What Is Wiot Virus?
Wiot virus is the name of a ransomware infection, that belongs to the STOP ransomware family of viruses. This infection is mainly characterized by entering your computer without you noticing and then encrypting all your important files, leaving them with the .wiot file extension. The ransomware aims to get you to follow the instructions in the _readme.txt ransom note file which contains the e-mail on which you can contact the cyber-criminals and receive further details on how to pay an extortion fee. This fee is to be paid in BitCoin and these crooks give a deadline for payment, after which they threaten to double the amount or even permanently delete the decryption key, used to fix the files.
Read this article to learn more about Wiot ransomware and how to remove it from your computer fully.
Wiot Virus Summary
Name | Wiot Virus, also known as UDS:Trojan.Win32.Chapak.gen, Ransom:Win32/StopCrypt.KM!MTB, Win32:PWSX-gen [Trj], Win32:PWSX-gen [Trj], A Variant Of Win32/GenKryptik.FHJB |
File Extension | .Wiot |
Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
Short Description | The ransomware encrypts files on your computer system and demands a ransom to be paid to allegedly recover them. |
Symptoms | The Wiot Virus ransomware will encrypt your files by appending the .wiot extension to them. |
Ransom Demanding Note | _readme.txt |
Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments |
Detection Tool |
See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware
Download
Malware Removal Tool
|
Wiot Virus – What We Know About It
Wiot virus is a STOP/DJVU variant and just like the latest viruses coming for this malware family, which are Lqqw Virus, Efdc Virus and Orkf virus, it may also use multiple methods to infect your computer system:
- If downloaded as a file from a third-party website.
- If it is an e-mail attachment.
In case you have downloaded the file, like many STOP/DJVU victims have reported us, then you could have gotten infected with this virus. Such virus files often pose as legitimate downloads hosted on some shady software download sites and they most often end up being:
- Crack (activators).
- Patch.
- Hoax setup.
- Portable app.
- Keygen (key generator activators).
Many ransomware victims also report getting their computers infected via corrupted e-mail attachments. The main problem is that the hackers send a spam e-mail that appears legitimate, while in reality contains the following attachments, that are masked as original files, but in reality have the virus in them:
- E-receipts.
- Work-related files.
- Invoices.
- Tickets.
Once Wiot virus causes an infection on your computer, it may be dropping its virus files, also known as modules in the following Windows directories:
- %LocalLow%
- %AppData%
- %Local%
- %Temp%
- %SystemDrive%
Then, this ransomware may also drop the _readme.txt file that contains the ransom instructions:
Wiot virus may also leave Windows registry value strings in the following Windows sub-keys:
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
.wiot Files
When the Wiot virus infects your computer, it may begin scanning it for the files to encrypt. These files are most often detected based on their file extensions and encrypted via the AES-256 algorithm, generating an asymmetric decryption key in the process.
The main files that are encrypted by the Wiot ransomware are the following:
- Image files (.jpg, .png, .etc).
- Document file types (.docx, .pptx, etc.).
- Audio (.mp3, .wav, etc.).
- Archives (.zip, .rar, etc).
- Video files (.mp4, .avi, etc.).
- Other.
After the files are encrypted, they assume the appearance, like the example below shows:
Example Picture.jpg.wiot
Keep reading this article to find out how to remove Wiot virus and try to get your files back.
Remove Wiot Virus and Try to Restore Files
To remove Wiot, we do advise that you follow the steps in the removal guide below. We have created these steps to help you remove the malicious files of this ransomware either by yourself or automatically. For the removal with the most effectiveness, security experts recommend deleting this ransomware automatically by scanning your computer using anti-malware software. Such a program is created with the main purpose to detect and remove viruses, like Wiot by scanning your computer for all of their files.
If you are a victim of Wiot virus, then there is still some chance to get your files. One of the ways to try it is to look for STOP Decryptor, like the one created by Emsisoft. If that doesn’t work, then you can try one of our alternative methods to restore files, mentioned beneath this article. They may not be a 100% guarantee to recover your files, but with their help, you can try and restore at least some of the data.
- Step 1
- Step 2
- Step 3
- Step 4
- Step 5
Step 1: Scan for Wiot with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall Wiot and related malware from Windows
Here is a method in few easy steps that should be able to uninstall most programs. No matter if you are using Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista or XP, those steps will get the job done. Dragging the program or its folder to the recycle bin can be a very bad decision. If you do that, bits and pieces of the program are left behind, and that can lead to unstable work of your PC, errors with the file type associations and other unpleasant activities. The proper way to get a program off your computer is to Uninstall it. To do that:
Step 3: Clean any registries, created by Wiot on your computer.
The usually targeted registries of Windows machines are the following:
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
You can access them by opening the Windows registry editor and deleting any values, created by Wiot there. This can happen by following the steps underneath:
Before starting "Step 4", please boot back into Normal mode, in case you are currently in Safe Mode.
This will enable you to install and use SpyHunter 5 successfully.
Step 4: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove Wiot
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by Wiot.
Method 1: Use STOP Decrypter by Emsisoft.
Not all variants of this ransomware can be decrypted for free, but we have added the decryptor used by researchers that is often updated with the variants which become eventually decrypted. You can try and decrypt your files using the instructions below, but if they do not work, then unfortunately your variant of the ransomware virus is not decryptable.
Follow the instructions below to use the Emsisoft decrypter and decrypt your files for free. You can download the Emsisoft decryption tool linked here and then follow the steps provided below:
1 Right-click on the decrypter and click on Run as Administrator as shown below:
2. Agree with the license terms:
3. Click on "Add Folder" and then add the folders where you want files decrypted as shown underneath:
4. Click on "Decrypt" and wait for your files to be decoded.
Note: Credit for the decryptor goes to Emsisoft researchers who have made the breakthrough with this virus.
