The article will aid you to remove .Wlu Files Virus effectively. Follow the .Wlu Files Virus removal instructions at the end.
Wlu Virus File
The .Wlu file virus is actually the latest variant of the Jaff ransomware that encrypts data on your PC. .wlu is the new extension that will get appended to files after they get locked. The other thing which is notable in this variant of the cryptovirus is that it has a new ransom note. Keep on reading to see how you could try to potentially recover your data.
.wlu files virus is in fact a new variant of the Jaff ransomware. That new variant keeps using the old payment page design as Locky, and the latest method for distribution same as Locky’s Loptr variant. Jaff is written on the “C” programming language.
Threat Summary
| Name | .Wlu Files Virus (Jaff) |
| File Extension | .wlu |
| Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
| What Is It | .Wlu file virus continues to spread by using the same tactics as its predecessor and encrypts files just as successfully as the last variant. |
| Symptoms | The virus will encrypt your files and put the .wlu extension on them after it finishes encrypting them. |
| Ransom Demanding Note | README_TO_DECRYPTl.txt, README_TO_DECRYPTl.html, README_TO_DECRYPTl.bmp, READMEwl.html, READMEwl.txt, READMEwl.bmp |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails with attachments, Macro commands in Fake documents. |
| Removal | To effectively remove active .Wlu Files Virus (Jaff) virus infections, we recommend that you use an advanced anti-malware tool. Download
Malware Removal Tool
|
User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss .Wlu Files Virus (Jaff). |
| Data Recovery Tool | Windows Data Recovery by Stellar Phoenix Notice! This product scans your drive sectors to recover lost files and it may not recover 100% of the encrypted files, but only few of them, depending on the situation and whether or not you have reformatted your drive. |
Wlu Virus Ransomware – Description
For the infection process, the latest iteration of Jaff continues to use the newly developed scheme of spreading the malicious files by utilizing malicious Microsoft Word documents that are embedded within .PDF files. The latest spam campaign uses the following messages to trick victims into opening the e-mails:
As soon as the victim clicks on the “OK” button on the “Open This File” pop-up box, the PDF file extracts the Microsoft Word document on the computer of the victim. When the document is opened, the victim is asked to click on “Enable Content” to read the contents of the document. However, instead of getting the actual contents, Jaff ransomware infects the computer.
The .Wlu Files Virus keeps using the same delivery ways as those of its predecessor. Those ways mainly include spam e-mail campaigns that are spreading millions of emails, which have PDF files attached to them. One such PDF file looks like the following:
Inside the PDF, you will see that there is an embedded .docm file, which you will be asked to open. This is how that document file looks from the inside:
Once loaded, you will be asked to click on “Enable Editing” and then on “Enable Content”. Afterward, a macro script is loaded that will download the malicious executable for the .Wlu Files Virus. Macro commands are detected to download the virus from one of the following URL addresses:
- billiginurlaub.com – GET /fgJds2U
- david-faber.de – GET /fgJds2U
- elateplaza.com – GET /fgJds2U
- electron-trade.ru – GET /fgJds2U
- fjjslyw.com – GET /fgJds2U
- hr991.com – GET /fgJds2U
- jinyuxuan.de – GET /fgJds2U
- khaosoklake.com – GET /fgJds2U
- minnessotaswordfishh.com – GET /af/fgJds2U
- oliverkuo.com.au – GET /fgJds2U
- pcflame.com.au – GET /fgJds2U
- tdtuusula.com – GET /fgJds2U
- williams-fitness.com – GET /fgJds2U
.Wlu Files Virus could also be distributing its payload via social media networks and file-sharing sites. Refrain from opening files after downloaded them, especially if they come from places such as suspicious emails and links from an unknown source. Beforehand, you should scan the files with a security tool.
The .Wlu file virus makes entries in the Windows Registry, with the probable aim of achieving a higher level of persistence or even for launching and repressing processes inside Windows. Such of these entries are designed in a way that will start the virus automatically with every booting of the Windows OS.
The ransom message will be displayed after the encryption process finishes with a picture that changes your current Desktop background. That ransom message will be put inside three files, which will be named:
- README_TO_DECRYPTl.bmp
- README_TO_DECRYPT.html
- README_TO_DECRYPTl.txt
or
- READMEwl.bmp
- READMEwl.html
- READMEwl.txt
All three files will have almost exactly the same content inside.
