How to remove WCrypt ransomware virus

Things to know if Wcrypt ransomware attacked your computer

Wcrypt virus is a ransomware that locks down all files on infected computers or networks and demands a ransom in exchange for a data recovery solution^[1]. The first versions of this ransomware emerged in February 2017, and now it has various different names such as WannaCry, Wcry, Wncry, WannaCryptor, WannaCrypt0r, WanaCrypt0r 2.0, Wana Decrypt0r, Wana Decrypt0r 2.0^[2] or even DarkoderCrypt0r ransomware. As soon as this dangerous program sneaks into the computer system, it corrupts all data stored on it in seconds. During this procedure, the virus might add .Wcrypt file extensions to affected files. Other versions of this virus are known to be adding .wcry or .wncry file extensions. The aim of such encryption procedure is to render victim’s data useless and demand a ransom. The victim can easily ignore the extortion tool in case he has a data backup; however, in the majority of cases, computer users forget to create these data copies on time. In such case, the only way to restore encrypted files is to pay cyber criminals, however, we strongly recommend you not to do so. Remember that frauds usually show no interest to interact with the victim after receiving the ransom, since money is all that they seek for. Instead, we suggest removing the ransomware using anti-malware tools like FortectIntego or SpyHunterCombo Cleaner according to Wcrypt removal guide we provided below.

After encrypting all files on the target system, the virus changes desktop wallpaper with a black image with some text on it, which says that the data stored on the computer was encrypted. The image, similarly as the latest versions of Cryptolocker, explains how to recover the @WanaDecryptor@.exe file in case the antivirus program quarantined it. Then the malicious program launches a message for the victim, which says “Ooops, your files have been encrypted!” and provides criminals’ Bitcoin wallet address, the price of the ransom (starting from $300) and instructions on how to buy Bitcoins. The virus accepts the ransom only in Bitcoin cryptocurrency; however, the victim has to pay it within three days starting from the moment he got infected. The virus also promises to delete all encrypted files for good if the victim fails to pay in a week. Therefore, we suggest you remove Wcrypt as soon as you can to prevent it from wrecking your or your colleague's files completely.

Distribution of Wcrypt ransomware

Wcrypt, which is also known as WannaCry ransomware, shook the virtual community on 12 May 2017. On that day, a massive cyber attack against Microsoft Windows users was implemented. The attackers used EternalBlue exploit^[3] to infect computer systems and take all victim’s files hostage. Besides, the ransomware itself works as a work that looks for connected computers and replicates itself on them. Although at the moment it seems that the ransomware no longer attacks new victims (since a security researcher accidentally stopped the cyber attack), experts advise that it is too early to rejoice^[4]. The authors of the malware might be hiding another trick to distribute the virus, so computer users should take every possible measure to protect the computer from such cyber attack. Although we usually recommend installing anti-malware software and regularly updating all computer programs, we must point out that data backup is likely to be the only savior capable of restoring your files. If you do not have it yet, create it as soon as you can. Simply create a copy of valuable data, transfer it onto a portable data storage device, and unplug the device from the computer. You believe that you will also be interested in these tips on how to survive Wcrypt attack.

Wcrypt removal explained

Due to reasons we mentioned in previous paragraphs, it is a must to remove Wcrypt virus as soon as possible. Keeping the computer on the system is not safe because it can quickly replicate^[5] itself on other computers or portable devices in case someone plugs them into the compromised PC. The most secure way to complete Wcrypt removal is to perform a full system check using anti-malware software. To start it, you must prepare your computer first. Follow these instructions to eliminate the virus completely.