Remove WannaCry 3.0 ransomware / virus (Decryption Steps Included) - Removal Instructions
WannaCry 3.0 virus Removal Guide
What is WannaCry 3.0 ransomware virus?
The third installment of WannaCry finally emerges
WannaCry 3.0 functions as a third version of the notorious WannaCry[1] malware. Almost a month has passed since the world was struck by the malware on May 12th, 2017. It wrecked havoc globally: users who have been using outdated Windows versions have experienced the full assault of this menace. Specifically, the malware exploited the EternalBlue vulnerability in SMB servers. With the assistance of the hacking tool, leaked by Shadow Brokers, who stole the original tool from the National Security Agency, the developers had devised a cyber menace. The malware penetrated into the systems of hospitals, train stations, and other smart devices. Luckily, the malware did not retain the world as a hostage for long – an IT expert[2] purchased an unregistered domain and activated a “kill switch.” Soon after the campaign was launched, its alternative versions have appeared: WNCRY, Wanna Crypt0r 2.0, Wanna Decrypt0r 2.0, etc.[3] Recently, the third version was detected online. In this article, you will discover the options to remove WannaCry 3.0. 
After the original version has been finally terminated, IT experts joined forced to analyze the threat and come up with countermeasures. Further analysis revealed that some extracts of the source code contained similarities to the viruses created by Lazarus group of hackers suspected to share the support of the North Korea government. While the media quickly picked up the habit to put all the blame on the said government, other IT experts noted that the ransom note seemed to be translated rather than written by a native speaker. They voiced their opinions that the real culprit might have originated from China.[4] While cyber security forces indulged in such speculations, the hackers worked on the third version. The latest edition – WannaCry 3.0 malware. This time the developers made sure to fix any possible flaws. Certainly, they have deleted the main weakness of WannaCry – “kill switch.” It was developed for self-defence purposes. If executed on a virtual machine, in order not to reveal its true origin, the malware would activate a kill switch. However, it also happened to be a weakness which allowed the IT specialist to terminate the attack. Subsequent versions were said to have alternative “kill switch” buttons. However, WannaCry 3.0 ransomware is not supposed to possess this peculiarity. On the other hand, there are higher detection chances. IT specialist Matthieu Suiche confirmed that the latest version of the threat had entered the cyber space. He spotted that the third installment connects to iuqerfsodp9ifjaposdfjhgosurijfaewrwergwea.com domain. Such valuable discovery would undoubtfully contribute to the prevention of the ransomware. Lastly, cyber security specialists question whether the same felons launched the third version. 
WannaCry 3.0 prevention
Though the virus indeed caused global chaos, note that it was not invincible. It was able to inflict global havoc only because small and bigger businesses had been still using unpatched and outdated Windows versions. In response to continuous cyber assaults, Microsoft has already released updates. Install them right away. In order to prevent WannaCry 3.0 hijack, you may also disable SMB Windows feature[5] via settings.
- Click on the Windows button and type Windows features.
- Select the entry Turn Windows features on or off.
- Locate SMB 1.0/CIFS File Sharing support.
- Remove the checkmark.
- The system will ask you to reboot the device in order for the changes to take effect.
If you need this function working, you may allow it is running. However, note that crucial system apps and Windows operating system should be updated. Additionally, check whether your virus prevention and malware elimination tools are fully functioning as well.
WannaCry 3.0 elimination options
If you suspect that the malware has already settled on the computer, make a rush to remove WannaCry 3.0 virus right away. In that case, you will need a fully functioning cyber security tool, such as ReimageIntego or Malwarebytes. Below you will find guidelines which instruct how to reboot the system in Safe mode should you encounter any WannaCry 3.0 removal problems. Note that there has been a free WannaCry Decrypter released. You may give it a try battling the latest version.
Getting rid of WannaCry 3.0 virus. Follow these steps
Manual removal using Safe Mode
Important! →
Manual removal guide might be too complicated for regular computer users. It requires advanced IT knowledge to be performed correctly (if vital system files are removed or damaged, it might result in full Windows compromise), and it also might take hours to complete. Therefore, we highly advise using the automatic method provided above instead.
Step 1. Access Safe Mode with Networking
Manual malware removal should be best performed in the Safe Mode environment.
Windows 7 / Vista / XP
- Click Start > Shutdown > Restart > OK.
- 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.
- Select Safe Mode with Networking from the list.
Windows 10 / Windows 8
- Right-click on Start button and select Settings.
- Scroll down to pick Update & Security.
- On the left side of the window, pick Recovery.
- Now scroll down to find Advanced Startup section.
- Click Restart now.
- Select Troubleshoot.
- Go to Advanced options.
- Select Startup Settings.
- Press Restart.
- Now press 5 or click 5) Enable Safe Mode with Networking.
Step 2. Shut down suspicious processes
Windows Task Manager is a useful tool that shows all the processes running in the background. If malware is running a process, you need to shut it down:
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc on your keyboard to open Windows Task Manager.
- Click on More details.
- Scroll down to Background processes section, and look for anything suspicious.
- Right-click and select Open file location.
- Go back to the process, right-click and pick End Task.
- Delete the contents of the malicious folder.
Step 3. Check program Startup
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc on your keyboard to open Windows Task Manager.
- Go to Startup tab.
