The Wztt virus, known as a ransomware infection, is part of the STOP/DJVU family. This malware is famous for file encryption and extortion. When the Wztt virus infects a computer, it scans the system for files such as photos, videos, documents, and more. It alters the file structure and appends the “.wztt” extension to each file, making them unusable without the decryptor.
Wztt Virus Overview
Wztt
🤔 Wztt malware is ransomware that originates from the DJVU/STOP ransomware family. Its primary purpose is to cipher your files. After that ransomware virus asks for a ransom payment – ($490 – $980) in Bitcoin.
The Wztt virus is a malicious program that ciphers your files and coerces you into paying for their recovery. This ransomware ciphers different file types. Encrypted files are identifiable by a distinct “.wztt” extension. The affected files become inaccessible and unusable.
Subsequently, the ransomware asks for a file decryption payment in Bitcoin from the victims, which ranges from $490 to $980, depending on the time passed after the attack. In all cases, a text file with ransom payment guidances is named “_readme.txt“.
Wztt Ransomware works with Salsa20 encryption algorithms to scramble the contents of the targeted files. Since the Wztt virus employs such a robust encryption method, it becomes pretty hard, if not impossible, to find the decryption key without the assistance of the attackers.
Once the files are encrypted, the Wztt virus displays a ransom note to the victim, demanding a ransom payment for the decryption key. The ransom note contains instructions on how to pay off the bill and often contains threats of system wipeout or ransom amounts surge if the demands are not met within a specified timeframe.
I have compiled an all-encompassing list of potential solutions, advice, and approaches to disable the Wztt malware and recover access to your files. In some cases, it may be feasible to restore your files, but sometimes, it may be impossible.
📌 Important Reminder!
It is crucial to say that paying the ransom is not a guarantee of the successful files recovery. The scoundrels who stand behind the Wztt virus are not trustworthy. There were the cases where victims have paid the ransom, only to be denied by the cybercriminals with the decryption key provision.
Wztt uses a unique key for each victim, with one exception:
- If Wztt fails to establish a connection with its command and control server (C&C Server) before starting the encryption process, it it uses offline keys as a fallback option. This key is not unique and is the same for all users, which allows for the decryption of files encrypted by the ransomware.
The Wztt virus bears resemblance to other DJVU ransomware samples such as Jaqw, Jasa, Jaoy, and Taqw. This virus encrypts a wide range of common file types and appends its distinct “.wztt” extension to all files. For instance, a file named “1.jpg” would be altered to “1.jpg.wztt” and “2.png” to “2.png.wztt“.
After successful encryption, malware spawns a special text file named “_readme.txt” and places it in every folder containing the encrypted files. It as well adds the readme file to the desktop, so the victim will not miss the attack even without opening folders.
The image below provides a visual representation of files with the “wztt” extension:
Encrypted Files by STOP/DJVU Ransomware
| Name | Wztt Virus |
| Ransomware family1 | DJVU/STOP2 ransomware |
| Extension | .wztt |
| Ransomware note | _readme.txt |
| Ransom | From $490 to $980 (in Bitcoins) |
| Contact | support@fishmail.top, datarestorehelp@airmail.cc |
| Detection | Trojan:MSIL/AgentTesla.HU!MTB, Win32/Injector.ANIA, MSIL/Filecoder.ATX |
| 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 alarming warning requesting users to pay off the ransom to decrypt the encrypted data contains these annoying warnings.
The Wztt ransomware arrives as a set of operations necessary to execute specific functions on a victim’s computer. Among the foremost of these functions is the initiation of winupdate.exe, a deceptive process designed to display a fraudulent Windows update pop-up during the attack. This manipulation serves to deceive the victim into attributing their PC’s reduced performance to a Windows update.
Simultaneously, the ransomware triggers another process (denoted by a sequence of four random characters) that commences the scanning of the victim’s PC to identify target files for encryption. Following this, the ransomware eliminates Volume Shadow Copies from the system utilizing the following CMD command:
vssadmin.exe Delete Shadows /All /Quiet
Upon removal, the restoration of the previous computer state becomes an immensely challenging endeavor, as utilizing System Restore Points for recovery is rendered unfeasible. Regrettably, ransomware operators systematically eliminate any inherent Windows techniques that might facilitate cost-free file recovery for victims. Furthermore, the hackers manipulate the Windows HOSTS file by appending a list of domains to it and rerouting them to the localhost IP address. Consequently, any attempt to access the blocked websites results in a DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN error.
Our observations reveal that the ransomware undertakes efforts to restrict access to websites that offer various how-to guides for computer users. Evidently, by curtailing specific domains, the malefactors intend to prevent victims from accessing pertinent and valuable information concerning ransomware attacks. The malware also deposits two .txt files on the victim’s computer, providing details pertinent to the attack – the victim’s public encryption key and personal ID. These files are named bowsakkdestx.txt and PersonalID.txt.
Despite these modifications, the malware’s actions do not cease. Variants of the STOP/DJVU ransomware are inclined to introduce the Vidar password-stealing Trojan onto compromised systems. This threat boasts an extensive range of capabilities, including:
- Penetrating the victim’s computer with malware and executing it to attain unauthorized access.
- Gaining unauthorized access to login credentials for platforms like Steam, Telegram, and Skype.
- Covertly manipulating and viewing files on the victim’s computer.
- Extracting cryptocurrency wallets from the victim’s system.
- Conceding remote control of the victim’s computer to hackers for various malicious activities.
- Extracting sensitive information such as browser cookies, stored passwords, and browsing history.
The encryption algorithm employed by the DJVU/STOP virus is AES-256. Thus, if your data has been encrypted with an online decryption key, the chances of recovering your files without fulfilling the ransom demand are significantly slim. The crux of the matter lies in the uniqueness of this decryption key for each victim, requiring an extraordinary amount of time to identify a suitable key.
