This article will help you remove Why-Cry ransomware absolutely. Follow the ransomware removal instructions at the end of the article.
Why-Cry ransomware is a cryptovirus with screen-locking capabilities and its name is also present in its payload dropper – “WhyCry-Ransomware.exe”. The screenlocker is smart as it shows a fake Windows Update. The ransom message that shows afterward is written in English. The extension .whycry is appended to all encrypted files. Continue to read below to see how you could try to potentially restore some of your files.
Threat Summary
| Name | Why-Cry |
| Type | Ransomware |
| Short Description | The ransomware encrypts files on your computer and later tries to extort you to pay a ransom to get your files back. |
| Symptoms | The ransomware will encrypt your files while putting up a screenlocker that is presented as a Windows Update service. The update is of course fake and only there to trick users. |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments |
| Detection Tool |
See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware
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Malware Removal Tool
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User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss Why-Cry. |
| Data Recovery Tool | Windows Data Recovery by Stellar Phoenix Notice! This product scans your drive sectors to recover lost files and it may not recover 100% of the encrypted files, but only few of them, depending on the situation and whether or not you have reformatted your drive. |
Why-Cry Ransomware – Infection
Why-Cry ransomware might spread its infection with various methods. A payload dropper which initiates the malicious script for this ransomware could be circling around the World as this article is being written. In the case such a file lands on your computer system and you execute it – your computer will become infected. You can see a sample of the payload dropper called “WhyCry-Ransomware.exe” submitted on the VirusTotal service, below:
Why-Cry ransomware might also distribute its payload file on social media and file-sharing services. Freeware which is found on the Web can be presented as helpful also be hiding the malicious script for the cryptovirus. Refrain from opening files right after you have downloaded them. You should first scan them with a security tool, while also checking their size and signatures for anything that seems out of the ordinary. You should read the tips for preventing ransomware found in our forums.
Why-Cry Ransomware – Overview
Why-Cry is the name of a cryptovirus that demands a ransom to be paid out for allegedly getting your files back. The name of the ransomware is the same as in its payload file “WhyCry-Ransomware.exe”. English speaking users are the main target for the virus, although, people who are from the rest of the World could be affected as well. While your files are being encrypted, the following fake Windows Update screen will show up (while your screen is locked):
That screen is clever as it looks like a legitimate Windows update, while locking you away from your computer, making it for the screen impossible to be changed.
Why-Cry ransomware could make entries in the Windows Registry to achieve persistence, and probably launch or repress processes in a Windows environment. Such entries are typically designed in a way to launch the virus automatically with each start of the Windows operating system.
The ransom message is written in English. You can preview that ransom message, which loads after the encryption process is done, from the below image:
That ransom message reads the following:
Attention!!!
All Your Files are Encrypted by Why-CryWarning: Do not turn off your Computer!! You will loose all your files!
If you want to Decrypt your files follow these simple steps:1.) Create BitcoinWalIet here: https://blockchain.info/
2.) Buy Bitcoins worth of $300.
3.) Send $300 in Bitcoin to Given Address Below!
4.) You will get your Decryption Key after you pay $300 in Bitcoin.
5.) The Decryption Key will pop up on the left side automatically. We are more advance than others.
6.) Enter it in Given Box and Click on Decrypt.
7.) Afler clicking on Decrypt the files will start decrypting in background.
8.) BitCoin Address: 15Yqjc6aa1voMNGSqDnaYkdFwW7yHEYWtC ve itself.
9.) You will get all of your files safely.
Enter Decryption Key Here:
Decryptlf your files don’t get decrypted!!!
Than you have not paid successfully!!!All files have been Encrypted by Why-Cry!
Don‘t close the PC otherwise,
I wont be responsible if your files dont decrypt.
If you close your PC this screen will be removed.
And you will not be able to Decrypt files back.
The note of the Why-Cry ransomware states that your files are encrypted. A warning is given, that upon turning off your computer machine, all your files will be lost irrevocably. Even if that is true, do not worry as the ransomware seems to be decryptable. You should NOT pay up or contact the cybercriminals. Your files may not get restored upon payment and you have no guarantee of that working. Moreover, giving money to those criminals will likely motivate them to create more ransomware or commit similar crimes.