- Right-click on the suspicious program and pick Disable.
Step 4. Delete virus files
Malware-related files can be found in various places within your computer. Here are instructions that could help you find them:
- Type in Disk Cleanup in Windows search and press Enter.
- Select the drive you want to clean (C: is your main drive by default and is likely to be the one that has malicious files in).
- Scroll through the Files to delete list and select the following:
Temporary Internet Files
Downloads
Recycle Bin
Temporary files - Pick Clean up system files.
- You can also look for other malicious files hidden in the following folders (type these entries in Windows Search and press Enter):
%AppData%
%LocalAppData%
%ProgramData%
%WinDir%
After you are finished, reboot the PC in normal mode.
Remove WannaCry 3.0 using System Restore
Opt for System Restore in case the first method seems toe complicated or you still cannot launch an anti-spyware tool to remove WannaCry 3.0 virus.
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Step 1: Reboot your computer to Safe Mode with Command Prompt
Windows 7 / Vista / XP- Click Start → Shutdown → Restart → OK.
- When your computer becomes active, start pressing F8 multiple times until you see the Advanced Boot Options window.
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Select Command Prompt from the list
Windows 10 / Windows 8- Press the Power button at the Windows login screen. Now press and hold Shift, which is on your keyboard, and click Restart..
- Now select Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Startup Settings and finally press Restart.
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Once your computer becomes active, select Enable Safe Mode with Command Prompt in Startup Settings window.
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Step 2: Restore your system files and settings
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Once the Command Prompt window shows up, enter cd restore and click Enter.
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Now type rstrui.exe and press Enter again..
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When a new window shows up, click Next and select your restore point that is prior the infiltration of WannaCry 3.0. After doing that, click Next.
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Now click Yes to start system restore.
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Once the Command Prompt window shows up, enter cd restore and click Enter.
Bonus: Recover your data
Guide which is presented above is supposed to help you remove WannaCry 3.0 from your computer. To recover your encrypted files, we recommend using a detailed guide prepared by 2-spyware.com security experts.If your files are encrypted by WannaCry 3.0, you can use several methods to restore them:
Decrypting files encrypted files with WannaCry 3.0 with Data Recovery Pro
The most viable method to recover blocked files is to use backup copies. If you had not made them prior the assault, Data Recovery Pro might help you.
- Download Data Recovery Pro;
- Follow the steps of Data Recovery Setup and install the program on your computer;
- Launch it and scan your computer for files encrypted by WannaCry 3.0 ransomware;
- Restore them.
ShadowExplorer solution
The first version was said to delete shadow volume copies in advance. There is no certainty that the third version also behaves like that. Make a rush and try this method.
- Download Shadow Explorer (http://shadowexplorer.com/);
- Follow a Shadow Explorer Setup Wizard and install this application on your computer;
- Launch the program and go through the drop down menu on the top left corner to select the disk of your encrypted data. Check what folders are there;
- Right-click on the folder you want to restore and select “Export”. You can also select where you want it to be stored.
WannaCry 3.0 Decrypter
In order for the decryption tool to be released, the malware has to be fully analyzed. Until then, this free software may be of use.
Finally, you should always think about the protection of crypto-ransomwares. In order to protect your computer from WannaCry 3.0 and other ransomwares, use a reputable anti-spyware, such as ReimageIntego, SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner or Malwarebytes
How to prevent from getting ransomware
Choose a proper web browser and improve your safety with a VPN tool
Online spying has got momentum in recent years and people are getting more and more interested in how to protect their privacy online. One of the basic means to add a layer of security – choose the most private and secure web browser. Although web browsers can't grant full privacy protection and security, some of them are much better at sandboxing, HTTPS upgrading, active content blocking, tracking blocking, phishing protection, and similar privacy-oriented features. However, if you want true anonymity, we suggest you employ a powerful Private Internet Access VPN – it can encrypt all the traffic that comes and goes out of your computer, preventing tracking completely.
Lost your files? Use data recovery software
While some files located on any computer are replaceable or useless, others can be extremely valuable. Family photos, work documents, school projects – these are types of files that we don't want to lose. Unfortunately, there are many ways how unexpected data loss can occur: power cuts, Blue Screen of Death errors, hardware failures, crypto-malware attack, or even accidental deletion.
To ensure that all the files remain intact, you should prepare regular data backups. You can choose cloud-based or physical copies you could restore from later in case of a disaster. If your backups were lost as well or you never bothered to prepare any, Data Recovery Pro can be your only hope to retrieve your invaluable files.
If this free removal guide helped you and you are satisfied with our service, please consider making a donation to keep this service alive. Even a smallest amount will be appreciated.
- ^ Olivia Morelli. How to survive WannaCry attack?. 2-spyware. Remove adware, spyware.
- ^ Expert who beat WannaCry cyberattack says he’s no hero. TheHindu. India breaking news.
- ^ The original WannaCry 2.0 was a failure, 3.0 version starts spreading. Unwire. Tech News and Comments.
- ^ Cara McGoogan . WannaCry cyber hackers linked to China not North Korea, experts say. The Telegraph. World and local news.
- ^ Kuan Yung Teng . WannaCry Has Hit Singapore — Stop It From Infecting Your PC With These Easy Steps. MustShareNews. News for Today's Singapore.