The Wsaz virus, known as a ransomware infection, is part of the STOP family. This malware is notorious for malicious file ciphering. When the Wsaz virus gets into a computer, it targets various types of files, like videos, photos, documents, and more. It changes the file structure and appends the “.wsaz” extension to each file, making them inaccessible and unusable without the decryptor.
What Is Wsaz Virus?
Wsaz
🤔 Wsaz malware can be classified as ransomware that originates from the DJVU/STOP ransomware family. Its primary purpose is to encrypt your files. Then, the ransomware virus asks its victims to pay the ransom – ($490 – $980) in Bitcoin.
The malicious program known as the Wsaz virus encrypts your files and forces you to pay for their restoration. This malware ciphers different file types, making them identifiable by a distinct “.wsaz” extension, rendering the affected files impossible to access and use. The ransomware then demands payment in Bitcoin from the victims for file decryption, with amounts ranging from $490 to $980. The ransom text file is named “_readme.txt” in all cases.
Wsaz Ransomware uses Salsa20 encryption algorithms to scramble the contents of the targeted files. The strong ciphering method employed by the Wsaz virus makes it quite challenging, if not impossible, to find the decryption key without cooperating with the attackers.
After encrypting the files, the Wsaz virus displays a ransom note to the user, demanding a ransom payment for the decryption key. The ransom note provides instructions on how to make the payment and often includes threats of system wipeout or an increase in the ransom amount if the demands are not met within a specified timeframe.
I have compiled a comprehensive list of potential solutions, advice, and approaches to neutralize the Wsaz virus and recover access to your files. In some cases, it may be possible to restore your files, while sometimes, it may be impossible.
📌 Important Note!
It is important to note that paying off the ransom does not guarantee the successful files recovery. The scoundrels behind the Wsaz virus are known for their untrustworthiness. There have been instances where people have paid the ransom, {only to be denied by the cybercriminals with the decryption key provision.
Wsaz employs a unique key for each victim, with one exception:
- If Wsaz fails to connect the command and control server (C&C) before starting the encryption process, it it uses offline keys as a fallback option. An offline key is not unique and is the same for all users, which allows for the decryption of files encrypted by the ransomware.
The Wsaz virus bears resemblance to other DJVU ransomware variants such as Wsuu, Kitu, Kizu, and Kiqu. This virus encrypts a wide range of common file types and appends its distinct “.wsaz” extension to all files. For instance, a file named “1.jpg” would be altered to “1.jpg.wsaz” and “2.png” to “2.png.wsaz“. Upon successful encryption, the virus creates a special text file named “_readme.txt” and places it in every folder containing the encrypted files.
The image below provides a visual representation of files with the “.wsaz” extension:
Encrypted Files by STOP/DJVU Ransomware
| Name | Wsaz Virus |
| Ransomware family1 | DJVU/STOP2 ransomware |
| Extension | .wsaz |
| Ransomware note | _readme.txt |
| Ransom | From $490 to $980 (in Bitcoins) |
| Contact | [email protected], [email protected] |
| Detection | MSIL/Kryptik.MJW, Trojan:Win32/VB.YE, Trojan:MSIL/AgentTesla.GFQ!MTB |
| 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 frightening warning insisting users to pay off the ransom to unlock the encoded data contains these annoying admonitions.
Wsaz ransomware arrives as a set of tasks that are needed to perform certain tasks on a victim’s computer. One of the primary ones being launched is winupdate.exe, a deceptive process that displays a fraudulent Windows update notification during the attack. This is meant to convince the victim that a sudden system slowdown is caused by a Windows update. But simultaneously, the ransomware runs another process (usually named by four random characters) which commences scanning the system 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 erased, it becomes nearly impossible to retrieve the previous computer state using System Restore Points. The problem is, ransomware operators are eliminating any built-in Windows techniques that could aid the victim to recover files for free. In addition, the crooks modify the Windows HOSTS file by appending a list of domains to it and directing them to the localhost IP. As a result, the victim will face a DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN error when accessing one of the blacklisted websites.
It has come to our attention that ransomware attempts to restrict websites that post various how-to guides for computer users. It is clear that by limiting specific domains, the malefactors are seeking to stop the victim from reaching relevant and helpful ransomware-attack-related information online. This malware also stores two text files on the victim’s computer that provide details 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 halt. Variants of STOP/DJVU are inclined to release Vidar password-stealing Trojan on compromised systems. This threat possesses an huge 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 perform other tasks on the victim’s computer remotely.
The cryptography algorithm in STOP/Djvu ransomware is AES-256. So, if your data got encrypted with an online decryption key, the possibility to get your files back are quite low. Thing is, this key is unique for each victim, and brute forcing it will take exceptionally big amount of time.
Obtaining the online decryption key in any other way is also nearly impossible. It is stored on a server controlled by the hackers who promote the Wsaz infection. For receiving unlocking key the payment should be $980. To obtain the payment details, the victims should contact the hackers 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
Do not pay the ransom!
Please, try to use the available backups, or Decrypter tool
The _readme.txt document also demands that the computer owners should contact the hackers during 72 hours starting from the moment of files were encrypted. If user contacts hackers within 72 hours, hackers grant a 50% off. Thus the ransom amount will be minimized down to $490. Yet, stay away from paying off the ransom! I strongly recommend that you do not contact these scammers and do not pay. One of the most real working solution to recover the lost data is just using the available backups, or using Decrypter tool from Emsisoft.
The uniqueness of such viruses is the utilization a similar set of actions for generating the unique decryption key to recover the ciphered data. Thus, unless the ransomware is still in development or exhibits some hard-to-track encryption, manual data recovery is a thing you can’t perform. The sole remedy to prevent the data loss is to regularly make backups of your crucial files.
