The Weon virus belongs to STOP/DJVU ransomware family. This malware encrypts your files (video, photos, documents) that can be tracked by a specific “.weon” extension. The encryption method it uses makes it impossible to calculate the key in any way.
I have collected several effective ways to decrypt .weon files and remove the ransomware from your system. It is important to read the entire instruction carefully and make sure to understand it all. Do not skip any steps. Each of these steps is very important and must be completed by you.
Weon virus?
☝️ Weon can be correctly identify as a STOP/DJVU ransomware-type infection.
Weon
🤔 Weon virus is ransomware that originates from the DJVU/STOP family. Its primary purpose is to encrypt files that are important for you. After that ransomware virus asks its victims for a ransom fee ($490 – $980) in BitCoin.
The Weon ransomware is a specific kind of threat that encrypted your files and then forces you to pay to restore them. Djvu/STOP ransomware family was first revealed and discovered by virus analyst Michael Gillespie.
Weon virus is basically similar to other DJVU ransomware like: Werz, Vatq, Vapo. This virus encrypt all common file types and adds its particular “.weon” extension into all files. For example, the file “1.jpg”, will be amended into “1.jpg.weon“. As soon as the encryption is successfully accomplished, virus drops a specific text file “_readme.txt” and adds it into all folders that contain the modified files.
The image below gives a clear vision of how the files with “.weon” extension look like:
Weon File (STOP/DJVU Ransomware)
| Name | Weon Virus |
| Ransomware family1 | DJVU/STOP2 ransomware |
| Extension | .weon |
| Ransomware note | _readme.txt |
| Ransom | From $490 to $980 (in Bitcoins) |
| Contact | [email protected], [email protected] |
| Detection3 | Win32/DelShad.B, Ransom:MSIL/HiddenTear.PB!MTB, Trojan.Email.FakeDoc |
| Symptoms |
|
| Fix Tool |
To remove possible malware infections, scan your PC:
6-day free trial available. |
This text asking payment is for restore files via decryption key:
_readme.txt (STOP/DJVU Ransomware) – The scary alert demanding from users to pay the ransom to decrypt the encoded files contains these frustrating warnings
The Weon ransomware arrives as a set of processes that are meant to perform different tasks on a victim’s computer. One of the first ones being launched is winupdate.exe, a tricky process that displays a fake Windows update prompt during the attack. This is meant to convince the victim that a sudden system slowdown is caused by a Windows update. However, at the same time, the ransomware runs another process (usually named by four random characters) which starts scanning the system for target files and encrypting them. Next, the ransomware deletes Volume Shadow Copies from the system using the following CMD command:
vssadmin.exe Delete Shadows /All /Quiet
Once deleted, it becomes impossible to restore the previous computer state using System Restore Points. The thing is, ransomware operators are getting rid of any Windows OS-based methods that could help the victim to restore files for free. In addition, the crooks modify the Windows HOSTS file by adding a list of domains to it and mapping them to the localhost IP. As a result, the victim will run into a DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN error when accessing one of the blocked websites.
We noticed that the ransomware attempts to block websites that publish various how-to guides for computer users. It is evident that by restricting specific domains, the crooks are trying to prevent the victim from reaching relevant and helpful ransomware-attack-related information online. The virus also saves two text files on the victim’s computer that provide attack-related details – the victim’s public encryption key and personal ID. These two files are called bowsakkdestx.txt and PersonalID.txt.
After all these modifications, the malware doesn’t stop. Variants of STOP/DJVU tend to drop password-stealing trojans like Vidar Stealer or RedLine Stealer. Those threats has a lengthy list of capabilities, such as:
- Stealing Steam, Telegram, Skype login / password;
- Stealing cryptocurrency wallets;
- Downloading malware to the computer and running it;
- Stealing browser cookies, saved passwords, browsing history, and more;
- Viewing and manipulating files on victim’s computer;
- Allowing the hackers to perform other tasks on the victim’s computer remotely.
