Ventsislav has been covering the latest malware, software and newest tech developments at SensorsTechForum for 3 years now. He started out as a network administrator. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for discovery of new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management and then Network Administration, he found his passion within cybersecrurity and is a strong believer in basic education of every user towards online safety.
Ventsislav has been covering the latest malware, software and newest tech developments at SensorsTechForum for 3 years now. He started out as a network administrator. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for discovery of new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management and then Network Administration, he found his passion within cybersecrurity and is a strong believer in basic education of every user towards online safety.
Ventsislav has been covering the latest malware, software and newest tech developments at SensorsTechForum for 3 years now. He started out as a network administrator. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for discovery of new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management and then Network Administration, he found his passion within cybersecrurity and is a strong believer in basic education of every user towards online safety.
Note! Your computer might be affected by WannaPeace and other threats.
Threats such as WannaPeace may be persistent on your system. They tend to re-appear if not fully deleted. A malware removal tool like SpyHunter will help you to remove malicious programs, saving you the time and the struggle of tracking down numerous malicious files. SpyHunter’s scanner is free but the paid version is needed to remove the malware threats. Read SpyHunter’s EULA and Privacy Policy
Ventsislav has been covering the latest malware, software and newest tech developments at SensorsTechForum for 3 years now. He started out as a network administrator. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for discovery of new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management and then Network Administration, he found his passion within cybersecrurity and is a strong believer in basic education of every user towards online safety.
This article has been created in order to help you by showing how to remove the WannaPeace ransomware virus from your computer and how to recover _enc encrypted files.
A new ransomware infection, known as WannaPeace has been detected by malware researchers. The virus aims to encrypt the files on the computers infected by it by using AES algorithm on them. After the WannaPeace ransowmare finishes, the encryption the files are renamed with _enc included in their filename. The ransomware then drops a ransom note, named WannaPEace which demands victims to pay a hefty ransom fee in BitCoin in order to retrieve access to their files.
Threat Summary
Name
WannaPeace
Type
Ransomware, Cryptovirus
Short Description
Aims to encrypt the files, using the AES cipher and then demands victims to pay heavy ransom in order to get them decrypted.
Symptoms
Files are encrypted with an added _enc file suffix to their names. A ransom note, imitating WannaCry appears on the infected PC.
Distribution Method
Spam Emails, Email Attachments, Executable files
Detection Tool
See If Your System Has Been Affected by WannaPeace
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.
WannaPeace Ransomware – Distribution Methods
In order to infect unsuspecting victims, the WannaPeace ransomware uses similar distribution methods of it’s malicious files like other ransom viruses do. The infection may use Windows Exploit kits embedded in an infection file, which infects computers by being sent to the victims, tricking them into thinking that the file is legitimate. One such example is malicious e-mail spam messages, also known as malspam, which carry either e-mail attachments or web links, leading to the malicious files. The often used e-mails, deceive you into thinking that the ransomware infection file is a legitimate:
Invoice.
Receipt.
Purchase order information file.
Banking activity statement.
Letter of complain.
Other important documents.
Once you open the malicious file, it immediately causes the infection to commence and the payload of WannaPeace is dropped and executed on your computer silently.
In addition to via e-mail, the malicious file, carrying WannaPeace may also be disguised as a file that is a legitimate installation file, software license activator, game patch or crack or other fake executable uploaded online.
WannaPeace – More Information
Being as yet another WannaCry impostor, the ransomware virus aims to download it’s payload on your computer after it infects it. The payload may consist of files with different names, such as:
Randomly generated file names (a-z, 0-9, A-Z).
Fake file names of legitimate Windows processes (for example svchost.exe).
Filenames, pretending to be programs installed on your PC.
The payload is usually located in the following commonly targeted Windows directories:
%AppData%
%Local%
%Temp%
%Roaming%
%LocalLow%
After the payload has been dropped on the victim’s computer, the ransomware may engage in different activities, such as set it’s ransom note file to be automatically displayed to the victim:
In addition to this, WannaPeace ransomware may also attack the following Windows Registry Entries on the victim’s computer:
After having done this, the WannaPeace ransomware virus may begin to delete the backed up files or shadow volume copies on the infected machine by running scripts which trigger commands as an administrator in the Windows Command Prompt. The commands are often the following:
In order to encrypt the files on the infected system, the WannaPeace ransomware virus uses the AES encryption algorithm to render the files on the computers that have been infected by it no longer able to be opened. This results in a unique key for decryption to be generated which is also asymmetric and the cyber-criminals are the only ones who remain in power to provide the key and decrypt your files. The usually targeted files by this ransomware virus are reported to be the following:
After the encryption process is complete, the files are appended the _enc intefix between their names and the file extension and they begin looking like the image below:
Remove WannaPeace Ransomware and Try to Restore Encrypted Files
To remove this ransomware infection completely from your computer, we recommend that you follow the removal instructions down below. They are specifically created in order to help you by explaining how to isolate the virus and delete it manually or simply remove it automatically. For maximum effectiveness, security experts strongly advise to use an advanced anti-malware tool in order to remove the WannaPeace ransomware automatically from your computer system and protect it against future threats.
