Remove WRUI Ransomware Virus (DECRYPT .wrui FILES)
WRUI ransomware keeps your files hostage, asks for a ransom
Contents
WRUI ransomware is an officially confirmed 294th version of STOP/DJVU computer virus. It is designed to encrypt all files on the target computer with RSA algorithm, mark each file with additional .wrui extension to make them distinguishable, and drop _readme.txt files in every PC folder. To illustrate, file called 1.jpg becomes 1.jpg.wrui after the infection. The note contains a message from the ransomware’s developers who state that the only way to restore files back is to pay a hefty ransom ranging from $490 to $980 in Bitcoin. The attackers suggest writing them as soon as possible to be eligible for the lower price tag, leaving two email addresses – helpteam@mail.ch or helpmanager@airmail.cc.
The ransom note briefly explains that all files can be returned, even though they were encrypted with the “strongest algorithm and unique key.” According to the _readme.txt, WRUI ransomware developers offer a special price for victims who contact them within 72 hours from the infection timestamp – a 50% off the full ransom price. In this scenario, the criminals want $490 in cryptocurrency. If the victim delays contacting and paying the attackers, the price bounces back to $980. As mentioned previously, the crooks will ask to transfer the money in cryptocurrency as this helps to guarantee their privacy.
To encourage the victim to pay up, they suggest testing the decryption tool on one file for free. The “decryption testing” procedure starts with victim sending the criminals one small encrypted file. The attackers promise to respond with a healthy file version. However, the file must not contain any important information, as the attackers are afraid that restoring such file would repel the victim from paying the ransom at all.
Cybersecurity experts as well as FBI advise AGAINST ransom payments due to many ethical reasons, such as:
- In some countries, ransom payments are considered illegal.
- Paying money to cybercriminals doesn’t mean you will get something that you want or need (in this case, decryption). Since the payments are completely anonymous, they might steal your money and vanish. In worst scenario, they might demand more money.
- Paying money to virtual attackers directly funds this crime industry and might encourage more people to roll in. Various reports show that ransomware industry rakes millions in ransoms each year.
- Variants of STOP/DJVU are known to install information-stealing malware called AZORULT which is capable of stealing various sensitive data from your computer, potentially leading to financial losses. Do you really want to consider paying these stealthy attackers?
Ransomware damage: what this virus does to your computer
Upon installation, WRUI ransomware scans all system folders and encrypts files with target extensions with a robust encryption algorithm. This makes files inaccessible, however, that is not the only malevolent activity that this virus carries out on the compromised computer. In addition, it also executes Command Prompt tasks to delete Volume Shadow Copies (System Restore points) to prevent the victim from restoring encrypted files easily. Moreover, the ransomware adds a list of domains to Windows Hosts file, thus stopping computer’s access to them even when Internet connection is stable. It is noticeable that most of these domains are websites publishing mostly about computers or cybersecurity. Therefore, it is believed that the attackers try to stop the victim from reaching virus-related help online and feel cornered to pay the ransom to get things back to normal again.
Another damaging activity completed by this ransomware is installation of password-stealing Trojan Azorult. The list of this’ virus capabilities is extensive. It can be used as a Remote Access Trojan to view, delete, drop or download files (both in and out of the computer) and steal the following kinds of information:
- Cryptocurrency wallets;
- Browser cookies, browsing history;
- Steam and Telegram login details (names, passwords);
- Browser-saved passwords.
Needless to say, such malicious software should be deleted from your computer as soon as possible. To remove WRUI ransomware virus as well as other threats, we suggest using powerful malware removal software. Additionally, we recommend downloading and scanning with RESTORO that is capable of repairing virus damage on Windows OS files.
Scan your system for FREE to detect security, hardware and stability issues. You can use the scan results and try to remove detected issues manually, or you can choose to get the full version of software to fix detected issues and repair virus damage to Windows OS system files automatically. Includes Avira spyware/malware detection & removal engine.
