1more

[Content by Gemini 2.5]

The ransomware variant identified by the file extension .1more is a relatively recent addition to the prolific STOP/Djvu ransomware family. This family is notorious for its wide distribution, consistent evolution, and challenges in decryption without the attacker’s private key.

Here’s a detailed breakdown and comprehensive recovery strategies for the .1more ransomware:

Technical Breakdown:

1. File Extension & Renaming Patterns

  • Confirmation of File Extension: Files encrypted by this ransomware will have the .1more extension appended to their original filename.
  • Renaming Convention: The typical file renaming pattern is original_filename.original_extension.1more.
    • Examples:
      • document.docx becomes document.docx.1more
      • photo.jpg becomes photo.jpg.1more
      • archive.zip becomes archive.zip.1more
  • Ransom Note: Upon encryption, the ransomware typically drops a ransom note named _readme.txt in every folder containing encrypted files, as well as on the desktop. This note contains instructions on how to contact the attackers, usually via email (e.g., [email protected] or [email protected]), and details the ransom amount (often starting at $490 USD, increasing to $980 USD if not paid within a few days).

2. Detection & Outbreak Timeline

  • Approximate Start Date/Period: While the STOP/Djvu family has been active since at least 2018, the .1more specific variant was first widely reported and observed in the wild during late 2023 to early 2024. This highlights the continuous and rapid evolution of new extensions within the STOP/Djvu ecosystem.

3. Primary Attack Vectors

1more, like other STOP/Djvu variants, primarily relies on deceptive social engineering and software bundling to propagate. It does not typically use network propagation methods like WannaCry or NotPetya.

  • Bundled Software & Illegal Downloads: This is the most prevalent attack vector.
    • Users download pirated software, cracked applications, key generators, software activators (e.g., for Windows or Microsoft Office), or fake software installers from untrusted websites.
    • The ransomware payload is often hidden within these seemingly legitimate or desired downloads.
  • Malicious Email Attachments (Phishing): While less common for Djvu than for some other ransomware families, phishing emails containing malicious attachments (e.g., weaponized documents, archives) can also be a vector.
  • Fake Software Updates: Pop-ups or websites mimicking legitimate software updates (e.g., Flash Player, web browsers, video codecs) can trick users into downloading and executing the ransomware.
  • Adware Bundles: Sometimes, the ransomware can be downloaded and installed inadvertently as part of an adware or potentially unwanted program (PUP) bundle.

Remediation & Recovery Strategies:

1. Prevention

Proactive measures are the most effective defense against .1more and similar ransomware strains:

  • Regular & Verified Backups: Implement a robust 3-2-1 backup strategy (3 copies of data, on 2 different media, with 1 copy off-site or air-gapped). Test your backups regularly to ensure they are restorable. This is the most critical prevention and recovery measure.
  • Strong Antivirus/Endpoint Detection & Response (EDR): Deploy and maintain a reputable antivirus solution or EDR platform with real-time protection. Ensure it’s always up-to-date.
  • Software Integrity & Vigilance:
    • Avoid Pirated Software: Never download or use cracked software, keygens, or activators from unofficial sources. These are prime vectors for STOP/Djvu.
    • Official Downloads Only: Download software and updates exclusively from official vendor websites.
    • Exercise Caution with Email & Downloads: Be highly suspicious of unsolicited emails, attachments, and links. Verify the sender and content before interacting.
  • Operating System & Software Updates: Keep your operating system (Windows) and all installed software (browsers, plugins, applications) patched and up-to-date to fix known vulnerabilities.
  • Strong Passwords & Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Use strong, unique passwords for all accounts. Enable MFA wherever possible, especially for critical services and remote access.
  • User Education: Train users to recognize phishing attempts, identify suspicious downloads, and understand the risks associated with untrusted software.
  • Disable Macros by Default: Configure Microsoft Office to disable macros by default and only enable them for trusted documents.
  • Application Whitelisting (Advanced): Implement application whitelisting policies to prevent unauthorized executables from running.

