Geek's Advice

JJWW Ransomware Virus Is a New Threat That Could Harm Your Computer

JJWW ransomware virus is known to be developed by the infamous STOP/DJVU ransomware group and is also currently being spread by them to as many computers as possible. Once this virus infects a computer, it begins encrypting all files found within it (that is, make them unreadable to the owner) and afterwards append .jjww extension to each of the filenames. To explain it more graphically, files hitherto saved as 1.jpg, 2.jpeg, etc., will be transformed to 1.jpg.jjww, 2.jpeg.jjww and so on. While such attack is still taking place, the cybercriminals would simultaneously forward notifications known as _readme.txt ransom notes to all the folders. The information contained in it would notify the victim about the development, and a certain amount of money would have to be paid as ransom so they could be given JJWW file decryption tool.

The variants of STOP/DJVU malware have remained a menace over the years as the operators behind it continue releasing series of ransomware for user extortion purposes. From what could be obtained, this latest ransomware virus is similar to other variants before it excerpts for some minor alterations. In fact, the ransom note it drops is identical to the one used in previous versions.

Contents of the ransom note

To scare the victim, the cybercriminals would emphasize that JJWW ransomware virus has successfully rendered all files contained in the computer useless (including all documents, videos, and pictures among others). Based on that, the victim is left with no choice than to comply with their demands by paying ransom fees. They would also drop two email addresses to facilitate further discussions: support@bestyourmail.ch and supportsys@airmail.cc.

In addition, the crooks would also notify the victim about terms and conditions associated with the payment and the specific amount of money to pay. They would claim that even though the ransom fee is $980 but they would be willing to accept $490, that is half it, provided that payment must be made before 72 hours elapses. Anything contrary to that means that a full ransom fee would have to be paid. 

If the victim tries to reach out to them, the cybercriminals would reel out more conditions by letting them know that the ransom fee can only paid using cryptocurrency. The exact amount would have to be converted to cryptocurrency and transferred to a wallet address of their choice. The apparent argument why they use such anonymous medium is to cover their tracks and prevent possible arrest.

Regardless, victims of cyber-attack are advised not to cooperate with cybercriminals, no matter the pressure. The FBI and other renowned security organizations globally warn against paying cybercriminals ransom. Here are some of the reasons given by them: 

• By law, paying ransom is considered illegal.
• It does not guarantee that encrypted files will be restored.
• When victims pay ransom, they unwittingly encourage criminality since it now becomes profitable for those involved in it.
• The more funds they receive, the more they can expand their operations.

You should also take note that aside the primary threat – JJWW ransomware virus, other Trojans such as VIDAR and AZORULT are equally spread during the process. These Trojans are used in stealing sensitive personal information that may include banking details, cryptocurrency wallets, passwords, and software login credentials among others. 

Suppose you’re unfortunate to have your computer infected with this malware. In that case, you should remove JJWW ransomware virus as quickly as possible to contain its destructive effects. The most effective way to go about it is to login to the infected computer through Safe Mode with Networking option before installing and scanning genuine antivirus software. Make sure you’re using only antivirus with proven effectiveness. On top of that, you may want to download RESTORO which is great for specifically repairing virus-damaged Windows OS files.

Ransomware Summary

REPAIR VIRUS DAMAGE

See how files encrypted by this ransomware virus look like.

Methods Used By Cybercriminals in Spreading Ransomware

There are diverse methods often used by cybercriminals in distributing JJWW virus and other STOP/DJVU ransomware virus. However, we will be focusing on the common ones i.e. use of online malicious torrent platforms and emails/attachments. In the former, cybercriminals would clone popular software contents and embed them with malware before uploading them to online torrent platforms. When computer users download them as freebies on their computers, they end up triggering a ransomware attack. Some of the highly sought-after software contents usually pirated and used as baits by cybercriminals are listed below: 

• Adobe Illustrator;
• Internet Download Manager;
• Fifa 20;
• AutoCad;
• Adobe Photoshop;
• Corel Draw;
• VMware Workstation;
• Cubase;
• Opera browser;
• League of Legends;
• KMSPico (illegal Windows activation tool).
• Tenorshare 4ukey;

Computer users that habitually visit online torrent platforms or indulge in the sharing of software using peer-to-peer platforms are putting their systems at significant risk. Aside the fact that it’s morally wrong to use copyrighted products without authorization, you will also be at risk of losing important files or asked to pay huge sums of money as ransom fee. 

