How to remove VapeV7 Ransomware and decrypt .VapeV7 files

What is VapeV7 Ransomware

VapeV7 is a ransomware virus designed to encrypt data across successfully infected systems. By doing so, the virus makes sure users are no longer able to access/view their own data, which enables threat actors to demand money for its decryption. The encrypted files will appear with the new .VapeV7 extension and reset their original icons to blank. After this, victims will be presented with decryption instructions in a dedicated pop-up window.

In order to restore access to data, victims are demanded to send $200 to the cybercriminals’ BTC wallet (via an address inside the pop-up window) and notify the extortionists with the transaction ID by e-mail. Note that BTC wallets and contact e-mails are changing each second creating a lot of uncertainty as to what wallet address and e-mail to use. Also, displayed BTC wallets are actually incorrect and thus non-existent at all. Such a strange phenomenon could be a sign that VapeV7 Ransomware is bugged or still under development. However, not excluded that cybercriminals behind this ransomware will remove the bugs and strike future victims with more reliable decryption guidelines. Unfortunately, despite this fact, files enciphered by VapeV7 Ransomware are less likely to be decryptable manually.

The only best solution is usually to recover your files from an available backup (e.g., USB pendrive, external HDD/SSD, cloud storage, and other external means of storing files). In rare cases, recovery is possible with the help of third-party decryption tools (like the ones in our guide) or Windows Shadow Copies, however, this has not been observed with VapeV7 Ransomware. Paying the ransom is also an option (when possible), however, please note that some cybercriminals fool their victims and do not send any decryption tools despite the made claims. Thus, this involves risk and monetary loss compared to using your own backup, which is completely free and secure. Before recovering/trying to recover the data on your own, it is important to make sure the infection is no longer present within your system. Even if you collaborate with the attackers and pay them the ransom, the virus removal should be performed as well. Follow our guide to deal with VapeV7 Ransomware and secure yourself against similar threats in the future of your computer experience.

How VapeV7 Ransomware infected your computer

Ransomware is notorious for running its attacks on poorly protected systems vi e-mail letters, unprotected RDP configuration, infected software installers (pirated or cracked), exploit kits, trojans, fake updates/license cracking tools, unreliable ads, backdoors, keyloggers, and other similar channels. Most users catch an infection after interacting with some malicious file or link. For instance, it could be a fake e-mail message pretending to be from some reputable entity (tax authorities, popular companies, delivery services, financial institutions, etc.) and tricking inexperienced users into opening a malicious attachment disguised as a genuine file like .DOCX, .XLSX, .PDF, .EXE, .ZIP, .RAR, or .JS. Upon interaction with malicious attachments, they will likely deploy executable scripts that will deliver some malware into your system. Thus, always be careful with the content your receive via e-mail, especially if it arrived from a suspicious-looking and unreasonable sender. In addition, it is advised to avoid interaction with shady and pirated download resources, torrent-sharing websites, dubious ads, potentially malicious attachments/links, and other types of content that may seem suspicious or compromised. Only download software from official, trusted, and non-pirated resources. Use the guide below to learn the deletion of various malware and set up preventative measures to protect yourself against such threats in the future.

1. Download VapeV7 Ransomware Removal Tool
2. Get decryption tool for .VapeV7 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. How to protect from threats like VapeV7 Ransomware

VapeV7 Ransomware files:


{randomname}.exe


VapeV7 Ransomware registry keys:

no information

How to decrypt and restore .VapeV7 files

Use automated decryptors

Download Kaspersky RakhniDecryptor

Use following tool from Kaspersky called Rakhni Decryptor, that can decrypt .VapeV7 files. Download it here:

There is no purpose to pay the ransom because there is no guarantee you will receive the key, but you will put your bank credentials at risk.

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 .VapeV7 files by uploading samples to Dr. Web Ransomware Decryption Service. Analyzing 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 VapeV7 Ransomware and removed from your computer you can try to decrypt 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 .VapeV7 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.

How to protect computer from viruses, like VapeV7 Ransomware , in future

1. Get special anti-ransomware software

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. VapeV7 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.