The Ljaz virus, known as a ransomware infection, is part of the STOP/DJVU family. This malware family is notorious for malicious file ciphering. When the Ljaz virus gets into a computer, it scans the system for files like videos, photos, documents, and more. It modifies the file structure and adds the “.ljaz” extension to each file, making them inaccessible and unusable without the decryption key.
Ljaz Virus Overview
Ljaz
🤔 Ljaz virus is ransomware that belongs to the DJVU/STOP family. Its main target is to encrypt your files. Then, ransomware virus asks to pay the ransom – ($490 – $980) in Bitcoin.
The Ljaz virus is a malicious program that ciphers your files and forces you to pay for their recovery. This ransomware ciphers different file types. Encrypted files are identifiable by a distinct “.ljaz” extension. The affected files become impossible to access and use.
Then, the ransomware demands a ransom payment in Bitcoin from the victims, ranging from $490 to $980. Usually, a text file with ransom payment guidances is named as “_readme.txt“.
Ljaz Ransomware operates by Salsa20 encryption algorithms to cipher the targeted files. Since Ljaz virus applies such a robust encryption method, it becomes pretty hard, if even possible, to pick the decryption key without the assistance of the attackers.
Once Ljaz malware finishes the encryption, it shows a ransom note to the victim, demanding a ransom payment for the decryption key. The ransom note provides instructions on how to make the payment and also often contains threats of permanent data loss or increased ransom amounts if the ransom is not paid within a specified timeframe.
I have created a comprehensive list of potential solutions, tips, and methods to remove the Ljaz virus and recover access to your files. In some cases, you can recover the files, while sometimes, it may be impossible.
📌 Important Note!
It is essential to note that paying off the ransom does not guarantee the successful files recovery. The hackers behind the Ljaz virus are not trustworthy. There were the cases where people have paid the ransom, only to be denied by the cybercriminals with the decryption key provision.
Ljaz uses a unique key for every victim, with one exception:
The Ljaz virus is similar to other DJVU ransomware variants like Ljuy, Hhuy, Hhaz, and Nbwr. This virus encrypts a wide range of common file types and appends its distinct “.ljaz” extension to all files. For instance, a file named “1.jpg” would be altered to “1.jpg.ljaz” and “2.png” to “2.png.ljaz“.
After successful encryption, malware spawns a special text file named “_readme.txt” and places it in every folder containing the encrypted files. It as well adds this file to the desktop, so the victim will not miss its appearance even without opening folders.
The image below provides a visual representation of files with the “ljaz” extension:
Encrypted Files by STOP/DJVU Ransomware
| Name | Ljaz Virus |
| Ransomware family1 | DJVU/STOP2 ransomware |
| Extension | .ljaz |
| Ransomware note | _readme.txt |
| Ransom | From $490 to $980 (in Bitcoins) |
| Contact | [email protected], [email protected] |
| Detection | Win32/Filecoder.Avaddon.H, TrojanDropper:Win32/BcryptInject.A!MTB, BScope.TrojanRansom.Reveton |
| Symptoms |
|
| Fix Tool |
To remove possible malware infections, scan your PC:
6-day free trial available. |
This message asking payment is for restore files via decryption key:
_readme.txt (STOP/DJVU Ransomware) – The terrifying alert insisting users to pay off the ransom to decrypt the encoded data contains these exasperating admonitions.
Ljaz ransomware arrives as a set of tasks that are meant to perform certain functions on a victim’s computer. One of the first processes being launched is winupdate.exe, a sneaky process that shows a false Windows update notification during the attack. That is needed to convince the victim that a sudden PC slowdown is caused by a Windows update.
At the same time, the ransomware runs another process (usually named by four random characters) which starts scanning the PC for target files and encrypting them. Then the ransomware deletes Volume Shadow Copies from the disk through the following CMD command:
vssadmin.exe Delete Shadows /All /Quiet
Once removed, it becomes impossible to restore the previous computer state using System Restore Points. The problem is, ransomware operators are getting rid of any built-in Windows techniques that could help the victim to restore files for free. In addition, the rascals modify the Windows HOSTS file by including a list of domains to it and redirecting them to the localhost IP. As a result, the victim will encounter a DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN error when trying to open one of the blacklisted websites.
