Schwerer ransomware / virus (Removal Guide) - Quick Decryption Solution

Schwerer virus Removal Guide

What is Schwerer ransomware virus?

Schwerer virus definition and working principles

Schwerer virus is an Autoit-based [1] cyber infection which belongs to the large and dangerous malware family known as crypto-ransomware [2]. In particular, the parasite uses a complex AES encryption algorithm to render victims’ files inaccessible and establishes data recovery rules which almost always involve paying a ransom. This time, the extortionists hope to receive €150 for every infected machine. Luckily, the security experts have managed to find a workaround for this virus, so the victims can now get back their files for free. You will find a download link to this free decryptor below. But first, you should take care of Schwerer removal from the infected computer. The most important thing is to terminate the ransomware files such as Pawje.exe to stop further data encryption. Don’t do that manually — you may fall into traps that the hackers may have left there on purpose and eventually damage your computer even more. We recommend employing FortectIntego or similar specialized software to perform the virus elimination safely.

Image showing Schwerer virus noteAbove, you can see the image of Schwerer ransom note. Pay attention that the Restore Key line is where you will have to enter the decryption key generated by the Schwerer decryptor.

The initial Schwerer ransomware variant may no longer be a threat to the users. Nevertheless, this does not mean that the virus creators will stop then and there. It is likely that they will continue developing the malware and eliminating the flaws that initially led to the virus decryption [3]. Thus, you should be prepared. Learn how to recognize the virus and how to remove it from your computer.

One of the main attributes that help differentiate between ransomware infections are their ransom notes. You will know you are infected with Schwerer if you see the following note on your screen:

All your computer file were encrypted with AES, only we can restore your files.
How to restore files : *****
Files encrypted : [number of encrypted files]
1. Send email to 897698@mail2tor.com containing your personal identifier (it is below)
2. We will send you a Bitcoin address, you must send 150€ to it within 3 days.
IF YOU DO NOT UNDERSTAND BITCOIN EMAIL WILL CONTAIN INFORMATIONS
3. Once full amount is sent you email us again. (make sure to contain key)
A. We will send you key and you will paste into textbox below, that will restore files.
Your Identifier: [random characters]
Restore key: *****
[Restore files]

You should remember, though, that in different virus versions the ransom notes may also vary. So may the email address 897698@mail2tor.com that in this note is indicated as the main channel for the victim-criminal communication. Regardless of what these notes may say or look like, you should take action as soon as you find out that your files have been encrypted. Remove Schwerer and recover your files using the free decrypter.

Ransomware infiltration techniques:

Schwerer, like most ransomware viruses, has a tendency to infect computers through spam [4]. In particular, we’re talking about malicious spam attachments that may be delivered to your inbox as telecommunication notifications, speeding tickets and any other information that could grab your attention and make you click on it. In truth, such attachments carry a malicious executable designed to download ransomware on your computer. The received files may look like legitimate PDF or Word documents, but examining them more closely would reveal a hidden .exe extension at the end [5]. Stay away from files like these and delete them from your computer ASAP!

Will Schwerer removal fix my PC?

Despite how convenient it may be, Schwerer removal will not solve all of your problems. Simply deleting the virus from your computer will not fix the inaccessible files. For that, you will have to use special tools, such as the already mentioned decryptor. Please note that the decryptor should only be put to use only when the system is completely clean from the malicious virus components. Otherwise, the files may be encrypted repeatedly or become permanently damaged. Thus, before launching the decryptor, investigate your device with the help of a reliable antivirus software.

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What to do if failed?
If you failed to fix virus damage using Fortect Intego, submit a question to our support team and provide as much details as possible.
Fortect Intego has a free limited scanner. Fortect Intego offers more through scan when you purchase its full version. When free scanner detects issues, you can fix them using free manual repairs or you can decide to purchase the full version in order to fix them automatically.
Alternative Software
Different software has a different purpose. If you didn’t succeed in fixing corrupted files with Fortect, try running SpyHunter 5.
Alternative Software
Different software has a different purpose. If you didn’t succeed in fixing corrupted files with Intego, try running Combo Cleaner.

Getting rid of Schwerer virus. Follow these steps

Manual removal using Safe Mode

In order to perform Schwerer decryption, you will have to take care of its removal from the computer first. But the virus will sure make it difficult to do since its goal is to stay on the computer for as long as possible. To facilitate the elimination, we have prepared a comprehensive guide below:

Important! →
Manual removal guide might be too complicated for regular computer users. It requires advanced IT knowledge to be performed correctly (if vital system files are removed or damaged, it might result in full Windows compromise), and it also might take hours to complete. Therefore, we highly advise using the automatic method provided above instead.

Step 1. Access Safe Mode with Networking

Manual malware removal should be best performed in the Safe Mode environment. 

