This ransomware-type malware mainly infects computers disguised as a software crack. Short summary of damage that OMFL virus causes on the system:

Deletes Volume Shadow Copies to make victim’s attempts to recover data for free impossible. Adds a list of domains to Windows HOSTS file to block access to certain computer-related websites.Installs password-stealing Trojan on the system, named AZORULT.Begins encrypting all data stored on the computer.

Before the data encryption itself, OMFL virus first connects to its Command&Control server to request a new encryption key (also called “the online key”). This key is RSA public key used to encrypt files on a computer. To decrypt them, private decryption key is needed. Sometimes failure to connect to the C&C server happens. In such situation, the virus is set to use a hardcoded-offline encryption key that is included in the malicious code itself. That said, the same offline key is used for all victims on whose computers the connection to C&C failed. In simple terms, this gives hope to restore files someday. To learn more about this, please read our STOP/DJVU decryption/repair article. The aim of this virus’ creators is to take control of victim’s files, preventing any access to them for the victim. The cybercriminals know that computer users keep valuable information, such as family memories, schoolwork or work documents and projects on their home computers often, and seek to force these users to pay a ransom for fast .omfl file decryption.

Contents of _readme.txt explained

In _readme.txt notes, OMFL file virus developers provide details regarding the decryption software pricing. They rush the victim to contact them, because if the ransom-payment conditions will be met in 3 days, the decryption tools will cost $490. In case of delay, the price rises to $980. The payment procedure involves purchasing cryptocurrency worth the specified sum. The note also suggests including one encrypted file to the email for test decryption. The criminals offer to decrypt it for free. Ransomware attack is a catastrophe for those who do not have any data backups. More than that, the ransom price demanded by the criminals is simply hefty. We do not recommend paying the ransom under any circumstances. There are more than enough reasons not to:

Criminals might forget you after receiving money.Even if you receive a decryption tool, it can be faulty and only repair part of your files.Do not support cybercrime industry by transferring your hard-earned money to criminals.This virus installed password-stealer on your computer to grab your saved login details. That said, even if you pay up, stolen details can be used for evil operations, such as attempts to scam you or phish money from you.

You have been infected with one of the most widespread ransomware-type viruses that originate from STOP/DJVU family. We do not recommend paying the ransom. There are many tools you can use to repair part of virus damage. You can find a list of them below the article. OMFL ransomware virus is a close copy of other STOP/DJVU variants, such as BOOA, IGDM, NOBU, or EPOR. Viruses from this malware group generally fall into two categories: old (decryptable) and new (hard to decrypt). The virus that infected your computer belongs to the second category. Victims infected with this ransomware are advised to scan with RESTORO software to remove BOOA ransomware virus damage on the Windows OS. After removing the virus, change passwords for logins saved in your browsers. This ransomware tends to install AZORULT malware on the system.

Ways to prevent crypto-virus infections

OMFL ransomware distribution is based on torrent files that are often downloaded via various peer-to-peer download agents, such as uTorrent. To be specific, the criminals create fake software cracks or keygen files, or simply name the malicious executable as one. Then they upload such files to shady torrent websites. Victims choose to download these files themselves by trying to bypass paying for legitimate software licenses. Many victims reported installing this ransomware via Adobe Photoshop cracks or KMSPico. Needless to say, you should refrain from downloading illegal software copies as this can clearly lead to much bigger financial and non-financial losses. Ransomware operators also like to distribute these viruses via email spam campaigns. To spread these viruses, criminals hide the malicious payloads in a form of email attachments or attach as link. To hide a suspicious link, the attackers often use link shortening services. In these pandemic times, criminals leverage the fact that many people shop online. That said, the scams are frequently based on parcel delivery theme. Do not rush to open a parcel tracking email from DPD, DHL, UPS or another parcel delivery company, because this might be a scam. Look for suspicious details, such as email address mistakes, typo or grammar failures, and logos. If anything looks a bit off, contact the parcel delivery company via phone. We provide several simple tips to avoid getting infected with crypto-malware or any kinds of virus in general.

Refrain from participating in peer-to-peer file sharing scheme. This involves accessing or distributing various torrent downloads. This infringes copyrights of software developers and increases risks of being infected with various malware.Stay away from suspicious emails. Remember that email links or attachments that you weren’t waiting for can hide a malicious file or a convincing phishing page behind them.Create data backups regularly. Remember – this is only useful if you store them on external storage device, for example, a high-capacity hard drive.

Guide to OMFL ransomware virus removal

Remove OMFL ransomware virus from your computer to avoid further damage. We strongly recommend reading professional instructions prepared by our team. In addition, you can try the recommended software for virus damage repair. Once OMFL ransomware removal is complete, scroll down to the file decryption tutorial. These are confirmed and currently known tools used to restore files encrypted by various STOP/DJVU versions. If you get a response that you were affected with offline key, you might need to keep checking back for updates every few months to see if decryption key is available.We also recommend reporting Internet crime incident via provided authority pages below. OUR GEEKS RECOMMEND Our team recommends a two-step rescue plan to remove ransomware and other remaining malware from your computer, plus repair caused virus damage to the system: GeeksAdvice.com editors select recommended products based on their effectiveness. We may earn a commission from affiliate links, at no additional cost to you. Learn more. Get INTEGO ANTIVIRUS for Windows to remove ransomware, Trojans, adware and other spyware and malware variants and protect your PC and network drives 24/7. This VB100-certified security software uses state-of-art technology to provide protection against ransomware, Zero-Day attacks and advanced threats, Intego Web Shield blocks dangerous websites, phishing attacks, malicious downloads and installation of potentially unwanted programs. Use INTEGO Antivirus to remove detected threats from your computer. Read full review here. RESTORO provides a free scan that helps to identify hardware, security and stability issues and presents a comprehensive report which can help you to locate and fix detected issues manually. It is a great PC repair software to use after you remove malware with professional antivirus. The full version of software will fix detected issues and repair virus damage caused to your Windows OS files automatically. RESTORO uses AVIRA scanning engine to detect existing spyware and malware. If any are found, the software will eliminate them. Read full review here.