We’ve observed that ransomware endeavors to restrict websites that developed various how-to guides for computer users. It is evident that by hindering specific domains, the perpetrators are trying to hinder the victim from connecting to relevant and helpful ransomware-attack-related information online. The virus also stores two .txt files on the victim’s computer that provide attack-related information – the victim’s public key and personal ID. These two files are named bowsakkdestx.txt and PersonalID.txt.
After all these modifications, the malware doesn’t stop. Variants of STOP/DJVU have a tendency to install Vidar password-stealing Trojan on compromised systems. This threat has an large list of capabilities, including:
- Infiltrating the victim’s computer with malware and executing it to gain unauthorized access.
- Obtaining unauthorized access to login credentials of Steam, Telegram, and Skype.
- Manipulating and viewing files on the victim’s computer without their knowledge.
- Stealing cryptocurrency wallets from the victim’s system.
- Granting the hackers remote control over the victim’s computer for various malicious activities.
- Extracting sensitive information such as browser cookies, saved passwords, and browsing history.
The cryptography algorithm in STOP/Djvu ransomware is AES-256. So, if your data got encrypted with an online decryption key, the chances to get your files back without paying the ransom are quite low. Thing is, the key is unique for each victim, and picking it will take exceptionally big amount of time.
Retrieving the online decryption key in any other way is also nearly impossible. It is kept on a remote server controlled by the crooks who spread the Ljaz malware. For receiving unlocking key the payment should be $980. To get the payment details, the victims should contact the fraudsters by email ([email protected]).
The message by the ransomware states the following information:
ATTENTION! Don't worry, you can return all your files! All your files like photos, databases, documents and other important are encrypted with 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. What guarantees you have? You can send one of your encrypted file from your PC and we decrypt it for free. But we can decrypt only 1 file for free. File must not contain valuable information. You can get and look video overview decrypt tool: https://we.tl/t-WJa63R98Ku Price of private key and decrypt software is $980. Discount 50% available if you contact us first 72 hours, that's price for you is $490. Please note that you'll never restore your data without payment. Check your e-mail "Spam" or "Junk" folder if you don't get answer more than 6 hours. To get this software you need write on our e-mail: [email protected] Reserve e-mail address to contact us: [email protected] Your personal ID: XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
How To Remove STOP/Djvu Ransomware?
Video Guide
How To Decrypt .ljaz Files?
How to restore big files?
Try removing .ljaz extension on a few big files and opening them. This malware has issues with large files encryption. Either the virus scanned and did not encode the file, or it bugged and did not add the filemarker. If your files are very large (2GB+), such a situation is highly probable. Please, let me know in comments if that will work for you.
The newest extensions released around the end of August 2019 after the criminals made changes. This includes Ljuy, Hhuy, Hhaz etc.
As a result of the modifications made by the criminals, STOPDecrypter is no longer assisted. It has been replaced with the Emsisoft Decryptor for STOP Djvu Ransomware developed by Emsisoft.
You can download free decryption tool here: Decryptor for STOP Djvu.
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Select folders for decryption.
Based on the default configurations, the decryptor will by default choose the available directories in order to decrypt the currently reachable drives (the connected ones), including the network drives. Additional (optional) locations can be selected with the aid of the “Add” button.
Decryptors generally propose several options depending on the specific malware family. The existing possible options are shown in the Options tab and can be activated or turned off there. You may discover a detailed list of the currently active Options below.
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Click on the “Decrypt” button.
As soon as you add all the desired locations for decryption into the list, click on the “Decrypt” button in order to initiate the decryption procedure.
Note that the main screen may turn you to a status view, letting you know of the active process and the decryption statistics of your data:
The decryptor will notify you as soon as the decryption procedure is completed. If you need the report for your personal papers, you can save it by choosing the “Save log” button. Note that it is also possible to copy it directly to your clipboard and to paste it into emails or messages here if you need to do so.
