How to decrypt .wlu files – new Jaff ransomware extension

A new variant of the Jaff ransomware is out that appends the .wlu extension to enciphered files, presents itself as Jaff Decryptor and uses new ransom notes.

It took the makers of the Jaff file-encrypting virus less than two weeks to contrive and launch a fresh edition of their nasty program. The bad news is that the upgrade appears to have brought about a significant refinement of the infection’s look and feel. As far as the functional stuffing goes, the ransomware in question is still uncrackable, just like its precursor. Let’s first take a look at what has changed. To begin with, victims’ files are now suffixed with the .wlu extension, which has taken over the previously used .jaff string. Also, the ransom how-to components that provide a walkthrough for data recovery are now named README_TO_DECRYPT.html, README_TO_DECRYPTl.txt, and README_TO_DECRYPTl.bmp. The latter, which is an image file, now replaces the desktop background with a warning followed by decryption steps.

One of the hallmarks that the two Jaff editions share is the distribution vector. The contagion is still malicious spam accompanied by a great deal of social engineering. The threat actors apparently rent a botnet, most likely a big one called Necurs, which spews out thousands of rogue emails in one hit. These booby-trapped emails are usually disguised as invoices from an inexistent customer service department. When a recipient tries to open the attached random-named PDF file, a dialog pops up with a recommendation to use Microsoft Word to proceed. Ultimately, the pseudo invoice turns out to be a .docm file that doesn’t render any content because it is allegedly protected. To read what’s inside, the unsuspecting user is instructed to click the Enable Content button on a security warning at the top of the window. This single click suffices for a VBA macro script to instantly install Jaff Decryptor onto the PC.

As soon as the bad code has been deposited onto the target system, it starts its foul play with an inconspicuous scan for hundreds of different file types that are subject to encryption. Then, it utilizes the AES cipher to lock all of these personal items down. This symmetric cryptosystem, the Advanced Encryption Standard, isn’t the strongest one imaginable. However, it still poses an unsurmountable obstacle to recovery as long as it’s implemented professionally – which unfortunately is the case with the Jaff virus. So the victim will discover that his or her important data is out of bounds. Again, a side effect of this scrambling routine is that files get appended with the .wlu extension, while the original filenames do not undergo any tweaks.

By navigating to the Tor gateway whose address is included in the README_TO_DECRYPT.html or README_TO_DECRYPTl.txt/bmp ransom notes, the infected user ends up on a Locky-style “Jaff Decryptor System” payment page. It provides tip on ways to purchase Bitcoins and indicates the size of the ransom, which can range from 0.35 BTC to as much as 2 BTC. This attack is certainly a serious predicament that requires urgent action. Whereas no effective free decryptor is available for the .wlu variant of Jaff ransomware at the time of this writing, it’s imperative to get rid of the perpetrating code proper. Furthermore, the data recovery methods below are also worthwhile as they may revive some files if the ransomware didn’t complete its crypto job.

.Wlu (Jaff) ransomware automated removal and data recovery

When faced with ransomware like .Wlu (Jaff), one of the best shortcuts in terms of removal is to use Combo Cleaner, a lightweight and incredibly effective application with PC security and optimization features under the hood. It detects and thoroughly deletes threats while giving you insights into the overall health of your computer.

This program’s protection power spans modules that forestall all known types of malware, including ransomware and browser hijackers, and take your online security to the next level by blocking phishing sites and other suspicious web pages. Follow these simple steps to eliminate the infection for good:

1. Download Combo Cleaner installer.

Download .Wlu (Jaff) remover

^{Combo Cleaner scans your PC with no strings attached, but you’ll have to buy its fully functional version to remove the threats it detects. The disk optimization tools that find large files and duplicates are free to use.}

2. Open the CCSetup.exe file to get started. Several subsequent screens will allow you to make initial customizations so that the program works exactly as you need from the get-go.

3. The installation will be followed by an update of malware signatures. Once this process is through, click the Start Scan button in the left-hand sidebar.

4. Combo Cleaner will then check system locations that are most often polluted by Windows malware. The first scan can take a while to finish.

5. Combo Cleaner will display a system tray notification as soon as the scan is over. Click the Resolve found threats button to view the results.

6. The scan summary shows the names and types of the detected threats as well as their statuses and locations. Click the Remove all threats button and follow further on-screen prompts to get rid of these items.

Data recovery toolkit to the rescue

Some strains of ransomware are known to delete the original files after the encryption routine has been completed. As hostile as this activity appears, it can play into your hands. There are applications designed to revive the information that was obliterated because of malfunctioning hardware or due to accidental removal. The tool called Stellar Data Recovery features this type of a capability and therefore it can be applied in ransom attack scenarios to at least get the most important files back. So use the app to get an idea of what data can be restored and let it do the recovery job. Here is a step-by-step walkthrough:

1. Download and install Stellar Data Recovery.

Download Stellar Data Recovery

2. Open the application, select the types of recoverable files to look for, and click Next.

3. Choose the areas you want the tool to recover from and click the Scan button.

4. Having scanned the specified locations, the program will display a notification about the total amount of recoverable data. Close the dialog and click the Recover button. This will hopefully help you get some of your valuable files back.

.Wlu (Jaff) ransomware manual removal and file recovery

Some ransomware strains terminate themselves after completing the encryption job on a computer, but some don’t. Furthermore, the .Wlu (Jaff) virus may prevent victims from using popular antimalware tools in order to stay on board for as long as possible. Under the circumstances, it may be necessary to utilize the Safe Mode with Networking or System Restore functionality.

Be advised that even after the ransomware is removed, files will still be encrypted and inaccessible. The malicious code cleanup part, however, is important because it keeps a relapse of the infection from occurring further on and eliminates all opportunistic malware.

Ways of non-ransom recovery of .wlu extension files

Cracking the crypto used by this ransom Trojan is more of a science fiction thing rather than an attainable prospect for the masses. This is why the troubleshooting in predicaments of this sort is a matter of two approaches: one is to pay the ransom, which isn’t an option for many victims; and the other is to apply instruments that take advantage of the ransomware’s possible weaknesses. If the latter is your pick, the advice below is a must-try.

Ransomware Prevention Tips

To avoid .Wlu (Jaff) ransomware and other file-encrypting infections in the future, follow several simple recommendations:

These techniques are certainly not a cure-all, but they will add an extra layer of ransomware protection to your security setup.

Revise your security status

Post-factum assessment of the accuracy component in malware removal scenarios is a great habit that prevents the comeback of harmful code or replication of its unattended fractions. Make sure you are good to go by running an additional safety checkup. Another benefit of using the antimalware tool is that it will keep ransomware threats from intruding on your computer further on.

Download .Wlu (Jaff) removal tool