Ransomware Summary
| Name | WRUI Ransomware Virus |
| Type | Ransomware; Crypto-malware; Virtual Extortion Virus |
| Family | STOP/DJVU |
| Previous versions | VYIA, QBAA, FOPA, VTYM, KQGS, XCBG, BPQD (find full list here) |
| Version | 294th |
| Extension | .wrui |
| Damage | This ransomware takes all victim’s files hostage by RSA-encrypting them. On top of that, the virus appends encrypted files with specific extension, then deletes system restore points (VSS) to prevent free data recovery. Lastly, the ransomware modifies Windows HOSTS file to block access to a set of websites. |
| Ransom note | _readme.txt |
| Ransom demand | $490-$980 in Bitcoin |
| Distribution | This ransomware can be found in various torrent downloads, mostly software cracks, keygens or KMSPico. |
| Detection names | Trojan:Win32/Glupteba (Microsoft), Glupteba.Backdoor.Bruteforce.DDS (Malwarebytes), TR/AD.InstaBot.bfsbw (Avira), HEUR:Exploit.Win32.Shellcode.gen (Kaspersky), Trojan.GenericKD.36669904 (B)(Emsisoft), W32.Trojan.Gen (Webroot) see all detection name variations on VirusTotal |
| Removal | Remove the ransomware with the help of trustworthy anti-malware program, then consider scanning with RESTORO to repair virus damage on Windows OS files. |
Ways to avoid ransomware infection: learn how such threats are distributed
WRUI ransomware distribution mainly relies on malicious torrent downloads, such as software cracks, keygens, movies and any copyright-protected and paid content offered as free. The criminals try to lure potential victims by uploading infected downloads to various file sharing websites. Victims who come looking to get specific software or content for free get lured into downloading these malware samples and often ignore antivirus’ warnings about potential dangers, thinking these might be false alarms. Unfortunately, upon opening such download, malicious payload gets downloaded and executed on the computer instantly.
Cybersecurity experts do not get tired repeating the same advice over and over: you should download software from legitimate, confirmed or official sources only. All other web locations offering free versions of paid software or content are likely to distribute damaging additions alongside them. In addition, we’d like to add our two cents and say that software licenses mostly cost less than hefty ransoms demanded by cybercriminals.
Another common ransomware distribution vector is infectious email attachments. The attackers compose convincing email subjects and messages and attach malware-injected attachments to distribute. A common practice is to imitate official-sounding message tone and to invite the victim to view attached document (invoice/information about missing or pending payment/etc.). In addition, crooks like to pretend they’re representatives of well-known companies such as eBay, Amazon or lately – parcel delivery companies such as DHL or DPD. Our recommendation is to stay away from emails you did not expect and do not let your curiosity trick you into opening a malicious file without realising it.
Ransomware operators sometimes try to trick the victims of ransomware into downloading additional malware. For example, crooks behind ZORAB ransomware used to promote fake STOP/DJVU decryptor that installed a variant of Zorab virus, causing a double file encryption for the victim.
Finally, beware that cybercriminals might be distributing fake software update ads that deliver additional spyware/malware alongside the primary installer. Most of the time, these deceptive ads can be found on shady websites or sites with questionable security reputation, such as adult-only, online gambling or file sharing sites. The fake ads typically suggest Adobe Flash Player or Java updates. These modified installers are created by malevolent people and not legitimate software vendors.
Remove WRUI ransomware virus easily and recover your files
The easiest way to remove WRUI ransomware virus is to boot your computer in Safe Mode with Networking and run a robust malware removal program. The procedure is explained in the guide provided below. In addition, we strongly suggest repairing virus damage on Windows OS with well-reviewed RESTORO software. It can identify damaged or malformed Windows system files and repair them.
Once WRUI virus removal is completed, we suggest checking your backups to see if you can recover some files from them. Next, you should run the decryption/repair tools recommended below to see if there can be more files restored. Finally, we suggest reporting Internet crime incident to a responsible institution in your country (see references below) and changing your passwords due to Azorult’s activity.
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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
STEP 2. REPAIR VIRUS DAMAGE TO YOUR COMPUTER
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WRUI ransomware virus Removal Guidelines
Method 1. Enter Safe Mode with Networking
Step 1. Start Windows in Safe Mode with Networking
Before you try to remove WRUI ransomware virus virus, you must start your computer in Safe Mode with Networking. Below, we provide the easiest ways to boot PC in the said mode, but you can find additional ones in this in-depth tutorial on our website – How to Start Windows in Safe Mode. Also, if you prefer a video version of the tutorial, check our guide How to Start Windows in Safe Mode on Youtube.
