How to remove Werd ransomware

Werd ransomware – a ransom-demanding malware that is born from the well-known Djvu ransomware

Werd ransomware is malware carrying the DNA of Djvu ransomware and performing encryption by adding the .werd filename to affected data. Unique encryption^[1] algorithms such as AES or RSA make the data-locking process successful and almost impossible to reverse for the victims. After file-blocking, users are provided with the _readme.txt ransom note that demands a price of $490 or $980 to be paid under certain conditions. Continuously, Werd ransomware developers provide and offer of one small file for free recovery as proof of the decryption key's existence.

The _readme.txt message includes other details such as the criminals' email addresses that are gorentos@bitmessage.ch, gorentos2@firemail.cc, and a telegram account that holds the name of @datarestore. Making contact with Werd ransomware spreaders is not advisable as they will only try to convince you to transfer the money as faster as possible and maybe not even provide you with a decryption key.

Additionally, Werd ransomware highlights special conditions for ransom payments. If the victim hurries up and transfers the money before 72 hours after the malware attack, he receives a 50% discount and needs to pay only $490. If the person is unlucky and is too late to transfer the money, he is urged to pay a doubled price – $980. Take a look at the entire ransom-demanding message:

ATTENTION!

Don't worry, you can return all your files!
All your files like photos, databases, documents and other important are encrypted with
strongest encryption and unique key.
The only method of recovering files is to purchase decrypt tool and unique key for you.
This software will decrypt all your encrypted files.
What guarantees you have?
You can send one of your encrypted file from your PC and we decrypt it for free.
But we can decrypt only 1 file for free. File must not contain valuable information.
You can get and look video overview decrypt tool:
https://we.tl/t-vzAZbtWtGh
Price of private key and decrypt software is $980.
Discount 50% available if you contact us first 72 hours, that's price for you is $490.
Please note that you'll never restore your data without payment.
Check your e-mail “Spam” or “Junk” folder if you don't get answer more than 6 hours.

To get this software you need write on our e-mail:
gorentos@bitmessage.ch

Reserve e-mail address to contact us:
gerentosrestore@firemail.cc

Your personal ID:
–

Criminals who are behind the distribution of Werd ransomware use remote servers to keep safe both encryption and decryption keys. The tools are reachable only for the developers themselves and the data recovery process becomes a very hard task for the victims as hackers use a different key each time they initiate a malware attack on a different Windows computer system. 

As you can see, criminals are very greedy and urge for hundreds to be paid for the ransom price. Rather than following their commands, you should remove Werd ransomware from your machine and try alternative data restoring techniques. We have made a research and found out that DrWeb is offering a Rescue Pack^[2] for $150 that may decrypt some Djvu ransomware versions. You can give it a try.

However, Werd ransomware removal is the first step you need to take towards a fully clean machine. You should also get software such as FortectIntego or MalwarebytesMalwarebytes to help you and detect all potentially malicious products that might have been hidden in your computer system. Afterward, go to the end of this article and read a thorough guide on how to remove Werd ransomware and try data recovery software.

Note that every component that is related to Werd ransomware needs to be eliminated from your Windows machine permanently, otherwise, the malware might return within the next system boot. Cleaning takes locations such as the Windows Registry, Task Manager, and similar directories where ransomware viruses are the most likely to inject malicious entries, files, and processes.

Werd ransomware might carry a more complex module than expected at first

Werd ransomware is not all about file encryption and ransom demands. This notorious malware form might have additional features that increase its operating principle in a more efficient way. The ransomware virus supposedly is able to carry out the following tasks:

• Eliminate Shadow Volume Copies. Ransomware viruses execute specific PowerShell commands that permanently corrupt or delete Shadow Copies of encrypted data to harden the recovery process for victims. This way the criminals have a better chance of receiving more ransom transfers.
• Damage the Windows hosts file.^[3] If Werd ransomware damages the hosts file, users are prevented from visiting various security-related networks such as forums, articles, news sources, antimalware websites, etc.
• Secretly infiltrate other malware. Werd ransomware might bring the AZORult trojan horse to the system that will supposedly record personal information or try to swindle money from your bank account. 

As you can see, Werd ransomware is a more complex threat if you take a deeper look at its operating module. We want to encourage all users not to postpone the removal process as the ransomware virus might run a big variety of malicious processes in the background and relate to total computer destruction.

The most popular distribution sources of ransomware payload

Researchers from NoVirus.uk^[4] state that ransomware infections come secretly hidden in cracked software, outdated programs, vulnerable services, fake versions of key management systems such as KMSPico, hacked RDP, especially the TCP port 3389, unsecured networks (p2p, mostly) such as The Pirate Bay, eMule, and other torrenting websites.

However, the most popular ransomware distribution method is email spam campaigns. Criminals pretend to be from a bank and urge you to confirm a payment or check some payment information that appears to be a malicious executable. Additionally, hackers mimic reputable shipping organizations such as FedEx and DHL.

The best way to prevent malware is obvious – always be CAREFUL. Whenever you are browsing, opening emails, or just playing computer games, you have to keep one eye on your security and evaluate the risk before proceeding to questionable content. Also, you can lengthen this security task by installing reputable antimalware that is crucial for every user to have.

Werd ransomware removal possibilities + antimalware list 

Werd ransomware removal cannot be left to deal on your own or postponed for when you have time. This dangerous infection can bring big harm to your Windows computer and needs to be erased from the system as soon as possible by employing only reliable software.

Before you remove Werd ransomware, it is recommendable to boot your computer system to Safe Mode with Networking or activate System Restore to reverse previous changes. Continuously, go in search of malicious content with programs such as FortectIntego, SpyHunterCombo Cleaner, or MalwarebytesMalwarebytes.

After Werd virus is gone, you can continue by searching for possible data recovery solutions. Even though the original key is not released yet,^[5] you can try out the DrWeb Rescue Pack that we have mentioned in this article above or check out the following file restoring software that might allow you to reverse some of your files back to their primary states.