WEON Virus (.WEON File) 🔐 Decrypt & Removal Guide

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	Encrypted most of your files (photos, videos, documents) and adds a particular “.weon” extension; Can delete Volume Shadow copies to make victim’s attempts to restore data impossible; Adds a list of domains to HOSTS file to block access to certain security-related sites; Installs password-stealing Trojan on the system, like Azorult Spyware;
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.

However, these are the common vulnerabilities through which it can infiltrate your PC:

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

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.

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.

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]

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. So no one else has the same encryption/decryption key pair. Recovery of weon files without paying the criminals 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, but files could not be restored (the offline decryption key isn’t available yet). But, receiving this message is good news for you, because it might be possible to restore your weon 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. Our first recommendation is to reset your HOSTS file back to default.

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 Newland

Some pointers for recovery repair of Weon files (true for all STOP/DJVU variants):

I have seen Weon variants fail to encrypt deeper nested folders, so that you can check that. You may find those are not encrypted.

This ransomware saves encrypted data to a new file, deletes the original. So there’s a slight chance part of that deleted file can be recovered using file recovery software. It’s unlikely the folder structure can be restored, so a free tool like PhotoRec may be as good as any.

This ransomware only partially encrypts (about the first 150 KB), so depending on file size and type of data, the not encrypted part may be recoverable.

Joep

Recovering 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

🤔 How can I open “.weon” files?

No way. These files are encrypted by ransomware. The contents of .weon files are not available until they are decrypted.

🤔 Weon files contain important information. How can I decrypt them urgently?

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.

🤔 You have advised using GridinSoft Anti-Malware to remove Weon. Does this mean that the program will delete my encrypted files?

Of course not. Your encrypted files do not pose a threat to the computer. What happened has already happened.

🤔 Weon virus has blocked infected PC: I can’t get the activation code.

In this situation, you need to prepare the memory stick with a pre-installed

🤔 Decryptor did not decrypt all my files, or not all of them were decrypted. What should I do?

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.

🤔 What can I do right now?

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.