I’ve encountered various threats in the digital world, and one that has recently caught my attention is the WISZ virus. This particular strain falls under the STOP/Djvu family of ransomware and has become a notable threat due to its aggressive tactics against Windows PCs. Let’s delve into the mechanics of WISZ ransomware, its impact on your files, and the danger it poses to data integrity.
WISZ Virus
WISZ ransomware is a type of malicious software designed with one goal in mind: to hijack your files using a sophisticated encryption method known as Salsa20. This isn’t just any encryption; it’s a military-grade standard that, once applied, makes your files completely inaccessible. But WISZ doesn’t stop there. It’s engineered to slip past antivirus defenses and wipe out any existing backups, leaving victims in a precarious position.
Once WISZ takes hold, it begins its encryption rampage, targeting essential files—be it Word documents, Excel spreadsheets, or personal photos. Every affected file is then branded with the “.wisz” extension. For example, “photo.jpg” would be transformed into “photo.jpg.wisz,” a stark indicator of the ransomware’s presence. Alongside this encryption process, WISZ ransomware leaves its mark by dropping a ransom note, aptly named _readme.txt, in every folder that contains the now-encrypted files. This note is essentially the cybercriminal’s calling card, detailing the attack and providing instructions for submitting a ransom payment to regain access to your files.
This post offers insights into the WISZ malware’s behavior and guides its removal from infected systems. Furthermore, it discusses various strategies for file recovery following a ransomware attack.
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WISZ ransomware shares the same habits with the majority of other STOP/Djvu ransomware examples. This family appeared in 2018 and accounted for over 70% of all ransomware attacks on individuals. It is a trendsetter in its industry and has a bunch of features that are typical for any other ransomware group that attacks individual users. Ransom sum, notification manner, precautions done to avoid the backup usage – all these things are now the same everywhere. But they have initially appeared thanks to the Djvu ransomware.
How did I get the WISZ malware?
The vast majority of malware that attacks single users opt for the same spreading tactics. STOP/Djvu ransomware, particularly the WISZ variant, is not an exclusion. The most common ways of spreading are different software cracks, unlicensed programs, and dubious tools from the Internet. In particular, they apply the tactics of creating a single-use site where currently popular things are posted. New Marvel films, new games, or tools for Windows 11 activation – the basis for such a dummy appear daily. Search spam techniques boost this page’s search results, making it the most popular in the related requests. A link for direct or torrent downloading contains the payload on the same site.
Cybercriminals who distribute this ransomware initially inject the downloader malware, which acts as a precursor for further malware. It disables the security mechanisms that can potentially stop the ransomware or make it troublesome to infect the system. Disabling the Windows Defender, applying certain networking changes, and adjusting the Group Policies. The last action is done to restrict the execution of installation files of the programs, generally – antivirus solutions.
WISZ Virus Encryption Process
ransomware continues to change the system after being injected with the downloader. In particular, WISZ ransomware disables the most popular backup methods (Volume Shadow Copies and OneDrive backups). It blocks access to certain websites where the victim can find the solution. After that, ransomware starts the encryption process. According to the code of leaked STOP/Djvu samples, it performs the ciphering in a step-by-step manner. First, ransomware scans the folders on your disk. If it detects the files it can cipher, it connects to the server, asks for the encryption key, and starts the encryption. When the process is over, it goes back to the scanning process.
The encryption mechanism used by the WISZ ransomware is AES-256. That standard is opted by a lot of security technologies. For example, your traffic is encrypted with that cipher when connected to the website through an HTTPS connection. It is not the strongest, but you cannot decrypt it on modern computers. With the end-to-end encryption at the stage of connection to the server used by this ransomware, it is impossible to intercept the decryption key. Nonetheless, that does not mean you cannot get your files back.
WISZ ransomware finishes the last portion of encryption. It applies several more actions to provide a bigger persistence. The original executable file is getting cloned to a directory far away from the typical ones chosen by malware. Temp or ProgramFiles directories are checked even by the simplest antiviruses, so ransomware puts its files in deeper and less familiar places.