The Emsisoft Decryptor might display different messages after a failed attempt to restore your files:
✓ Error: Unable to decrypt file with ID: [your ID]
There is no corresponding decryption key in the Emsisoft decryptor’s database.
✓ No key for New Variant online ID: [your ID]
Notice: this ID appears to be an online ID, decryption is impossible
Your original files were encrypted with an online key. There is no one to share the decryption key with you. File recovery without paying the ransom is impossible. 🙁
✓ Result: No key for new variant offline ID: [example ID]
This ID appears be an offline ID. Decryption may be possible in the future.
An offline key was used, though the file recovery operation failed (the offline decryption key isn’t available yet). Nonetheless, this message is a good news for you, since it might be possible to restore your files in the future. 🙂
It can take a few weeks or months until the decryption key gets found and uploaded to the decryptor. Please follow updates regarding the decryptable DJVU versions here.
✓ Remote name could not be resolved
It’s an indication of a DNS issue on your PC. Try resetting your HOSTS file to default.
How to Restore .ljaz Files?
In some case ransomware is not doom for your files…
The Ljaz ransomware encryption mechanism is next: it ciphers every file byte-by-byte, then saves a file copy, deleting (not overriding!) the original file. Hence, the information of the file location on the disk drive is lost, but the original file is not erased from the drive. The cell, or the sector where this file was stored, can still hold this file, but it is absent in the file system and can be replaced by data that has been loaded to this disk after the removal. Hence, it is possible to recover your files using special software.
Anyway, after realizing it was an online algorithm, it is impossible to retrieve my encrypted files. I also had my backup drive plugged in at the time of the virus, and this was also infected, or so I thought. Every folder within my backup drive had been infected and was encrypted. However, despite losing some important files, I retrieved almost 80% of my 2TB storage.
When I started going through the folders, I noticed the readme.txt ransom note in every folder. I opened some of the folders and found that all files that were not in a subfolder within that folder had been encrypted. However, I found a flaw and glimmer of hope when I went into the subfolders in other folders and found that these files had not been encrypted. Every folder within my c and d drives, including subfolders, had been encrypted, but this was not the case with the backup drive. Having subfolders created within a folder has saved 80% of my data.
As I said, I believe this to be only a small loophole on a backup drive. I’ve since found a further 10 % of my data on another hard drive on a different pc. So my advice is if you use a backup drive, create subfolders. I was lucky, I guess. But I was also unlucky that the virus hit as I was transferring some files from my backup.
Hopefully, this can help some other people in my situation.
Jamie NewlandRecovering your files with PhotoRec
PhotoRec is an open-source program, which is originally created for file retrieval from damaged disks, or for files recovery in case if they are unintentionally deleted. However, as time has gone by, this program adopted the ability to retrieve the files of 400 different file types. Hence, it can be used for file recovery after the Ljaz attack.
First, you need to download this app. It is 100% free, but the developer states that there is no guarantee that your files will be retrieved. PhotoRec is distributed in a pack with another utility of the same developer – TestDisk. The downloaded archive will have TestDisk name, but don’t worry. PhotoRec files are right inside.
To launch PhotoRec, you need to find and open “qphotorec_win.exe” file. No installation process is required – the program has all the files it need inside of the archive, hence, you can mount it on your USB drive, and help your friends/parents/anyone who has been attacked by Ljaz ransomware.
Upon the launch, you will observe the screen showing you the full list of your disks. However, this details are presumably useless, because the required menu is placed a bit higher. Click this menu, then choose the disk which was attacked by ransomware.
After choosing the disk, you need to opt for the destination folder for the restored files. This menu is located at the lower part of the PhotoRec window. The best option is to export them on USB drive or any other type of removable disk.
Then, you need to indicate the file formats. This feature is located at the bottom, too. As it was mentioned, PhotoRec can retrieve the files of about 400 different formats.
Finally, you can start files recovery by pressing the “Search” button. You will observe the screen where the outcomes of the scan and recovery are shown.
Ljaz files recovery Video Guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
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