2. Removal

If an infection occurs, follow these steps to remove 1more from the system:

  1. Isolate the Infected System: Immediately disconnect the infected computer from the network (unplug the Ethernet cable or disable Wi-Fi). This prevents the ransomware from spreading to other devices and limits potential data exfiltration.
  2. Identify the Malware:
    • Boot the system into Safe Mode with Networking (if possible/necessary for deeper cleaning). This prevents the ransomware from fully loading.
    • Run a full scan with your updated antivirus/anti-malware software (e.g., Malwarebytes, Emsisoft, Kaspersky, Bitdefender).
  3. Perform Comprehensive Scans & Removal:
    • Use multiple reputable anti-malware scanners to ensure complete detection and removal. Some ransomware variants try to disable security software.
    • Allow the software to quarantine and remove all detected threats, including the ransomware executable, associated files, and any other malware (e.g., info-stealers often bundled with Djvu).
  4. Check for Persistence: Manually inspect common persistence locations (e.g., Startup folder, Registry Run keys, Scheduled Tasks) to ensure no ransomware components are configured to restart.
  5. Patch & Secure: After removal, ensure the operating system and all software are fully patched and updated to address any vulnerabilities that might have been exploited.

3. File Decryption & Recovery

  • Recovery Feasibility:
    • Generally NOT Decryptable: For most victims, files encrypted by the .1more variant (being a recent STOP/Djvu variant) are not decryptable without the private key from the attackers. This is because these variants use “online keys” – a unique key generated for each victim and stored on the attacker’s server.
    • Slim Hope (Offline Keys): In very rare cases, if the infection occurred while the computer was completely offline (no internet connection at all during encryption), an “offline key” might have been used. If that specific offline key has been discovered and released by security researchers (e.g., on the No More Ransom project or through Emsisoft’s decryptor), there’s a slim chance of recovery. However, this is highly uncommon for newer variants.
  • Essential Recovery Methods (Most Reliable):
    1. Restore from Backups (Primary Method): This is the most effective and recommended method. If you have recent, clean backups, restore your files from them after ensuring the system is thoroughly cleaned.
    2. No More Ransom Project: Visit the No More Ransom website. Upload a sample encrypted file and the ransom note. This project is a collaborative effort by law enforcement and cybersecurity companies to provide free decryption tools where possible. While new Djvu variants are rarely decryptable, it’s always worth checking.
    3. Emsisoft Decryptor for STOP Djvu: Emsisoft often updates its STOP Djvu decryptor with newly discovered offline keys. While the chances are low for a recent online-key variant like .1more, it’s worth running the tool to see if it can help, especially if you suspect an offline infection.
  • Other Potential (Low Success) Recovery Attempts:
    • Shadow Volume Copies: Ransomware often deletes Shadow Volume Copies to prevent recovery. However, it’s worth checking using tools like ShadowExplorer to see if any pre-encryption versions of your files remain.
    • Data Recovery Software: Software like Recuva, PhotoRec, or EaseUS Data Recovery may sometimes recover fragments of deleted original files or previous versions, but success rates vary wildly and aren’t guaranteed.

4. Other Critical Information

  • Additional Precautions:
    • Info-Stealer Bundling: A significant characteristic of many STOP/Djvu variants, including potentially .1more, is that they often drop info-stealers (like Vidar, RedLine, Azorult, or SmokeLoader) alongside the ransomware. This means your personal information (passwords, browser data, cryptocurrency wallets, documents) may have been stolen before encryption. After cleaning, change all critical passwords immediately and monitor financial accounts for suspicious activity.
    • Disabling Security Features: This ransomware often attempts to disable Windows Defender, firewall, and other security software to facilitate its operation.
  • Broader Impact:
    • Widespread but Low Sophistication: STOP/Djvu ransomware variants are among the most prevalent globally, primarily targeting individual users and small businesses due to their distribution via consumer-oriented channels (cracked software).
    • Significant Data Loss: Despite the relatively low ransom demands compared to enterprise-level attacks, the sheer volume of infections leads to widespread data loss and financial strain for victims who lack proper backup strategies.
    • Continuous Threat: The constant release of new variants with different extensions makes this family a persistent and evolving threat, requiring continuous vigilance and proactive security measures.

By understanding these technical details and implementing robust prevention and recovery strategies, individuals and organizations can significantly mitigate the risk posed by the .1more ransomware and other variants of the STOP/Djvu family.