Short information about ransomware viruses:
Ransomware is a type of a virus. Once it infects victim’s computer, it locks a bigger part of the victim’s files by encrypting it. As a result, the victim cannot open these files, so they become unusable. This virus leaves a message in every folder that keeps infected files. It can be saved as .png, .html or .txt file. This message states that files were encrypted and to get access to them user needs to pay a ransom.
CryptoWall 2.0 ransomware description:
CryptoWall 2.0 is the second release of the infamous CryptoWall virus. CryptoWall has released several versions of it – CryptoWall, CryptoWall 3.0 and CryptoWall 4.0. This virus belongs to the ransomware category. As a ransomware, it acts as a Trojan and infects victim’s computer while pretending to be someone else. It encrypts the data stored on the computer with the RSA encryption method. Once the files get encrypted, it can be very hard to retrieve them. This version of CryptoWall differs from the previous versions because it reaches its servers via the Tor network, which helps to hide its command and control channels.
This ransomware encrypts the files and leaves a message for you, which includes instructions how you can retrieve your records. It gives you a clear deadline to pay the ransom. If you do not pay the ransom until the fixed date, the ransom value may increase. Usually, the first amount of money asked by CryptoWall 2.0 reaches 500$ or 500€. This virus asks to pay the ransom via the Bitcoin system. In exchange, it promises to provide the decryption key, which is supposed to unlock and recover your files for the further use. However, it is very unlikely that the cyber-criminals are going to help you to retrieve your files, so we strongly recommend NOT to pay the ransom.
If your computer was infected with CryptoWall 2, you should immediately take actions to terminate this infection from your system. You have to remove it to stop it from encrypting off your files and block its way to other malicious activities – this virus can install other infections to your computer, so the risk to damage your computer grows every minute while CryptoWall 2.0 is on your PC. We strongly recommend eliminating this virus with FortectIntego anti-malware.
How did CryptoWall 2.0 infect my computer?
CryptoWall 2.0, just like any other CryptoWall's version, is commonly spread via infected e-mails. That is why you have to be extremely careful when opening e-mails from unknown senders. NEVER open or install attachments from such e-mails, no matter how safe they look. Especially avoid opening content from Spam and Junk folders on your e-mail. Moreover, avoid surfing through suspicious websites that look unreliable or contain an enormous amount of ads – there is a chance to accidentally download and install an infectious program. To avoid such unexpected installations, you should secure your computer and keep a professional security program running on it.
What to do if the computer was infected with this virus?
If you have noticed the message from the CryptoWall 2.0 virus, you should remove the ransomware ASAP. To do that, use the manual removal instructions that are provided below this article or delete this malicious threat manually. CryptoWall 2.0 is a harmful malware, and it deletes the original victim’s files, leaving only the encrypted copy. It can be very hard to recover your records – you can try to recover them by restoring Windows from a recently saved backup, or you can restore your files if you have been storing them on an external drive. Also, some anti-virus programs are creating decryption tools for the victim’s who have experienced CryptoWall’s attacks.
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