WannabeHappy ransomware is a destructive threat that restricts access to personal information stored on the infected hosts. It uses a strong cipher to modify the original code of predefined target files and then blackmails victims into paying a ransom for the unique data decryption key. WannabeHappy drops and opens an extortion message to instruct victims how to pay a ransom of $500 in Bitcoin.
This article aims to assist all infected users with the WannabeHappy ransomware removal and covers alternative data recovery approaches.
Threat Summary
| Name | WannabeHappy |
| Type | Ransomware |
| Short Description | The ransomware encrypts files on your computer and displays a ransom message afterward. |
| Symptoms | The ransomware will encrypt your files and ask for ransom payment after it finishes its encryption process. |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments, Compromised Web Pages |
| Detection Tool |
See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware
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Malware Removal Tool
|
User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss WannabeHappy. |
| 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. |
WannabeHappy Ransomware – Distribution
WannabeHappy ransomware payload is most likely to be spread via malicious email messages whose sender may pose as representative of popular business or governmental organizations. The message may be trying to convince you that the information is of high priority so that you are more prone to download an attachment or follow a presented link that are actually the infection carriers. Beware of all received emails and always scan the files with an anti-malware tool before you open them on the PC.
Sometimes the malicious links that lead to compromised web pages and cause the ransomware infection may be spread on social media channels like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc.
Fake software update notifications and freeware installers may also be used for WannabeHappy ransomware distribution.
WannabeHappy Ransomware – In-Depth Overview
The infection process starts at the moment when the executable file Cryptor.exe is running on the system. It is designed to manage the attack so that the ransomware can successfully plague your system and files.
First, it may collect information about the device and then send it to a server controlled by hackers. Afterward, they can drop more malicious files on your system or at worst install additional malware on it.
One of the primary ransomware functionalities is to create new values in Run and RunOnce registry keys. This interference can enable the automatic execution of all malicious files on each Windows system load. In most of the cases, the same keys allow the ransomware to display its ransom message on the PC screen or lock it at all.
WannabeHappy ransomware is designed to lock the screen with its ransom note which reads:
Ooops your files have been encrypted
What Happened to My Computer?
Your important files are encrypted. Many of your documents, photos, videos, databases and other files are no longer accessible because they have been encrypted. Maybe you are busy looking for a way to recover your files, but do not waste your time. Nobody can recover your files without our decryption service.
Can I Recover My Files?
Sure. We guarantee that you can recover all your files safely easily. But you have not so enough time. You only have 13 hours, 37 minutes and 42 seconds (13:37:42) to submit the payment. After that the price will be doubled. Also, if you dont pay, you won’t be able to recover your files forever. We will have free for users who are so poor that they couldn’t pay in 6 months.
How do I Pay?
Payment is accepted in Bitcoin only. For more information, click @bitcoin logo. Please check the current price of the Bitcoin and buy some bitcoins. For more information, check internet. When the payment is done, report that the payment is done by sending your transaction ID (TX ID) by clicking
—>. I takes a while to validate the payment. After a while you can press the button and when the payment is succesful received, the decryption key will be returned!
–
Payment
Send $500 worth of bitcoin to this address
1HgdrvvvChjyqu3K76******************
Validate payment
–
Decrypt
Key: [] Decrypt
–
Close
Thank you for using wannabehappy
Close
The ransom message is divided into three columns with the middle one presenting the text. The left one counts down the time until the price gets doubled if the payment is not transferred and the number of encrypted files. Below these two elements stands a filed where the decryption key can be entered. The right column informs: “Send $500 worth of bitcoins to this address” and provides a filed with a bitcoin address below.
Any contacts with the criminals are to be avoided if you don’t want to expose your personal information and PC to further abuses.
WannabeHappy Ransomware – Encryption Process
Crypto locker ransomware like WannabeHappy are designed to generally scan the system for frequently used file types and encrypt them in order to restrict access to important information. The goal is to make victims more prone to pay the ransom as soon after the infection occurs. File extensions associated with the following types of files can be encrypted by WannabeHappy ransomware:
- Documents
- Videos
- Audio files
- Pictures
- Archives
All target files are modified by the ransomware via its built-in encryption module. After the encryption process files are completely inaccessible. In addition, WannabeHappy crypto virus can append a specific extension to corrupted data at the end of the names. Victims are unable to open their files until they apply the decryption key.
How to Remove WannabeHappy Ransomware and Restore Files
The detailed guide below will help you to get rid of WannabeHappy ransomware completely. You can remove it manually or automatically. Have in mind that due to the complexity of ransomware code the manual removal of all malicious files and objects can be a hard task even for the tech savvy guys. The automatic approach can help you to eliminate the threat once and forever. After the removal, some encrypted files can be restored via the alternative methods that are part of the guide below. But first, you will need to back up all encrypted files to an external drive to ensure that even if something goes wrong during the restore process, you will still have your data.
Gergana Ivanova
Highly motivated writer with 5+ years of experience writing for ransomware, malware, adware, PUPs, and other cybersecurity-related issues. As a writer, I strive to create content that is based on thorough technical research. I find joy in the process of creating articles that are easy to understand, informative, and useful. Follow me on Twitter (@IRGergana) for the latest in the field of computer, mobile, and online security.
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Step 1: Scan for WannabeHappy with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall WannabeHappy 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 WannabeHappy 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 WannabeHappy 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 WannabeHappy
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by WannabeHappy.
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 WannabeHappy 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.
WannabeHappy-FAQ
What is WannabeHappy Ransomware?
WannabeHappy 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 WannabeHappy 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 WannabeHappy Infect?
Via several ways.WannabeHappy 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 WannabeHappy 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 .WannabeHappy files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .WannabeHappy 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 .WannabeHappy files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".WannabeHappy" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .WannabeHappy 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 WannabeHappy 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 WannabeHappy ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .WannabeHappy 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 WannabeHappy 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 WannabeHappy Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this WannabeHappy 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 WannabeHappy 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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