W2tnk Ransomware Virus
Do you see the .w2tnk file extension placed on all of your files? Sadly, this means that ransomware has hit your PC and is now restricting access to all .w2tnk files. The threat has been reported as a strain of the Hive ransomware. At this point, the only way to decrypt .w2tnk files is by using the help of a tool possessed by hackers. You can learn more about this tool and how to obtain it via a ransom note created by the W2tnk virus. The note is named fwdM_HOW_TO_DECRYPT.txt. According to the message it contains all victims are expected to skip any removal actions and contact hackers for details about a ransom payment process.
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W2tnk virus Summary
Name | W2tnk virus also known as Trojan.GenericKD.37342169 (ButDefender), VirTool:Win64/Splinter.A!MTB (Microsoft), Trojan-Ransom.Win32.Cryrar.hqy (Kaspersky) |
File Extension | .w2tnk |
Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
Short Description | The ransomware encrypts files on your computer system and demands a ransom to be paid to allegedly recover them. |
Symptoms | The W2tnk Hive ransomware strain will encrypt your files by appending the .w2tnk extension to them and restrict access to their data. |
Ransom Demanding Note | fwdM_HOW_TO_DECRYPT.txt |
Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments |
Detection Tool |
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.w2tnk Virus File – How Did It Infect My PC and What Happened?
W2tnk ransomware which is also called .w2tnk virus file is a computer infection that might activate its infection payload file via malicious scripts injected into bogus sites. For this ransomware to obtain computer systems, hackers may also be using file-sharing services and spam email messages. Another technique is freeware presented as helpful.
The activation of the W2tnk virus – a strain of Hive ransomware, leads to the corruption of essential settings responsible for the security and the performance of the operating system. After all malicious changes, the virus scans for predefined drives locations and types of files that are most likely to store valuable personal information.
The encryption process leaves all corrupted files renamed with the two strange extensions. The rename pattern is as follows:
.[random_string].w2tnk
The decryption of .w2tnk files is the most prominent way to access their data. That’s why hackers set the threat to display ransomware instructions. The steps they expect victims to make are revealed by a ransom note called fwdM_HOW_TO_DECRYPT.txt.
The note states the following:
Your network has been breached and all data were encrypted.
To decrypt all the data or to prevent your sensitive data from leakage at
hxxp://hiveleakdbtnp76ulyhi52eag6c6tyc3xw7ez7iqy6wc34gd2nekazyd.onion
you will need to purchase our decryption software.Please contact our sales department at:
hxxp://hivecust6vhekztbqgdnkks64ucehqacge3dij3gyrrpdp57zoq3ooqd.onion
Login: ********
Password: ********Follow the guidelines below to avoid losing your data:
– Do not shutdown or reboot your computers, unmount external storages.
– Do not try to decrypt data using third party software. It may cause
irreversible damage.
– Do not fool yourself. Encryption has perfect secrecy and it’s impossible
to decrypt without knowing the key.
– Do not modify, rename or delete *.key.w2tnk files. Your
data will be undecryptable.
– Do not modify or rename encrypted files. You will lose them.
– Do not report to authorities. The negotiation process will be terminated
immediately and the key will be erased.
– Do not reject to purchase. Your sensitive data will be publicly disclosed.
You should NOT under any circumstances act as requested. In fact, there is no guarantee that the decryption tool works well for files encoded by W2tnk ransomware.
Pay attention that the ransomware could make entries in the Windows Registry to achieve persistence. This could help it to launch or repress processes in the infected Windows system.
The .w2tnk virus file could be set to erase all the Shadow Volume Copies from the Windows operating system as well. By running the the command:
→vssadmin.exe delete shadows /all /Quiet
The ransomware could prevent you from using the free option to restore .w2tnk files. If your computer device is infected with malware or you feel that something went wrong with its security, continue reading to see what actions you could take.
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Remove W2tnk Ransomware Virus – Try to Restore Files
If your computer got infected with the W2tnk 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 W2tnk virus with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall W2tnk virus 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:
![delete ransomware from windows step 1](https://cdn.sensorstechforum.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/1-step-remove-virus-sensorstechforum-com.jpg)
![delete ransomware from windows step 2](https://cdn.sensorstechforum.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Run-Remove-Uninstal-pop-up-adware-hijacker-virus-sensorstechforum-2.jpg)
![delete ransomware from windows step 3](https://cdn.sensorstechforum.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Run-Remove-Uninstal-pop-up-adware-hijacker-virus-sensorstechforum-3.jpg)
Step 3: Clean any registries, created by W2tnk virus 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 W2tnk virus there. This can happen by following the steps underneath:
![delete ransomware virus registries step 1](https://cdn.sensorstechforum.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/5-step-remove-a-virus-sensorstechforum-com.jpg)
![delete ransomware virus registries step 2](https://cdn.sensorstechforum.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/6-step-remove-virus-sensorstechforum-com.jpg)
![delete ransomware virus registries step 3](https://cdn.sensorstechforum.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/7-step-remove-virus-sensorstechforum-com.jpg)
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 W2tnk virus
![remove ransomware in safe mode step 1](https://cdn.sensorstechforum.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/1-step-remove-virus-sensorstechforum-com.jpg)
![remove ransomware in safe mode step 2](https://cdn.sensorstechforum.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/2-step-remove-virus-sensorstechforum-com.jpg)
![remove ransomware in safe mode step 3](https://cdn.sensorstechforum.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/3-step-remove-virus-sensorstechforum-com.jpg)
![remove ransomware in safe mode step 4](https://cdn.sensorstechforum.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/4-step-remove-virus-sensorstechforum-com.jpg)
![remove ransomware in safe mode step 5](https://cdn.sensorstechforum.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/windows-safe-mode-running.jpg)
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by W2tnk virus.
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 W2tnk virus 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.
W2tnk virus-FAQ
What is W2tnk virus Ransomware?
W2tnk virus 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 W2tnk virus 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 W2tnk virus Infect?
Via several ways.W2tnk virus 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 W2tnk virus 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 .W2tnk virus files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .W2tnk virus 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 .W2tnk virus files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".W2tnk virus" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .W2tnk virus 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 W2tnk virus 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 W2tnk virus ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .W2tnk virus 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 W2tnk virus 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 W2tnk virus Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this W2tnk virus 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 W2tnk virus 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.
How to recognize trustworthy sources:
- Always check "About Us" web page.
- Profile of the content creator.
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