The EOEO Virus is a AutoIT-based ransomware which is probably a test release. The current version contains a fully-functioning encryption engine which will process sensitive user data and append the .eoeo extension. Future versions might include other dangerous components. Our article provides an overview of the virus operations and it also may be helpful in attempting to remove the virus.
Threat Summary
| Name | EOEO Virus |
| Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
| Short Description | The ransomware encrypts sensitive information on your computer system with the .eoeo extension and demands a ransom to be paid to allegedly recover them. |
| Symptoms | The ransomware will encrypt your files with a strong encryption algorithm. |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments |
| Detection Tool |
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User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss EOEO Virus. |
| Data Recovery Tool | Windows Data Recovery by Stellar Phoenix Notice! This product scans your drive sectors to recover lost files and it may not recover 100% of the encrypted files, but only few of them, depending on the situation and whether or not you have reformatted your drive. |
EOEO Virus – Distribution Ways
The EOEO virus samples have been found in a limited attack against users worldwide. It is based on AutoIt scripts which means that it is most likely made by beginner hackers by using various online guides. As such we presume that the most widely used tactics are going to be used with future updates.
A common technique is to coordinate email SPAM messages that depend on social engineering tactics to coerce the victims into interacting with a malicious element. The virus setup files are usually directly attached or linked in the body contents. The messages themselves are designed to appear just like any ordinary notification — software updates, password reminders and other contents that require some kind of an user intervention.
The criminals behind the EOEO virus can help spread the threat further by creating fake download sites — they mimic the legitimate vendor download sites and famous Internet portals. Most of the cases rely on similar sounding domain names and security certificates that can fool many users into opening them.
In some cases the criminals may also opt to integrate the virus code into malicious carriers which include the following two examples:
- Infected Documents — The EOEO virus can be integrated into the most popular documents as built-in macros. The hackers target the most widely used document types: presentations, databases, text files and spreadsheets. Once the files are opened by the victm users a notification prompt will appear asking them to enable the built-in content. If this is done the virus infection will be triggered.
- Application Installers — The virus code can be made part of setup files of popular software: creativity suites, system utilities and productivity solutions. This is done by taking the original files from the official sites and modifying them with the virus code.
Advanced viruses are also likely to rely on another method that delivers malware files via infected web browser plugins. They are usually posted to the relevant browser’s repository using fake user reviews and developer credentials. Once they are installed a settings change will be triggered — the built-in code will manipulate the installed browsers into redirecting the users to a hacker-controlled site. When this is done the malicious instructions will load the EOEO virus onto the infected machines.
Both the infected carriers and the executable virus files can be distributed via file sharing networks such as BitTorrent as well. They are often used by computer users to share pirate content.
EOEO Virus – In-Depth Analysis
The security performed on the captured EOEO virus samples shows that it is based on AutoIt scripts. This gives the experts the presumption that the virus is probably made by following an online tutorial or a modified version of a previous Autoit-based ransomware. Usual viruses are written from scratch or use modules from dangerous ransomware families while this particular version contains only the basic encryption engine.
There are two theories that can be ascribed to the origins and goals of the hacker or group behind the EOEO virus. The first one speculates that it has been created with the goal of infecting as many users as it can in the designated virus campaigns. The other theory is that the captured releases are merely test versions of a larger and more feature-rich threat which is to be deployed in the coming future.
The current EOEO virus seem to follow the usual behavior pattern, when it is upgraded further it will probably add newer components and modules. Future attacks will probably begins with a data harvesting module, viruses typically gather sensitive information that is grouped into two main types:
- Personal Information — This data can expose the victim users identity. The engine is set to automatically harvest strings such as their name, address, phone number, location and stored account credentials.
- Campaign Metrics — The hackers can also harvest certain data that can help them optimize their attacks. The collected metrics usually make use of a report of the installed hardware components, certain operating system values and user-set options.
This data can then be further processed by another component called stealth protection. It searches for signatures of security services or applications that can interfere with the malicious execution. In most cases the list includes all popular anti-virus programs, sandbox environments and virtual machine hosts. The stealth protection component will bypass or altogether delete the real-time engines. This allows the EOEO virus to intrude onto the system and hookup to system processes, create its own processes and take on administrative privileges.
Various system modifications can follow including the following:
- Windows Registry Changes — The EOEO virus can access the Windows registry and modify entries at will. If programmed to modify the ones related to the operating system then overall performance may greatly suffer. Modifications to the user-installed applications can lead to problems when launching certain functions.