Why-Cry Ransomware – Encryption
For the moment, it is unknown as to what algorithm the Why-Cry cryptovirus uses for its encryption process. You can see a list with file extensions that the Why-Cry ransomware probably seeks to encrypt:
→.7z, .bmp, .doc, .docm, .docx, .html, .jpeg, .jpg, .mp3, .mp4, .pdf, .php, .ppt, .pptx, .rar, .rtf, .sql, .tiff, .txt, .xls, .xlsx, .zip
Those files are the most commonly-used ones for most Windows users, which is why the list could be on-point. The extension which the Why-Cry virus appends to encrypted files is .whycry as a secondary extension, without changing the original one, and keeping the file name intact.
To remove the lock on your screen and get the ransom message window down, all you have to do is type the following Password code:
Beware, as there is a small possibility of your files getting broken, if you enter the code wrong.
The Why-Cry cryptovirus could be set to erase all the Shadow Volume Copies from the Windows operating system with the help of the following command:
→vssadmin.exe delete shadows /all /Quiet
In case the command stated above is executed that would make the encryption process more efficient as it will eliminate one of the ways for restoring your files. If your computer was infected with this ransomware and your files are locked, read on through to find out how you could potentially recover your files.
Remove Why-Cry Ransomware and Restore .whycry Files
If your computer got infected with the Why-Cry ransomware virus, you should have a bit of experience in removing malware. You should get rid of this ransomware as quickly as possible before it can have the chance to spread further and infect other computers. You should remove the ransomware and follow the step-by-step instructions guide provided below.
- Step 1
- Step 2
- Step 3
- Step 4
- Step 5
Step 1: Scan for Why-Cry with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall Why-Cry and related malware from Windows
Here is a method in few easy steps that should be able to uninstall most programs. No matter if you are using Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista or XP, those steps will get the job done. Dragging the program or its folder to the recycle bin can be a very bad decision. If you do that, bits and pieces of the program are left behind, and that can lead to unstable work of your PC, errors with the file type associations and other unpleasant activities. The proper way to get a program off your computer is to Uninstall it. To do that:
Follow the instructions above and you will successfully delete most unwanted and malicious programs.
Step 3: Clean any registries, created by Why-Cry on your computer.
The usually targeted registries of Windows machines are the following:
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
You can access them by opening the Windows registry editor and deleting any values, created by Why-Cry there. This can happen by following the steps underneath:
Tip: To find a virus-created value, you can right-click on it and click "Modify" to see which file it is set to run. If this is the virus file location, remove the value.
Before starting "Step 4", please boot back into Normal mode, in case you are currently in Safe Mode.
This will enable you to install and use SpyHunter 5 successfully.
Step 4: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove Why-Cry
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by Why-Cry.
Method 1: Use STOP Decrypter by Emsisoft.
Not all variants of this ransomware can be decrypted for free, but we have added the decryptor used by researchers that is often updated with the variants which become eventually decrypted. You can try and decrypt your files using the instructions below, but if they do not work, then unfortunately your variant of the ransomware virus is not decryptable.
Follow the instructions below to use the Emsisoft decrypter and decrypt your files for free. You can download the Emsisoft decryption tool linked here and then follow the steps provided below:
1 Right-click on the decrypter and click on Run as Administrator as shown below:
2. Agree with the license terms:
3. Click on "Add Folder" and then add the folders where you want files decrypted as shown underneath:
4. Click on "Decrypt" and wait for your files to be decoded.
Note: Credit for the decryptor goes to Emsisoft researchers who have made the breakthrough with this virus.
Method 2: Use data recovery software
Ransomware infections and Why-Cry aim to encrypt your files using an encryption algorithm which may be very difficult to decrypt. This is why we have suggested a data recovery method that may help you go around direct decryption and try to restore your files. Bear in mind that this method may not be 100% effective but may also help you a little or a lot in different situations.
Simply click on the link and on the website menus on the top, choose Data Recovery - Data Recovery Wizard for Windows or Mac (depending on your OS), and then download and run the tool.
Why-Cry-FAQ
What is Why-Cry Ransomware?
Why-Cry is a ransomware infection - the malicious software that enters your computer silently and blocks either access to the computer itself or encrypt your files.
Many ransomware viruses use sophisticated encryption algorithms to make your files inaccessible. The goal of ransomware infections is to demand that you pay a ransom payment to get access to your files back.
What Does Why-Cry Ransomware Do?
Ransomware in general is a malicious software that is designed to block access to your computer or files until a ransom is paid.
Ransomware viruses can also damage your system, corrupt data and delete files, resulting in the permanent loss of important files.
How Does Why-Cry Infect?