In the event that your files have been encrypted by this ransomware infection, recommendations are to try and restore them using the alternative file recovery instructions which we have posted down below in step “2. Restore files encrypted by WannaPeace” below.
Note! Your computer system may be affected by WannaPeace and other threats. Scan Your PC with SpyHunter SpyHunter is a powerful malware removal tool designed to help users with in-depth system security analysis, detection and removal of threats such as WannaPeace. Keep in mind, that SpyHunter’s scanner is only for malware detection. If SpyHunter detects malware on your PC, you will need to purchase SpyHunter’s malware removal tool to remove the malware threats. Read our SpyHunter 5 review. Click on the corresponding links to check SpyHunter’s EULA, Privacy Policy and Threat Assessment Criteria.
To remove WannaPeace follow these steps:
1. Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove WannaPeace files and objects
OFFER
Manual Removal Usually Takes Time and You Risk Damaging Your Files If Not Careful!
We Recommend To Scan Your PC with SpyHunter
Keep in mind, that SpyHunter’s scanner is only for malware detection. If SpyHunter detects malware on your PC, you will need to purchase SpyHunter’s malware removal tool to remove the malware threats. Read our SpyHunter 5 review. Click on the corresponding links to check SpyHunter’s EULA, Privacy Policy and Threat Assessment Criteria
Boot Your PC Into Safe Mode
1. For Windows XP, Vista and 7. 2. For Windows 8, 8.1 and 10. Fix registry entries created by malware and PUPs on your PC.
For Windows XP, Vista and 7 systems:
1. Remove all CDs and DVDs, and then Restart your PC from the “Start” menu. 2. Select one of the two options provided below:
– For PCs with a single operating system: Press “F8” repeatedly after the first boot screen shows up during the restart of your computer. In case the Windows logo appears on the screen, you have to repeat the same task again.
– For PCs with multiple operating systems: Тhe arrow keys will help you select the operating system you prefer to start in Safe Mode. Press “F8” just as described for a single operating system.
3. As the “Advanced Boot Options” screen appears, select the Safe Mode option you want using the arrow keys. As you make your selection, press “Enter“.
4. Log on to your computer using your administrator account
While your computer is in Safe Mode, the words “Safe Mode” will appear in all four corners of your screen.
Step 1: Open up the Start Menu.
Step 2: Click on the Power button (for Windows 8 it is the little arrow next to the “Shut Down” button) and whilst holding down “Shift” click on Restart.
Step 3: After reboot, a blue menu with options will appear. From them you should choose Troubleshoot.
Step 4: You will see the Troubleshoot menu. From this menu choose Advanced Options.
Step 5: After the Advanced Options menu appears, click on Startup Settings.
Step 6: From the Startup Settings menu, click on Restart.
Step 7: A menu will appear upon reboot. You can choose any of the three Safe Mode options by pressing its corresponding number and the machine will restart.
Some malicious scripts may modify the registry entries on your computer to change different settings. This is why cleaning your Windows Registry Database is recommended. Since the tutorial on how to do this is a bit long and tampering with registries could damage your computer if not done properly you should refer and follow our instructive article about fixing registry entries, especially if you are unexperienced in that area.
2. Find files created by WannaPeace on your PC
Find files created by WannaPeace
1. For Windows 8, 8.1 and 10. 2. For Windows XP, Vista, and 7.
For Newer Windows Operating Systems
Step 1:
On your keyboard press + R and write explorer.exe in the Run text box and then click on the Ok button.
Step 2:
Click on your PC from the quick access bar. This is usually an icon with a monitor and its name is either “My Computer”, “My PC” or “This PC” or whatever you have named it.
