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

The WWZA virus, also known as a ransomware infection, belongs to the STOP/DJVU family. This malware is infamous for encrypting files and extorting the victims. When the Wwza virus infiltrates a system, it targets various types of files, such as photos, videos, documents, and more. It alters the file structure and appends the “.wwza” extension to each encrypted file, rendering it inaccessible and unusable without the decryption.

Wwza Virus Overview

The Wwza virus encrypts your files and requires you to pay for their decryption. This malware encrypts various file types, and you can identify the encrypted files by their distinct “.wwza” extension. Ransomware renders the affected files inaccessible and unusable.

Subsequently, the ransomware compels its victims to pay a ransom in Bitcoin, which ranges from $490 to $980, depending on the time elapsed after the attack. Usually, a text file with ransom payment instructions is named “_readme.txt“.

Wwza Ransomware uses Salsa20 encryption algorithms to encrypt the targeted files. Because the Wwza virus employs such a robust encryption method, it becomes challenging, if not impossible, to retrieve the decryption key without cooperating with the attackers.

Once the files are encrypted, the Wwza virus presents a ransom note to the victim, demanding a ransom payment in exchange for the decryption key. The ransom note provides instructions on how to make the payment and often includes threats of data loss or an increase in the ransom amount if the payment is not made within a specified timeframe.

I have compiled a comprehensive list of potential solutions, advice, and methods to disable the Wwza ransomware and decrypt and recover your files. There are situations when you can recover the files, but sometimes, it may be impossible.

Wwza employs a unique key for each victim, with one exception:

The Wwza virus is highly similar to other DJVU ransomware variants such as MZRE, MZHI, MZQT, and MZOP. This virus encrypts a wide range of common file types and appends its distinct “.wwza” extension to all files. For instance, a file named “1.jpg” would be altered to “1.jpg.wwza” and “2.png” to “2.png.wwza“.

After successful encryption, malware spawns 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 user will not miss its appearance even without opening folders.

The image below provides a visual representation of files with the “wwza” extension:

Encrypted Files by STOP/DJVU Ransomware

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

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

Wwza ransomware carries out a set of actions that require it to execute certain functions on a victim’s computer. One of the first processes it launches is winupdate.exe, a tricky process that displays a false Windows update prompt during the attack. This is meant to convince the victim that a sudden computer slowdown results from a Windows update.

Meanwhile, the ransomware initiates another process (named as 4 random characters) that begins scanning the computer 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 removed, it becomes virtually impossible to restore the previous computer state using System Restore Points. The issue is that ransomware operators eliminate any built-in Windows methods that could assist the victim in recovering files for free. Additionally, the criminals modify the Windows HOSTS file by appending a list of domains to it and mapping them to the localhost IP address. As a result, when attempting to access one of the blacklisted websites, the victim encounters a DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN error.

We have observed that the ransomware attempts to block websites that promote various how-to guides for computer users. It is clear that by hindering specific domains, the criminals aim to prevent the victim from accessing relevant and helpful information about ransomware attacks online. This malware also deposits two text files on the victim’s computer that contain attack-related details – the victim’s public encryption key and personal ID. These two files are named bowsakkdestx.txt and PersonalID.txt.

After making all these changes, the malware does not stop. Variants of STOP/DJVU tend to deploy the Vidar password-stealing Trojan on compromised systems. This threat possesses a wide range of capabilities, including:

• Infiltrating the victim’s computer with malware and executing it to gain unauthorized access.
• Gaining 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 DJVU/STOP virus uses the AES-256 encryption algorithm. So, if your data has been encrypted with an online decryption key, the chances of recovering your files are quite low. The online key is unique for each victim, and finding a suitable one would take too much time.

Obtaining the online decryption key in any other way is also nearly impossible. It is stored on a command server owned by the criminals who promote the Wwza malware. To receive the decryption code, the payment required is $980. Victims should contact the hackers by email at ([email protected]) to get 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 the ransom!

Please, try to use the available backups, or Decrypter tool

The _readme.txt file also stipulates that the system user must contact the hackers within 72 hours of the file encryption. If the 72-hour deadline is met, the hackers will grant a 50% discount. Consequently, the ransom amount will be reduced to $490.

