Word Ransomware
Ransomware called Word is a new strain of the well-known Dharma cryptovirus. As a ransomware program, Word corrupts computer operating systems and then reaches valuable personal files. As an end goal, Word ransomware has to blackmail its victims into paying a hefty ransom fee to hackers.
An infection with this ransomware will prevent you from opening important files. They will be all marked with the .word extension. Since their code is transformed by a strong cipher, they can be decrypted only with a special key that will revert back the code to its original phase.
You will be presented with two ransom notes that request a ransom payment. Our advice is to skip following hackers’ instructions as they guarantee nothing. Instead, see how to remove the Word virus from your PC and try to restore .word files with some alternative methods.
Word Virus Summary
| Name | Word also known as Dharma, CrySiS, Trojan.Ransom.Crysis.E, TrojWare.Win32.Crysis.D@6sd9xy, Trojan-Ransom.Win32.Crusis.to, Ransom:Win32/Wadhrama!hoa |
| Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
| Ransom Demanding Notes | FILES ENCRYPTED.txt and a pop-up window |
| Malicious Extensions | .id-number.[vm1iqzi@aol.com].word |
| Short Description | A data locker ransomware that utilizes strong cihper algorithm to encrypt valuable files stored on the infected computer and then demands a ransom for their decryption. |
| Symptoms | Important files are locked and renamed with three specific extensions. Ransom message appears as desktop wallpaper. Another one stored by a text file appears somewhere on the system. |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments, Fake Software Updates, Corrupted Sites |
| Detection Tool |
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More Details About Word Virus Attack
An attack with the nasty Word virus begins the moment its payload file loads on a computer system. This file tends to land on target systems via shady methods like spam emails with malicious attachments, hacked sites, software cracks, fake software updates, freeware with compromised installers, and others.
Word virus’ access to your machine will enable it to run a long sequence of malicious changes. Those changes will happen in the background of all other running apps. The ransomware program is developed to compromise basic security settings.
Then it becomes able to reach target files and encrypts their code. For the encryption, it uses a sophisticated cipher algorithm. Word virus may encode personal files of all types.
- Audio files.
- Video files.
- Document files.
- Image files.
- Backup files.
- Banking credentials, etc.
Files encrypted by Word ransomware can easily be spotted as they all have three unusual extensions. Their original names will be followed by an ID number, a hackers’ email address, and the extension .word.
It became clear that Word is a cryptovirus based on the infamous Dharma/CrySiS ransomware code. It has lots of predecessors with various strange names such as 2021, Fresh, and WSHLP. The main differences are the extensions they use to mark corrupted files and the cybercriminals’ email address. Word is controlled by fraudsters who use the email vm1iqzi@aol.com. The email helps them to communicate with their victims and extort money from them.
This email could be found in the ransom messages created by the Word virus. The main message appears as a pop-up window on PCs infected with the threat. The messages aim to trick you into buying and transferring cryptocurrency to hackers’ wallet. We know that the decryption of your .word files is of paramount importance, but we still do not recommend that you act according to hackers’ expectations.
Remove Word Ransomware
The so-called Word ransomware is a threat with a highly complex code that disrupts system security to encrypt personal files. Hence, you could securely use the infected system after removing all malicious files and objects created by the ransomware. The steps presented in the ransomware removal guide below will help you with the complete removal process. Beware that manual ransomware removal is suitable for more experienced computer users. If you don’t feel comfortable with the manual steps, navigate to the guide’s automatic part. It is also worth mentioning that personal data remains encrypted even after the complete removal of Word ransomware. Its removal only prevents it from causing further encryptions and security issues.
Step 5 from our Word ransomware removal guide presents alternative data recovery methods that may be efficient for the recovery of encrypted files. Beware that you should make copies of all encrypted files and save them on a flash drive, for example, before the beginning of the recovery process.
Gergana Ivanova
Highly motivated writer with 5+ years of experience writing for ransomware, malware, adware, PUPs, and other cybersecurity-related issues. As a writer, I strive to create content that is based on thorough technical research. I find joy in the process of creating articles that are easy to understand, informative, and useful. Follow me on Twitter (@IRGergana) for the latest in the field of computer, mobile, and online security.
