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.Wcry File Virus – Remove It and Restore Your Files

The article will aid you remove .Wcry file virus totally. Follow the ransomware removal instructions provided at the end of the article.

.Wcry file virus is also ransomware. Over 160 different file extensions will become encrypted and a ransom message will be displayed afterward. From there, you can see the demands for payment of the cybercriminals that developed the .Wcry file virus. The ransomware connects to a C&C (Command and Control) server. Read below to see how you could try to potentially restore some of your files.

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Threat Summary

Threat Summary

Name .Wcry file virus
Type Ransomware
Short Description The ransomware will encrypt files with a little over 160 different extensions on a compromised system.
Symptoms The ransomware encrypts files on your PC and displays a ransom message afterward.
Distribution Method Spam Emails, Email Attachments
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 .Wcry file 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.

.Wcry File Virus – Update

A new version of .Wcry file virus is out, infecting users Worldwide. Reports show that around 100 different countries have been hit, but the ones that suffer the most are Spain, Russia and the UK. The ransomware continues to spread its older version with the .Wcry extension, but it could have the new design, as seen below:

The latest news about the ransomware, from malware researchers is that you shouldn’t pay the ransom sum. Due to the virus requiring a human operator to approve the payment over a Command&Control server (C2), and as thousands are hit, its not likely that this will happen or that your files will be restored.

UPDATE MAY 2017 We have summed up potential methods by which you could theoretically try and restore your files. We have also included new information about how does this virus spread. The instructions are in the following article.

.Wcry File Virus – Infection Spread

The .Wcry file virus could spread its infection with different methods. The payload file that initiates the malicious script for this ransomware, which in turn infects your computer machine, might be placed on different places on the Web. A C&C server that is believed to be associated with this ransomware is rphjmypwmfvx6v2e(.)onion.

This .Wcry file virus could also spread its payload file on social media and file-sharing sites. Freeware found on the Web can be presented as helpful but could also hide the malicious script for the virus. Refrain from opening files right after you have downloaded them, especially if they come from dubious sources such as links and emails. Instead, you should scan them first, with a security tool, while also checking their size and signatures for anything that seems suspicious. You should read the ransomware preventing tips in the forum.

.Wcry File Virus – Analysis

.Wcry file virus is a ransomware that will encrypts files with a little over than 160 different extensions, while appending the extension .wcry to them.

.Wcry file virus ransomware 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 launch the virus automatically with each boot of the Windows Operating System.

A ransom note will appear right after the encryption process has ended. The note is written in the English language and gives details about what the ransom price is, along with other demands for paying. You can view the ransom message, which loads after the file encryption process, right down here:

That ransom note reads the following:

Your files have been safely encrypted!
Most of your files are encrypted with strong AES-128 ciphers.
To decrypt files you need to obtain the private keys, and it is the only possible way.
To obtain the keys you should pay them with bitcoin.
The cost will double by the specified time.
The cost will double
[date and time] What to do, How to do
1. Send 0.1 BTC to 1G7bggAjH8pJaUfUoC9kRAcSCoev6djwFZ
You will be able to download the private key within 12 hours.
2. How to DECRYPT your files
1) Click “Start Decrypt”.
2) First, you should send a download request with your Bitcoin wallet address.
(Important: You must know your actual wallet address from where your payment be sent.)
3) Sleep.
4) After 5~6 hours you will have the key and can decrypt your files. Go!
5) That’s all.

3. About BITCOIN
1) For more information about bitcoin, please visit https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bitcoin
2) Here are our recommendations to purchase bitcoin:

Any attempt to corrupt or remove this software will result in immediate elimination of the private keys by the server.
Start Decrypt

The note of the .Wcry file ransomware states that your files are encrypted with an AES 128-bit encryption algorithm. A ransom sum of 0.1 Bitcoins is asked as payment for unlocking your files by the cybercriminals. The equivalent of that sum of money in US dollars is almost exactly 100 dollars. You will be given around five full days to pay the ransom, but we advise against that. You should NOT under any circumstances pay the cyber crooks. Your files might not get restored, and nobody could guarantee that. You will only end up giving money to these criminals and inspiring them to create more ransomware or do other criminal acts.

.Wcry file ransomware seeks to encrypt files with a little over than 160 different extensions, which you can see in the following list:

