According to the security professionals, ransomware-type infections continue to spread on unverified peer-to-peer (P2P) portals or deceptive pop-up advertisements. Once infiltrated, this virus tries to hide its presence from the computer user by imitating a Windows Update screen. The disguise helps to successfully encrypt files on the targeted computer without interruption. Note that USAM ransomware also holds malicious codes that are executed right away — victims are automatically blocked from accessing all types of security tools, including antivirus software and security websites online. This way the cyber threat ensures that the victim would not be able to stop the encryption process once started. File-encrypting viruses are capable of encoding all types of information on the system. It includes photographs, videos, audio memories, various types of documents, and other information. After successful encryption, files contain .Usam extension and are no longer accessible like before. For example, image.jpg is changed to image.jpg.usam and the user can no longer open the photograph. While regular computer users might be unaware of what happened, cybercriminals drop _readme.txt file that serves as a ransom note. They explain that the information is encrypted and the only way to reaccess it is to get a USAM decryption key. This is a unique tool that cannot be duplicated — attackers ask to pay a considerable amount of money in Bitcoins for it.

Reasons not to trust the attackers

Users are offered a 50% off the full price within the first 72 hours of infection and are asked to transfer $490 to a specific Bitcoin account. After the given period of time, cybercriminals double the price, and victims must purchase the decryption tool for $980 via cryptocurrency portals. However, attackers not always keep their promises. In fact, almost never. Victims whose computers have been infected with previous versions of STOP/DJVU ransomware (TABE, NYPD, KKLL, ZWER, NLAH) warn other people not to trust cybercriminals. Many users suffered from financial losses since they agreed to pay but never received the decryption key or they were asked to pay even more money. An example of the USAM virus ransom note in a text format:ATTENTION!Don’t worry, you can return all your files!All your files like photos, 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:hxxps://we.tl/t-qZxIk8SQDpPrice 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.chYour personal ID:– Our Geek’s Advice security team also suggests you to never follow the demands of the attackers. Otherwise, you risk being tricked to spend considerable amounts of money on software you might never receive. Note that you should remove USAM ransomware instead. For that, you must use a professional antivirus. Speaking of virus damage repair, use program like RESTORO. USAM removal is a complicated process and should never be performed on your own. Either get help from an IT expert or run a full system scan with a malware removal application and get rid of the file-encrypting virus as quickly as possible. Later, you can try to restore your files by following steps on the STOP/DJVU decryption guide.

Ransomware acts as a blocker for security websites

Recent studies show that file encryption is not the only feature of this highly advanced ransomware. In fact, hackers have developed this virus to act as a blocker for security websites. In other words, USAM ransomware is capable to prevent people from accessing the majority of security pages once their systems are infected. The file-encrypting virus is programmed to modify the Windows hosts file on the attacked computer. Right after the infiltration it embeds a rogue code inside the hosts file with a list of pages whose connection should be blocked. Therefore, people who aim to get help with either the removal process or data decryption are unable to contact the experts online. Security sites simply do not load on the infected system. While the installed antivirus might be capable to get rid of USAM file virus, it would not detect the modifications on the Windows hosts file. Usually, people must eliminate the malicious code inside on their own. For that, we suggest following Windows hosts file reset guide that is designed to suit all most commonly used OS, including Windows Vista/XP/7/8/10.

Summarizing the features of a virus

USAM ransomware attack demonstration is shown below. The virus modifies files, and after that, they can no longer be opened. Description: USAM ransomware virus is a highly dangerous malware variant that is designed to prevent victim from accessing personal files on a computer and connected data drives. It encrypts them and marks them with .usam file extensions. Following a successful attack, the virus creates and drops _readme.txt note, which contains a ransom demand from the cybercriminals. Offer price: $490-$980 Currency: Bitcoin Operating System: Windows Application Category: Ransomware (Malware) Author: STOP/DJVU developers

Examining distribution and decryption methodology

It is evident that searching for popular software cracks on illegal portals is still very popular among regular computer users. Unfortunately, cybercriminals try to take advantage of unregulated websites and upload ransomware executables named as popular applications and their cracks. Therefore, many inexperienced computer users are fooled to install the file-encrypting virus completely on their own. Another trick that attackers employed contains creating a fake Adobe update pop-up ad. Users who browse on questionable pages can be redirected to the malicious advertisement that suggests you need to update your software by clicking the update button right on the pop-up. Unfortunately, clicking on it starts an automatic ransomware installation on the targeted computer.

Ways to avoid ransomware attacks

It is essential to stop visiting such peer-to-peer (P2P) networks and getting unverified programs. Instead, you should install software only from its official website or use an authorised distributor. This way, you will make sure that the file you are downloading is completely safe and ransomware-free. Furthermore, if you want to avoid falling for the fraudulent Adobe update ad you should always check if the notification to upgrade your software comes from the application installed on the computer or it appears on the browser. Note that most fake pop-ups are displayed while you browse the Internet. Thus, you should never click on them.

Currently available methods for decryption

Although, those who have already fallen for ransomware distribution tricks and installed a virus can still remove it and try to restore the encrypted data. Currently, researchers divide STOP/DJVU family viruses into two categories — old and new. The old virus types already has a decryption tool while the new ones are still undecryptable. The old virus category includes 148 variants that have been released before August 2019. They are using an offline key to perform encryption when the computer is offline or faces connectivity issues. Likewise, users can try using a robust decryptor from Emsisoft to restore their files. However, this tool requires an Internet connection. Yet, it is completely free of charge. Furthermore, the Emsisoft team, including Michael Gillespie, has presented a new way to try to get users’ files back. Now, people who have an original version and an encrypted version of a file can upload it on the Emsisoft decryption website. The security team warns that the decryption process might take time and it also works only on ransomware versions created before August 2019. In addition, despite which encryption type – online or offline was used, you can repair some file types using a freshly developed Media_Repair tool by DiskTuna. You can find its how-to-use guide here.

USAM ransomware virus removal explained

While you might find multiple ways to remove USAM ransomware virus online, we can assure you that the safest one is to use professional antivirus software. When it comes to post-malware removal, we highly recommend using RESTORO for the virus damage repair. In addition to USAM removal, this software offers to fix virus damage. In other words, this antivirus can also replace damaged Windows OS files with new ones and make sure that your system is just as good as before the infection. However, this does not mean that it will decrypt the encoded information on the computer. For file recovery, you must use the latest backup. If you are unable to download or open the antivirus you chose to use, it is because the ransomware runs malicious codes to block all security tools. You can circumvent the system by booting your computer into Safe Mode. Ways how to do that are explained below in the guide. 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 USAM 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 USAM 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 USAM files

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

Meanings of decryptor’s messages

The USAM 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 USAM 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 USAM 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.