The DJVU/STOP ransomware family utilizes the AES-256 cryptography algorithm. Therefore, if your data has been encrypted with a unique online decryption key, it is completely separate from any other key. Unfortunately, it is impossible to decrypt the files without this specific key.
If Weon ransomware operated in online mode, gaining access to the AES-256 key is unattainable. The key is stored on a remote server owned by the perpetrators responsible for distributing the Weon ransomware.
To receive the decryption key, a payment of $980 is required. The victims are instructed to contact the perpetrators via email ([email protected]) to obtain the payment details.
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
Do not pay for Weon!
Please, try to use the available backups, or Decrypter tool
The readme.txt file also indicates that the computer owners must contact the Weon representatives within 72 hours from the moment the files were encrypted. If you get in touch within 72 hours, Weon will grant you a 50% rebate, reducing the ransom amount to $490. However, it is advised to avoid paying the ransom!
I strongly recommend that you do not contact these fraudsters and refrain from making any payments. One of the most effective solutions to recover the lost data is by using the available backups or utilizing the Decrypter tool. You can find more information on how to decrypt DJVU ransomware files here.
All such viruses have a common approach to generate a unique decryption key for recovering the encrypted data.
Thus, manual recovery of the encrypted data is not feasible unless the ransomware is still in development or has hard-to-track flaws. The only way to prevent the loss of your valuable data is to regularly create backups of your important files.
Keep in mind that even if you maintain regular backups, they should be stored in a specific location separate from your main workstation.
For example, you can keep the backup on a USB flash drive or an external hard drive. Alternatively, you can utilize online (cloud) storage services.
It is important to note that if you store your backup data on your primary device, it may also get encrypted along with other data.
Therefore, storing the backup on your main PC is definitely not a good idea.
How I was infected?
Ransomware has a various methods to built into your system. But it doesn’t really matter what concrete way had place in your case.
Weon virus attack following a successful phishing attempt.
- It may be secretly installed alongside other applications, particularly utilities that are offered as freeware or shareware.
- Clicking on suspicious links in spam emails that lead to the virus installer.
- Using online free hosting resources.
- Downloading pirated software from illegal peer-to-peer (P2P) sources.
There have been instances where the Weon virus masqueraded as a legitimate tool, such as in messages demanding unwanted software or browser updates. This is a common tactic employed by online fraudsters to manipulate you into manually installing the Weon ransomware, thereby making you an active participant in the process.
Of course, the fraudulent update alert will not explicitly mention that you are actually installing the virus. The installation process will be disguised under an alert suggesting that you need to update Adobe Flash Player or some other suspicious program.
Certainly, using cracked apps also poses risks. Engaging in illegal P2P activities not only violates the law but also increases the likelihood of encountering severe malware, including the Weon ransomware.
In summary, what can you do to prevent the Weon ransomware from infiltrating your device? While there is no foolproof method to guarantee complete protection for your PC, here are some tips to help you avoid Weon’s penetration. Exercise caution when installing free software nowadays.
Always take the time to read what additional offers the installers present alongside the main free program. Avoid opening suspicious email attachments and refrain from opening files from unknown senders. It is crucial to keep your security program up to date at all times.
Malware does not openly reveal itself. It will not appear in the list of your installed programs. Instead, it disguises itself as a malicious process running discreetly in the background, starting as soon as you boot up your computer.
How To Remove Weon Virus?
In addition to encode a victim’s files, the Weon infection has also started to install the Azorult Spyware on PC to steal account credentials, cryptocurrency wallets, desktop files, and more.4
Reasons why I would recommend GridinSoft5
There is no better way to recognize, remove and prevent ransomware than to use an anti-malware software from GridinSoft6.
Remove Weon Virus with Gridinsoft Anti-Malware
We have also been using this software on our systems ever since, and it has always been successful in detecting viruses. It has blocked the most common ransomware as shown from our tests with the software, and we assure you that it can remove Weon Virus as well as other malware hiding on your computer.
