Delete Wnlu ransomware

Wnlu ransomware is a generic ransomware infection that encrypts files. It comes from the notorious Djvu/STOP ransomware family, which is responsible for ransomware like Moia, Rigj, Robm, and Iisa. You will not be able to open any of the encrypted files unless you first run the files through a special decryptor. Unfortunately, the only people with a decryptor are the ones operating this ransomware. And they will not give it to you for free. You will be asked to pay $980 for the decryptor, though paying the ransom is quite risky.

 

Wnlu ransomware is part of the Djvu/STOP ransomware family. The cybercriminal gang operating it has released hundreds of ransomware versions already and continues to release new versions on a regular basis. The most recent versions are more or less identical to one another but can be differentiated by the extensions they add to encrypted files. In this particular case, the ransomware will add .wnlu to all your personal files. It will target all files that users are usually most willing to pay for, including photos, videos, images, documents, etc. You will not be able to open any of these files unless you use a decryptor on them first. However, considering that you are dealing with cybercriminals, they will not just give it to you. You will have to buy it from them.

As soon as you initiate the malicious file, the ransomware will start encrypting your files. During the whole encryption process, the ransomware will display a fake Windows update window. As soon as it’s done with file encryption, the ransomware will drop a _readme.txt ransom note. The note will explain what happened to your files and how to purchase the decryption tool. The note is pretty generic and mostly identical to the ones dropped by other Djvu versions. The decryptor is being sold for $980, though those who make contact within the first 72 hours will supposedly receive a 50% discount. Whether that is actually true or not, before you decide to pay, you should be aware of the risk involved in paying. Most importantly, you are not guaranteed a decryptor just because you pay. Keep in mind that you are dealing with cybercriminals, and there are no guarantees that they will send the decryptor once you pay. Many users have not received their decryptors in the past, despite paying the ransom. So while whether to pay or not is your decision, we feel it’s necessary to inform you about the risks. Another reason why paying the ransom is discouraged is that these payments are why ransomware is still thriving. As long as ransomware brings cybercriminals profit, they will continue their malicious activities.

Recovering files should not be an issue for those who have a backup. If you were backing up files regularly prior to encryption, you can access your backup as soon as you remove Wnlu ransomware from your computer. Keep in mind that if the ransomware is still on your computer when you connect to your backup, your backed-up files would become encrypted as well. So use anti-virus software to delete Wnlu ransomware, and do not try to do it manually.

For those who do not have a backup, it will be more difficult to recover files. There currently is no free decryptor that would decrypt files encrypted by Wnlu ransomware. There is a free Djvu/STOP decryptor released by Emsisoft but it will not work on more recent Djvu versions, including Wnlu ransomware. Wnlu and the majority of other newer Djvu versions use online keys to encrypt files. That means each victim has a unique key, without which it’s not possible to decrypt files. Unless those keys are released by the cybercriminals themselves or law enforcement if they catch the cybercriminals, it’s unlikely that a free Wnlu ransomware decryptor will be released. Nonetheless, we recommend backing up all encrypted files and checking NoMoreRansom occasionally. Keep in mind that there are many fake decryptors advertised on various forums so you need to be careful.

How is ransomware distributed?

One of the most common ways malicious actors choose to distribute their ransomware is via email spam campaigns. They purchase thousands of email addresses from hacker forums and use them to launch their spam campaigns. Fortunately for users, malicious emails are often easily recognizable as long as users know what to look for. One of the most obvious signs is grammar and spelling mistakes. Malicious senders often pretend to be emailing on the behalf of some company whose services users use, so mistakes are immediately noticeable. Legitimate emails sent by legitimate senders usually do not contain any mistakes because they look unprofessional. So if you receive an email from your post office but there are many mistakes, you should be suspicious. Another obvious sign is how emails address you. If you are addressed as “User”, “Member”, “Customer”, etc., by someone who should know your name, you are likely dealing with a malicious email. Companies whose services you use will always address you by your name because it looks unprofessional otherwise. While you are unlikely to come across one, some malicious spam campaigns are more sophisticated if they target someone specific. Thus, it’s always recommended to scan all unsolicited email attachments with anti-virus software or VirusTotal.

Torrent users are also much more likely to pick up malware infections. A lot of torrent sites are notoriously badly regulated, which allows malicious actors to upload malicious content disguised as a torrent for a movie, TV show, video game, software, etc. So if you use torrents to pirate copyrighted content, you’re not only essentially stealing but also endangering your computer, as well as your data.

Wnlu ransomware removal

We usually recommend using anti-malware software to get rid of ransomware. If you try to remove Wnlu ransomware manually, you could end up causing further damage to your computer. Or you may not fully remove the infection. If that were to happen and you connected to your backup, those files could become encrypted as well. Thus, to avoid any more problems, use anti-malware software.