How to remove Edw ransomware

Edw ransomware can permanently damage users' personal files by encrypting them

Edw ransomware is a file locker malware that prevents users from opening pictures, videos, music, documents, and other personal files. It belongs to the Dharma ransomware family. The affected files are marked with a .edw extension. It is usually during this period that victims notice the infection. The file names look something like this – picture.jpg.victimID.[email].edw, and the icons turn to white pages.

Shortly after the encryption^[1] process is done, the malware generates a pop-up window and a text file named “FILES ENCRYPTED.txt”. In these ransom notes, hackers reveal to victims what happened to their files and ask for payment to receive a decryption key.

The ransom note

The full message from the Edw ransom pop-up window:

YOUR FILES ARE ENCRYPTED
Don't worry,you can return all your files!
If you want to restore them, follow this link:email edward22w@aol.com YOUR ID –
If you have not been answered via the link within 12 hours, write to us by e-mail:edward22w@tutanota.com
Attention!
Do not rename encrypted files.
Do not try to decrypt your data using third party software, it may cause permanent data loss.
Decryption of your files with the help of third parties may cause increased price (they add their fee to our) or you can become a victim of a scam.

Threat actors use scare tactics to pressure victims into contacting them. The payment method for file recovery is not specified in the note but in almost all cases, cyber criminals ask to be paid in cryptocurrencies.^[2] They choose this method because it provides anonymity.

However, we do not recommend paying the ransom because victims often do not receive anything back from ransomware developers after the payment is sent. Once you make a cryptocurrency transaction, you cannot reverse it, so you will most likely be left without your money and data. By paying the money, you will also support the malicious activity, which leads to more malware attacks on innocent users.

Distribution methods

The best way to avoid ransomware attacks in the future is to learn how they are spread. Cybercriminals use email attachments, fake software updates, unofficial sites that distribute “cracked” programs,^[3] and peer-to-peer file-sharing platforms to spread malicious code.^[4] Opening .exe files can be the launch of a virus that brings down your computer and the entire network.

You should always be careful when downloading email attachments. Do not download attachments from senders you do not recognize, although sometimes malicious programs can infiltrate emails and send them from your friend's list. So regardless of who sent the email, always make sure to check if it is safe to download. 

Fake software updates are also commonly used to infect computers by installing malware instead of updates. Never update your software through your browser. If a page pops up saying you need to update, go to the software's official page or open the program itself and check. Never download anything from a random pop-up.

It is prevalent for cracking tools to contain malware or have malicious code injected into them. As this activity is illegal, they are distributed on third-party sites that are not regulated. Another thing to note is the importance of keeping your operating system and software updated. Software developers regularly release security patches that should be installed if you want to prevent hackers from exploiting software vulnerabilities.

How to eliminate ransomware?

If you try to recover your data first, it can result in permanent loss. It can also encrypt your files the second time. It will not stop until you remove the malicious files causing it first. You should not attempt removing the malicious program yourself. Use anti-malware tools like SpyHunterCombo Cleaner or MalwarebytesMalwarebytes to scan your system.

This security software should find all the related files and entries and remove them automatically for you. Automatic removal is the best option because there is less risk of leaving some of the traces behind. Malware could prevent you from using antivirus software by turning it off. In that case, you should proceed with accessing Safe Mode first:

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 10 / Windows 8

1. Right-click on Start button and select Settings.
   
2. Scroll down to pick Update & Security.
3. On the left side of the window, pick Recovery.
4. Now scroll down to find Advanced Startup section.
5. Click Restart now.
6. Select Troubleshoot.
7. Go to Advanced options.
8. Select Startup Settings.
9. Click Restart.
10. Press 5 or click 5) Enable Safe Mode with Networking.

File recovery using third-party software

Only hackers hold the decryption key, which can unlock your files, so if you did not back them up previously, you possibly lost your files forever. You can try using data recovery software, but third-party programs cannot always decrypt the files. We suggest at least trying this method. Before proceeding, you have to copy the corrupted files and place them in a USB flash drive or another storage. And remember – only do this if you have already removed Edw ransomware.

1. Download Data Recovery Pro.
2. Double-click the installer to launch it.
   
3. Follow on-screen instructions to install the software.
4. As soon as you press Finish, you can use the app.
5. Select Everything or pick individual folders where you want the files to be recovered from.
6. Press Next.
7. At the bottom, enable Deep scan and pick which Disks you want to be scanned.
8. Press Scan and wait till it is complete.
9. You can now pick which folders/files to recover – don't forget you also have the option to search by the file name!
10. Press Recover to retrieve your files.

Fix system damage

Performance, stability, and usability issues, to the point where a full Windows reinstall is required, are expected after malware infection. These types of infections can alter the Windows registry database, damage vital bootup and other sections, delete or corrupt DLL files, etc. Once a system file is damaged by malware, antivirus software is not able to repair it. 

This is why FortectIntego was developed. It can fix a lot of the damage caused by an infection like this. Blue Screen errors,^[5] freezes, registry errors, damaged DLLs, etc., can make your computer completely unusable. By using this maintenance tool, you could avoid Windows reinstallation.

• Download the application by clicking on the link above
• Click on the ReimageRepair.exe
  
  
• If User Account Control (UAC) shows up, select Yes
• Press Install and wait till the program finishes the installation process
• The analysis of your machine will begin immediately
• Once complete, check the results – they will be listed in the Summary
• You can now click on each of the issues and fix them manually
• If you see many problems that you find difficult to fix, we recommend you purchase the license and fix them automatically.