Geek's Advice

IWAN ransomware emerges as a new STOP/DJVU malware version

IWAN ransomware is recognised as a new virus from STOP/DJVU malware family. This computer virus is designed to encrypt all files on the target system. It uses RSA Salsa20 algorithm to make personal files inaccessible and marks them with .iwan file extension. For instance, a file originally named 1.jpg will appear as 1.jpg.iwan after encryption. As soon as all data get locked, the ransomware creates _readme.txt notes in every folder. This note holds a short message from virus’ developers who suggest that the only way to get IWAN decryption tool is to pay a ransom for cybercriminals. According to them, the decryption service price depends on how quickly the victim reaches out to the ransomware operators via provided emails. If the victim does this within 3 days, the price will be $490, if later, the victim will be asked for $980. The attackers only accept the payment in Bitcoin. According ro the ransom note, the victim can write to criminals using one of the following email addresses: helpmanager@airmail.cc or manager@mailtemp.ch.

IWAN ransomware’s primary aim is to ‘secure’ victim’s data using military-grade encryption algorithms, thus preventing access to it. Since data computer users keep on their devices is always important (either work or study related, or simply a place to store personal memories such as photos or videos), the attackers create a big problem because the user can no longer acccess it. At this point, the criminals suggest a solution – purchasing file decryption tool from them for a hefty amount of money. In other words, the virus is designed to take victim’s computer data hostage and try to extort the user.

It is worth mentioning that the virus encrypts only the first 150 KB of every file, which still makes the file unreadable yet speeds up the whole attack procedure. Luckily, this small detail is important because the specific of this algorithm also allows reparation of specific file formats as described in this guide.

The ransomware operators introduce their conditions regarding IWAN decryption tool pricing. According to them, the victim can get a 50% discount if one contacts the virus’ developers and pays within 3 days. In this case, they will ask for $490 in Bitcoin. If the victim fails to settle an agreement and pay within the first 72 hours, the decryption price will be $980. The reason why the criminals want to receive the money in cryptocurrency is to avoid being tracked down. To encourage the victim to pay, _readme.txt note suggests sending one small encrypted file for them for test decryption.

Geek’s Advice team members, just like other cybersecurity experts and FBI recommend victims NOT PAY THE RANSOM. Here are some reasons why you shouldn’t:

• Even if you decide to pay up, criminals might not respond in a way you want. You might lose your money and receive no help at all.
• Ransomware operators earn millions of US dollars each year by collecting ransoms. It helps them to grow this business, which can only be stopped if people refused to pay ransoms. The insane amounts they earn also lure other people to join this illegal business model – please, do not contribute to this!
• Certain countries do not allow paying ransoms as it can be considered illegal, just like asking someone for a ransom.
• Viruses that belong to STOP/DJVU ransomware family such as IWAN virus tend to install AZORULT Trojan on compromised systems. It is malware that steals private information that can be used for further blackmail.

Ransomware modus operandi explained

IWAN ransomware begins the computer invasion by running a process called winupdate.exe, which runs a fake Windows update prompt on the screen. The point of this is to deceive the computer user into thinking that a computer slowdown is caused by ongoing operating system update. At the same time, the main ransomware executable, which can be named somewhat similar to 6G5D.exe, starts scanning the entire computer system and encrypting files and adding file marker extensions to them. The same process also takes care of Volume Shadow Copy Service, deleting them so that the victim could no longer restore files using System Restore Points. The virus runs a Command Line task to do this:

^{vssadmin.exe Delete Shadows /All /Quiet}

Another thing that this virus does is malicious modification of Windows HOSTS file. The malware’s algorithm is desighned to add a list of website names to block and mapping them to victim’s localhost IP, so that whenever the victim attempts to access them DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN error would appear in web browser. This way, the ransomware creators are trying to prevent the victim from accessing various cybersecurity articles online that could help to understand what happened to the computer. The attackers do not want the victim to find help online or in various computer related forums.

The final thing to say is that the ransomware drops various attack-related files on victim’s computer. You may find several text files such as bowsakkdestx.txt which contains victim’s personal ID and public encryption key and PersonalID.txt (that only contains victim’s ID or several of them).

If you’ve fallen victim to IWAN virus attack, you should keep in mind that this computer malware hardly arrives alone. In most cases, it also drops an information-stealing Trojan that’s known under AZORULT name.  It is categorized as a Remote Access Trojan (RAT) which can be used to remotely carry out various actions on victim’s computer, including, but not limited to:

• Download additional malware and running it;
• Steal various login credentials, such as those of Telegram, Steam and other programs;
• View or delete files on the victim’s computer;
• Steal cryptocurrency wallets;
• Steal browser-saved passwords, browser cookies, browsing history and more.

In order to control the damage done to your computer, we strongly encourage you to remove IWAN ransomware virus from your computer as soon as possible. We recommend that you follow the instructions given below and also use a professional antivirus program to cleanse your computer securely. Our team relies on INTEGO Antivirus which is a VB100-certified security program. Furthermore, we recommend that you scan your PC with RESTORO to repair virus damage on Windows OS files.