The second method often used by cybercriminals in distributing malware is the use of malicious email attachments. They would craft convincing messages and attachments using files like PDF, XLS or DOCX among similar ones that allow macro functions. The major challenge is how to decipher emails that are genuine and those from cybercriminals.

What makes it confusing is that cybercriminals either impersonate others or claim to be representing popular brands like UPS, eBay, DHL, or Amazon, etc. In addition to that, they will also add titles that are compelling, like Tracking Details or Order Summary, among others. On the other hand, they may even decide to spoof the originating email address in order to confuse their target audience. To avoid becoming a victim, you’re advised not to open emails and attachments that seem out of place. 

For victims of the STOP/DJVU ransomware virus, it would be in your best interest to ignore any website that claims to have decryption solutions because they’re most likely to be fraudulent. Only brands like DiskTuna and Emsisoft have proven to be effective. 

Other information you need to know about JJWW Virus

This section explains in greater details what happens during JJWW ransomware attack. Firstly, it would launch build.exe or build2.exe in combination with winupdate.exe (the popup that displays fake update screen). Afterwards, the virus will connect with https[:]//api.2ip.ua/geo.json and will save the outcome in the geo.json file. At this point, it will start gathering information concerning the computer, such as the IP address, geo-location, time zone, zip code, longitude, and latitude, etc. These pieces of information will guide the ransomware whether to encrypt the files or bypass the computer altogether.

For reasons best known to them, the cybercriminals designated certain countries as encryption-exempted, and they include Russia, Armenia, Uzbekistan, Belarus, Tajikistan, Kazachstan, Ukraine, Syria, and Kyrgyzstan. If they detect that a computer under attack is domiciled in any of these countries, they would consider the idea of terminating the mission. However, if the geo-location test reads negative, the ransomware would then extract the online encryption key and would merge it with the ID created for the victim before saving them into the bowsakkdestx.txt file and the ID individually to the PersonalID.txt file. 

In cases whereby the virus couldn’t get online encryption key from the main server, they will resort to the use of a hardcoded offline key as alternative. The major difference between both ID’s is that online version is unique for each victim and thus difficult to “crack” while the offline key is uniform for all victims of particular ransomware. Victims would be lucky if an offline key was used during an attack because it brightens the chance of decrypting their files successfully. To know if an offline key was used, you should look out for t1 characters appended to the personal ID. 

Having gotten to this stage, the ransomware will now begin full-scale data encryption by scanning all folders while encrypting them with Salsa20 before making use of the RSA-2048 code in locking the encryption key.  

To complete the ransomware attack, the malware will add more domains to Windows HOSTS file before mapping them to localhost IP and would now effectively prevent the victim from accessing them. When the victim makes attempt to browse such domains, an error message DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN would spring up. The reason why they lock out the victim is to prevent them from getting help online. 

How to Remove JJWW Ransomware Virus and Also Restore Affected Files

The general advice given to victims of this STOP/DJVU malware is to remove JJWW ransomware from their system ASAP once it is detected. This is to stop further damage and also to be able to salvage some of the affected files wherever possible. The best way to go about it is to boot your computer using Safe Mode with Networking and thereafter scanning any available genuine antivirus. We also suggest the download and use of RESTORO in repairing some of the affected Windows OS files.  

Here are the steps to follow now that JJWW ransomware removal is completed:

• You’re advised to report the incident to the local police or any relevant government agency vested to handle such issues within your region.
• It is time to make use of any data backup you must have created in the past, prior to the ransomware attack.
• You may also conduct research on possible ways you can repair files encrypted by STOP/DJVU ransomware virus.
• All passwords that were previously used on the compromised computer should be changed immediately.

OUR GEEKS RECOMMEND

Our team recommends removing malware using a professional antivirus software and then using the following tool to repair virus damage to Windows system files:

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.

GeeksAdvice.com editors select recommended products based on their effectiveness. We may earn a commission from affiliate links, at no additional cost to you. Learn more.

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.