However, I strongly advise against paying the ransom! Instead, I recommend that you avoid contacting these scammers and refrain from making any payment. An effective solution to recover your lost data is to utilize your existing backups or utilize the Decrypter tool from Emsisoft.

One distinctive feature of such malware is that it employs a similar set of actions for decryption key generation. Therefore, unless the ransomware is still in the developmental stage or has some difficult-to-exploit vulnerabilities, manual data recovery is not feasible. The only reliable way to prevent the loss of your valuable data is to routinely create backups of your critical files.

It’s crucial to note that even if you maintain regular backups, they should be stored in a separate location, not directly connected to your primary workstation. For example, you can store the backup on a USB flash drive or an alternative external hard drive. Alternatively, you can consider using online (cloud) data storage services.

Needless to say, if you store your backup data on your primary device, it may also become encrypted, just like your other data. Therefore, keeping the backup on your local disk is not a prudent choice.

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 as a means to clandestinely distribute the virus.
• Camouflaging the virus installer alongside various applications, especially those offered as freeware or shareware.
• Disseminating the virus through spam emails containing deceptive links that lead to its installation.
• Downloading pirated software from illegal peer-to-peer (P2P) sources, exposing users to potential malware threats.

There have been instances where the Wwza virus masqueraded as a legitimate tool. For example, it presented messages demanding the initiation of a browser update or the installation of a supposedly essential codec for online media playback. This is typically how certain online deceptions aim to coerce you into manually deploying the ransomware, by making you directly participate in the process.

Naturally, the fake update alert will not explicitly indicate that you are installing a threat. Instead, this installation will be concealed under a notification claiming that you must install an urgent security update or some suspicious program.

Without a doubt, the use of software cracks also poses a threat. Utilizing P2P resources for this purpose is both illegal and can result in the injection of severe malware, including the Wwza ransomware.

To summarize, what can you do to prevent the ransomware from infiltrating your system? While there is no absolute guarantee to safeguard your PC entirely, there are several tips I want to share to reduce the risk of Wwza infiltration. Exercise caution when using free software.

Always carefully review what the installer offers in addition to the main free program. Avoid opening dubious email attachments, and refrain from opening files sent by unknown senders. Ensure that your current anti-malware software is consistently updated.

The malware does not openly identify itself. It will not appear in your list of available programs. Instead, it will remain concealed under a malicious process running persistently in the background, starting from the moment you boot up your computer.

How To Remove Ransomware?

Video Guide

How To Decrypt .wwza Files?

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

As a outcome of the changes made by the criminals, STOPDecrypter is no longer assisted. 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 by default choose the accessible directories in order to decrypt the currently reachable drives (the connected ones), including the network drives. Additional (optional) locations can be selected with the help of the “Add” button.

   Decryptors typically propose several options depending on the specific malware family. The existing possible options are displayed in the Options tab and can be enabled or turned off there. You may discover a comprehensive 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 .wwza Files?

In some case ransomware is not doom for your files…

The Wwza ransomware encryption mechanism algoritm is next: it ciphers every file byte-by-byte, then saves a file copy, deleting (not overriding!) the original file. Hence, the data 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 stored, can still hold this file, but it is not present in the file system and can be overwritten by data that has been loaded to this disk after the deletion. Hence, it is possible to retrieve your files using special software.

Recovering your files with PhotoRec

PhotoRec is an free open-source program, which is initially created for file retrieval 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 restore the files of 400 different formats. Hence, it can be used for file recovery after the Wwza attack.

First, you need to download this app. It is 100% free, but the developer notifies that there is no warranty that your files will be recovered. PhotoRec is spread in a pack with another tool 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 setup is required – the program has all the files it need inside of the archive, hence, you can mount it on your USB drive, and help your friends/parents/anyone who has been attacked by Wwza ransomware.

Upon the start, you will encounter the screen showing you the entire list of your disk drives. However, this information is likely 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 retrieved 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 option is located at the bottom, too. As it was mentioned, PhotoRec can recover the files of about 400 different formats.

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

Wwza files recovery Video Guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

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