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AZHI Ransomware (.azhi File Extension)

AZHI a strain within the STOP/Djvu Ransomware family, employing the Salsa20 encryption algorithm to encrypt files on compromised systems. Victims are coerced into paying a ransom ranging from $490 to $980 in Bitcoins for the decryption key.

You may be interested in taking a look at our other antivirus tools:
Trojan Killer, and Online Virus Scanner.

About Azhi:


NameAzhi Virus
Version0793
File Extension.azhi
Contact[email protected], [email protected]
FamilySTOP/Djvu Ransomware
Note_readme.txt
Offline IDGQ9DjFmWFDqpsyzsOnaxE1Xr4MPL1dG4vPfPDNt1
Last seenDecember 04, 2023
AlgorithmSalsa20 encryption. If Azhi cannot establish a connection to crooks server before starting the encryption process, it uses the offline key. This key is the same for all victims(!), making it possible to decrypt .azhi files in the future.
RansomFrom $490 to $980 (in Bitcoins)
Damage
  1. โฎž Can delete Volume Shadow copies to make victimโ€™s attempts to restore data impossible;
  2. โฎž Adds a list of domains to HOSTS file to block access to certain security-related sites;
  3. โฎž Installs password-stealing trojan virus, like Redline Stealer, Vidar Stealer, Smokeloader, Azorult and others;
DistributionThird-party downloaders, installers, peer-to-peer networks, RDP exploits, etc.,
RSA Public Key-----BEGIN PUBLIC KEY----- MIIBIjANBgkqhkiG9w0BAQEFAAOCAQ8AMIIBCgKCAQEArBrneEIQdBFXZaeBUAS8 wH7aMn3xZ2P0+v6VCnLGeU0C+9nPdY0vEKTGhmQmX5mTPxHx0YOio0MNfJigIngF UurP7GwIzjiA9Vhh+E4oU4l3QncQbThKRZ3+N6k71ySVwL+15TJ00FBKk/z41dQu QZqSgIS0T/7wW4CWCTLD3dewnt9CTD6UUN9A5dXBa3pxJf6gQeGgcF9MGkbaYsFn ucGyW1ppYe/4pPXENEo7OYgQDnJgch+X4BgMzRga6ix18adWGZj41gMHdRpFkjHE sNZtuU5QQIgVkfWjmhv3PWTRQ5raftzMIvvycBmhiPeFwoDt8w3u1DFrAi65hWiD WQIDAQAB -----END PUBLIC KEY-----
Other variants
  • Azop Ransomware (.azop encrypted files)
  • Azqt Ransomware (.azqt encrypted files)
  • Wwza Ransomware (.wwza encrypted files)
  • AZHI Virus Removal Tool

    What is Azhi?

    Azhi ransomware dispels the myth that viruses only come from explicitly dubious activities. It stealthily infiltrates your system, encrypts your files, and demands a ransom for their return, all while rendering your security tools useless.

    The encryption employed by this malware is notably robust, further compounded by the fact that the necessary decryption key is stored on a remote server controlled by the fraudsters. The usual ransom demand hovers around $1000, and while alternative decryption methods exist, their success rates are dishearteningly low according to statistics.

    In addition to encrypting files, Azhi ransomware inflicts damage on other system components. Although not catastrophic, these modifications significantly hinder computer usability, from blocking access to certain websites to obstructing the installation of antivirus software and potentially damaging network functionalities within various applications. Promptly reversing these changes is crucial.

    The spread of Azhi ransomware typically occurs through third-party sites offering paid software for free. Such platforms also host an array of hacking tools, like cheat engines and keygens, which are manipulated to alter software behavior. For hackers, embedding malware into these programs is a simple task, given their comprehensive access to the softwareโ€™s executable code. The insertion of the virus becomes a matter of financial incentive.

    Azhi Encryption process

    The Azhi uses the Salsa20 encryption algorithm. That is not the strongest method, but it still provides an overwhelming amount of possible decryption keys. To brute force the 78-digit number of keys, you need 3.5 unvigintillion years (1*10^65), even if you use the most powerful regular PC. Quantum computers can show a bit better results, but it is still too slow to get your files back while you are alive.

    The exact algorithm of encryption is next: malware scans each folder for the files it is able to encrypt. Then, when it finds the target, it makes a copy of your file, removes the original one, encrypts the copy and leaves it instead of the removed original. Such a procedure is done to prevent the situation when you have already opened the file, so ransomware is not able to read it because of the Windows restrictions. To each encrypted copy, the virus adds the specific extension - ".azhi". Then, ransomware creates a _readme.txt file in the folder where the encrypted file is located, and goes to the next folder.

    .AZHI Files

    Such an encryption method can be exploited for file recovery. Since the original file is deleted, you may try to recover it using the file recovery tools. The less time is passed - the bigger the chance to get your files back, so hurry up!

    Another specific moment that can help you to use the files even after the encryption is the fact that Azhi ransomware encrypts only the first 150KB of each file. Hence, you can try to run a big file, such as video or music, without the encryption. Similar feature also works with other ransomware families - Dharma, Conti and Makop encrypt the same 150KB.

    Azhi note:

    Ransom note is the same for the whole STOP/DJVU family. In fact, it is one of the main signs of to which family the certain ransomware belongs. Here is the typical note for STOP/Djvu family:

    ATTENTION!

    Don't worry, you can return all your files!
    All your files like pictures, 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:
    https://we.tl/t-e5pgPH03fe
    Price 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:
    [email protected]

    Reserve e-mail address to contact us:
    [email protected]

    Your personal ID:
    ****************

    ๐Ÿ”— HowToFix.Guide: How To Decrypt .azhi Files?

    Indicators of Compromise(IOC)

    File NameMD5File Size
    ๐Ÿ“œ SAMPLE.EXE7e72605b3ecba2403151a3af2c682dde701952
    ๐Ÿ“œ SAMPLE.EXE76517aacd032172b9eb80cc6f0b7c664702976
    ๐Ÿ“œ SAMPLE.EXE31c3a8cde771dd71ae86fd8363358205196096
    ๐Ÿ“œ SAMPLE.EXEe63677580f5a8012df5b129b9bcadbc3702976
    ๐Ÿ“œ SAMPLE.EXE0dce80fb63b309a45b379a243111a774702976
    ๐Ÿ“œ SAMPLE.EXE7068be688928187ad46e10c91c8895f1849408
    ๐Ÿ“œ SAMPLE.EXE2b7286938762a111e45b96fced3e05dc328704
    ๐Ÿ“œ SAMPLE.EXE35c454e5c253a0f6943980dce9094ace849408
    ๐Ÿ“œ SAMPLE.EXE27f5207eb726b8d39f594c28416e2917217600
    ๐Ÿ“œ SAMPLE.EXEdfefe85236989e925ce365d54319d982849408