How to remove Azhi Ransomware and decrypt .azhi files

What is Azhi Ransomware

Azhi Ransomware is a malicious software that belongs to the STOP/Djvu ransomware family. It infiltrates computer systems and encrypts various file types, such as documents, spreadsheets, presentations, images, photos, and videos. The encrypted files are appended with the .azhi extension, making them inaccessible and unusable. For example, it renames 1.jpg to 1.jpg.azhi and 2.png to 2.png.azhi. Azhi ransomware uses the Salsa20 encryption algorithm to scramble the contents of the targeted files. Due to the strong ciphering method, it becomes particularly difficult, if not impossible, to find the decryption key without cooperating with the attackers. The primary objective of Azhi ransomware is to demand a ransom payment from its victims, ranging from $490 to $980 in Bitcoin. Azhi ransomware creates a ransom note in the form of a text document named _readme.txt. The note clarifies that all files have been encrypted with a strong and unique encryption method and instructs victims to buy a decryption tool along with a key to restore their files.

As there is no specific decryption tool available for Azhi ransomware, decrypting .azhi files is not possible at the moment. Victims should focus on removing the ransomware from their system and exploring alternative methods to recover their files, such as using data recovery software or restoring from backups. Emsisoft has been known to develop decryption tools for various ransomware strains, for example, Decryptor for STOP Djvu. The decryptor can decrypt files affected by offline key encryption if victims who have paid the ransom and successfully received the decryption key choose to share it with Emsisoft. When it comes to offline key encryption, all victims of one specific STOP/Djvu variant can decrypt their files with the same decryption key. However, this does not apply to online key victims of the same ransomware variant. It is advisable to keep an eye on their website for any updates regarding ability to decrypt Azhi Ransomware. While Stellar Data Recovery Professional may not be able to directly decrypt .azhi files, it can potentially help recover the original unencrypted files if they were deleted or overwritten during the encryption process. However, the success of recovering .azhi files depends on various factors, such as the extent of the encryption and the availability of the original unencrypted files. It is worth trying Stellar Data Recovery Professional as an alternative method to restore your data, but keep in mind that it may not be able to recover all .azhi files.

Azhi Ransomware (ransom note)

Azhi Ransomware (encrypted files)

How Azhi Ransomware infects computers

Azhi ransomware typically infects computers through unsafe downloads, such as cracked games, pirated software, or other similar files. It can also be distributed via spam email messages, web injectors, malicious software installers, misleading online advertisements, and through another virus infection. Additionally, it may exploit vulnerabilities in the operating system and installed programs.

1. Download Azhi Ransomware Removal Tool
2. Get decryption tool for .azhi files
3. Recover encrypted files with Stellar Data Recovery Professional
4. Restore encrypted files with Windows Previous Versions
5. Restore files with Shadow Explorer
6. Restore media files with Media Repair
7. How to protect from threats like Azhi Ransomware

Virus modifies “hosts” file to block Windows updates, downloading antivirus programs, and visiting sites related to security news or offering security solutions. Azhi Ransomware comes along with AZORult trojan, which was initially created to steal logins and passwords. The process of infection also looks like installing Windows updates, the malware shows a fake window, that mimics the update process.

It uses rdpclip.exe to replace a legal Windows file and to launch an attack on a computer network. After encrypting the files, the encrypter is deleted using the delself.bat command file. Azhi Ransomware virus is propagated via spam attack with malicious e-mail attachments and using manual PC hacking. Can be distributed by hacking through an unprotected RDP configuration, fraudulent downloads, exploits, web injections, fake updates, repackaged, and infected installers. The virus assigns a certain ID to the victims, which is used to name those files and supposedly to send a decryption key. Great tools to protect against Azhi Ransomware are: Emsisoft Anti-Malware and Malwarebytes Anti-Malware.

How to remove Azhi Ransomware manually

Kill Azhi Ransomware Process

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc keys simultaneously to open the Windows Task Manager.
2. Select the Processes tab and look for any suspicious processes related to Azhi Ransomware.
3. Right-click on the malicious process and select Open file location. This step is necessary to remove executable file after this.
4. Right-click on the malicious process and select End Task or End Process option.

Disable Azhi Ransomware Start-up Entry

1. Press Win + R keys together to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type msconfig and press Enter to open the System Configuration window.
3. Go to the Startup tab and look for any suspicious entries related to Azhi Ransomware.
4. Uncheck the box next to the malicious entry and click OK to disable it.

Delete Azhi Ransomware Task

1. Press Win + R keys together to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type taskschd.msc and press Enter to open the Task Scheduler.
3. Look for any tasks related to Azhi Ransomware in the Task Scheduler Library.
4. Right-click on the malicious task and select Delete or Disable option.

Remove Azhi Ransomware Executable Files

1. Open folder that was opened on the third step of the first instruction Kill Azhi Ransomware Process.
2. Find Azhi Ransomware executable file.
3. Right-click on the malicious executable file and select Delete to remove it.
4. To be able to do this you will need to modify permissions fo this file in the instruction below.