To use Gridinsoft for remove malicious threats, follow the steps below:
1. Begin by downloading Gridinsoft Anti-Malware, accessible via the blue button below or directly from the official website gridinsoft.com.
2.Once the Gridinsoft setup file (setup-gridinsoft-fix.exe) is downloaded, execute it by clicking on the file.
3.Follow the installation setup wizard's instructions diligently.
4. Access the "Scan Tab" on the application's start screen and launch a comprehensive "Full Scan" to examine your entire computer. This inclusive scan encompasses the memory, startup items, the registry, services, drivers, and all files, ensuring that it detects malware hidden in all possible locations.
Be patient, as the scan duration depends on the number of files and your computer's hardware capabilities. Use this time to relax or attend to other tasks.
5. Upon completion, Anti-Malware will present a detailed report containing all the detected malicious items and threats on your PC.
6. Select all the identified items from the report and confidently click the "Clean Now" button. This action will safely remove the malicious files from your computer, transferring them to the secure quarantine zone of the anti-malware program to prevent any further harmful actions.
8. If prompted, restart your computer to finalize the full system scan procedure. This step is crucial to ensure thorough removal of any remaining threats. After the restart, Gridinsoft Anti-Malware will open and display a message confirming the completion of the scan.
Remember Gridinsoft offers a 6-day free trial. This means you can take advantage of the trial period at no cost to experience the full benefits of the software and prevent any future malware infections on your system. Embrace this opportunity to fortify your computer's security without any financial commitment.
Trojan Killer for “Weon Virus” removal on locked PC
In situations where it becomes impossible to download antivirus applications directly onto the infected computer due to malware blocking access to websites, an alternative solution is to utilize the Trojan Killer application.
There is a really little number of security tools that are able to be set up on the USB drives, and antiviruses that can do so in most cases require to obtain quite an expensive license. For this instance, I can recommend you to use another solution of GridinSoft - Trojan Killer Portable. It has a 14-days cost-free trial mode that offers the entire features of the paid version. This term will definitely be 100% enough to wipe malware out.
Trojan Killer is a valuable tool in your cybersecurity arsenal, helping you to effectively remove malware from infected computers. Now, we will walk you through the process of using Trojan Killer from a USB flash drive to scan and remove malware on an infected PC. Remember, always obtain permission to scan and remove malware from a computer that you do not own.
Step 1: Download & Install Trojan Killer on a Clean Computer:
1. Go to the official GridinSoft website (gridinsoft.com) and download Trojan Killer to a computer that is not infected.
2. Insert a USB flash drive into this computer.
3. Install Trojan Killer to the "removable drive" following the on-screen instructions.
4. Once the installation is complete, launch Trojan Killer.
Step 2: Update Signature Databases:
5. After launching Trojan Killer, ensure that your computer is connected to the Internet.
6. Click "Update" icon to download the latest signature databases, which will ensure the tool can detect the most recent threats.
Step 3: Scan the Infected PC:
7. Safely eject the USB flash drive from the clean computer.
8. Boot the infected computer to the Safe Mode.
9. Insert the USB flash drive.
10. Run tk.exe
11. Once the program is open, click on "Full Scan" to begin the malware scanning process.
Step 4: Remove Found Threats:
12. After the scan is complete, Trojan Killer will display a list of detected threats.
13. Click on "Cure PC!" to remove the identified malware from the infected PC.
14. Follow any additional on-screen prompts to complete the removal process.
Step 5: Restart Your Computer:
15. Once the threats are removed, click on "Restart PC" to reboot your computer.
16. Remove the USB flash drive from the infected computer.
Congratulations on effectively removing Weon Virus and the concealed threats from your computer! You can now have peace of mind, knowing that they won't resurface again. Thanks to Gridinsoft's capabilities and commitment to cybersecurity, your system is now protected.