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Attention! SensorsTechForum strongly recommends that all malware victims should look for assistance only by reputable sources. Many guides out there claim to offer free recovery and decryption for files encrypted by ransomware viruses. Be advised that some of them may only be after your money.
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.
How to Remove Word Virus from Windows.
Step 1: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove Word Virus
Step 2: Uninstall Word Virus and related software 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 uninstall most programs.
Step 3: Clean any registries, created by Word 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 Word 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: Scan for Word Virus with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 5 (Optional): Try to Restore Files Encrypted by Word Virus.
Ransomware infections and Word 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 top, choose Data Recovery - Data Recovery Wizard for Windows or Mac (depending on your OS), and then download and run the tool.
Get rid of Word Virus from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall Word Virus and remove related files and objects
1. Hit the ⇧+⌘+U keys to open Utilities. Another way is to click on “Go” and then click “Utilities”, like the image below shows:
- Go to Finder.
- In the search bar type the name of the app that you want to remove.
- Above the search bar change the two drop down menus to “System Files” and “Are Included” so that you can see all of the files associated with the application you want to remove. Bear in mind that some of the files may not be related to the app so be very careful which files you delete.
- If all of the files are related, hold the ⌘+A buttons to select them and then drive them to “Trash”.
In case you cannot remove Word Virus via Step 1 above:
In case you cannot find the virus files and objects in your Applications or other places we have shown above, you can manually look for them in the Libraries of your Mac. But before doing this, please read the disclaimer below:
You can repeat the same procedure with the following other Library directories:
→ ~/Library/LaunchAgents
/Library/LaunchDaemons
Tip: ~ is there on purpose, because it leads to more LaunchAgents.
Step 3 (Optional): Try to Restore Files Encrypted by Word Virus.
Ransomware infections and Word 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 top, choose Data Recovery - Data Recovery Wizard for Windows or Mac (depending on your OS), and then download and run the tool.
Word Virus FAQ
What is Word Virus ransomware and how does it work?
Word 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 algorithm how 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.
How does Word Virus ransomware infect my computer?
Via several ways.Word Virus Ransomware infects computers by being sent via phishing e-mails, 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.
After you download and execute this attachment, a drive-by download occurs and your computer is infected with the ransomware virus.
Another way, you may become a victim of Word 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 .Word Virus files?
You can't. At this point the .Word Virus files are encrypted. You can only open them once they are decrypted.
Decryptor did not decrypt my data. What now?
Do not panic and backup the files. If a decryptor did not decrypt your .Word Virus files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
One way to restore files, encrypted by Word Virus ransomware is to use a decryptor for it. But since it's a new virus, advised that the decryption keys for it may not be out yet and available to the public. We will update this article and keep you posted as soon as this decryptor is released.
How Do I restore ".Word Virus" files (Other Methods)?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .Word Virus files.
These methods are in no way 100% guarantee that you will be able to get your files back. But if you have a backup, your chances of success are much greater.
How do I get rid of Word Virus ransomware virus?
The safest way and the most efficient one for the removal of this ransomware infection is the use a professional anti malware software. It will scan for and locate Word Virus ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .Word Virus files.
Also, keep in mind that viruses like Word Virus ransomware also install Trojans and keyloggers that can steal your passwords and accounts. Scanning your computer with an anti-malware software will make sure that all of these virus components are removed and your computer is protected in the future.
What to Do If nothing works?
There is still a lot you can do. If none of the above methods seem to work for you, then try these methods:
- Try to find a safe computer from where you can can login on your own line accounts like One Drive, iDrive, Google Drive and so on.
- Try to contact your friends, relatives and other people so that they can check if they have some of your important photos or documents just in case you sent them.
- Also, check if some of the files that were encrypted it can be re-downloaded from the web.
- Another clever way to get back some of your files is to find another old computer, a flash drive or even a CD or a DVD where you may have saved your older documents. You might be surprised what will turn up.
- You can also go to your email account to check if you can send any attachments to other people. Usually what is sent the email is saved on your account and you can re-download it. But most importantly, make sure that this is done from a safe computer and make sure to remove the virus first.
More tips you can find on our forums, where you can also asks any questions about your ransomware problem.
How to 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.