WISZ Ransomware Removal
Ransomware stands out as one of the most intricate and damaging forms of malware, presenting significant challenges in detection and removal. WISZ virus specifically exhibits a propensity for obstructing the execution of security program executables, complicating the removal process. This hindrance, however, is not proactive and can be addressed post-encryption, necessitating meticulous attention during removal to circumvent such barriers. It is imperative to prioritize virus removal as the initial step, as any subsequent actions may be nullified by the ransomware’s reversion of changes.
For optimal removal efficacy, consider leveraging Loaris Trojan Remover, a leading malware removal tool renowned for its robust functionality. This application boasts an advanced scanning mechanism comprising three distinct modules designed to identify ransomware variants comprehensively. Notably, its Custom Scan feature empowers users to scrutinize specific directories swiftly, ensuring thorough examination in minimal time.
Additionally, safeguarding against ransomware entails proactive measures:
- Regularly update operating systems and security software to patch vulnerabilities.
- Exercise caution when opening email attachments or clicking on suspicious links.
- Implement robust cybersecurity protocols, including firewall protection and intrusion detection systems.
- Adopt a comprehensive backup strategy to mitigate data loss risks.
- Educate users on ransomware awareness and prevention practices.
By adopting a multifaceted approach encompassing both proactive prevention measures and responsive remediation strategies, individuals and organizations can fortify their defenses against the pervasive threat of ransomware.
It is important to mention that circumventing the ransomware that blocks the executive files launch requires booting into Safe Mode with Networking. You can download the installer before booting or after it – that will not matter at all.
To boot your PC into the Safe Mode, you must open the Troubleshooting panel. Press Win→Power, and then click on the Restart button while holding the Shift key. After that, you will see the Troubleshooting screen. Go to Startup Settings → Windows 10 Safe Mode with Networking. Press Enter and wait till your system is loading.
Safe Mode in Windows supposes the system loading without certain modules, in particular – the startup programs and a part of Group Policies. This mode is convenient for malware removal since it prevents the launch of programs not listed as systems and nails the majority of restrictions implemented by malware.
Remove ransomware with Loaris Trojan Remover
When your PC is booted into Safe Mode, launch the Loaris installation file and wait until the program is installed. It may take several minutes. After that, the program will offer you to activate a free trial. This action is recommended since it allows you to use the full functionality of the Trojan Remover. Just put your email address and receive a free trial code.
When the trial is activated, launch the full scan. It may last for 20-30 minutes, so keep patience. You can use your computer during this operation without any restrictions.
After the scan, you will see the list of detected threats. By default, the program designates suitable actions for each detection. In particular, for the WISZ virus, it is a removal. However, you can manage these actions by clicking on the label on the right side of the detection if you think some detected items may need a different action.
How to decrypt WISZ files?
That’s not a lot you can do with the files encrypted by WISZ ransomware if everything is done properly. This malware supposes the use of two key types – online and offline. The former is the main one, and it is used in the majority of cases. It consists of 256 symbols and is unique for each victim. WISZ virus receives it from the command server each time it tries to cipher another folder in the file system. However, when it fails to connect to the server – because it is down or there are connectivity issues – the files are ciphered with an offline key. The offline key is always single for each variant, so all victims whose files were encrypted with the offline key can be saved.
Emsisoft offers a tool to decrypt the files after the STOP/Djvu attack. The developer’s team collects the leaked offline and online keys. It is 100% free to use since the company performs this action on a voluntary basis.
Decrypt your files with Emsisoft Decryptor for STOP Djvu
Download and install Emsisoft Decryptor for STOP Djvu from the developer’s website. Then, open the application and make some primary setup. You need to specify the folders where the ciphered files are stored. Then, you can press “Decrypt” and watch for the results.
During the decryption process, you can spectate certain messages from the program. Let’s check them out:
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☞ Remote name could not be resolved
That message stands for the error in resolving the Emsisoft servers’ DNS. Since the program does not bring the database of keys and receives it from the cloud, it needs a stable Internet connection. In case of this error, try to reset your HOSTS file and try again.
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☞ No key for New Variant online ID: [your ID]
Notice: This is an online ID. Decryption is impossible.
The worst-case scenario – you have your files ciphered with the online key. It is unique for each victim. Hence you cannot decrypt the files with the Emsisoft tool.
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☞ No key for New Variant offline ID: [example ID]
This ID appears to be an offline ID. Therefore, decryption may be possible in the future.