How To Decrypt .weon Files?
Restore solution for big “.weon files“
Try removing .weon extension on a few BIG files and opening them. Either the Weon ransomware read and did not encrypt the file, or it bugged and did not add the filemarker. If your files are very large (2GB+), the latter is most likely. 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 Vaze, Gatq, Gaze, etc.
As a result of the changes made by the criminals, STOPDecrypter is no longer supported. It has been removed and 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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Download and run decryption tool.
Start downloading the decryption tool.
Make sure to launch the decryption utility as an administrator. You need to agree with the license terms that will come up. For this purpose, click on the “Yes” button:
As soon as you accept the license terms, the main decryptor user interface comes up:
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Select folders for decryption.
Based on the default settings, the decryptor will automatically populate the available locations in order to decrypt the currently available drives (the connected ones), including the network drives. Extra (optional) locations can be selected with the help of the “Add” button.
Decryptors normally suggest several options considering the specific malware family. The current possible options are presented in the Options tab and can be activated or deactivated there. You may locate a detailed list of the currently active Options below.
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Click on the “Decrypt” button.
As soon as yo 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 weon files:
✓ Error: Unable to decrypt file with ID: [your ID]
✓ No key for New Variant online ID: [your ID]
Notice: this ID appears to be an online ID, decryption 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.
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
How to Restore .weon Files?
In some case Weon ransomware is not doom for your files…
Weon ransomware encryption mechanism feature is next: it encrypts every file byte-by-byte, then saves a file copy, deleting (and not overriding!) the original file. Hence, the information of the file location on the physical disk is lost, but the original file is not deleted from the physical disk. The cell, or the sector where this file was stored, can still contain this file, but it is not listed by the file system and can be overwritten by data that has been loaded to this disk after the deletion. Hence, it is possible to recover your files using special software.
I recently experienced a Weon virus infection on my PC, despite having two antivirus software and two malware fighters installed. Surprisingly, the virus managed to bypass all of them.
After realizing that the Weon virus operated online and that retrieving my encrypted files was impossible, I discovered that even my backup drive, which was connected during the infection, had been compromised—or so I initially thought. Every folder within the backup drive appeared to be infected and encrypted. However, despite losing some important files, I was able to recover nearly 80% of the data stored on my 2TB drive.
While examining the folders, I noticed a readme.txt ransom note in each one. Upon opening some of the folders, I realized that all files located directly within the folder were encrypted. However, I discovered a flaw and a glimmer of hope when I explored subfolders within other folders—those files remained unencrypted. All folders, including their subfolders, on my C and D drives were encrypted, but the same did not hold true for the backup drive. Thankfully, the presence of subfolders within folders saved 80% of my data.
Although I consider this to be a minor loophole specific to the backup drive, I managed to recover an additional 10% of my data from another hard drive connected to a different PC. Therefore, my advice to others facing a similar situation is to create subfolders when using a backup drive. I realize that I was fortunate, but I was also unlucky as the virus struck while I was in the process of transferring files from my backup.
I hope that sharing my experience can be of assistance to others in similar circumstances.
Jamie NewlandRecovering your files with PhotoRec
PhotoRec is an open-source program originally designed for recovering files from damaged disks or retrieving deleted files. Over time, the program has expanded its capabilities and can now recover files with over 400 different extensions, making it suitable for data recovery after a ransomware attack.
To begin, you will need to download the PhotoRec app. It is completely free, but please note that the developer does not guarantee file recovery. The program is distributed as part of a package with another utility from the same developer called TestDisk. When you download the archive, it will be named TestDisk, but don’t worry, the PhotoRec files are included inside.
To access PhotoRec, locate and open the “qphotorec_win.exe” file. No installation is required, as the program contains all the necessary files within the archive. You can even store it on a USB drive and use it to assist friends, family, or anyone who has fallen victim to the DJVU/STOP ransomware.
