WIAW Virus (.wiaw File): How to Decrypt & Remove Ransomware?

The Wiaw virus, known as ransomware, is part of the STOP/DJVU family. This malware is notorious for malicious file ciphering. When the Wiaw virus gets into a computer system, it scans the system for files like videos, photos, documents, and more. It modifies the file structure and adds the “.wiaw” extension to each file, making them unusable without the decryptor.

Wiaw Virus Overview

Wiaw

🤔 Wiaw virus belongs to ransomware that originates from the DJVU/STOP family. Its main target is to lock files that are important to you. After that ransomware virus asks for a ransom payment – ($499 – $999) in Bitcoin.

The Wiaw virus is a malicious program that ciphers your files and coerces you into paying for their decryption. This ransomware ciphers various file types. ciphered files are identifiable by a distinct “.wiaw” extension. The files touched by ransomware become impossible to access and use.

Subsequently, the ransomware demands a file decryption payment in Bitcoin from its victims, ranging from $499 to $999. In all cases, a ransom text file is named “_readme.txt“.

Wiaw Ransomware works with Salsa20 encryption algorithms to scramble the contents of the targeted files. Since the Wiaw virus employs such a strong ciphering method, it becomes really difficult, if even possible, to pick the decryption key without the assistance of the attackers.

Once Wiaw 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 the ways of making the payment and often contains threats of permanent data loss or ransom amounts surge if the demands are not met within a specified timeframe.

I have created an all-encompassing list of the solutions, advice, and practices to neutralize the Wiaw virus and recover access to your files. In some cases, you can recover the files, while sometimes, it may be impossible.

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📌 Important Reminder!

It is important to voice that paying off the bill is not a guarantee of the successful files recovery. The cybercriminals behind the Wiaw virus are known for their untrustworthiness. There have been instances where people have paid the ransom, only to be denied by the cyber criminals with the decryption key provision.

Wiaw uses a unique key for every victim, with one exception:

If Wiaw fails to establish a connection with its command and control server (C&C Server) before starting the encryption process, it uses offline keys. An offline key is the same for all users, allowing for the decryption of files encrypted by the ransomware.

The Wiaw virus is similar to other DJVU ransomware variants such as Wisz, Lkfr, Lkhy, and Nood. This virus encrypts a wide range of common file types and appends its distinct “.wiaw” extension to all files. For instance, a file named “1.jpg” would be altered to “1.jpg.wiaw” and “2.png” to “2.png.wiaw“.

After successful encryption, the virus creates a special text file named “_readme.txt” and places it in every folder containing the encrypted files. It also 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 “wiaw” extension:

Encrypted Files by STOP/DJVU Ransomware

Name	Wiaw Virus
Ransomware family¹	DJVU/STOP² ransomware
Extension	.wiaw
Ransomware note	_readme.txt
Ransom	From $499 to $999 (in Bitcoins)
Contact	[email protected], [email protected]
Detection	MSIL/Filecoder.BCH, Backdoor:Win32/Drateam.B, BScope.Trojan.Sabsik.TE
Symptoms	Installs password-stealing Trojan on the system, like Vidar Stealer or RedLine Stealer; Adds a list of domains to the HOSTS file to block access to certain security-related sites; Encrypts most of your files (photos, videos, documents) and adds a particular “.wiaw” extension; Manages to install a SmokeLoader backdoor; Can delete Volume Shadow copies to make victim’s attempts to restore data impossible;
Fix Tool	To remove possible malware infections, scan your PC: 6-day free trial available.

This message asking for payment is for restoring files via decryption key:

_readme.txt (STOP/DJVU Ransomware) – The frightening alert demanding users to pay the ransom to unlock the encrypted data contains these annoying warnings.

Wiaw ransomware arrives as a set of procedures that are needed to execute certain tasks on a victim’s computer. One of the initial processes being launched is winupdate.exe, a sneaky process that displays a fake Windows update pop-up during the attack. This is meant to convince the victim that a sudden PC slowdown is caused by a Windows update.

Meanwhile, the ransomware runs another process (whose name commonly consists of 4 random characters) which starts scanning the PC for target files and ciphering them. Next, the ransomware deletes Volume Shadow Copies from the system by the following CMD command:

vssadmin.exe Delete Shadows /All /Quiet

Once erased, it becomes virtually impossible to retrieve the previous computer state using System Restore Points. The concern is, that ransomware operators are getting rid of any built-in Windows methods that could assist the victim to restore files for free. In addition, the rascals modify the Windows HOSTS file by appending a list of domains to it and redirecting them to the localhost IP. As a result, the victim will witness a DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN error when accessing one of the blacklisted websites.

It has come to our attention that ransomware endeavors to restrict websites that publish various how-to guides for computer users. It is evident that by limiting specific domains, the crooks are attempting to hinder the victim from reaching relevant and helpful ransomware-attack-related information online. Malware also saves two text files on the victim’s computer that offer information related to the attack – the public key of this victim 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 deploy Vidar password-stealing Trojans on compromised systems. This threat has an extensive list of capabilities, including:

Stealing Steam, Telegram, Skype login/password;
Stealing cryptocurrency wallets;
Downloading other 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 remotely perform other tasks on the victim’s computer.

The encryption algorithm used by the DJVU/STOP virus is AES-256. So, once your data is encrypted with an online decryption key, the chances of getting your files back without paying the ransom are quite low. The thing is, this key is unique for each victim, and picking it will take an exceptionally big amount of time.