- Persistent Installation — The EOEO virus can be installed as a persistent threat by creating its own strings in the Windows Registry and by modifying certain boot options. Usually these changes will render access to the recovery menu impossible which prevents many manual restore functions.
- Additional Threat Delivery — The EOEO virus infection itself can be used as a payload carrier for other viruses and Trojans. A popular example would be a cryptocurrecny miner that can take advantage of the available system resources. They are either delivered as scripts or stand-alone files. Once they are found on the victim systems they will start to work on complex calculations. When they are complete and reported to the relevant servers digital currency will be rewarded to the hacker operators.
- Trojan Module — The EOEO virus may also install a Trojan module which will connect the infected computer to a remote host using a secure and encrypted connection. It will allow the hacker operators to take over control of the host, deploy other threats and spy on the victims at any given moment.
AutoIt scripts can easily be programmed into launching various modules. Other components can easily be adapted and built into the virus files.
EOEO Virus — Encryption
The ransomware component is called once all prior actions have successfully completed. It will target files based on a built-in list of target data. The victim files will be processed with a strong cipher and the users will not be able to access them. An example list targets the following data:
- Archives
- Databases
- Backups
- Videos
- Music
- Documents
Once this process is complete the victim users will find that their files are renamed with the .eoeo extension. A generic ransomware note may be produced blackmailing the users into paying the hackers a fee to “decrypt” their files.
Remove EOEO Virus and Restore Encrypted Files
If your computer system got infected with the EOEO Virus, you should have a bit of experience in removing malware. You should get rid of this ransomware as quickly as possible before it can have the chance to spread further and infect other computers. You should remove the ransomware and follow the step-by-step instructions guide provided below.
Martin Beltov
Martin graduated with a degree in Publishing from Sofia University. As a cyber security enthusiast he enjoys writing about the latest threats and mechanisms of intrusion.
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Step 1: Scan for EOEO Virus with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall EOEO Virus and related malware from Windows
Here is a method in few easy steps that should be able to uninstall most programs. No matter if you are using Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista or XP, those steps will get the job done. Dragging the program or its folder to the recycle bin can be a very bad decision. If you do that, bits and pieces of the program are left behind, and that can lead to unstable work of your PC, errors with the file type associations and other unpleasant activities. The proper way to get a program off your computer is to Uninstall it. To do that:
Follow the instructions above and you will successfully delete most unwanted and malicious programs.
Step 3: Clean any registries, created by EOEO Virus on your computer.
The usually targeted registries of Windows machines are the following:
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
You can access them by opening the Windows registry editor and deleting any values, created by EOEO Virus there. This can happen by following the steps underneath:
Tip: To find a virus-created value, you can right-click on it and click "Modify" to see which file it is set to run. If this is the virus file location, remove the value.
Before starting "Step 4", please boot back into Normal mode, in case you are currently in Safe Mode.
This will enable you to install and use SpyHunter 5 successfully.
Step 4: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove EOEO Virus
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by EOEO Virus.
Method 1: Use STOP Decrypter by Emsisoft.
Not all variants of this ransomware can be decrypted for free, but we have added the decryptor used by researchers that is often updated with the variants which become eventually decrypted. You can try and decrypt your files using the instructions below, but if they do not work, then unfortunately your variant of the ransomware virus is not decryptable.
Follow the instructions below to use the Emsisoft decrypter and decrypt your files for free. You can download the Emsisoft decryption tool linked here and then follow the steps provided below:
1 Right-click on the decrypter and click on Run as Administrator as shown below:
2. Agree with the license terms:
3. Click on "Add Folder" and then add the folders where you want files decrypted as shown underneath:
4. Click on "Decrypt" and wait for your files to be decoded.
Note: Credit for the decryptor goes to Emsisoft researchers who have made the breakthrough with this virus.
Method 2: Use data recovery software
Ransomware infections and EOEO Virus aim to encrypt your files using an encryption algorithm which may be very difficult to decrypt. This is why we have suggested a data recovery method that may help you go around direct decryption and try to restore your files. Bear in mind that this method may not be 100% effective but may also help you a little or a lot in different situations.
Simply click on the link and on the website menus on the top, choose Data Recovery - Data Recovery Wizard for Windows or Mac (depending on your OS), and then download and run the tool.
EOEO Virus-FAQ
What is EOEO Virus Ransomware?
EOEO Virus is a ransomware infection - the malicious software that enters your computer silently and blocks either access to the computer itself or encrypt your files.
Many ransomware viruses use sophisticated encryption algorithms to make your files inaccessible. The goal of ransomware infections is to demand that you pay a ransom payment to get access to your files back.
What Does EOEO Virus Ransomware Do?