→.key, .crt, .csr, .p12, .pem, .odt, .ott, .sxw, .stw, .uot, .3ds, .max, .3dm, .ods, .ots, .sxc, .stc, .dif, .slk, .wb2, .odp, .otp, .sxd, .std, .uop, .odg, .otg, .sxm, .mml, ., .lay, .lay6, .asc, .sqlite3, .sqlitedb, .sql, .mdb, .db, .dbf, .odb, .frm, .myd, .myi, .ibd, .mdf, .ldf, .sln, .suo, .cs, .c, .cpp, .pas, .h, .js, .vb, .pl, .dip, .dch, .sch, .brd, .jsp, .php, .asp, .rb, .java, .jar, .class, .sh, .mp3, .wav, .swf, .fla, .wmv, .mpg, .mpeg, .vob, .asf, .avi, .mov, .mp4, .3gp, .mkv, .3g2, .flv, .wma, .mid, .m3u, .m4u, .ai, .psd, .nef, .tiff, .tif, .cgm, .raw, .gif, .png, .bmp, .backup, .zip, .rar, .7z, .gz, .tgz, .tar, .bak, .tbk, .tarbz2, .PAQ, .ARC, .aes, .gpg, .vmx, .vmdk, .vdi, .602, .hwp, .edb, .potm, .potx, .ppam, .ppsx, .ppsm, .pps, .pot, .pptm, .xltm, .xltx, .xlc, .xlm, .xlt, .xlw, .xlsb, .xlsm, .dotx, .dotm, .dot, .docm, .docb, .jpg, .jpeg, .dwg, .pdf, .rtf, .csv, .txt, .wk1, .wks, .123, .vsdx, .vsd, .eml, .msg, .ost, .pst, .pptx, .ppt, .xlsx, .xls, .docx, .doc

Extensions Source: MalwareHunterTeam

Every file which has one of the extensions from the above list will get encrypted.

The .Wcry file cryptovirus is more than likely to erase the Shadow Volume Copies from the Windows Operating System by utilizing the following command:

→vssadmin.exe Delete Shadows /All /Quiet

Continue reading and check out what ways you could try to potentially restore some of your data.

Remove .Wcry File Virus and Restore Your Files

If your computer got infected with the .Wcry file 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.

Berta Bilbao

Berta is a dedicated malware researcher, dreaming for a more secure cyber space. Her fascination with IT security began a few years ago when a malware locked her out of her own computer.

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  • Step 1
  • Step 2
  • Step 3
  • Step 4
  • Step 5

Step 1: Scan for .Wcry file virus with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool

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.


2. After you have installed SpyHunter, wait for it to update automatically.

scan for and delete ransomware virus step 2


3. After the update process has finished, click on the 'Malware/PC Scan' tab. A new window will appear. Click on 'Start Scan'.

scan for and delete ransomware virus step 3


4. 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.

scan for and delete ransomware virus step 4

If any threats have been removed, it is highly recommended to restart your PC.

Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide

Step 2: Uninstall .Wcry file 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:


1. Hold the Windows Logo Button and "R" on your keyboard. A Pop-up window will appear.
delete ransomware from windows step 1


2. In the field type in "appwiz.cpl" and press ENTER.
delete ransomware from windows step 2


3. This will open a window with all the programs installed on the PC. Select the program that you want to remove, and press "Uninstall"
delete ransomware from windows step 3Follow the instructions above and you will successfully delete most unwanted and malicious programs.


Step 3: Clean any registries, created by .Wcry file 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 .Wcry file virus there. This can happen by following the steps underneath:

1. Open the Run Window again, type "regedit" and click OK.
delete ransomware virus registries step 1


2. When you open it, you can freely navigate to the Run and RunOnce keys, whose locations are shown above.
delete ransomware virus registries step 2


3. You can remove the value of the virus by right-clicking on it and removing it.
delete ransomware virus registries step 3 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.

IMPORTANT!
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 .Wcry file virus

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

1. Hold Windows Key + R.
remove ransomware in safe mode step 1


2. The "Run" Window will appear. In it, type "msconfig" and click OK.
remove ransomware in safe mode step 2


3. Go to the "Boot" tab. There select "Safe Boot" and then click "Apply" and "OK".
remove ransomware in safe mode step 3
Tip: Make sure to reverse those changes by unticking Safe Boot after that, because your system will always boot in Safe Boot from now on.


4. When prompted, click on "Restart" to go into Safe Mode.
remove ransomware in safe mode step 4


5. You can recognise Safe Mode by the words written on the corners of your screen.
remove ransomware in safe mode step 5


Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by .Wcry file 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:

stop ransomware decryptor step 1

2. Agree with the license terms:

stop ransomware decryptor step 2

3. Click on "Add Folder" and then add the folders where you want files decrypted as shown underneath:

stop ransomware decryptor step 3

4. Click on "Decrypt" and wait for your files to be decoded.

stop ransomware decryptor step 4

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 .Wcry file 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.

1. Download the recommended Data Recovery software by clicking on the link underneath:

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.


.Wcry file virus-FAQ

What is .Wcry file virus Ransomware?

.Wcry file 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 .Wcry file 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 .Wcry file virus Infect?

Via several ways..Wcry file 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 .Wcry file 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 ..Wcry file virus files?

You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the ..Wcry file 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 ..Wcry file virus files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.

Can I Restore "..Wcry file virus" Files?

Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore ..Wcry file 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 .Wcry file 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 .Wcry file virus ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important ..Wcry file 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 .Wcry file 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 .Wcry file virus Research

The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this .Wcry file 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 .Wcry file 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.

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