Obtaining the online key in another way is also nearly impossible. It is stored on a command server owned by the hackers who spread the Wiaw infection. For receiving the decryption key the payment should be $999. To obtain 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 pictures, databases, documents, and other important are encrypted with the strongest encryption and unique key.
The only method of recovering files is to purchase a decrypt tool and a unique key for you.
This software will decrypt all your encrypted files.
What guarantees do you have?
You can send one of your encrypted files from your PC and we decrypt it for free.
But we can decrypt only 1 file for free. The file must not contain valuable information.
Do not ask assistants from YouTube and recovery data sites for help in recovering your data.
They can use your free decryption quota and scam you.
Our contact is emails in this text document only.
You can get and look video overview decrypt tool:
https://we.tl/t-hPAqznkJKD
The price of private key and decrypt software is $999.
A discount of 50% is available if you contact us first 72 hours, that's the price for you is $499.
Please note that you'll never restore your data without payment.
Check your e-mail "Spam" or "Junk" folder if you don't get an answer for more than 6 hours.


To get this software you need to write to our e-mail:
[email protected]

Reserve an e-mail address to contact us:
[email protected]

Your personal ID:
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

How To Remove STOP/Djvu Ransomware?

Video Guide

How To Decrypt .wiaw Files?

How to restore big files?

Try deleting .wiaw extension on a few big files and opening them. This malware has issues with large file encryption. Either the virus read and did not encode 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 the comments if that will work for you.

The newest extensions were released around the end of August 2019 after the criminals made changes. This includes Wisz, Lkfr, Lkhy etc.

As a result of the changes made by the criminals, STOPDecrypter is no longer backed. 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.

Select folders for decryption.

Based on the default configurations, the decryptor will by default choose the reachable directories to decode the currently reachable drives (the connected ones), including the network drives. You can choose additional locations with the “Add” button.

Decryptors typically offer several options considering the specific malware family. The existing possible options are displayed in the Options tab and can be enabled or turned off there. You may find a detailed list of the currently active Options below.

Click on the “Decrypt” button.

As soon as you add all the desired locations for decryption to the list, click on the “Decrypt” button 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 problem, you can save it by choosing the “Save log” button. Note that it is also possible to copy it directly to your clipboard and paste it into emails or messages here if necessary.

The Emsisoft Decryptor might display different messages after a failed attempt to restore your files:

✓ Error: Unable to decrypt a file with ID: [your ID]

Emsisoft failed to find a corresponding decryption key in their database.

✓ No key for New Variant online ID: [your ID]

Notice: this ID appears to be an online ID, decryption is impossible

Malware uses an online key to cipher your files. So no one else has the same encryption/decryption key pair. File recovery is only possible through paying the ransom. 🙁

✓ 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.

Malware used an offline key, though the file recovery operation failed (the offline decryption key isn’t available yet). But, receiving this message is 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 .wiaw Files?

In some cases ransomware is not doom for your files…

The Wiaw ransomware encryption mechanism is next: it encrypts every file byte-by-byte, then saves a duplicate, deleting (not overriding!) the initial file. Hence, the information on the file location on the physical disk is lost, but the original file is not removed from the physical disk. The cell, or the sector where this file was kept, can still keep this file, but it is absent in the file system and can be rewritten by data that has been loaded to this disk after the removal. Hence, it is possible to recover your files using special software.

I recently had my PC infected by this virus. It managed to bypass 2 Antivirus software and 2 malware fighters.

Anyway, after realizing it was an online algorithm, it was 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.

I noticed the readme.txt ransom note in every folder when I started going through the folders. 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 a 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 Newland

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

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

This ransomware saves encrypted data to a new file and 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 non-encrypted part may be recoverable.

Joep

Recovering your files with PhotoRec

PhotoRec is a free program, that is initially created for file retrieval from damaged disks, or file retrieval in case they are unintentionally deleted. However, as time has gone by, this program adopted the ability to recover the files of 400 different file types. Hence, it can be used for file restoration after the Wiaw attack.

First, you need to download this app. It is 100% free, but the developer notifies you that there is no guarantee that your files will be recovered. PhotoRec is spread together with another program of the same developer – TestDisk. The downloaded archive will have a TestDisk name but don’t worry. PhotoRec files are right inside.

To open PhotoRec, you need to find and open “qphotorec_win.exe” file. No installation is required – this program has all the files it needs within the archive, hence, you can fit it on your USB drive, and help your friends/parents/anyone who has been attacked by Wiaw ransomware.

After the launch, you will observe the screen showing you the complete list of your disk drives. However, these details are probably unhelpful, 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 select the destination folder for the recovered files. This menu is located at the lower part of the PhotoRec window. The best option is to export them on a USB drive or any other type of removable disk.

Then, you need to define the file formats. This feature is located at the bottom, too. As it was mentioned, PhotoRec can recover files in about 400 different formats.

Finally, you can initiate file retrieval by pressing the “Search” button. You will view the screen where the findings of the scan and recovery are shown.

Wiaw files recovery Video Guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

🤔 How can I open “.wiaw” files?

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

🤔 This virus has blocked the 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 when new keys or new decryption programs appear.

🤔 What can I do right now?

The Wiaw ransomware encrypts only the first 150KB of files. So MP3 files are rather large, some media players (Winamp for example) may be able to play the files, but – the first 3-5 seconds (the encrypted portion) will be missing. You can try to find a copy of an original file that was encrypted: Files you downloaded from the Internet that were encrypted and you can download again to get the original.

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Brendan Smith