Method 1. Enter Safe Mode with Networking

Before you try to remove OMFL ransomware virus, you must start your computer in Safe Mode with Networking. Below, we provide the easiest ways to boot PC in the said mode, but you can find additional ones in this in-depth tutorial on our website – How to Start Windows in Safe Mode. Also, if you prefer a video version of the tutorial, check our guide How to Start Windows in Safe Mode on Youtube. Instructions for Windows XP/Vista/7 users Instructions for Windows 8/8.1/10/11 users Now, you can search for and remove OMFL ransomware files. It is very hard to identify files and registry keys that belong to the ransomware virus, Besides, malware creators tend to rename and change them repeatedly. Therefore, the easiest way to uninstall such type of a computer virus is to use a reliable security program such as INTEGO Antivirus. For virus damage repair, consider using RESTORO.

Method 2. Use System Restore

In order to use System Restore, you must have a system restore point, created either manually or automatically. Instructions for Windows XP/Vista/7 users Instructions for Windows 8/8.1/10/11 users After restoring the system, we recommend scanning the system with antivirus or anti-malware software. In most cases, there won’t be any malware remains, but it never hurts to double-check. In addition, we highly recommend checking ransomware prevention guidelines provided by our experts in order to protect your PC against similar viruses in the future.

Alternative software recommendations

Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Removing spyware and malware is one step towards cybersecurity. To protect yourself against ever-evolving threats, we strongly recommend purchasing a Premium version of Malwarebytes Anti-Malware, which provides security based on artificial intelligence and machine learning. Includes ransomware protection. See pricing options and protect yourself now.

System Mechanic Ultimate Defense If you’re looking for an all-in-one system maintenance suite that has 7 core components providing powerful real-time protection, on-demand malware removal, system optimization, data recovery, password manager, online privacy protection and secure driver wiping technology. Therefore, due to its wide-range of capabilities, System Mechanic Ultimate Defense deserves Geek’s Advice approval. Get it now for 50% off. You may also be interested in its full review.

Disclaimer. This site includes affiliate links. We may earn a small commission by recommending certain products, at no additional cost for you. We only choose quality software and services to recommend.

Decrypt OMFL files

Fix and open large OMFL files easily:

It is reported that STOP/DJVU ransomware versions encrypt only the beginning 150 KB of each file to ensure that the virus manages to affect all files on the system. In some cases, the malicious program might skip some files at all. That said, we recommend testing this method on several big (>1GB) files first.

STOP/DJVU decryption tool usage guide

STOP/DJVU ransomware versions are grouped into old and new variants. OMFL ransomware is considered the new STOP/DJVU variant, just like BPTO, ISWR, ISZA, BPSM, ZOUU, MBTF, ZNSM (find full list here). This means full data decryption is now possible only if you have been affected by offline encryption key. To decrypt your files, you will have to download Emsisoft Decryptor for STOP DJVU, a tool created and maintained by a genius security researcher Michael Gillespie. Note! Please do not spam the security researcher with questions whether he can recover your files encrypted with online key - it is not possible. In order to test the tool and see if it can decrypt OMFL files, follow the given tutorial.

Meanings of decryptor’s messages

The OMFL decryption tool might display several different messages after failed attempt to restore your files. You might receive one of the following messages: Error: Unable to decrypt file with ID: [example ID] This message typically means that there is no corresponding decryption key in the decryptor’s database. No key for New Variant online ID: [example ID]Notice: this ID appears to be an online ID, decryption is impossible This message informs that your files were encrypted with online key, meaning no one else has the same encryption/decryption key pair, therefore data recovery without paying the criminals is impossible. Result: No key for new variant offline ID: [example ID]This ID appears to be an offline ID. Decryption may be possible in the future. If you were informed that an offline key was used, but files could not be restored, it means that the offline decryption key isn’t available yet. However, receiving this message is extremely good news, meaning that it might be possible to restore your OMFL extension files in the future. It can take a few months until the decryption key gets found and uploaded to the decryptor. We recommend you to follow updates regarding the decryptable DJVU versions here. We strongly recommend backing up your encrypted data and waiting.

Victims of OMFL ransomware should report the Internet crime incident to the official government fraud and scam website according to their country:

In the United States, go to the On Guard Online website.In Australia, go to the SCAMwatch website.In Germany, go to the Bundesamt für Sicherheit in der Informationstechnik website.In Ireland, go to the An Garda Síochána website.In New Zealand, go to the Consumer Affairs Scams website.In the United Kingdom, go to the Action Fraud website.In Canada, go to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.In India, go to Indian National Cybercrime Reporting Portal.In France, go to the Agence nationale de la sécurité des systèmes d’information.

If you can’t find an authority corresponding to your location on this list, we recommend using any search engine to look up “[your country name] report cyber crime”. This should lead you to the right authority website. We also recommend staying away from third-party crime report services that are often paid. It costs nothing to report Internet crime to official authorities. Another recommendation is to contact your country’s or region’s federal police or communications authority.