Wrui ransomware: operation and ransom demands explained
Wrui ransomware is an incredibly dangerous computer malware that encrypts all personal data and demands a ransom in Bitcoins to restore access to it. This cryptovirus can infect Windows computers in any country or continent. Once it does, all files are renamed by appending a .wrui extension to their original filenames. Please note that the file contents aren't changed, but you won't be able to use any of them until a specific decryptor is used.
Threat actors behind this threat portray their demands in a ransom note titled _readme.txt, which can be found on the desktop after the encryption is finished. The ransom amount is $980, but if the victims establish contact with the criminals via two given emails (helpmanager@airmail.cc, helpteam@mail.ch) within 72 hours, a 50% discount is offered.
Although paying the criminals this sum could seem like the easiest way out of this predicament, but please withhold from doing that. Since the article's culprit belongs to the Djvu ransomware family, free decryption tools from Emsisoft could help you recover your data without losing a dime.
If that doesn't work, you can try other data recovery options that we've posted at the bottom of this article. Malware elimination is also an important part of the data recovery process, so it should not be ignored. We're going to tell you how to do that and restore modified system settings so your device would run smoothly again.
| name | Wrui ransomware |
|---|---|
| type | Cryptovirus, file-locker |
| Family | Djvu/STOP ransomware |
| Appended file extension | All personal data is appended with .wrui |
| Ransom note | _readme.txt |
| Ransom amount | $490 if the victims reach out to their assailants within 72 hours of the attack. Otherwise, the price for the decryption tool is $980 |
| Criminal contact details | helpmanager@airmail.cc, helpteam@mail.ch |
| Recovery | File decryption is limited because the changes have been made to ensure powerful encryption. There are some tools that can possibly work in some cases or you can rely on alternative methods listed below |
| Elimination | You have to perform a full system scan with dependable security software to remove this cryptovirus along with all of its components |
| System health check | To establish persistence, malware alters system settings, such as the Registry, host files, start-up items, etc. This may cause various system failures after its removal. A system repair tool like the FortectIntego will resolve all these issues automatically |
During a ransomware attack, all personal files such as databases, archives, pictures, documents, videos, etc., are locked and renamed within 5 minutes. Data on all connected storage devices could be encrypted too, which depends on the infection's coding.
Usually, you cannot restore the encrypted files without a particular decryption software or key that the cybercriminals behind the attack have at their disposal. But in no way does that mean that you should succumb to their demands. That's the most irresponsible thing to do, as it:
- motivates the assailants to spread their created infections further,
- finances the development of more advanced malware,
- funds research to find more effective virus delivery techniques.
Djvu ransomware family is a perilous one. It was first detected in late 2018 and since then is producing new variations of its file-locking parasites at least once a week or even more frequently. The latest examples of its ransomware are Lmas virus, Fdcz virus, Urnb virus, and Ekvf virus.
Hackers behind the strain use various tricks to persuade you into purchasing their decryptor, i.e., paying the ransom. A relatively small asking price; suggestion that acting quickly gets you a 50% discount; providing free decryption to prove that a decryptor is functional; are just a few of the tricks they use.
All of those tricks are seen in the _readme.txt file:
ATTENTION!
Don't worry, you can return all your files!
All your files like pictures, 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:
hxxps://we.tl/t-9CYW99VhUR
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:
helpteam@mail.chReserve e-mail address to contact us:
helpmanager@airmail.ccYour personal ID:
We hope you will decide to do the sensible thing and remove this cyber infection if your device is affected. You can do that by scanning your device with a reliable security tool. Free anti-malware software such as MalwarebytesMalwarebytes or SpyHunterCombo Cleaner can identify, locate, and eliminate malware.
In some cases, Wrui ransomware can prevent you from launching your anti-virus engine by making changes to system settings. Then you'll have to do that in Safe Mode with Networking. For your convenience, we've included instructions for that at the bottom of this article.
And finally, to restore the changes that this file-locking parasite has done to the system directories and core settings, you should use the FortectIntego system diagnostics tool. If these alterations are left unattended, your computer might frequently crash, freeze, or exhibit other abnormal behavior.
Avoid Djvu family ransomware by not using file-sharing platforms
Cybercriminals can infect computers with severe malware using a myriad of ways. RDP attacks,[1] drive-by downloads, spam emails, fake Flash Player updates are just a couple of examples. But strangely, Djvu ransomware developers are known to distribute their vile creations mainly through file-sharing platforms, especially the most popular torrent websites.
Although hazardous file-locking parasites could be camouflaged as practically any file or torrent, our research suggests that most of Djvu family ransomware is hidden in cracks for the latest or most popular games or installers of pirated expensive software.
Thus if you want to keep your computer virus-free from hazardous cryptoviruses, we advise withholding from using such file-sharing platforms. Support your beloved game or app developers by downloading their products directly from them or their official vendors.
Detailed instructions to help you remove Wrui virus with ease
Ransomware infections are a nightmare. If you kept backups of all your essential files, you can remove the virus and carry with with data recovery after a system tune-up. If you didn't, the road is going to be a bit bumpier. First of all, since there's no specific decryptor for Wrui ransomware, copy all encoded files to an offline storage device, such as a USB drive, because the necessary software could be made available sooner or later.
Then download and install either MalwarebytesMalwarebytes or SpyHunterCombo Cleaner. Either of these free security tools should take care of the infection automatically. Please remember to update your AV tool's virus signatures frequently, so it can prevent the latest malware from infecting your device.
Wrui virus can prevent you from launching your security tool. If that's the case, please use our manual below to reboot your device in Safe Mode with Networking and remove the virus then. This virus is able to do that by making a lot of modifications to the Windows Registry, host files, and other critical system settings.
If you leave these changes unresolved, your device might exhibit all kinds of strange behavior, from the inability to visit security websites (including 2-spyware.com) to BSoDs.[2] Therefore, security specialists[3] recommend using the FortectIntego system repair tool after the virus removal to fix any system-related irregularities.
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