Surviving the Threat of DJVU/STOP Ransomware: My Experience and Plea for Help

As someone who has cherished precious memories and important data on my computer, I find myself in an alarming situation that I never thought I would encounter. Recently, I inadvertently downloaded a plugin for FL Studio from a questionable source, which led to a devastating encounter with ransomware. The horror unfolded when I opened an .exe file, resulting in all my personal files being encrypted into a format I had never heard of: .SGHL.

The specific variant that affected my system is known as DJVU/STOP Ransomware ONLINE Key. Suddenly, I was thrust into a nightmare where access to my important documents, cherished photos, and critical files was stripped away. In the aftermath, a cryptic text file was left on my system, detailing the terms of my situation.

The Ransom Note

The note began ominously yet deceptively with the promise of retrieving my files. It assured me that everything—pictures, documents, databases—could be restored, but it came at a price. It stated that my files had been secured with powerful encryption and a unique key, implying that the only way to regain access was to purchase a decryptor from them.

The ransom demand was staggering: $980 for the decryption software. However, if I acted quickly and reached out within 72 hours, they offered a 50% discount, dropping the price to $490. Additionally, they tempted potential victims with the promise of decrypting one file for free, provided it did not contain sensitive information.

While I must admit, the urgency and threat of losing everything are overwhelming, I find myself questioning the likelihood that they have made copies of my files elsewhere or if they are just punishing me by encrypting them locally.

Seeking Guidance

As I navigate through this distressing situation, I am reaching out for any advice or assistance. Is there a chance to recover my files without paying the ransom? Are there any tools or resources available that can salvage what has been lost?

I wish to express my gratitude to the supportive community that has offered their insights and encouragement during this challenging time. Your guidance means the world to me as I attempt to confront this crisis head-on. Please share your thoughts, experiences, or any help you can provide.

In closing, I urge everyone to remain vigilant and cautious when downloading files and to regularly back up your data to prevent falling victim to such malware