The article presents detailed information about WastedLocker ransomware ransomware as well as a step-by-step guide on how to remove its malicious files from an infected system. You will also be presented with a how-to potentially recover encrypted files guide.
WastedLocker Ransomware
The WastedLocker virus is a recently discovered advanced ransomware infection directed against Fortune 500 corporations and other companies. This is very large infection which includes a very complex malware internal engine capable of causing widespread damage to the contaminated computers and networks.
WastedLocker ransomware Summary
| Name | WastedLocker |
| Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
| Short Description | The WastedLocker ransomware is an example of a dangerous multi-platform malware that is designed to infiltrate different operating systems. |
| Symptoms | The users will experience severe performance issues, errors when running day-to-day tasks and locked files. The victims will be blackmailed into paying the criminals a ransom decryption fee, usually in cryptocurrency. |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails; Email Attachments; Corrupted Websites; Software Installers |
| Detection Tool |
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WastedLocker ransomware Virus – More About the Infection
The WastedLocker virus is one of the most dangerous malware which has been used in large attack campaigns that is designed against Fortune 500 companies. According to the available information the attacks are launched using a hacker-controlled attack framework. A total of 150 legitimate sites contain redirect code that leads to a hosted archive containing the virus code. This archive is placed in a ZIP archive which contains JavaScript code that appears to the end users as a browser update. When it is run by the users this will load a second executable that contains the first stage of the virus infection process.
This will run a computer data extraction which will use common commands in order to hijack machine and personal information. In the stage the Cobalt Strike malware will be deployed. This is a well-known Trojan component that has been used in attacks in the past. The intention of the hackers are to overtake control of the systems using it. Access to the system and the possibility to interact with it is made possible by a .NET injector. Possible actions done by the Cobalt Strike malware include the following:
- Execute Remote Commands
- Inject Data into running processes
- Impersonate user-installed or system processes
- Hijacking and uploading files
At the moment at least 31 companies have been hacked using the WastedLocker ransomware. The main goal of the hacking group behind the infections appears to be to encrypt as much sensitive data on a company network in order to sabotage their day-to-day activities. Each infected computer will display a ransom message which in turn will total to a very large sum that will blackmail the company for payment. At the moment the affected companies work in the following industries:
manufacturing, information technology, media and telecommunications, energy, transport, financial, hospitality, healthcare, sport, chemicals, accounting, consulting, semiconductor, consumer goods, government, local government and aerospace
The malware will escalate its privileges to administrator access by using an attack technique that interacts with the activation and updating of the Microsoft Windows operating system. The hackers also have added the possibility to disable Windows Defender scanning.
The actual WasterLocker ransomware is programmed in two versions – 32 and 64-bit in order to provide an optimized working environment.
The WastedLocker can also be used for other malware actions including the following:
- Additional Malware Delivery — The ransomware and the included virus code can be used by the hackers to deploy other threats to the infected hosts. This can include cryptocurrency miners — which are among the most popular web threats deployed nowadays. They are small-sized scripts and programs that will be loaded in memory and run from there. They are programmed to download a sequence of performance-intensive tasks that will impact all major hardware components of the host system: the CPU, memory, hard disk space, network speed and the graphics card. For every completed task the hackers will receive a reward in cryptocurrency assets.
- Persistent Installation — All virus contents and related malware can be installed as a system service or can change important configuration options in order to start automatically when the computer is powered on.
- Botnet Recruitment — Advanced Trojans may include the recruitment of the infected host to a global botnet network. It can be used to plan major attacks against large networks
How to Remove WastedLocker ransomware Ransomware Virus
The so-called WastedLocker ransomware virus is a threat with a highly complex code that disrupts system security in order to encrypt personal files. Hence the infected system could be used in a secure manner again only after the complete removal of all malicious files and objects created by WastedLocker ransomware ransomware. That’s why it is recommendable that all steps presented in the WastedLocker ransomware virus removal guide below should be completed. Beware that the manual ransomware removal is suitable for more experienced computer users. If you don’t feel comfortable with the manual steps navigate to the automatic part of the guide.
How to Recover WastedLocker Ransomware Files
There are several alternative methods that may be efficient for the recovery of .WastedLocker files. You could find them listed in our WastedLocker ransomware ransomware removal guide. Beware that you should make copies of all encrypted files and save them on a flash drive for example. This additional step will prevent the permanent loss of encrypted .WastedLocker files.
Martin Beltov
Martin graduated with a degree in Publishing from Sofia University. As a cyber security enthusiast he enjoys writing about the latest threats and mechanisms of intrusion.
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Step 1: Scan for WastedLocker ransomware with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall WastedLocker ransomware 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 WastedLocker ransomware 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 WastedLocker ransomware 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 WastedLocker ransomware
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by WastedLocker ransomware.
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 WastedLocker ransomware 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.
WastedLocker ransomware-FAQ
What is WastedLocker ransomware Ransomware?
WastedLocker ransomware 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 WastedLocker ransomware 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 WastedLocker ransomware Infect?
Via several ways.WastedLocker ransomware 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 WastedLocker ransomware 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 .WastedLocker ransomware files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .WastedLocker ransomware 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 .WastedLocker ransomware files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".WastedLocker ransomware" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .WastedLocker ransomware 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 WastedLocker ransomware 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 WastedLocker ransomware ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .WastedLocker ransomware 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 WastedLocker ransomware 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 WastedLocker ransomware Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this WastedLocker ransomware 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 WastedLocker ransomware 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.
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