This article will aid you to remove .Wallet Files Virus effectively. Follow the ransomware removal instructions provided at the end.
.Wallet is the extension that will be placed to your files after they are encrypted by a new cryptovirus. Malware researchers have discovered that the virus is the latest variant of the BTCWare ransomware. After the payload of the ransomware is executed, your files will become encrypted and the virus will leave a ransom note with instructions for payment to allegedly restore the files to their original state. Continue to read below to see how you could try to potentially recover some of your files.
Threat Summary
| Name | .Wallet Files Virus |
| Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
| Short Description | The ransomware virus encrypts files on your computer and a ransom note will be left demanding that you pay an unspecified amount of money in Bitcoins, after contacting the extortionists. |
| Symptoms | This ransomware will encrypt your files and then append the extension .Wallet on every encrypted file. |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments, Executable Files |
| 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 .Wallet Files 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. |
.Wallet Files Virus – Update January 2018
The .Wallet Files Virus has a new version spreading around the Internet. Victims report that their encrypted files now contain two email addresses in the newly-added secondary extension placed on the files. You can see an example of how such a file looks like with the addresses, right here on the right. The two emails are shadowzone@cock.li and shadowzone@india.com and malware researchers report that it is not common to see two emails in a single extension appended to encrypted files.
.Wallet Files Virus – Distribution
The .Wallet files virus could spread its infection via various methods. One of these methods is seen as the main one for spreading it, which is with a payload file that executes the malicious script for the ransomware, which in turn infects your computer system. Such a payload file can be seen distributed around the Internet via different outlets. Below you can see the detections of one such payload file on the VirusTotal service:
The .Wallet files virus could spread its payload file on social media sites and file-sharing networks. Freeware applications which are found on the Web could be presented as useful but at the same time could hide the malicious script for the cryptovirus. Avoid opening files straight away after you have downloaded them. That stands especially for ones that came from sources like suspicious e-mails or links. What you should rather do is to scan files before opening them with a security tool, while also checking their size and signatures for anything dubious. Also, you should read the ransomware prevention tips given in the forum section.
.Wallet Files Virus – In Detail
The .Wallet files virus takes its name from the .Wallet extension that it appends to all files that it encrypts. Malware researchers have made the discovery that the cryptovirus is a variant of the .BTCWare File Virus.
The .Wallet files virus could make entries in the Windows Registry to achieve persistence, launch and repress processes in Windows. Some entries are designed in a way that will start the virus automatically with each boot of the Windows Operating System, and one such entry is shown down below:
→HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
The ransom note of the virus will be put inside your computer system after the encryption process is finished. The note is written in English, but that doesn’t mean that English-speaking users are the main target of the malware. Inside the note, you will view the payment instructions for allegedly recovering your files. The ransom note is inside a file called “FILES ENCRYPTED.txt”.
Another file with the text of the ransom note will open up in the screen showcased right here:
That ransom note reads the following:
All your files have been encrypted!
All your files have been encrypted due to a security problem with your PC. If you want to restore them, write us to the e-mail arkana@tuta.io
You have to pay for decryption in Bitcoins. The price depends on how fast you write to us. After payment we will send you the decryption tool that will decrypt all your files.
Free decryption as guarantee
Before paying you can send us up to 3 files for free decryption. The total size of files must be less than 1Mb (non archived), and files should not contain valuable information. (databases,backups, large excel sheets, etc.)
How to obtain Bitcoins
The easiest way to buy bitcoins is LocalBitcoins site. You have to register, click ‘Buy bitcoins’, and select the seller by payment method and price.
https://localbitcoins.com/buy_bitcoins
Also you can find other places to buy Bitcoins and beginners guide here:
https://www.coindesk.com/information/how-can-i-buy-bitcoins/
Attention!
Do not rename encrypted files.
Do not try to decrypt your data using third party software, it may cause permanent data loss.
Decryption of your files with the help of third parties may cause increased price (they add their fee to our) or you can become a victim of a scam.
Your ID:
The developers of this new BTCWare ransomware variant are using an e-mail address as a way to contact them. Instructions which are presented in the ransom note of the .Wallet files virus should not be followed. You should NOT under any circumstances write to the cybercriminals. Nobody could give you a guarantee that your files will get restored if you pay the ransom. However, you could try to get 3 of your files decrypted, in case you need to use them with a potential decryptor tool released in the near future.
.Wallet Files Virus – Encryption
The .Wallet files virus ransomware is a variant of BTCWare, so there is a high probability for it to target and encrypt files with the following extensions:
→.1c, .3fr, .accdb, .ai, .arw, .bac, .bay, .bmp, .cdr, .cer, .cfg, .config, .cr2, .crt, .crw, .css, .csv, .db, .dbf, .dcr, .der, .dng, .doc, .docm, .docx, .dwg, .dxf, .dxg, .eps, .erf, .gif, .htm, .html, .indd, .iso, .jpe, .jpeg, .jpg, .kdc, .lnk, .mdb, .mdf, .mef, .mk, .mp3, .mp4, .mrw, .nef, .nrw, .odb, .ode, .odm, .odp, .ods, .odt, .orf, .p12, .p7b, .p7c, .pdd, .pdf, .pef, .pem, .pfx, .php, .png, .ppt, .pptm, .pptx, .psd, .pst, .ptx, .r3d, .rar, .raw, .rtf, .rw2, .rwl, .sql, .sr2, .srf, .srw, .tif, .wb2, .wma, .wpd, .wps, .x3f, .xlk, .xls, .xlsb, .xlsm, .xlsx, .zip
All files that get encrypted will receive the .[arkana@tuta.io]-id-*.Wallet extension appended to them, where “*” is where your specific ID will be placed as part of the extension. That is a secondary extension appended after the original one, and nothing iin the name before that is modified. Some malware researchers state that the algorithm being used for the encryption process is RSA but that information has not been confirmed yet.
The .Wallet files virus might delete the Shadow Volume Copies of the Windows Operating System. That will make the encryption process more viable since it will eliminate one way for a possible file recovery. Continue to read and see what ways you can try out to potentially recover some of your file data.
Remove .Wallet Files Virus and Restore Files
In case your computer got infected with the .Wallet files virus, you should have some 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 more computer systems. You should remove this ransomware and follow the step-by-step instructions guide provided down below.
- Step 1
- Step 2
- Step 3
- Step 4
- Step 5
Step 1: Scan for .Wallet Files Virus with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall .Wallet Files 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:
Follow the instructions above and you will successfully delete most unwanted and malicious programs.
Step 3: Clean any registries, created by .Wallet Files 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 .Wallet Files Virus 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 .Wallet Files Virus
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by .Wallet Files 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 .Wallet Files 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.
.Wallet Files Virus-FAQ
What is .Wallet Files Virus Ransomware?
.Wallet Files 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 .Wallet Files 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 .Wallet Files Virus Infect?
Via several ways..Wallet Files 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 .Wallet Files 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 ..Wallet Files Virus files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the ..Wallet Files 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 ..Wallet Files Virus files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore "..Wallet Files Virus" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore ..Wallet Files 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 .Wallet Files 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 .Wallet Files Virus ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important ..Wallet Files 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 .Wallet Files 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 .Wallet Files Virus Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this .Wallet Files 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 .Wallet Files 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.