Ransomware Summary

REMOVE MALWARE & REPAIR VIRUS DAMAGE

Ransomware distribution explained

Speaking of STOP/DJVU ransomware distribution (including IWAN ransomware), it has been noticed that its operators tend to hide it in various illegal online downloads that can be received using torrent agents. Victims have reported several programs they were trying to get cracked versions of that landed malware on their computers instantly:

• Adobe Photoshop;
• Corel Draw;
• Cubase;
• Adobe Illustrator;
• Windows activation tools such as KMSPico.

Criminals tend to target people who search for ways to install paid software for free. What’s unfortunate is that such computer users often go extreme lengths to get programs for free, often ignoring their security software warnings, thinking these are simply false alarms.

If you want to ensure your computer’s security, make sure you only get programs from legitimate sources such as software developers’ websites or official distributor’s ones. We can ensure you that legal software versions always cost less than hefty ransoms asked by cybercriminals who take control of your files.

Another popular way to spread various malware versions, including ransomware, is malicious email spam. The attackers might get email address lists from various data breaches and then use them to send mass emails that are designed to look like they were sent by a legitimate and reputable company. In most cases, the perpertrators pretend to be sending some kind of business-related email and a document alongside it, such as invoice, payment information, order details, or parcel tracking details. If the victim fails to identify a scam and opens such compromised email attachment, the malicious script in in it instantly downloads the payload from an external source and runs it on the computer. Some of red flags that signal about a potentially malicious email are:

• Urgent message tone suggesting that you open the attached files immediately.
• Claims about vital documents that need to be reviewed immediately.
• The sender pretends to be from a well-known and reputable company.
• Spoofed email address;
• Your email address provider marks the received email as spam.

We recommend that you ignore emails you weren’t expecting or that seem at least slightly suspicious. If you have doubts whether a specific company or a person is behind the email you just received, find its contact details using online search and try to figure out whether it really sent you the email.

Victims of STOP/DJVU ransomware should be careful when searching for IWAN decryption tools online. Cybersecurity experts warn that ransomware operators are uploading malware-infected decryption tools online only to deliver a second ransomware payload to victims. One of ransomware strains that’s been hiding in fake STOP/DJVU decryption tools is called ZORAB. In other words, cybercriminals target people who are trying to recover their files desperately and without thinking download all available tools online. They do not care about you and try to make the situation even worse for you.

Remove IWAN ransomware and decrypt your files

The most important thing you need to do in order to secure your computer is to remove IWAN ransomware virus and take actions to prevent similar computer attacks in the future. To remove malware professionally and get a robust real-time protection, we strongly recommend using powerful antivirus software such as INTEGO Antivirus. Additionally, you can download RESTORO and scan your computer to repair any damage caused by the virus on Windows OS files.

Once you complete IWAN virus removal, take these actions:

• Make sure to report any incident of cybercrime to your local authority responsible for handling such matters.
• If you have created a data backup lately, use it to restore at least part of your important files.
• Follow all the given instructions to decrypt or repair files affected by STOP/DJVU versions.
• We also recommend that you change your passwords, especially for websites that you save login credentials for in your browser.

OUR GEEKS RECOMMEND

Our team recommends a two-step rescue plan to remove ransomware and other remaining malware from your computer, plus repair caused virus damage to the system:

STEP 1. REMOVE AUTOMATICALLY WITH ROBUST ANTIVIRUS

REMOVE & PROTECT WITH INTEGO

Get INTEGO ANTIVIRUS for Windows to remove ransomware, Trojans, adware and other spyware and malware variants and protect your PC and network drives 24/7.. This VB100-certified security software uses state-of-art technology to provide protection against ransomware, Zero-Day attacks and advanced threats, Intego Web Shield blocks dangerous websites, phishing attacks, malicious downloads and installation of potentially unwanted programs.

Use INTEGO Antivirus to remove detected threats from your computer.

Read full review here.

STEP 2. REPAIR VIRUS DAMAGE TO YOUR COMPUTER

DOWNLOAD RESTORO

RESTORO provides a free scan that helps to identify hardware, security and stability issues and presents a comprehensive report which can help you to locate and fix detected issues manually. It is a great PC repair software to use after you remove malware with professional antivirus. The full version of software will fix detected issues and repair virus damage caused to your Windows OS files automatically.

RESTORO uses AVIRA scanning engine to detect existing spyware and malware. If any are found, the software will eliminate them.

Read full review here.

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Norbert Webb

Norbert Webb is the head of Geek’s Advice team. He is the chief editor of the website who controls the quality of content published. The man also loves reading cybersecurity news, testing new software and sharing his insights on them. Norbert says that following his passion for information technology was one of the best decisions he has ever made. “I don’t feel like working while I’m doing something I love.” However, the geek has other interests, such as snowboarding and traveling.