After the launch, you will see the screen showing you the full list of your disk spaces. However, this information is likely useless, because the required menu is placed a bit higher. Click this bar, then choose the disk which was attacked by ransomware.
After choosing the disk, you need to choose the destination folder for the recovered files. This menu is located at the lower part of the PhotoRec window. The best desicion is to export them on USB drive or any other type of removable disk.
Then, you need to specify the file formats. This option is located at the bottom, too. As it was mentioned, PhotoRec can recover the files of about 400 different formats.
Finally, you can start files recovery by pressing the “Search” button. You will see the screen where the results of the scan and recovery are shown.
Weon files recovery guide
Frequently Asked Questions
No way. These files are encrypted by ransomware. The contents of .weon files are not available until they are decrypted.
If your data remained in the .weon files are very valuable, then most likely you made a backup copy.
If not, then you can try to restore them through the system function – Restore Point.
All other methods will require patience.
Of course not. Your encrypted files do not pose a threat to the computer. What happened has already happened.
You need GridinSoft Anti-Malware to remove active system infections. The virus that encrypted your files is most likely still active and periodically runs a test for the ability to encrypt even more files. Also, these viruses install keyloggers and backdoors for further malicious actions (for example, theft of passwords, credit cards) often.
In this situation, you need to prepare the memory stick with a pre-installed Trojan Killer.
Have patience. You are infected with the new version of STOP/DJVU ransomware, and decryption keys have not yet been released. Follow the news on our website.
We will keep you posted on when new Weon keys or new decryption programs appear.
The Weon ransomware specifically encrypts only the first 150KB of files. As a result, larger files such as MP3s may still be playable in certain media players like Winamp, but the first 3-5 seconds (which correspond to the encrypted portion) will be missing.
To recover the original version of a file that was encrypted, you can try the following methods:
- For files downloaded from the Internet, you can search for another copy of the file online and download it again to obtain the unencrypted version.
- If you shared pictures with family and friends, you can ask them to send those pictures back to you, allowing you to regain the original unencrypted files.
- Check if you uploaded any photos to social media platforms or cloud services like Carbonite, OneDrive, iDrive, Google Drive, etc. You may be able to retrieve the unencrypted versions from these platforms.
- If you have saved email attachments, you can locate the original unencrypted files in those saved attachments from the emails you sent or received.
- Consider checking older computers, flash drives, external drives, camera memory cards, or iPhones where you previously transferred data to the infected computer. These sources may still have the unencrypted versions of your files.
To report the attack, you can contact local executive boards (A full list you can find here). For instance, if you live in USA, you can have a talk with FBI Local field office, IC3 or Secret Service.
Video Guide
How to use GridinSoft Anti-Malware for fix ransomware infections.
If the guide doesn’t help you to remove Weon virus, please download the GridinSoft Anti-Malware that I recommended. Do not forget to share your experience in solving the problem. Please leave a comment here! This can help other victims to understand they are not alone. And together we will find ways to deal with this issue.
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Brendan SmithWEON Ransomware — How To Restore & Decrypt Files?
Name: WEON Virus
Description: The WEON Virus belongs to the STOP/DJVU family of ransomware. This malicious software encrypts various types of files, including videos, photos, and documents, appending a specific "weon" extension to them. As a result, the encrypted files become inaccessible and unusable. The WEON ransomware then proceeds to demand a ransom payment in Bitcoin from its victims, typically ranging from $490 to $980, in exchange for the decryption key to restore the files. It is important to note that paying the ransom is not recommended as it does not guarantee the recovery of the encrypted files, and it encourages further criminal activities.
Operating System: Windows
Application Category: Virus
User Review
( votes)References
- My files are encrypted by ransomware, what should I do now?
- About DJVU (STOP) Ransomware.
- Encyclopedia of threats.
- Windows passwords vulnerability (Mimikatz HackTool): link
- GridinSoft Anti-Malware Review: link
- More information about GridinSoft products: https://gridinsoft.com/comparison
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