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

The WWTY virus, a ransomware belonging to the STOP/DJVU family, exhibits notorious capabilities for maliciously encrypting files. Upon infecting a computer system, it targets a variety of file types, including documents, videos, photos, and more. It modifies the file structure and adds the “.wwty” extension to each encrypted file, rendering them unusable without decryption. This virus is classified as a member of the STOP/DJVU family.

Wwty Virus Overview

The Wwty virus encrypts your files and compels you to pay for their recovery, constituting a type of malware known as ransomware. This ransomware encrypts a wide range of file types, identifiable by the distinctive “.wwty” extension it appends to them. Consequently, the affected files become inaccessible and unusable.

Subsequently, the ransomware issues a demand for a Bitcoin payment, which can range from $490 to $980, in exchange for file decryption. Typically, a text file containing payment instructions is named “_readme.txt“.

The WWTY Ransomware employs Salsa20 encryption algorithms to cipher the files, making it exceedingly challenging, if not impossible, to determine the decryption key without cooperating with the attackers.

Upon completing the encryption process, the WWTY malware presents a ransom note to the user, specifying the ransom payment required for the decryption key. This note provides instructions for making the payment and often includes threats of permanent data loss or increased ransom amounts if the demands are not met within a specified timeframe.

I have made an all-encompassing list of the solutions, advice, and methods to disable the Wwty malware and decrypt and recover your files. In some cases, you can regain access to the files, but sometimes, it may be impossible.

Wwty employs a unique key for every victim, with one exception:

The Wwty virus bears resemblance to other DJVU ransomware variants like Wwza, Oohu, Oopl, and Ooza. This virus encrypts a wide range of common file types and appends its distinct “.wwty” extension to all files. For instance, a file named “1.jpg” would be altered to “1.jpg.wwty” and “2.png” to “2.png.wwty“.

Upon 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 the readme 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 “wwty” extension:

Encrypted Files by STOP/DJVU Ransomware

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

_readme.txt (STOP/DJVU Ransomware) – The alarming notification demanding users to pay the ransom to unlock the encoded data contains these frustrating cautions.

The Wwty ransomware initiates a series of procedures to perform various tasks on a victim’s computer. One of the initial processes it launches is winupdate.exe, a deceptive process that displays a fraudulent Windows update prompt during the attack. The purpose of this is to convince the victim that their PC has slowed down due to a Windows update.

Simultaneously, the ransomware activates another process (usually named with 4 random characters) that scans the computer for target files and encrypts them. Subsequently, the ransomware eliminates Volume Shadow Copies from the disk using the following CMD command:

vssadmin.exe Delete Shadows /All /Quiet

Once these copies are removed, it becomes impossible to restore the previous computer state using System Restore Points. The concern lies in the fact that the ransomware operators are erasing any built-in Windows mechanisms that could assist the victim in recovering their files without cost. Additionally, the perpetrators modify the Windows HOSTS file by appending a list of domains to it and mapping them to the localhost IP address. Consequently, when attempting to access one of the listed websites, the victim will encounter a DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN error.

It has been observed that the ransomware attempts to restrict access to websites offering various how-to guides for computer users. Evidently, by limiting specific domains, the attackers aim to prevent the victim from accessing relevant and helpful information about ransomware attacks online. This malware also leaves two .txt files on the victim’s computer containing attack-related information—the public key of the victim and a personal ID. These files are named bowsakkdestx.txt and PersonalID.txt.

Following these modifications, the malware does not cease its activities. Variants of the STOP/DJVU ransomware have a tendency to deploy the Vidar password-stealing Trojan on compromised systems. This threat possesses an extensive 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 encryption algorithm used by STOP/Djvu ransomware is AES-256. Consequently, once your data is encrypted with a unique decryption key, the chances of recovering your files without paying the ransom are extremely low. This key is specific to each victim, and decrypting it would require an exceptionally significant amount of time.

Recovering the online key through any other means is also virtually impossible. It is stored on a remote server controlled by the criminals responsible for promoting the Wwty infection. To obtain the decryption key, victims must make a payment of $980. Payment details can be obtained by contacting the fraudsters via email at ([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 file also states that the computer owners must get in touch with the hackers’ representatives during 72 hours since the file encryption. If the 72hrs demand is met, hackers grant a 50% off. Thus the ransom amount will be minimized down to $490.

