This article will help you remove Schwerer ransomware absolutely. Follow the ransomware removal instructions at the end of the article.
Schwerer is how a newly emerged ransomware cryptovirus is called. The virus is written in the AutoIt scripting language. The AES algorithm is used for the encryption process or at least that is what is stated in the ransom message. After encryption, your files will become inaccessible as the Schwerer cryptovirus will leave a ransom note with demands for payment. Proceed to read below and see how you could try to potentially restore some of your files.
Threat Summary
| Name | Schwerer |
| Type | Ransomware |
| Short Description | The ransomware virus encrypts files on your computer and demands payment for unlocking them. |
| Symptoms | The ransomware will encrypt your files and then display a distinctive ransom message inside a window, after the encryption process is set and done. |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments, Executables |
| Detection Tool |
See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware
Download
Malware Removal Tool
|
User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss Schwerer. |
| 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. |
Schwerer Ransomware – Update
Schwerer Ransomware – Infection Spread
The Schwerer ransomware could spread its infection by using different methods. The payload file that initiates the malicious script for this ransomware that in turn infects your computer system is seen on the Web. Malware researchers have found a sample of the virus. You can see the sample and the detections of multiple security program vendors on the VirusTotal service by checking out the snapshot right here below:
Schwerer ransomware could also distribute its payload file on social media and file-sharing networks. Freeware which is found online could be presented as helpful but at the same time could be hiding the malicious script for the cryptovirus. Don’t open files immediately after downloading them, before you have checked them with a security tool. That goes especially if they come from dubious sources such as links and e-mails. Don’t forget to check the size and signatures of these files for anything that seems out of the ordinary. You should read the ransomware preventing tips thread in the forum.
Schwerer Ransomware – Technical Description
Schwerer ransomware is a virus that is written with the AutoIt language. AutoIt is a freeware BASIC-like scripting language. The ransomware is made to encrypt files on a computer machine and ask for a ransom.
The Schwerer ransomware could make entries in the Windows Registry to achieve persistence, launch or repress processes in Windows. Some entries are designed in a way that will start the virus automatically with each launch of the Windows Operating System. The following registry entry is entered by the virus:
→”HKCU\Software\Other\Schwerer” ,”complete” , “REG_SZ”
Whenever the encryption process is fully complete, a ransom note will be displayed in a window box. The note is written in the English language. Inside the window, you will find instructions on what to do for the restoration of your files.
You can preview the ransom note message here:
The ransom note reads the following:
All your computer file were encrypted with AES, only we can restore your files.
How to restore files :
Files encrypted : 2821
1. Send email to 897698@mail2tor.com containing your personal identifier (it is below)
2. We will send you a Bitcoin address, you must send 150€ to it within 3 days.
IF YOU DO NOT UNDERSTAND BITCOIN EMAIL WILL CONTAIN INFORMATIONS
3. Once full amount is sent you email us again. (make sure to contain key)
A. We will send you key and you will paste into textbox below, that will restore files.
Your Identifier: 14df8b3376dd29b731f2c7ec8f610df8b33764a608
Restore key:
Restore files
From the ransom note of the Schwerer virus, we can see that the TOR network is used for the contact e-mail left by the cybercriminal. You should NOT pay, nor contact the criminal. The demanded ransom sum is precisely 150 Euros. If you pay, no guarantee exists in the world that you will recover your files back to normal. Moreover, giving money to crooks is very likely to motivate them to keep making more ransomware viruses or do other criminal activities.
Schwerer Ransomware – Encryption Process
Schwerer ransomware seeks to encrypt lots of files with different file extensions. Currently, the following list with file extensions is believed to be the main target for the encryption process of this ransomware:
→.7z, .bmp, .doc, .docm, .docx, .html, .jpeg, .jpg, .mp3, .mp4, .pdf, .php, .ppt, .pptx, .rar, .rtf, .sql, .tiff, .txt, .xls, .xlsx, .zip
Those are the most commonly used files by most Windows users. Every file that gets locked will be encrypted with the AES algorithm or at least that is what is stated inside the ransom note.
The Schwerer cryptovirus is quite possible to delete the Shadow Volume Copies from the Windows operating system by utilizing the following command:
→vssadmin.exe delete shadows /all /Quiet
If the command is indeed executed, the encryption process will become more viable that way, as one of the ways for decrypting your files will be gone. Continue reading and see what kinds of ways you can try out to potentially restore some of your files.
Remove Schwerer Ransomware and Restore Your Files
If your computer got infected with the Schwerer 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 Schwerer with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall Schwerer 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 Schwerer 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 Schwerer 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 Schwerer
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by Schwerer.
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 Schwerer 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.
Schwerer-FAQ
What is Schwerer Ransomware?
Schwerer 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 Schwerer 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 Schwerer Infect?
Via several ways.Schwerer 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 Schwerer 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 .Schwerer files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .Schwerer 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 .Schwerer files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".Schwerer" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .Schwerer 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 Schwerer 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 Schwerer ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .Schwerer 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 Schwerer 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 Schwerer Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Schwerer 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 Schwerer 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.