Instructions for Windows XP/Vista/7 users
- First of all, turn off your PC. Then press the Power button to start it again and instantly start pressing F8 button on your keyboard repeatedly in 1-second intervals. This launches the Advanced Boot Options menu.
- Use arrow keys on the keyboard to navigate down to Safe Mode with Networking option and press Enter.
Instructions for Windows 8/8.1/10/11 users
- Open Windows Start menu, then press down the Power button. On your keyboard, press down and hold the Shift key, and then select Restart option.
- This will take you to Windows Troubleshoot screen. Choose Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Startup Settings > Restart. Tip: If you can't find Startup Settings, click See more recovery options.
- In Startup Settings, press the right key between F1-F9 to enter Safe Mode with Networking. In this case, it is the F5 key.
Step 2. Remove files associated with the virus
Now, you can search for and remove WRUI ransomware virus files. It is very hard to identify files and registry keys that belong to the ransomware virus, Besides, malware creators tend to rename and change them repeatedly. Therefore, the easiest way to uninstall such type of a computer virus is to use a reliable security program such as INTEGO Antivirus, which also includes data recovery software. For virus damage repair, consider using RESTORO.
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RESTORO is a unique PC Repair Tool which comes with an in-built Avira scan engine to detect and remove spyware/malware threats and uses a patented technology to repair virus damage. The software can repair damaged, missing or malfunctioning Windows OS files, corrupted DLLs, and more. The free version offers a scan that detects issues. To fix them, license key for the full software version must be purchased.
Method 2. Use System Restore
In order to use System Restore, you must have a system restore point, created either manually or automatically.
Step 1. Boot Windows in Safe Mode with Command Prompt
Instructions for Windows XP/Vista/7 users
- Shut down your PC. Start it again by pressing the Power button and instantly start pressing F8 button on your keyboard repeatedly in 1-second intervals. You will see Advanced Boot Options menu.
- Using arrow keys on the keyboard, navigate down to Safe Mode with Command Prompt option and press Enter.
Instructions for Windows 8/8.1/10/11 users
- Launch Windows Start menu, then click the Power button. On your keyboard, press down and hold the Shift key, and then choose Restart option with the mouse cursor.
- This will take you to Windows Troubleshoot screen. Choose Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Startup Settings > Restart. Tip: If you can't find Startup Settings, click See more recovery options.
- In Startup Settings, press the right key between F1-F9 to enter Safe Mode with Command Prompt. In this case, press F6 key.
Step 2. Start System Restore process
- Wait until system loads and command prompt shows up.
- Type cd restore and press Enter, then type rstrui.exe and press Enter. Or you can just type %systemroot%system32restorerstrui.exe in command prompt and hit Enter.
- This launches System Restore window. Click Next and then choose a System Restore point created in the past. Choose one that was created before ransomware infection.
- Click Yes to begin the system restoration process.
After restoring the system, we recommend scanning the system with antivirus or anti-malware software. In most cases, there won't be any malware remains, but it never hurts to double-check. In addition, we highly recommend checking ransomware prevention guidelines provided by our experts in order to protect your PC against similar viruses in the future.
Alternative software recommendations
Malwarebytes Anti-Malware
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System Mechanic Ultimate Defense
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Disclaimer. This site includes affiliate links. We may earn a small commission by recommending certain products, at no additional cost for you. We only choose quality software and services to recommend.
Decrypt WRUI files
Fix and open large WRUI files easily:
It is reported that STOP/DJVU ransomware versions encrypt only the beginning 150 KB of each file to ensure that the virus manages to affect all files on the system. In some cases, the malicious program might skip some files at all. That said, we recommend testing this method on several big (>1GB) files first.
- Create a copy of encrypted file to a separate folder using Copy > Paste commands.
- Now, right-click the created copy and choose Rename. Select the WRUI extension and delete it. Press Enter to save changes.
- In the prompt asking whether you want to make the changes as file might become unusable, click OK.
- Try opening the file.
STOP/DJVU decryption tool usage guide
STOP/DJVU ransomware versions are grouped into old and new variants. WRUI ransomware virus is considered the new STOP/DJVU variant, just like VYIA, QBAA, FOPA, VTYM, KQGS, XCBG, BPQD (find full list here). This means full data decryption is now possible only if you have been affected by offline encryption key. To decrypt your files, you will have to download Emsisoft Decryptor for STOP DJVU, a tool created and maintained by a genius security researcher Michael Gillespie.