Yet, stay away from paying off the ransom! I highly recommend that you do not contact these frauds and do not pay. An efficient solution to recover the lost data is just using the backups you have, or using Decrypter tool from Emsisoft.

The peculiarity of such viruses is the application 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 only solution to prevent the data loss is to regularly make backups of your important files.

Remember that even if you do create such backups regularly, they must be stored 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 refer to the help of online (cloud) information storage.

It goes without saying, when you maintain your backup on your regular device, it may be encrypted together with your files. 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, these are the common avenues through which it can infiltrate your PC:

• Utilizing online free hosting resources to discreetly distribute the virus.
• Concealing the virus installer within other applications, particularly utilities offered as freeware or shareware.
• Spreading through spam emails containing suspicious links leading to virus installation.
• Downloading pirated software from illegal peer-to-peer (P2P) sources, which may include hidden malware.

There have been cases where the Wwty virus masquerades as a legitimate process, such as messages prompting you to initiate a browser update or urgently needed codec for online media playback. This is typically how certain online deceptions aim to manipulate you into manually installing the ransomware, all while keeping the true nature of the installation hidden under an alert stating that you need to install an urgent security update or some questionable program.

Indeed, cracked applications pose a threat as well. Using P2P networks for software acquisition is both illegal and may lead to the introduction of severe malware, including the Wwty ransomware.

In summary, what can you do to prevent the ransomware from infiltrating your computer? While there is no 100% guarantee to completely safeguard your PC, there are some tips I would like to share to help you thwart Wwty’s penetration. Be cautious when using free software.

Always ensure you read what the installer offers in addition to the main free program. Avoid opening suspicious email attachments and refrain from running files sent by unknown recipients. And, of course, keep your current anti-malware software consistently updated.

The malware does not reveal itself openly; it won’t appear in your list of installed programs. Instead, it remains concealed under a malicious process running persistently in the background, starting the moment you launch your computer.

How To Remove Ransomware?

Video Guide

How To Decrypt .wwty Files?

The newest extensions released around the end of August 2019 after the criminals made changes. This includes Wwza, Oohu, Oopl etc.

As a outcome of the modifications made by the criminals, STOPDecrypter is no longer supported. 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.

1. Select folders for decryption.

   Based on the default configurations, the decryptor will automatically choose the accessible directories in order to unlock the currently available drives (the connected ones), including the network drives. You can select extra locations with the “Add” button.

   Decryptors usually offer several options considering the specific malware family. The present possible options are presented in the Options tab and can be enabled or deactivated there. You may locate a detailed list of the currently active Options below.

2. 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.

✓ Remote name could not be resolved

How to Restore .wwty Files?

In some case ransomware is not doom for your files…

The Wwty ransomware encryption mechanism feature is next: it encrypts every file byte-by-byte, then saves a duplicate, erasing (not overriding!) the initial file. Thus, the data of the file placement on the disk drive is lost, but the original file is not removed from the physical disk. The cell, or the sector where this file was stored, can still hold this file, but it is not present 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.

Recovering your files with PhotoRec

PhotoRec is an open-source program, which is initially created for files recovery from damaged disks, or for file retrieval in case if they are unintentionally deleted. However, as time has gone by, this program got the ability to recover the files of 400 different file types. Hence, it can be used for file restoration after the Wwty attack.

First, you need to download this app. It is 100% free, but the developer states that there is no assurance that the files will be restored. PhotoRec is spread together with other program of the same developer – TestDisk. The program 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 is required – this program has all the files it need within the archive, hence, you can fit it on your USB drive, and help your friends/parents/anyone who has been attacked by Wwty ransomware.

After the launch, you will observe the screen showing you the entire list of your disk drives. However, this information is presumably irrelevand, because the required menu is placed a bit higher. Click this tab, then choose the disk which was attacked by ransomware.

After choosing the disk, you need to pick the destination folder for the restored files. This menu is located at the lower part of the PhotoRec window. The best decision is to export them on USB drive or any other type of removable disk.

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

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

Wwty files recovery Video Guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. My files are encrypted by ransomware, what should I do now?
2. About DJVU (STOP) Ransomware.

German Japanese Spanish Portuguese (Brazil) French Turkish Chinese (Traditional) Korean Indonesian Hindi Italian