Via several ways.Why-Cry Ransomware infects computers by being sent via phishing emails, containing virus attachment. This attachment is usually masked as an important document, like an invoice, bank document or even a plane ticket and it looks very convincing to users.
Another way you may become a victim of Why-Cry is if you download a fake installer, crack or patch from a low reputation website or if you click on a virus link. Many users report getting a ransomware infection by downloading torrents.
How to Open .Why-Cry files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .Why-Cry files are encrypted. You can only open them once they are decrypted using a specific decryption key for the particular algorithm.
What to Do If a Decryptor Does Not Work?
Do not panic, and backup the files. If a decryptor did not decrypt your .Why-Cry files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".Why-Cry" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .Why-Cry files.
These methods are in no way 100% guaranteed that you will be able to get your files back. But if you have a backup, your chances of success are much greater.
How To Get Rid of Why-Cry Virus?
The safest way and the most efficient one for the removal of this ransomware infection is the use a professional anti-malware program.
It will scan for and locate Why-Cry ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .Why-Cry files.
Can I Report Ransomware to Authorities?
In case your computer got infected with a ransomware infection, you can report it to the local Police departments. It can help authorities worldwide track and determine the perpetrators behind the virus that has infected your computer.
Below, we have prepared a list with government websites, where you can file a report in case you are a victim of a cybercrime:
Cyber-security authorities, responsible for handling ransomware attack reports in different regions all over the world:
Germany - Offizielles Portal der deutschen Polizei
United States - IC3 Internet Crime Complaint Centre
United Kingdom - Action Fraud Police
France - Ministère de l'Intérieur
Italy - Polizia Di Stato
Spain - Policía Nacional
Netherlands - Politie
Poland - Policja
Portugal - Polícia Judiciária
Greece - Cyber Crime Unit (Hellenic Police)
India - Mumbai Police - CyberCrime Investigation Cell
Australia - Australian High Tech Crime Center
Reports may be responded to in different timeframes, depending on your local authorities.
Can You Stop Ransomware from Encrypting Your Files?
Yes, you can prevent ransomware. The best way to do this is to ensure your computer system is updated with the latest security patches, use a reputable anti-malware program and firewall, backup your important files frequently, and avoid clicking on malicious links or downloading unknown files.
Can Why-Cry Ransomware Steal Your Data?
Yes, in most cases ransomware will steal your information. It is a form of malware that steals data from a user's computer, encrypts it, and then demands a ransom in order to decrypt it.
In many cases, the malware authors or attackers will threaten to delete the data or publish it online unless the ransom is paid.
Can Ransomware Infect WiFi?
Yes, ransomware can infect WiFi networks, as malicious actors can use it to gain control of the network, steal confidential data, and lock out users. If a ransomware attack is successful, it could lead to a loss of service and/or data, and in some cases, financial losses.
Should I Pay Ransomware?
No, you should not pay ransomware extortionists. Paying them only encourages criminals and does not guarantee that the files or data will be restored. The better approach is to have a secure backup of important data and be vigilant about security in the first place.
What Happens If I Don't Pay Ransom?
If you don't pay the ransom, the hackers may still have access to your computer, data, or files and may continue to threaten to expose or delete them, or even use them to commit cybercrimes. In some cases, they may even continue to demand additional ransom payments.
Can a Ransomware Attack Be Detected?
Yes, ransomware can be detected. Anti-malware software and other advanced security tools can detect ransomware and alert the user when it is present on a machine.
It is important to stay up-to-date on the latest security measures and to keep security software updated to ensure ransomware can be detected and prevented.
Do Ransomware Criminals Get Caught?
Yes, ransomware criminals do get caught. Law enforcement agencies, such as the FBI, Interpol and others have been successful in tracking down and prosecuting ransomware criminals in the US and other countries. As ransomware threats continue to increase, so does the enforcement activity.
About the Why-Cry Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Why-Cry how-to removal guide included, is the outcome of extensive research, hard work and our team’s devotion to help you remove the specific malware and restore your encrypted files.
How did we conduct the research on this ransomware?
Our research is based on an independent investigation. We are in contact with independent security researchers, and as such, we receive daily updates on the latest malware and ransomware definitions.
Furthermore, the research behind the Why-Cry ransomware threat is backed with VirusTotal and the NoMoreRansom project.
To better understand the ransomware threat, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.
As a site that has been dedicated to providing free removal instructions for ransomware and malware since 2014, SensorsTechForum’s recommendation is to only pay attention to trustworthy sources.
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- Always check "About Us" web page.
- Profile of the content creator.
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