WannaCrypt ransomware virus. How to remove? (Uninstall guide)
WannaCrypt virus updated: developers removed ransomware kill-switch
WannaCrypt virus is a malicious computer program that is set to corrupt files on Windows OS except Windows 10[1]. It usually adds .wcry, .wncry, or .wncrypt file extensions to files that it distorts. Although the ransomware hit the headlines after May 12, 2017, when it was used in a massive cyber attack that affected over 230,000 computers[2] worldwide, versions of it were spotted back in February. The virus has quite a lot of different names, including Wcrypt, WannaCryptor, Wana Decrypt0r 2.0 and even more, however, the name that draws everyone’s attention the most is WannaCry and the second version of it. The malicious program is extremely dangerous, and PC users should take whatever it takes to protect their computers because as soon as this virus enters the system, it encrypts files using an AES-128 cipher, meaning it is no longer possible to open or edit them. Although such attack can bring painful consequences, companies affected by it can lose years of work and experience financial losses, because the virus tends to replicate itself on connected computers and damage data stored on them as well[3].
Unfortunately, virus successfully attacked some giant companies such as Telefonica[4], England’s National Health Service, and dozens of other companies. The ransomware typically asks to pay $300 per computer if the ransom is paid within three days or $600 later on. The virus promises to delete all data on the computer if the PC user refuses to pay up or fails to collect the required amount of money in 7 days. However, we do not suggest paying the ransom because the criminals might not help you to restore your data. Besides, if you pay, you would fund further ransomware projects, meaning that you can be infected again. Cyber criminals have already earned a whopping $50k[5], and such sum can be used for evil purposes again. Therefore, if your files were corrupted, we suggest you start thinking about WannaCrypt removal. We usually recommend using anti-malware programs like Reimage or Malwarebytes Malwarebytes to delete the malware with ease.
Select 'Safe Mode with Networking'
Select 'Enable Safe Mode with Networking'
Select 'Safe Mode with Command Prompt'
Select 'Enable Safe Mode with Command Prompt'
Enter 'cd restore' without quotes and press 'Enter'
Enter 'rstrui.exe' without quotes and press 'Enter'
When 'System Restore' window shows up, select 'Next'
Select your restore point and click 'Next'
Click 'Yes' and start system restore
Essential facts to know about ransomware distribution
WannaCrypt ransomware differs from typical malware variants because it uses a more sophisticated trick to attack Windows computer systems. The cyber attack launched on May 12, 2017, managed to hit over 150 countries. Experts suggest an explanation why the ransomware has proliferated so rapidly – although the majority of malware samples reached victims with the help of phishing emails, the primary infection vector was EternalBlue exploit combined with DoublePulsar backdoor, which was developed by U.S. NSA. These tools helped the ransomware spread through connected computers and corrupt data stored on them. No matter if you have been infected with this ransomware or not, we highly suggest reading these tips on how to survive the WannaCrypt0r attack. If you are using a computer running Windows 10, most likely you won’t fall victim to this ransomware. However, older versions of the indicated operating system proved to be vulnerable to the ransomware. For this reason, Microsoft has issued certain security updates to address security vulnerabilities in Windows OS. It is highly advisable to install MS17-010. Learn more about ransomware prevention methods.
Remove WannaCrypt malware from affected computers
The first and foremost thing that you should do if your computer has been affected is to remove WannaCrypt virus as soon as possible. If you were infected, shut down the computer until you find out how to complete WannaCrypt removal. We have provided comprehensive instructions on how to boot your PC to disable the ransomware temporarily. You should start your PC in a Safe Mode because this way you will be able to use your security software (after booting the computer into the Safe Mode, update your security software or install a preferred one). We have also provided in-detail data recovery guidelines for those who do not have a data backup.
To remove WannaCrypt virus, follow these steps:
Remove WannaCrypt using Safe Mode with Networking
Prepare your PC for to remove WannaDecrypt0r and other ransomware remains. Reboot your PC into the described mode using this guide.
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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 WannaCrypt
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 WannaCrypt removal.
If your ransomware is blocking Safe Mode with Networking, try further method.
Remove WannaCrypt using System Restore
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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 WannaCrypt. 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 WannaCrypt from your computer. To recover your encrypted files, we recommend using a detailed guide prepared by 2-spyware.com security experts.Speaking of data recovery options, backup is the only 100% efficient solution. We do not recommend paying the ransom to cyber criminals because it doesn’t necessarily guarantee that your files will be restored. There are some data recovery methods that we suggest using.
If your files are encrypted by WannaCrypt, you can use several methods to restore them:
Start Data Recovery Pro
Data Recovery Pro is an excellent software meant to restore corrupted or deleted files. It might not succeed to decrypt your files, but we definitely recommend giving this software a try.
- Download Data Recovery Pro (https://www.2-spyware.com/download/data-recovery-pro-setup.exe);
- Follow the steps of Data Recovery Setup and install the program on your computer;
- Launch it and scan your computer for files encrypted by WannaCrypt ransomware;
- Restore them.
Advantages of System Restore Point
System Restore Point creates a possibility to restore previous file versions in case the original ones get corrupted. Follow these steps to restore individual records (if you have a system restore point, of course).
- Find an encrypted file you need to restore and right-click on it;
- Select “Properties” and go to “Previous versions” tab;
- Here, check each of available copies of the file in “Folder versions”. You should select the version you want to recover and click “Restore”.
Finally, you should always think about the protection of crypto-ransomwares. In order to protect your computer from WannaCrypt and other ransomwares, use a reputable anti-spyware, such as Reimage, Malwarebytes Malwarebytes or Plumbytes Anti-MalwareNorton Internet Security
About the author
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References
- ^ Bogdan Popa. Windows 10 Users Protected Against WannaCry Ransomware Attacks. Softpedia. Latest News & Reviews.
- ^ New ‘strains’ of WannaCry ransomware virus tearing across the globe, experts warn – and one comes WITHOUT a kill switch. The Sun. Technology and Science - Latest News.
- ^ Jamillah Knowles. Factbox: Don't click - What is the 'ransomware' WannaCry worm?. Reuters. Business & Financial News, US & International Breaking News.
- ^ Sam Jones. Timeline: How the WannaCry cyber attack spread. Financial Times. International Business News, Analysis, Market Data and Company Information.
- ^ Tweet by @actual_ransom. Twitter. Online News and Social Networking Service.