Here is how the ransom message looks like from the README_TO_DECRYPTl.bmp file:
From there you will be pointed to the Tor page, which has the same design as the one of Locky, but say “jaff decryptor™”.
Except the .bmp file that changes your Desktop background, there is also a text document with the ransom note left on your PC. The ransom note states the following:
/////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
Files are encrypted!
To decrypt flies you need to obtain the private
key.The only copy of the private key, which will allow you to decrypt your
files, is located on a secret server
in the Internet.1.
You must install Tor Browser:
https://www.torproject.org/download/download-easy.html.en2.
After instalation, run the Tor Browser and enter address:
https://rktazuzi7hbln7sy.onion/Follow the instruction on the website.
Your decrypt ID: [redacted]
//////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
Apparently the .Wlu files virus demands you to pay 0.35630347 Bitcoin, which equals to 954 US dollars at the moment of writing this article. Despite that, you should NOT under any circumstances pay any money to the cybercriminals. Nobody can guarantee that you will get your files recovered from paying, nor that you won’t get your computer infected again in the future. Financially supporting those criminals will motivate them to create more ransomware viruses.
As previous variants of the Jaff ransomware, this one also seeks to encrypt files with about 427 different extensions as seen below:
→.xlsx, .acd, .pdf, .pfx, .crt, .der, .cad, .dwg, .MPEG, .rar, .veg, .zip, .txt, .jpg, .doc, .wbk, .mdb, .vcf, .docx, .ics, .vsc, .mdf, .dsr, .mdi, .msg, .xls, .ppt, .pps, .obd, .mpd, .dot, .xlt, .pot, .obt, .htm, .html, .mix, .pub, .vsd, .png, .ico, .rtf, .odt, .3dm, .3ds, .dxf, .max, .obj, .7z, .cbr, .deb, .gz, .rpm, .sitx, .tar, .tar, .gz, .zipx, .aif, .iff, .m3u, .m4a, .mid, .key, .vib, .stl, .psd, .ova, .xmod, .wda, .prn, .zpf, .swm, .xml, .xlsm, .par, .tib, .waw, .001, .002 003, ., .004, .005, .006, .007, .008, .009, .010, .contact, .dbx, .jnt, .mapimail, .oab, .ods, .ppsm, .pptm, .prf, .pst, .wab, .1cd, .3g2, .7ZIP, .accdb, .aoi, .asf, .asp, . aspx, .asx, .avi, .bak, .cer, .cfg, .class, .config, .css, .csv, .db, .dds, .fif, .flv, .idx, .js, .kwm, .laccdb, .idf, .lit, .mbx, .md, .mlb, .mov, .mp3, .mp4, .mpg, .pages, .php, .pwm, .rm, .safe, .sav, .save, .sql, .srt, .swf, .thm, .vob, .wav, .wma, .wmv, .xlsb, .aac, .ai, .arw, .c, .cdr, .cls, .cpi, .cpp, .cs, .db3, .docm, .dotm, .dotx, .drw, .dxb, .eps, .fla, .flac, .fxg, .java, .m, .m4v, .pcd, .pct, .pl, .potm, .potx, .ppam, .ppsx, .ps, .pspimage, .r3d, .rw2, .sldm, .sldx, .svg, .tga, .wps, .xla, .xlam, .xlm, .xltm, .xltx, .xlw, .act, .adp, .al, .bkp, .blend, .cdf, .cdx, .cgm, .cr2, .dac, .dbf, .dcr, .ddd, .design, .dtd, .fdb, .fff, .fpx, .h, .iif, .indd, .jpeg, .mos, .nd, .nsd, .nsf, .nsg, .nsh, .odc, .odp, .oil, .pas, .pat, .pef, .ptx, .qbb, .qbm, .sas7bdat, .say, .st4, .st6, .stc, .sxc, .sxw, .tlg, .wad, .xlk, .aiff, .bin, .bmp, .cmt, .dat, .dit, .edb, .flvv, .gif, .groups, .hdd, .hpp, .log, .m2ts, .m4p, .mkv, .ndf, .nvram, .ogg, .ost, .pab, .pdb, .pif, .qed, .qcow, .qcow2, .rvt, .st7, .stm, .vbox, .vdi, .vhd, .vhdx, .vmdk, .vmsd, .vmx, .vmxf, .3fr, .3pr, .ab4, .accde, .accdt, .ach, .acr, .adb, .srw, .st5, .st8, .std, .sti, .stw, .stx, .sxd, .sxg, .sxi, .sxm, .tex, .wallet, .wb2, .wpd, .x11, .x3f, .xis, .ycbcra, .qbw, .qbx, .qby, .raf, .rat, .raw, .rdb rwl, .rwz, .s3db, .sd0, .sda, .sdf, .sqlite, .sqlite3, .sqlitedb, .sr, .srf, .oth, .otp, .ots, .ott, .p12, .p7b, .p7c, .pdd, .pem, .plus_muhd, .plc, .pptx, .psafe3, .py, .qba, .qbr, .myd, .ndd, .nef, .nk, .nop, .nrw, .ns2, .ns3, .ns4, .nwb, .nx2, .nxl, .nyf, .odb, .odf, .odg, .odm, .ord, .otg, .ibz, .iiq, .incpas, .jpe, .kc2, .kdbx, .kdc, .kpdx, .lua, .mdc, .mef, .mfw, .mmw, .mny, .moneywell, .mrw, .des, .dgc, .djvu, .dng, .drf, .dxg, .eml, .erbsql, .erd, .exf, .ffd, .fh, .fhd, .gray, .grey, .gry, .hbk, .ibank, .ibd, .cdr4, .cdr5, .cdr6, .cdrw, .ce1, .ce2, .cib, .craw, .crw, .csh, .csl, .db_journal, .dc2, .dcs, .ddoc, .ddrw, .ads, .agdl, .ait, .apj, .asm, .awg, .back, .backup, .backupdb, .bank, .bay, .bdb, .bgt, .bik, .bpw, .cdr3, .as4