Procuring the online decryption key through alternate means is also practically unattainable. This key is stored on a server controlled by the hackers responsible for disseminating the Wztt malware. To obtain the decryption code, a payment of $980 is requisite. Victims are directed to establish contact with the hackers via email (support@fishmail.top) to acquire the necessary 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: support@fishmail.top Reserve e-mail address to contact us: datarestorehelp@airmail.cc Your personal ID: XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Do not pay the ransom!
Please, try to use the available backups, or Decrypter tool
_readme.txt file also states that the computer user must get in touch with the hackers’ representatives within 72 hours since the file encryption. On the condition of getting in touch within 72 hours, hackers grant a 50% off. Thus the ransom amount will be minimized down to $490.
Yet, stay away from paying the ransom! I highly recommend that you to avoid contacting these fraudsters and do not pay. One of the most real working solution to retrieve the lost data is just using the backups you have, or using Decrypter tool from Emsisoft.
The uniqueness of all such viruses is the utilization a similar set of actions for decryption key generation. Thus, unless the ransomware is still in development or exhibits some hard-to-track encryption, manually recovering the ciphered data is a thing you can’t perform. The sole remedy to prevent the data loss is to regularly make backups of your critical files.
Keep in mind that even if you do create such backups regularly, they ought to 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 substitute external hard drive storage. Alternatively, you may rely to the help of online (cloud) information storage.
Unnecessary to mention, when you store your backup on your common device, it may be similarly ciphered as well as other data. For this reason, storing the backup on your main computer 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 common leaks may allow the injection of the virus into your PC:
- Using online free hosting resources to distribute the virus undetected.
- Disguising the virus installer with various apps, especially freeware or shareware.
- Spreading the virus through spam emails containing deceptive links that lead to its installation.
- Obtaining pirated software from illegal peer-to-peer (P2P) resources, exposing users to potential malware threats.
In some cases, the Wztt virus has been disguised as something legitimate. For instance, messages demanding the execution of a browser update or a necessary codec for online media playback. This is a common tactic used by online deceivers to manipulate you into manually installing the ransomware, making you an unwitting participant in the process.
The bogus update alert intentionally conceals its true nature, avoiding any indication of virus injection. This malicious process is often masked as an alert prompting you to install an urgent security update or a seemingly harmless program.
Cracked apps also pose a threat. Engaging in illegal P2P activity can lead to the injection of severe malware, including the Wztt ransomware.
To prevent ransomware from infiltrating your system, while no method offers a 100% guarantee against infection, I can provide you with some tips to minimize the risk of Wztt penetration:
Exercise vigilance when using free software.
Always review the installation window contents beyond the primary free program.
Avoid opening dubious email attachments.
Refrain from executing files from unknown senders.
Maintain up-to-date security software.
The malware operates discreetly, deliberately evading detection in your list of available programs. Instead, it operates surreptitiously as a malicious process running in the background, initiating upon computer startup.
How To Remove Ransomware?
Remove Wztt 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 Wztt 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 “Wztt 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 Wztt 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.
Video Guide
How To Decrypt .wztt Files?
How to restore big files?
Try deleting .wztt extension on a few big files and opening them. This malware has issues with large files encryption. Either the virus scanned and did not lock the file, or it failed and did not add the filemarker. If you have files that 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 Jaqw, Jasa, Jaoy 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.
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:
Select folders for decryption.
Based on the default configurations, the decryptor will by default choose the reachable directories in order to decode the currently available drives (the connected ones), including the network drives. You can select additional locations with the “Add” button.
Decryptors typically offer several options depending on the specific malware family. The existing possible options are shown in the Options tab and can be activated or disabled there. You may locate a comprehensive list of the currently active Options below.
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 .wztt Files?
In some case ransomware is not doom for your files…
The Wztt ransomware encryption mechanism feature is next: it encrypts every file byte-by-byte, then saves a file copy, removing (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 physical disk. The cell, or the sector where this file was stored, can still keep this file, but it is not present in the file system and can be rewritten by data that has been loaded to this disk after the deletion. Hence, it is possible to restore 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 files recovery from damaged disks, or for files recovery in case if they are unintentionally deleted. However, with time flow, this program received the ability to retrieve the files of 400 different extensions. Hence, it can be used for data recovery after the Wztt attack.
First, you need to download this app. It is 100% free, but the developer states that there is no warranty that the files will be restored. PhotoRec is spread together with other tool of the same developer – TestDisk. The downloaded archive will have TestDisk name, but don’t worry. PhotoRec files are right inside.
To launch PhotoRec, find and open “qphotorec_win.exe” file. No installation process is required – the program has all the files it need inside of the archive, hence, you can fit it on your USB drive, and try to help your friends/parents/anyone who has been attacked by Wztt ransomware.
Upon the launch, you will observe the screen showing you the entire list of your disk spaces. However, this data is likely irrelevand, because the required menu is placed a bit higher. Click this bar, then choose the disk which was attacked by ransomware.
After opting for 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 selection is to export them on USB drive or any other type of removable disk.
Then, you need to specify the file formats. This feature is located at the bottom, too. As it was mentioned, PhotoRec can recover the files of about 400 different formats.
Finally, you can initiate files recovery by pressing the “Search” button. You will view the screen where the findings of the scan and recovery are shown.
Wztt files recovery Video Guide.
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 .wztt 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 Wztt 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 .WZTT Files?
Name: WZTT Ransomware
Description: The WZTT 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 wztt extension. As a result, the affected files become inaccessible and unusable. Subsequently, the WZTT ransomware demands a ransom payment in Bitcoin from its victims, ranging from $490 to $980.
Operating System: Windows
Application Category: Virus
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