The footnote for this message explains a lot. You are lucky enough since your files were ciphered with an offline ID, but there is no key leaked for your case yet. Keep patience and wait. The key may appear in several weeks.
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☞ Error: Unable to decrypt file with ID: [your ID]
That message means that the Emsisoft program failed to find the corresponding key for your case. Still, that is not the worst situation – it may still appear in the future.
Get your files back with file recovery tools
The decryptor I described above is not the only option for recovering the files. Because of the specific algorithm applied by ransomware during the ciphering process, , it is possible to recover the files with file recovery tools. I will recommend PhoroRec as a free and effective solution.
STOP/Djvu ransomware does not encrypt the exact file. It copies the original document, ciphers it, then deletes the original and substitutes it with an encrypted copy. Meanwhile, the file storing techniques allow for recovering the deleted files from the disk. Deleting the files from the operating system usually means deleting the information about the file location on the disk from the file system. At the same time, the disk still keeps the residue of the file – until the corresponding area will not be filled with the other one, validated by the file system.
PhotoRec is a tool that searches for these residual file parts and recovers them. It can dig out the rest of the files you have deleted earlier, but it is much better to get your important data back and delete the excessive files. Let’s see how to use it properly.
Using PhotoRec to recover .WISZ files
Download PhotoRec from the official website. It is free and spread together with the other tool from this developer – TestDisk. Since it is portable, you don’t need to install it – just unzip the downloaded archive and open the folder. In it, find the qphotorec_win.exe file and launch it.
In the program, you must set up before each disk scan. First, choose the disk or the partition you want to scan from the drop-down menu in the upper part of the window. Then, you need to specify the folder for the recovered files. It is recommended to dump all recovered files to a USB flash drive. Finally, you need to specify the file formats you want to recover. PhotoRec recovers over 400 different formats, but opting for all will significantly increase the scan time. It is recommended to opt-in only for the file types you need.
Frequently Asked Questions
🤔How to decrypt the online ransomware ID?
Unfortunately, there is no way to decrypt the online ID in a regular way. The encryption WISZ ransomware uses too tough; decrypting it with modern computers will take millions of years. The most promising way to get your files back in the case of online ID is to use file recovery tools, as shown above.
🤔Should I pay for the ransomware?
It may look like an obvious solution, but it is a bad idea. First, by paying the ransom, you automatically sponsor the crooks, their activity, and the appliance for the money they will receive (usually the similar outlaw activity). The other problem is that ransomware operators are not always honest and may ask you to pay once more to get the decryption key. From the legal point of view, you are clear, but there are enough moral principles to break through.
🤔How to protect from ransomware?
Ransomware is an enormously dodgy malware, so preventive methods, as well as ways to revert the attack, must be applied as well. Most attacks happen through fake sites, where hacked programs or movie camrips are spread. In some rare cases, crooks spread their ransomware by offering malicious files on various forums or chats. Cutting these sources, i.e., avoiding these files, is the best way to decrease the ransomware hazard by orders of magnitude.
Dealing with the ransomware attack aftermath must also be a point of concern. Having your data backed up regularly will solve the problem of data accessibility after the attack. Using the special software that will synchronize your data with cloud storage after each workday will decrease the time lag for the backup. Meanwhile, the standard backup methods, like OneDrive or Volume Shadow Copies, are ineffective since ransomware disables them even before the encryption.
🤔Is Loaris able to decrypt WISZ files?
Loaris Trojan Remover is only capable of removing the WISZ ransomware and fixing your PC after the attack. It is not a decryption tool and does not have any capabilities to revert the ciphering process. To try to decrypt the files, use the offered decryption tool.
🤔Are WISZ files dangerous?
They are the same as the files you used to see on your disk. The only thing which was changed by the ransomware is ciphering of the file header, which contains the key information for the file system to recognize and read it. Overall, they are not infected, like in the case of a computer virus attack – they just received a malicious alteration. You may keep them on your disk without any concerns regarding your PC security.
This article aims to shed light on the behavior of WISZ malware and offers guidance on how to eradicate it from infected systems. Additionally, we’ll explore viable strategies for recovering files in the wake of a ransomware attack, emphasizing that all hope is not lost even in seemingly dire situations.