Each one of the files that gets encrypted will receive the same extension appended to them, and that is the .wlu extension. The encryption algorithms which are utilized by the ransomware are still believed to be RSA and AES.
The .Wlu Files virus could be set to delete the Shadow Volume Copies from the Windows Operating System by using the following command:
→vssadmin.exe delete shadows /all /Quiet
In the case that the above command is executed, it will make the file restoration potential smaller, if you try to use a recovery method that involves the Shadow Volume Copies. Keep on reading and check out what ways you could try to restore your data.
Remove .Wlu Files Virus and Restore Files
If your computer got infected with the .Wlu files virus, you should have a bit of experience in removing malware. You should get rid of this ransomware as quickly as possible before it can have the chance to spread further and infect other computers. You should remove the ransomware and follow the step-by-step instructions guide provided below.
Tsetso Mihailov
Tsetso Mihailov is a tech-geek and loves everything that is tech-related, while observing the latest news surrounding technologies. He has worked in IT before, as a system administrator and a computer repair technician. Dealing with malware since his teens, he is determined to spread word about the latest threats revolving around computer security.
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Step 1: Scan for .Wlu Files Virus (Jaff) with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall .Wlu Files Virus (Jaff) 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:
Follow the instructions above and you will successfully delete most unwanted and malicious programs.
Step 3: Clean any registries, created by .Wlu Files Virus (Jaff) 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 .Wlu Files Virus (Jaff) there. This can happen by following the steps underneath:
Tip: To find a virus-created value, you can right-click on it and click "Modify" to see which file it is set to run. If this is the virus file location, remove the value.
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 .Wlu Files Virus (Jaff)
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by .Wlu Files Virus (Jaff).
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 .Wlu Files Virus (Jaff) 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.
.Wlu Files Virus (Jaff)-FAQ
What is .Wlu Files Virus (Jaff) Ransomware?
.Wlu Files Virus (Jaff) 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 .Wlu Files Virus (Jaff) 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 .Wlu Files Virus (Jaff) Infect?
Via several ways..Wlu Files Virus (Jaff) 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 .Wlu Files Virus (Jaff) 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 ..Wlu Files Virus (Jaff) files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the ..Wlu Files Virus (Jaff) 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 ..Wlu Files Virus (Jaff) files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore "..Wlu Files Virus (Jaff)" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore ..Wlu Files Virus (Jaff) 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 .Wlu Files Virus (Jaff) 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 .Wlu Files Virus (Jaff) ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important ..Wlu Files Virus (Jaff) 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 .Wlu Files Virus (Jaff) 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 .Wlu Files Virus (Jaff) Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this .Wlu Files Virus (Jaff) 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 .Wlu Files Virus (Jaff) 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.