Note that even if you do create such backups regularly, they should be placed into a specific location without loitering, not being connected to your main workstation. For instance, the backup may be kept on the USB flash drive or some alternative external hard drive storage. Optionally, you may turn to the help of online (cloud) information storage.
Needless to say, when you maintain your backup data on your common device, it may be ciphered together with other data. For this reason, storing the backup on your computer’s disk is surely not a wise idea.
How I was infected?
Ransomware has a various methods to built into your system. But it doesn’t really matter what way had place in your case.
Ransomware attack following a successful phishing attempt.
However, the Wsaz virus can be injected into your PC through common leaks, including:
- Concealing the virus within seemingly legitimate apps, especially utilities provided as freeware or shareware.
- Spreading the virus through spam emails containing suspicious links that lead to the virus installer.
- Exploiting online free hosting resources to host and distribute the virus files discreetly.
- Obtaining pirated software from illegal peer-to-peer (P2P) resources, which may unknowingly contain malware.
There have been cases where the Wsaz virus masquerades as something legitimate, such as messages prompting you to install a browser update or a required codec for online media playback. Online scams often use this tactic to trick you into manually installing the ransomware, thereby involving you directly in the process.
These bogus update alerts won’t indicate that you are installing a threat; they will be disguised as urgent security updates or dubious programs to deceive you.
It’s important to note that using cracked apps and engaging in P2P activities are not only illegal but also expose your PC to serious malware, including the Wsaz ransomware.
To prevent the injection of ransomware like Wsaz into your PC, consider the following tips:
- Remain vigilant while installing free software and carefully review all installation options.
- Avoid opening suspicious email attachments and running files from unknown senders.
- Always keep your anti-malware program up to date.
Keep in mind that malware doesn’t openly display itself; it hides as a malevolent process running in the background from the moment your computer boots up.
How To Remove Ransomware?
In addition to lock a victim’s files, the Djvu ransomware has also installed the Vidar Stealer on PC to take account credentials, crypto wallets, desktop files, and more.
Remove Wsaz 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 Wsaz 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 “Wsaz 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 Wsaz 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 .wsaz Files?
How to restore big files?
Try removing .wsaz extension on a few big files and opening them. This malware has issues with large files encryption. Either the virus accessed and did not encrypt 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, text me in the comments whether this helped you or not.
The newest extensions released around the end of August 2019 after the criminals made changes. This includes Wsuu, Kitu, Kizu 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.
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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 configurations, the decryptor will automatically choose the available directories in order to unlock the currently available drives (the connected ones), including the network drives. Additional (optional) locations can be selected with the assistance of the “Add” button.
Decryptors usually offer several options depending on the specific malware family. The existing possible options are displayed in the Options tab and can be enabled or deactivated there. You may discover a comprehensive 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]
✓ 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 .wsaz Files?
In some case ransomware is not doom for your files…
The Wsaz ransomware encryption mechanism algoritm is next: it encodes every file byte-by-byte, then saves a duplicate, deleting (not overriding!) the initial file. Thus, the information of the file placement on the physical disk is lost, but the original file is not erased from the drive. The cell, or the sector where this file was kept, can still hold this file, but it is absent in the file system and can be rewritten by data that has been loaded to this drive after the deletion. Hence, it is possible to retrieve 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 data recovery from damaged disks, or for file retrieval in case if they are unintentionally deleted. However, with time flow, this program adopted the ability to retrieve the files of 400 different formats. Hence, it can be used for file recovery after the Wsaz attack.
First, you need to download this app. It is 100% free, but the developer notifies that there is no assurance that your files will be recovered. PhotoRec is spread together with another utility of the same developer – TestDisk. The program archive will have 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 process is needed – this program has all the files it need within the archive, hence, you can mount it on your USB drive, and try to help your friends/parents/anyone who has been attacked by Wsaz ransomware.
After the start, you will see the screen showing you the full list of your drives. However, this information is likely futile, because the required menu is placed a bit higher. Click this tab, then choose the disk which was attacked by ransomware.
After opting for the disk, you need to opt for the destination folder for the reclaimed files. This menu is located at the lower part of the PhotoRec window. The best choice is to export them on USB drive or any other type of removable disk.
Then, you need to designate the file formats. This option is located at the bottom, too. As it was mentioned, PhotoRec can regain the files of about 400 different formats.
Finally, you can begin files retrieval by pressing the “Search” button. You will see the screen where the outcomes of the scan and recovery are shown.
Recovery of Encrypted Files
Frequently Asked Questions
No way. These files are encrypted by ransomware. The contents of encrypted files are not available until they are decrypted.
If your data remained in the .wsaz 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 keys or new decryption programs appear.
The Wsaz 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.
- Pictures that you shared with family and friends that they can just send back to you.
- Photos that you uploaded on social media or cloud services like Carbonite, OneDrive, iDrive, Google Drive, etc
- Attachments in emails you sent or received and saved.
- Files on an older computer, flash drive, external drive, camera memory card, or iPhone where you transferred data to the infected computer.
If the guide doesn’t help you to remove infection, 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 SmithHow To Restore & Decrypt .WSAZ Files?
Name: WSAZ Ransomware
Description: The WSAZ Virus belongs to the STOP/DJVU family of ransomware infections. This malicious software encrypts various file types, including videos, photos, and documents, which become identifiable by a distinct wsaz extension. As a result, the affected files become inaccessible and unusable.
Operating System: Windows
Application Category: Virus
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