Backups Airmail CC Ransomware is a highly dangerous computer virus from the widespread STOP/DJVU ransomware family. It infiltrates systems through deceptive methods, encrypts important user files, and leaves behind a ransom message urging victims to contact attackers via airmail.cc email addresses. The ultimate goal: force payment in exchange for a decryption key that may never arrive.
This ransomware variant targets a wide range of file types and can cause irreversible damage if not handled swiftly.
Threat Summary
Attribute | Details |
---|---|
Threat type | File-encrypting ransomware |
Encrypted file extension | Commonly adds .BACKUPS or randomized four-letter suffix |
Ransom note file | _readme.txt |
Contact emails | spysecurelab@airmail.cc , securehunter@airmail.cc |
Detection aliases | Known as STOP/DJVU ransomware |
Infection signs | Locked files, strange extensions, ransom text in folders |
Impact | File encryption, backup destruction, ransom demand |
Infection vectors | Spam emails, cracked software, trojans, malicious websites |
Risk level | Critical |
Removal solution | SpyHunter Download SpyHunter |
Deep Dive: How This Ransomware Works
How Does It Enter a System?
Backups Airmail CC Ransomware typically sneaks into systems through phishing emails with malicious attachments or links. Other channels include bundled freeware installers, peer-to-peer file-sharing platforms, or fake updates. In most cases, victims are tricked into launching an executable that silently installs the ransomware in the background.
What Happens After Infection?
Once executed, the ransomware scans the system for files to encrypt—documents, archives, images, videos, and more. It then encrypts them using AES or RSA encryption algorithms, appending a new file extension, typically .BACKUPS
or a similar variation. Shadow copies and recovery points are often deleted to ensure the user has no simple way to restore data.
Following encryption, the malware places a file named _readme.txt
in each folder with encrypted content. This note contains payment instructions and contact information, pushing victims to email one of the attackers’ addresses hosted on airmail.cc.
Ransom Note Content
Here’s what you’ll typically see in the ransom note _readme.txt
:
ATTENTION!
Don’t worry, you can return all your files!
All your files like photos, databases, documents and other important files are encrypted with the strongest encryption and unique key.
The only method of recovering files is to purchase decrypt tool and unique key for you.
This software will decrypt all your encrypted files.
To get this software you need to write on our e-mail: spysecurelab@airmail.cc
Reserve e-mail address to contact us: securehunter@airmail.cc
In the letter write your personal ID…
These scare tactics are intended to frighten users into paying a ransom—usually several hundred dollars in cryptocurrency.
Should You Be Concerned?
Yes, this threat is extremely serious. Once your files are encrypted, you have limited options unless you have secure backups. Even if you consider paying the ransom, there’s no guarantee the attackers will send a working decryptor.
Key risks include:
- Permanent loss of important files
- Financial extortion
- Potential reinfection if the system remains unprotected
- Deletion of recovery data (shadow volumes, restore points)
The safest route is to remove the ransomware immediately and rely on external backups for file recovery.
Manual Ransomware Removal Guide
Warning: Manual removal is complex and risky. If not done correctly, it can lead to data loss or incomplete removal of ransomware. Only follow this method if you are an advanced user. If unsure, proceed with Method 2 (SpyHunter Removal Guide).
Step 1: Disconnect from the Internet
- Unplug your Ethernet cable or disconnect Wi-Fi immediately to prevent further communication with the ransomware’s command and control (C2) servers.
Step 2: Boot into Safe Mode
For Windows Users:
- For Windows 10, 11:
- Press Windows + R, type
msconfig
, and hit Enter. - Go to the Boot tab.
- Check Safe boot and select Network.
- Click Apply and OK, then restart your PC.
- Press Windows + R, type
- For Windows 7, 8:
- Restart your PC and press F8 repeatedly before Windows loads.
- Select Safe Mode with Networking and press Enter.
For Mac Users:
- Restart your Mac and immediately press and hold the Shift key.
- Release the key once you see the Apple logo.
- Your Mac will start in Safe Mode.
