note that STOP/DJVU variants typically make use of pirated software copies uploaded on online torrent platforms in spreading virus. To prevent such occurrence, downloading/activation of any software content should be done only on the official web page of the producer or their third-party licensed agents. Another method sometimes used by cybercriminals in spreading virus is through deceptive email attachments embedded with malware. They usually make use of PDF, JS formats, Excel, or even MS Word in transporting the malware and may even use compelling terms like invoices, pending payment, or order details, among others, just to make their target victim click on such attachments. Cybercriminals may even spoof the email sender’s address while attaching logos of notable brands just to give the impression they are coming from such legitimate businesses. To be on the safe side, emails that appear weird in any form shouldn’t be opened. Clicking on them can lead to a malware attack.For victims, it is important to shun any website advertising dubious claims of having solutions/tools for STOP/DJVU decrypted files. So far, only DiskTuna and Emsisoft have proven effective against these virus variants. Before we conclude, it is necessary to reiterate that genuine antivirus software should be kept active in your computer at all times. It will act as a form of insurance against any form of malware, even when you unknowingly allow them in.

Remove SIJR Ransomware Virus and also Decrypt Your Files

When trying to remove SIJR ransomware virus, always remember to boot your PC through Safe Mode with Networking first. This set up will make it easier for the antivirus to perform excellently. You’re also advised to download RESTORO to help in restoring your Windows OS files. After SIJR virus removal, you should consider doing the following:

Inform law enforcement agencies about the incident.Restore lost data with any backup device.Learn more about possible methods to restore files locked by STOP/DJVU.Change all passwords used in the computer.

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 SIJR 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 SIJR 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 SIJR files

Fix and open large SIJR 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. SIJR 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 SIJR files, follow the given tutorial.

Meanings of decryptor’s messages

The SIJR 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 SIJR 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 SIJR 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.