Disable inheritance for executable files

1. Right-click on the affected folder and click Properties.
2. Click the Security tab and then click the Advanced button.
3. In the Advanced Security Settings window, click the Disable inheritance button.
4. Choose Convert inherited permissions into explicit permissions on this object to remove inherited permissions.
5. Now you will be able to delete the file.

It is not recommended to remove Azhi Ransomware manually, for safer solution use Removal Tools instead.

Azhi Ransomware files:

_readme.txt
rdpclip.exe
delself.bat
{randomname}.exe

Azhi Ransomware registry keys:

no information

How to decrypt and restore .azhi files

Use automated decryptors

Download STOP Djvu Decryptor from EmsiSoft (.azhi variations)

IMPORTANT: Read this detailed guide on using STOP Djvu Decryptor to avoid file corruption and time wasting.

STOP Djvu Decryptor is able to decrypt .azhi files, encrypted by Azhi Ransomware. This tool was developed by EmsiSoft. It works in automatic mode, but in most cases works only for files encrypted with offline keys. Download it here:

Dr.Web Rescue Pack

Famous antivirus vendor Dr. Web provides free decryption service for the owners of its products: Dr.Web Security Space or Dr.Web Enterprise Security Suite. Other users can ask for help in the decryption of .azhi files by uploading samples to Dr. Web Ransomware Decryption Service. Analysis of files will be performed free of charge and if files are decryptable, all you need to do is purchase a 2-year license of Dr.Web Security Space worth $120 or less. Otherwise, you don’t have to pay.

If you are infected with Azhi Ransomware and removed it from your computer, you can try decrypting your files. Antivirus vendors and individuals create free decryptors for some crypto-lockers. To attempt to decrypt them manually you can do the following:

Use Stellar Data Recovery Professional to restore .azhi files

1. Download Stellar Data Recovery Professional.
2. Click Recover Data button.
3. Select type of files you want to restore and click Next button.
4. Choose location where you would like to restore files from and click Scan button.
5. Preview found files, choose ones you will restore and click Recover.

Using Windows Previous Versions option:

1. Right-click on infected file and choose Properties.
2. Select Previous Versions tab.
3. Choose particular version of the file and click Copy.
4. To restore the selected file and replace the existing one, click on the Restore button.
5. In case there is no items in the list choose alternative method.

Using Shadow Explorer:

1. Download Shadow Explorer program.
2. Run it and you will see screen listing of all the drives and the dates that shadow copy was created.
3. Select the drive and date that you want to restore from.
4. Right-click on a folder name and select Export.
5. In case there are no other dates in the list, choose alternative method.

If you are using Dropbox:

1. Login to the DropBox website and go to the folder that contains encrypted files.
2. Right-click on the encrypted file and select Previous Versions.
3. Select the version of the file you wish to restore and click on the Restore button.

Use Media Repair to decrypt media files encrypted with .azhi

1. Download Media Repair tool.
2. Right-click on the downloaded archive, and select Extract to Media_Repair\.
3. Then double-click on the extracted .exe file to launch the utility.
4. At first, you have to choose which file type you want to decrypt. You can do it from the drop-down menu in the utility.
5. Next, browser the folder with encrypted or reference files. Choose any of them and click on the Test icon located in the top right corner.
6. Media Repair will display a pop-up message with information on whether it can repair the selected file or not.
7. After checking if it is possible or not, select your reference file and click on the icon right under the Test button we used in step #5.
8. If the file pair is properly matched, you can move on and hit the Play button to start repairing. You can also stop the process anytime by clicking on the Stop button.

How to protect computer from viruses, like Azhi Ransomware, in future

1. Get special anti-ransomware software

Use G-DATA STOP/Djvu vaccine

G DATA has released a vaccine to block STOP/DJVU ransomware from encrypting victims’ files after infection. The vaccine prevents the ransomware from encrypting files anymore, but it does not prevent the infection itself. The vaccine is available on GitHub. Download it below:

Use ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware

ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware Dashboard

ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware Alert

ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware Blocked

Famous antivirus brand ZoneAlarm by Check Point released a comprehensive tool, that will help you with active anti-ransomware protection, as an additional shield to your current protection. The tool provides Zero-Day protection against ransomware and allows you to recover files. ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware is compatible with all other antiviruses, firewalls, and security software except ZoneAlarm Extreme (already shipped with ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware) or Check Point Endpoint products. The killer features of this application are: automatic file recovery, overwrite protection that instantly and automatically recovers any encrypted files, file protection that detects and blocks even unknown encryptors.

2. Back up your files

As an additional way to save your files, we recommend online backup. Local storage, such as hard drives, SSDs, flash drives, or remote network storage can be instantly infected by the virus once plugged in or connected to. Azhi Ransomware uses some techniques to exploit this. One of the best services and programs for easy automatic online backup is iDrive. It has the most profitable terms and a simple interface. You can read more about iDrive cloud backup and storage here.

3. Do not open spam e-mails and protect your mailbox

Malicious attachments to spam or phishing e-mails are the most popular method of ransomware distribution. Using spam filters and creating anti-spam rules is good practice. One of the world leaders in anti-spam protection is MailWasher Pro. It works with various desktop applications and provides a very high level of anti-spam protection.