Update Late May 2017! This article aims to show you a new method to detect the RSA encrypted files on your computer after which factorize and try decrypting encrypted files for free.
Malware researcher has reported the testing of a new method by which the private RSA key belonging to Wana Decrypt0r can be obtained. This method can be combined with another method which factorizes the private keys and gives access to AES-128 encrypted files by Wana Decrypt0r, WannaCry also known as WCry ransomware. This may result in the successful decryption of the files. The bad news in this situation is that the testing is done on an infected Windows XP computer and the results may vary. Nonetheless, these instructions may result in the successful recovery of your files.
How to Try and Decrypt .WNCRY .WCRY Files for Free
Security researcher Adrien Guinet(@adriengnt) has reported on Twitter that a current ongoing decryption process is on track for the encrypted files. So far, the researcher has successfully managed to obtain the private RSA encryption key and post instructions for it on github, which we have posted in
IMPORTANT: Bear in mind that before beggining to follow the instructions, you must still have the Wana Decrypt0r infection on your computer, because these instructions manipulate the wcry.exe process which generates the RSA private key.
But before beginning to explain the instructions to you, it is crucial that you understand how the encryption of Wana Decrypt0r 2.0 is conducted. To best explain it, we will use the graphic below, provided by Sheila A. Berta (@UnaPibaGeek):
As visible from the graphic below, multiple different keys are generated. These keys include the generating of a unique AES-128 random key, used for the decryption and encryption of the files. But this key which is appended on the encrypted files is also encrypted by another RSA Public key (see bottom right balloon). The trick with Rivest Shamir Adleman or RSA algorithm is that its core construction is based on the fact that it also generates an RSA-2048 private key. If you know the public and the private RSA keys, you will easily get to the AES-128 random key.
But there is a challenge, as Adrien Guinet mentiones in his Github decryption instructions for Wana Decrypt0r 2.0. There are two functions, named CryptDestroyKey and CryptReleaseContext which are connected with the wcry.exe process that do not delete the main numbers from the memory of your computer, like they are designed to do. But this does not mean that the method is not worth trying since if you are in luck and these memory strings are not deleted, you can recover the private key using the primary numbers if they are not deleted by those functions. This is where the tool of Adrien comes into play. Here is how to use it:
Step 1: Download the tools from GitHub, by clicking on the “clone or download” button in the following web link.
Step 2: Locate the “bin” folder and then open the binary program within it.
Step 3: You will need the PID (Process ID) of the active wcry.exe malicious process. To do this, use Kaspresky’s guide on how to get PID from a Windows process.
Step 4: After you have successfully obtained the process ID of the malicious program, open Windows Command Prompt as an administrator and type the following command lines:
→CD {the location of the search_primes.exe executable file}
And then locate the file named 00000000.pky on your computer. An easier method to look for it is to type the following in Windows Search (for newer Windows versions):
After you have located the .pky file go back to command prompt and type the following command after going to it’s location with the >CD command:
→search_primes.exe
PID {C:\location folders\00000000.pky}
…where “location folders” are the actual path to the file if you still have it on your system.
If you have been successful in finding the prime RSA key after using this command, a file, named “priv.key” will be created in the same directory.
Decryption Instructions After You Have Located the Unique RSA Private Key
For the full decryption of your files, we reccomend you to follow the instructions on this article and use the wanakiwi software to decode the encrypted data.
After decrypting your files, simply remove the threat using an advanced anti-malware program:
It is highly recommended to run a scan before purchasing the full version of the software to make sure that the current version of the malware can be detected by SpyHunter.
Ventsislav Krastev
Ventsislav is a cybersecurity expert at SensorsTechForum since 2015. He has been researching, covering, helping victims with the latest malware infections plus testing and reviewing software and the newest tech developments. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for learning new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management, Network Administration and Computer Administration of System Applications, he found his true calling within the cybersecrurity industry and is a strong believer in the education of every user towards online safety and security.
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Step 1: Scan for Wana Decyrpt0r 2.0 with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall Wana Decyrpt0r 2.0 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 Wana Decyrpt0r 2.0 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 Wana Decyrpt0r 2.0 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 Wana Decyrpt0r 2.0
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by Wana Decyrpt0r 2.0.
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 Wana Decyrpt0r 2.0 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.
Wana Decyrpt0r 2.0-FAQ
What is Wana Decyrpt0r 2.0 Ransomware?
Wana Decyrpt0r 2.0 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 Wana Decyrpt0r 2.0 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 Wana Decyrpt0r 2.0 Infect?
Via several ways.Wana Decyrpt0r 2.0 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 Wana Decyrpt0r 2.0 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 .Wana Decyrpt0r 2.0 files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .Wana Decyrpt0r 2.0 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 .Wana Decyrpt0r 2.0 files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".Wana Decyrpt0r 2.0" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .Wana Decyrpt0r 2.0 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 Wana Decyrpt0r 2.0 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 Wana Decyrpt0r 2.0 ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .Wana Decyrpt0r 2.0 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 Wana Decyrpt0r 2.0 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 Wana Decyrpt0r 2.0 Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Wana Decyrpt0r 2.0 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 Wana Decyrpt0r 2.0 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.