What is WannaCash virus? What are WannaCash Files? How to remove WannaCash virus from your computer? How to try and restore .wannacash encrypted files?
WannaCash is a ransomware infection that has recently resurfaced in a new variant. The virus aims to encrypt your important files and hold them hostage until you pay ransom to get the files back. The ransomware asks for you to pay ransom by making an anonymous online transfer to the cyber-criminals behind it. Read this article so that you can understand how to fully remove WannaCash virus and how to attempt to recover your files.
Threat Summary
Name | WannaCash Virus |
Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
Short Description | Notorious ransomware virus from the WannaCash family. Aims to encrypt your files and ask you to make a ransom payoff in an online transfer to the hackers. |
Symptoms | Your files are encrypted and have the .wannacash file extension added after their original one. |
Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments, Executable files |
Detection Tool |
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User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss WannaCash Virus. |
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. |
WannaCash Virus – How Did I Get It and What Does It Do?
The WannaCash Virus is the type of threat, whose main goal is to encrypt files on your computer. To do thi,s it may use a variety of infection methods. The first one of those methods is to initiate a payload dropper that can run the infection file of WannaCash ransomware. Such files can often land on your computer by pretending to be some type of useful download.
The WannaCash virus is the type of threat that attacks your computer without your consent and encrypts your files. The virus targets the following types of files for encryption:
→ .doc , .docx , .xls , .xlsx , .xlst , .ppt , .pptx , .rtf , .pub , .pps , .ppsm , .pot , .pages , .indd , .odt , .ods , .pdf , .zip , .rar , .7z , .jpg , .png , .mp4 , .mov , .avi , .mpeg, .flv , .psd , .psb
This list of extensions may not be the only files targeted by WannaCash virus, however. The ransomware carefully looks for files of the following categories:
- Audio files
- Video files
- Document files
- Archive files
- Image files
- Backup files
- Banking credentials, etc
After encrypting your files, the WannaCash virus may also delete the shadow volume copies on your computer by executing the following command as an administrator in Windows Command Prompt:
→ vssadmin.exe delete shadows /all /Quiet
This prevents you from recovering the data via Windows Backup Services.
When it comes to encryption, WannaCash ransomware may use a sophisticated cipher that generates a unique decoding key. The end goal is for the files to have the .wannacash extension and seem corrupt:
After the WannaCash virus encrypts your files, the ransomware may generate a unique decryption key, that is known only by the cyber-criminals who operate the virus. They want you to make an anonymous online transfer if you want to receive your key and unlock all .wannacash files.
Paying the ransom of WannaCash cryptovirus is NOT advisable, because you cannot really trust the cyber-criminals who are behind this virus. Instead we do advise that you backup your files and wait for a decryptor to come out.
How to Remove WannaCash Virus and Try to Restore .wannacash Files
In order to remove the WannaCash ransomware virus from your PC, we do recommend that you follow the step-by-step removal guide underneath. It has been created with the main purpose to assist you in deleting this virus manually or automatically. If you want a fast and permanent solution, however, the best way of removing WannaCash is to scan your computer now with an advanced malware removal software. Such programs are designed to best remove all files, related to WannaCash ransomware from your computer and protect your PC from such threats in the future too.
If you want to try and restore data, encrypted by WannaCash virus, we do advise that you try the file recovery methods that are underneath this article. They have been made to help you to restore as many files as possible, but do not think that they are a 100% effective solution, because they are not.
- Step 1
- Step 2
- Step 3
- Step 4
- Step 5
Step 1: Scan for WannaCash Virus with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall WannaCash 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:
Step 3: Clean any registries, created by WannaCash 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 WannaCash Virus there. This can happen by following the steps underneath:
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 WannaCash Virus
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by WannaCash 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 WannaCash 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.
WannaCash Virus-FAQ
What is WannaCash Virus Ransomware?
WannaCash 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 WannaCash 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 WannaCash Virus Infect?
Via several ways.WannaCash 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 WannaCash 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 .WannaCash Virus files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .WannaCash 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 .WannaCash Virus files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".WannaCash Virus" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .WannaCash 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 WannaCash 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 WannaCash Virus ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .WannaCash 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 WannaCash 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 WannaCash Virus Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this WannaCash 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 WannaCash 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.
- Make sure that real people are behind the site and not fake names and profiles.
- Verify Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter personal profiles.