Remove WannaCry 3.0 ransomware / virus (Decryption Steps Included) - Removal Instructions
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 It wrecked havoc globally: users who have been using outdated Windows versions have experienced the full assault of this menace.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 technical capabilities are still wrapped in the veil of mystery.
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 Reimage 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.
To remove WannaCry 3.0 virus, follow these steps:
Remove WannaCry 3.0 using Safe Mode with Networking
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Step 1: Reboot your computer to Safe Mode with Networking
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 Safe Mode with Networking 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 Networking in Startup Settings window.
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Step 2: Remove WannaCry 3.0
Log in to your infected account and start the browser. Download Reimage or other legitimate anti-spyware program. Update it before a full system scan and remove malicious files that belong to your ransomware and complete WannaCry 3.0 removal.
If your ransomware is blocking Safe Mode with Networking, try further method.
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 Reimage, SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner or Malwarebytes
About the author
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References
- ^ 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.
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