How to remove Waffle ransomware virus

Waffle ransomware can encrypt your files despite the funny name

Waffle ransomware is a file-encrypting virus that uses AES cryptography to corrupt files on the affected computer. Malware appends .waffle file extension and delivers a ransom note in the program window. The virus might seem like a joke, but it threatens to delete files if victims to do not pay 50 USD in Bitcoins within 24 hours.

The crypto-virus spreads via obfuscated Waffle.exe file and is immediately executed as soon as it gets on the system. Then Waffle virus makes several changes to Windows OS in order to boot at system startup and starts scanning the system looking for the targeted files. Malware can damage various audio, video, image, documents, text and other file types.

Following successful data encryption, Waffle malware delivers a ransom note that includes a picture of waffles and informs about ransomware attack. Authors of the ransomware threaten to pay 50 USD in Bitcoins. If victims do not pay the ransom within a day or shut down their computers, the files are said to be deleted.

Security experts doubt that Waffle ransomware can delete these files. Victims of the malware are advised to close the threatening and tasty looking message from the criminals and remove the virus from the computer. Ransomware infiltration not only damages stored files but give negative impact on machine’s performance and security.

Waffle removal will not recover encrypted files. However, you will be able to connect external storage device with backups and restore your data once you get rid of the virus. If you do not have them, at the end of the article we have suggested few alternative recovery methods you should try.

There’s no guarantee that third-party tools will help to restore all of your files. However, trusting crooks and giving them 50 USD does not mean anything too. Nevertheless, they ask for a small ransom; it does not mean that they actually have decryptor or keep their promise to give you decryption key.

Instead of becoming a sponsor of illegal cyber projects, you should remove Waffle ransomware from the device using FortectIntego or another security program. Malware removal tools can quickly eliminate all cyber threats that sneaked inside your computer.

Spam email attachments might include ransomware virus

Spam emails with attachments often include various cyber threats. Most of the time opening Word, PDF, ZIP or other attachment downloads ransomware payload on the system. Therefore, security experts from Holland^[1] warn people to be careful with unknown emails and do not rush opening included content.

Often infected emails look legit.^[2] However, lack of credentials, grammar mistakes, suspicious email address and the feeling that you should not have received this email are the main signs that cybercriminals are trying to trick you.

Waffle, as well as other ransomware-type cyber parasites, might also get inside the system via:

• fake software updates;
• illegal or bogus downloads;
• RDP connections;^[3]
• exploit kits;
• malware-laden ads.

Getting rid of the Waffle virus

It doesn’t matter that the name of the virus and ransom note seems ridiculous. It’s still a complex cyber threat that should be treated properly, meaning that you have to remove Waffle ransomware virus using reputable anti-malware or anti-virus software.

Trying to locate and eliminate malicious components manually might lead to irreparable damage to the system. Malware might hide under the safe names of Windows or other software processes, and you might accidentally delete crucial entries. To avoid such terrible mistake, opt for automatic Waffle ransomware removal with FortectIntego, MalwarebytesMalwarebytes or another security software.