Step 3:
Navigate to the search box in the top-right of your PC’s screen and type “fileextension:” and after which type the file extension. If you are looking for malicious executables, an example may be “fileextension:exe”. After doing that, leave a space and type the file name you believe the malware has created. Here is how it may appear if your file has been found:
N.B. We recommend to wait for the green loading bar in the navination box to fill up in case the PC is looking for the file and hasn’t found it yet.
For Older Windows Operating Systems
In older Windows OS’s the conventional approach should be the effective one:
Step 1:
Click on the Start Menu icon (usually on your bottom-left) and then choose the Search preference.
Step 2:
After the search window appears, choose More Advanced Options from the search assistant box. Another way is by clicking on All Files and Folders.
Step 3:
After that type the name of the file you are looking for and click on the Search button. This might take some time after which results will appear. If you have found the malicious file, you may copy or open its location by right-clicking on it.
Now you should be able to discover any file on Windows as long as it is on your hard drive and is not concealed via special software.
IMPORTANT! Before starting the Automatic Removal below, 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.
Use SpyHunter to scan for malware and unwanted programs
3. Scan for malware and unwanted programs with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Scan your PC and Remove WannaPeace with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool and back up your data
1. Install SpyHunter to scan for WannaPeace and remove them.2. Scan with SpyHunter, Detect and Remove WannaPeace. Back up your data to secure it from malware in the future.
Step 1: Click on the “Download” button to proceed to SpyHunter’s download page.
It is 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. Click on the corresponding links to check SpyHunter’s EULA, Privacy Policy and Threat Assessment Criteria.
Step 2: Guide yourself by the download instructions provided for each browser.
Step 3: After you have installed SpyHunter, wait for it to update automatically.
Step 1: After the update process has finished, click on the ‘Malware/PC Scan’ tab. A new window will appear. Click on ‘Start Scan’.
Step 2: After SpyHunter has finished scanning your PC for any files of the associated threat and found them, you can try to get them removed automatically and permanently by clicking on the ‘Next’ button.
Step 3: If any threats have been removed, it is highly recommended to restart your PC.
Back up your data to secure it against attacks in the future
IMPORTANT! Before reading the Windows backup instructions, we highly recommend to back up your data with a cloud backup solution and insure your files against any type of loss, even from the most severe threats. We recommend you to read more about it and to download SOS Online Backup.
4. Try to Restore files encrypted by WannaPeace
Try to Restore Files Encrypted by WannaPeace
Ransomware infections and WannaPeace aim to encrypt your files using an encryption algorithm which may be very difficult to decrypt. This is why we have suggested several alternative methods that may help you go around direct decryption and try to restore your files. Bear in mind that these methods may not be 100% effective but may also help you a little or a lot in different situations.
Method 1: Scanning your drive’s sectors by using Data Recovery software. Another method for restoring your files is by trying to bring back your files via data recovery software. Here are some suggestions for preferred data recovery software solutions:
Method 2: Trying Kaspersky and EmsiSoft’s decryptors. If the first method does not work, we suggest trying to use decryptors for other ransomware viruses, in case your virus is a variant of them. The two primary developers of decryptors are Kaspersky and EmsiSoft, links to which we have provided below:
To restore your data in case you have backup set up, it is important to check for Volume Shadow Copies, if ransomware has not deleted them, in Windows using the below software:
Method 4: Finding the decryption key while the cryptovirus sends it over a network via a sniffing tool.
Another way to decrypt the files is by using a Network Sniffer to get the encryption key, while files are encrypted on your system. A Network Sniffer is a program and/or device monitoring data traveling over a network, such as its internet traffic and internet packets. If you have a sniffer set before the attack happened you might get information about the decryption key. See how-to instructions below:
Ventsislav has been covering the latest malware, software and newest tech developments at SensorsTechForum for 3 years now. He started out as a network administrator. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for discovery of new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management and then Network Administration, he found his passion within cybersecrurity and is a strong believer in basic education of every user towards online safety.
Ventsislav has been covering the latest malware, software and newest tech developments at SensorsTechForum for 3 years now. He started out as a network administrator. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for discovery of new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management and then Network Administration, he found his passion within cybersecrurity and is a strong believer in basic education of every user towards online safety.
This article has been created in order to help you by showing how to remove the WannaPeace ransomware virus from your computer and how to recover _enc encrypted files.
1. For Windows XP, Vista and 7.
2. For Windows 8, 8.1 and 10.
Fix registry entries created by malware and PUPs on your PC.
1. Install SpyHunter to scan for WannaPeace and remove them.
Back up your data to secure it from malware in the future.