Method 2: Use data recovery software
Ransomware infections and Wiot aim to encrypt your files using an encryption algorithm which may be very difficult to decrypt. This is why we have suggested a data recovery method that may help you go around direct decryption and try to restore your files. Bear in mind that this method may not be 100% effective but may also help you a little or a lot in different situations.
Simply click on the link and on the website menus on the top, choose Data Recovery - Data Recovery Wizard for Windows or Mac (depending on your OS), and then download and run the tool.
Wiot-FAQ
What is Wiot Ransomware?
Wiot is a ransomware infection - the malicious software that enters your computer silently and blocks either access to the computer itself or encrypt your files.
Many ransomware viruses use sophisticated encryption algorithms to make your files inaccessible. The goal of ransomware infections is to demand that you pay a ransom payment to get access to your files back.
What Does Wiot Ransomware Do?
Ransomware in general is a malicious software that is designed to block access to your computer or files until a ransom is paid.
Ransomware viruses can also damage your system, corrupt data and delete files, resulting in the permanent loss of important files.
How Does Wiot Infect?
Via several ways.Wiot Ransomware infects computers by being sent via phishing emails, containing virus attachment. This attachment is usually masked as an important document, like an invoice, bank document or even a plane ticket and it looks very convincing to users.
Another way you may become a victim of Wiot is if you download a fake installer, crack or patch from a low reputation website or if you click on a virus link. Many users report getting a ransomware infection by downloading torrents.
How to Open .Wiot files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .Wiot files are encrypted. You can only open them once they are decrypted using a specific decryption key for the particular algorithm.
What to Do If a Decryptor Does Not Work?
Do not panic, and backup the files. If a decryptor did not decrypt your .Wiot files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".Wiot" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .Wiot files.
These methods are in no way 100% guaranteed that you will be able to get your files back. But if you have a backup, your chances of success are much greater.
How To Get Rid of Wiot Virus?
The safest way and the most efficient one for the removal of this ransomware infection is the use a professional anti-malware program.
It will scan for and locate Wiot ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .Wiot files.
Can I Report Ransomware to Authorities?
In case your computer got infected with a ransomware infection, you can report it to the local Police departments. It can help authorities worldwide track and determine the perpetrators behind the virus that has infected your computer.
Below, we have prepared a list with government websites, where you can file a report in case you are a victim of a cybercrime:
Cyber-security authorities, responsible for handling ransomware attack reports in different regions all over the world:
Germany - Offizielles Portal der deutschen Polizei
United States - IC3 Internet Crime Complaint Centre
United Kingdom - Action Fraud Police
France - Ministère de l'Intérieur
Italy - Polizia Di Stato
Spain - Policía Nacional
Netherlands - Politie
Poland - Policja
Portugal - Polícia Judiciária
Greece - Cyber Crime Unit (Hellenic Police)
India - Mumbai Police - CyberCrime Investigation Cell
Australia - Australian High Tech Crime Center
Reports may be responded to in different timeframes, depending on your local authorities.
Can You Stop Ransomware from Encrypting Your Files?
Yes, you can prevent ransomware. The best way to do this is to ensure your computer system is updated with the latest security patches, use a reputable anti-malware program and firewall, backup your important files frequently, and avoid clicking on malicious links or downloading unknown files.
Can Wiot Ransomware Steal Your Data?
Yes, in most cases ransomware will steal your information. It is a form of malware that steals data from a user's computer, encrypts it, and then demands a ransom in order to decrypt it.
In many cases, the malware authors or attackers will threaten to delete the data or publish it online unless the ransom is paid.
Can Ransomware Infect WiFi?
Yes, ransomware can infect WiFi networks, as malicious actors can use it to gain control of the network, steal confidential data, and lock out users. If a ransomware attack is successful, it could lead to a loss of service and/or data, and in some cases, financial losses.
Should I Pay Ransomware?
No, you should not pay ransomware extortionists. Paying them only encourages criminals and does not guarantee that the files or data will be restored. The better approach is to have a secure backup of important data and be vigilant about security in the first place.
What Happens If I Don't Pay Ransom?
If you don't pay the ransom, the hackers may still have access to your computer, data, or files and may continue to threaten to expose or delete them, or even use them to commit cybercrimes. In some cases, they may even continue to demand additional ransom payments.
Can a Ransomware Attack Be Detected?
Yes, ransomware can be detected. Anti-malware software and other advanced security tools can detect ransomware and alert the user when it is present on a machine.
It is important to stay up-to-date on the latest security measures and to keep security software updated to ensure ransomware can be detected and prevented.
Do Ransomware Criminals Get Caught?
Yes, ransomware criminals do get caught. Law enforcement agencies, such as the FBI, Interpol and others have been successful in tracking down and prosecuting ransomware criminals in the US and other countries. As ransomware threats continue to increase, so does the enforcement activity.
About the Wiot Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Wiot how-to removal guide included, is the outcome of extensive research, hard work and our team’s devotion to help you remove the specific malware and restore your encrypted files.
How did we conduct the research on this ransomware?
Our research is based on an independent investigation. We are in contact with independent security researchers, and as such, we receive daily updates on the latest malware and ransomware definitions.
Furthermore, the research behind the Wiot ransomware threat is backed with VirusTotal and the NoMoreRansom project.
To better understand the ransomware threat, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.
As a site that has been dedicated to providing free removal instructions for ransomware and malware since 2014, SensorsTechForum’s recommendation is to only pay attention to trustworthy sources.
How to recognize trustworthy sources:
- Always check "About Us" web page.
- Profile of the content creator.
- Make sure that real people are behind the site and not fake names and profiles.
- Verify Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter personal profiles.