Note! Please do not spam the security researcher with questions whether he can recover your files encrypted with online key - it is not possible.
In order to test the tool and see if it can decrypt WRUI files, follow the given tutorial.
- Download the decryption tool from Emsisoft.
- Click the little arrow next to your download and choose Show in Folder.
- Now, right-click the file and choose Run as Administrator. If asked, enter administrator's password.
- In UAC window, click Yes.
- Click Yes to agree to software terms in both windows.
- The tool will automatically include C:// disk as a location to decrypt. The file recovery tool will prepopulate the locations to scan, including connected data storage drives or network drives. Click Add folder if you wish to add additional locations.
In Options tab, you can choose to keep encrypted file copies. We recommend leaving this option selected, especially if you do not know if the decryption tool will work. - Click Decrypt to start restoring WRUI files. You will see the progress in the Results tab. Here, you can see messages from the tool, such as whether the decryption procedure is successful, or you need to wait for an update.
You might also be informed that online key was used to encrypt your files. In such case, the decryption tool won't work for you, and the only way to recover your files is to use a data backup.
Meanings of decryptor's messages
The WRUI decryption tool might display several different messages after failed attempt to restore your files. You might receive one of the following messages:
Error: Unable to decrypt file with ID: [example ID]
This message typically means that there is no corresponding decryption key in the decryptor's database.
No key for New Variant online ID: [example ID]
Notice: this ID appears to be an online ID, decryption is impossible
This message informs that your files were encrypted with online key, meaning no one else has the same encryption/decryption key pair, therefore data recovery without paying the criminals is impossible.
Result: No key for new variant offline ID: [example ID]
This ID appears to be an offline ID. Decryption may be possible in the future.
If you were informed that an offline key was used, but files could not be restored, it means that the offline decryption key isn't available yet. However, receiving this message is extremely good news, meaning that it might be possible to restore your WRUI extension files in the future. It can take a few months until the decryption key gets found and uploaded to the decryptor. We recommend you to follow updates regarding the decryptable DJVU versions here. We strongly recommend backing up your encrypted data and waiting.
Report Internet crime to legal departments
Victims of WRUI ransomware virus should report the Internet crime incident to the official government fraud and scam website according to their country:
- In the United States, go to the On Guard Online website.
- In Australia, go to the SCAMwatch website.
- In Germany, go to the Bundesamt für Sicherheit in der Informationstechnik website.
- In Ireland, go to the An Garda Síochána website.
- In New Zealand, go to the Consumer Affairs Scams website.
- In the United Kingdom, go to the Action Fraud website.
- In Canada, go to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.
- In India, go to Indian National Cybercrime Reporting Portal.
- In France, go to the Agence nationale de la sécurité des systèmes d’information.
If you can't find an authority corresponding to your location on this list, we recommend using any search engine to look up "[your country name] report cyber crime". This should lead you to the right authority website. We also recommend staying away from third-party crime report services that are often paid. It costs nothing to report Internet crime to official authorities.
Another recommendation is to contact your country's or region’s federal police or communications authority.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can only open WRUI files if you have the decryption key, or if you were affected by offline encryption type.
To figure out whether you were affected by offline encryption, please go to C:/SystemID/PersonalID.txt and see if the string inside of it ends in t1. You can also try using Emsisoft Decryptor for STOP/DJVU.
Please follow the guidances provided by the official WRUI decryption tools and believe what they say. If they say it is impossible to decrypt, it really is so. There is no magic tool or human capable of decrypting your files hiding somewhere. Encryption is a technique created to be nearly impossible to decrypt without a special private key (held by the criminals).
We advise scanning with anti-virus, anti-malware, malware removal tools or software like RESTORO to eliminate virus damage on the system. If you do not trust using a single tool, try running one after another. However, we do not recommend keeping several security programs on a computer at once as they can interfere with each other's work.
Beware of fake WRUI decryption tools circulating around the web. Cyber criminals are uploading them to various shady websites, also might be promoting them via suspicious Youtube videos. These programs can infect your computer even more heavily (Trojans, miners, etc.). We suggest being extremely cautious around the web. If there will be an official STOP/DJVU decryption tool available, it will be widely discussed in public media.
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.
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