Windows 7 / Vista / XP
  1. Click Start > Shutdown > Restart > OK.
  2. When your computer becomes active, start pressing F8 button (if that does not work, try F2, F12, Del, etc. – it all depends on your motherboard model) multiple times until you see the Advanced Boot Options window.
  3. Select Safe Mode with Networking from the list. Windows 7/XP
Windows 10 / Windows 8
  1. Right-click on Start button and select Settings.
    Settings
  2. Scroll down to pick Update & Security.
    Update and security
  3. On the left side of the window, pick Recovery.
  4. Now scroll down to find Advanced Startup section.
  5. Click Restart now.
    Reboot
  6. Select Troubleshoot. Choose an option
  7. Go to Advanced options. Advanced options
  8. Select Startup Settings. Startup settings
  9. Press Restart.
  10. Now press 5 or click 5) Enable Safe Mode with Networking. Enable safe mode

Step 2. Shut down suspicious processes

Windows Task Manager is a useful tool that shows all the processes running in the background. If malware is running a process, you need to shut it down:

  1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc on your keyboard to open Windows Task Manager.
  2. Click on More details.
    Open task manager
  3. Scroll down to Background processes section, and look for anything suspicious.
  4. Right-click and select Open file location.
    Open file location
  5. Go back to the process, right-click and pick End Task.
    End task
  6. Delete the contents of the malicious folder.

Step 3. Check program Startup

  1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc on your keyboard to open Windows Task Manager.
  2. Go to Startup tab.
  3. Right-click on the suspicious program and pick Disable.
    Startup

Step 4. Delete virus files

Malware-related files can be found in various places within your computer. Here are instructions that could help you find them:

  1. Type in Disk Cleanup in Windows search and press Enter.
    Disk cleanup
  2. Select the drive you want to clean (C: is your main drive by default and is likely to be the one that has malicious files in).
  3. Scroll through the Files to delete list and select the following:

    Temporary Internet Files
    Downloads
    Recycle Bin
    Temporary files

  4. Pick Clean up system files.
    Delete temp files
  5. You can also look for other malicious files hidden in the following folders (type these entries in Windows Search and press Enter):

    %AppData%
    %LocalAppData%
    %ProgramData%
    %WinDir%

After you are finished, reboot the PC in normal mode.

Remove Schwerer using System Restore

Ransomware are powerful cyber infections, and although they may be decryptable, this does not mean they are easy to remove from the PC, too. On the opposite, these parasites are programmed to avoid elimination, so they may even block your antivirus from running the system scan properly. Luckily, there is a way to bypass these obstacles, too. This method is illustrated below:

  • Step 1: Reboot your computer to Safe Mode with Command Prompt
    Windows 7 / Vista / XP
    1. Click Start Shutdown Restart OK.
    2. When your computer becomes active, start pressing F8 multiple times until you see the Advanced Boot Options window.
    3. Select Command Prompt from the list Select 'Safe Mode with Command Prompt'

    Windows 10 / Windows 8
    1. Press the Power button at the Windows login screen. Now press and hold Shift, which is on your keyboard, and click Restart..
    2. Now select Troubleshoot Advanced options Startup Settings and finally press Restart.
    3. Once your computer becomes active, select Enable Safe Mode with Command Prompt in Startup Settings window. Select 'Enable Safe Mode with Command Prompt'
  • Step 2: Restore your system files and settings
    1. Once the Command Prompt window shows up, enter cd restore and click Enter. Enter 'cd restore' without quotes and press 'Enter'
    2. Now type rstrui.exe and press Enter again.. Enter 'rstrui.exe' without quotes and press 'Enter'
    3. When a new window shows up, click Next and select your restore point that is prior the infiltration of Schwerer. After doing that, click Next. When 'System Restore' window shows up, select 'Next' Select your restore point and click 'Next'
    4. Now click Yes to start system restore. Click 'Yes' and start system restore
    Once you restore your system to a previous date, download and scan your computer with FortectIntego and make sure that Schwerer removal is performed successfully.

Bonus: Recover your data

Guide which is presented above is supposed to help you remove Schwerer from your computer. To recover your encrypted files, we recommend using a detailed guide prepared by 2-spyware.com security experts.

If your files are encrypted by Schwerer, you can use several methods to restore them:

Download free Schwerer decryptor

You can download free Schwerer decryptor by MalwareHunterTeam by clicking on the indicated link. Follow the instructions on the screen to obtain your personal file decryption key.

Finally, you should always think about the protection of crypto-ransomwares. In order to protect your computer from Schwerer and other ransomwares, use a reputable anti-spyware, such as FortectIntego, SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner or Malwarebytes

How to prevent from getting ransomware

Access your website securely from any location

When you work on the domain, site, blog, or different project that requires constant management, content creation, or coding, you may need to connect to the server and content management service more often. The best solution for creating a tighter network could be a dedicated/fixed IP address.

If you make your IP address static and set to your device, you can connect to the CMS from any location and do not create any additional issues for the server or network manager that needs to monitor connections and activities. VPN software providers like Private Internet Access can help you with such settings and offer the option to control the online reputation and manage projects easily from any part of the world.

 

Recover files after data-affecting malware attacks

While much of the data can be accidentally deleted due to various reasons, malware is one of the main culprits that can cause loss of pictures, documents, videos, and other important files. More serious malware infections lead to significant data loss when your documents, system files, and images get encrypted. In particular, ransomware is is a type of malware that focuses on such functions, so your files become useless without an ability to access them.

Even though there is little to no possibility to recover after file-locking threats, some applications have features for data recovery in the system. In some cases, Data Recovery Pro can also help to recover at least some portion of your data after data-locking virus infection or general cyber infection. 

 

About the author
Ugnius Kiguolis
Ugnius Kiguolis - The mastermind

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