Step 3: Locate and Terminate Malicious Processes
For Windows Users:
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
- Look for suspicious processes (e.g., unknown names, high CPU usage, or random letters).
- Right-click on the process and select End Task.
For Mac Users:
- Open Activity Monitor (Finder > Applications > Utilities > Activity Monitor).
- Look for unusual processes.
- Select the process and click Force Quit.
Step 4: Delete Malicious Files
For Windows Users:
- Press Windows + R, type
%temp%
, and hit Enter. - Delete all files in the Temp folder.
- Navigate to:
C:\Users\[Your Username]\AppData\Roaming
C:\Users\[Your Username]\AppData\Local
C:\Windows\System32
- Look for suspicious files related to the ransomware (random file names, recently modified) and delete them.
For Mac Users:
- Open Finder and go to Go > Go to Folder.
- Type
~/Library/Application Support
and delete suspicious folders. - Navigate to
~/Library/LaunchAgents
and remove unknown.plist
files.
Step 5: Remove Ransomware from Registry or System Settings
For Windows Users:
Warning: Incorrect changes in the Registry Editor can damage your system. Proceed with caution.
- Press Windows + R, type
regedit
, and hit Enter. - Navigate to:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software
- Look for unfamiliar folders with random characters or ransomware-related names.
- Right-click and select Delete.
For Mac Users:
- Go to System Preferences > Users & Groups.
- Click on Login Items and remove any suspicious startup items.
- Navigate to
~/Library/Preferences
and remove malicious.plist
files.
Step 6: Restore System Using System Restore (Windows) or Time Machine (Mac)
For Windows Users:
- Press Windows + R, type
rstrui
, and hit Enter. - Click Next, choose a restore point before the infection, and follow the prompts to restore your system.
For Mac Users:
- Restart your Mac and hold Command + R to enter macOS Utilities.
- Select Restore from Time Machine Backup.
- Choose a backup prior to the ransomware infection and restore your system.
Step 7: Use a Decryption Tool (If Available)
- Visit No More Ransom (www.nomoreransom.org) and check if a decryption tool is available for your ransomware variant.
Step 8: Recover Files Using Backup
- If you have backups on an external drive or cloud storage, restore your files.
Automatic Ransomware Removal Using SpyHunter
If manual removal seems too risky or complicated, using a reliable anti-malware tool like SpyHunter is the best alternative.
Step 1: Download SpyHunter
Download SpyHunter from the official link: Download SpyHunter
Or follow the official installation instructions here:
SpyHunter Download Instructions
Step 2: Install SpyHunter
- Open the downloaded file (
SpyHunter-Installer.exe
). - Follow the on-screen prompts to install the program.
- Once installed, launch SpyHunter.
Step 3: Perform a Full System Scan
- Click on Start Scan Now.
- SpyHunter will scan for ransomware and other malware.
- Wait for the scan to complete.
Step 4: Remove Detected Threats
- After the scan, SpyHunter will list all detected threats.
- Click Fix Threats to remove the ransomware.
Step 5: Use SpyHunter’s Malware HelpDesk (If Needed)
If you are dealing with a stubborn ransomware variant, SpyHunter’s Malware HelpDesk provides custom fixes to remove advanced threats.
Step 6: Restore Your Files
If your files are encrypted:
- Try No More Ransom (www.nomoreransom.org) for decryption tools.
- Restore from cloud storage or external backups.
Preventing Future Ransomware Attacks
- Keep backups on an external hard drive or cloud storage.
- Use SpyHunter to detect threats before they infect your system.
- Enable Windows Defender or a trusted antivirus program.
- Avoid suspicious emails, attachments, and links.
- Update Windows, macOS & software regularly.
Conclusion
Backups Airmail CC Ransomware is a highly aggressive malware variant that encrypts files and demands ransom through emails hosted on airmail.cc. It uses strong encryption, deletes recovery points, and preys on victims’ desperation. Paying the ransom is risky and not advised. Your best defense is prevention, secure backups, and a reliable malware removal tool.
To completely eliminate the threat, we recommend using SpyHunter, a trusted malware removal utility.