Ransomware in general is a malicious software that is designed to block access to your computer or files until a ransom is paid.
Ransomware viruses can also damage your system, corrupt data and delete files, resulting in the permanent loss of important files.
How Does EOEO Virus Infect?
Via several ways.EOEO Virus Ransomware infects computers by being sent via phishing emails, containing virus attachment. This attachment is usually masked as an important document, like an invoice, bank document or even a plane ticket and it looks very convincing to users.
Another way you may become a victim of EOEO Virus is if you download a fake installer, crack or patch from a low reputation website or if you click on a virus link. Many users report getting a ransomware infection by downloading torrents.
How to Open .EOEO Virus files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .EOEO Virus files are encrypted. You can only open them once they are decrypted using a specific decryption key for the particular algorithm.
What to Do If a Decryptor Does Not Work?
Do not panic, and backup the files. If a decryptor did not decrypt your .EOEO Virus files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".EOEO Virus" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .EOEO Virus files.
These methods are in no way 100% guaranteed that you will be able to get your files back. But if you have a backup, your chances of success are much greater.
How To Get Rid of EOEO Virus Virus?
The safest way and the most efficient one for the removal of this ransomware infection is the use a professional anti-malware program.
It will scan for and locate EOEO Virus ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .EOEO Virus files.
Can I Report Ransomware to Authorities?
In case your computer got infected with a ransomware infection, you can report it to the local Police departments. It can help authorities worldwide track and determine the perpetrators behind the virus that has infected your computer.
Below, we have prepared a list with government websites, where you can file a report in case you are a victim of a cybercrime:
Cyber-security authorities, responsible for handling ransomware attack reports in different regions all over the world:
Germany - Offizielles Portal der deutschen Polizei
United States - IC3 Internet Crime Complaint Centre
United Kingdom - Action Fraud Police
France - Ministère de l'Intérieur
Italy - Polizia Di Stato
Spain - Policía Nacional
Netherlands - Politie
Poland - Policja
Portugal - Polícia Judiciária
Greece - Cyber Crime Unit (Hellenic Police)
India - Mumbai Police - CyberCrime Investigation Cell
Australia - Australian High Tech Crime Center
Reports may be responded to in different timeframes, depending on your local authorities.
Can You Stop Ransomware from Encrypting Your Files?
Yes, you can prevent ransomware. The best way to do this is to ensure your computer system is updated with the latest security patches, use a reputable anti-malware program and firewall, backup your important files frequently, and avoid clicking on malicious links or downloading unknown files.
Can EOEO Virus Ransomware Steal Your Data?
Yes, in most cases ransomware will steal your information. It is a form of malware that steals data from a user's computer, encrypts it, and then demands a ransom in order to decrypt it.
In many cases, the malware authors or attackers will threaten to delete the data or publish it online unless the ransom is paid.
Can Ransomware Infect WiFi?
Yes, ransomware can infect WiFi networks, as malicious actors can use it to gain control of the network, steal confidential data, and lock out users. If a ransomware attack is successful, it could lead to a loss of service and/or data, and in some cases, financial losses.
Should I Pay Ransomware?
No, you should not pay ransomware extortionists. Paying them only encourages criminals and does not guarantee that the files or data will be restored. The better approach is to have a secure backup of important data and be vigilant about security in the first place.
What Happens If I Don't Pay Ransom?
If you don't pay the ransom, the hackers may still have access to your computer, data, or files and may continue to threaten to expose or delete them, or even use them to commit cybercrimes. In some cases, they may even continue to demand additional ransom payments.
Can a Ransomware Attack Be Detected?
Yes, ransomware can be detected. Anti-malware software and other advanced security tools can detect ransomware and alert the user when it is present on a machine.
It is important to stay up-to-date on the latest security measures and to keep security software updated to ensure ransomware can be detected and prevented.
Do Ransomware Criminals Get Caught?
Yes, ransomware criminals do get caught. Law enforcement agencies, such as the FBI, Interpol and others have been successful in tracking down and prosecuting ransomware criminals in the US and other countries. As ransomware threats continue to increase, so does the enforcement activity.
About the EOEO Virus Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this EOEO Virus how-to removal guide included, is the outcome of extensive research, hard work and our team’s devotion to help you remove the specific malware and restore your encrypted files.
How did we conduct the research on this ransomware?
Our research is based on an independent investigation. We are in contact with independent security researchers, and as such, we receive daily updates on the latest malware and ransomware definitions.
Furthermore, the research behind the EOEO Virus ransomware threat is backed with VirusTotal and the NoMoreRansom project.
To better understand the ransomware threat, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.
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