WannacryV2 ransomware (Removal Instructions) - Improved Guide
WannacryV2 virus Removal Guide
What is WannacryV2 ransomware?
WannacryV2 – a serious malware form which seeks to mislead users that they are dealing with the notorious cryptovirus
WannacryV2 virus is the latest version of WannaCry ransomware, at least that's what it seeks to make its victims think. This cryptovirus, which is also known as AutoWannacryV2, was detected at the end of July. The presence of this malware on the system starts with one of these executable files: Disk fixer.exe, 6AJUQUSYWHU9.exe. As soon as these files are launched, the virus starts scanning the system for specific file extensions and encrypts this data. After that, files become unusable and the .wannacryv2 extension appears on each of it. Users are informed about the attack by numerous pop-up ads that suggest contacting virus developers and sending them a particular ransom to restore affected data.
| Name | WannacryV2 |
|---|---|
| Type | Ransomware |
| Danger level | Very high. Might damage files irreversibly |
| IS Related to | WannaCry ransomware |
| Appears as | Disk fixer.exe or 6AJUQUSYWHU9.exe |
| Appendix | .wannacryv2 |
| Target | English speakers |
| Deletion | Use FortectIntego |
WannacryV2 ransomware is very familiar with its previous version – WannaCry. This ransomware is considered to be one of the most aggressive cyber threats which has been spreading around since 2017. Soon after this virus showed up on the Internet, it affected more than 200,000 systems from 150 countries worldwide.
The most popular way used by AutoWannacryV2 ransomware to infiltrate the system is spam. Once an infected file is downloaded to the target PC system, the virus is launched and starts encrypting the target data. Beware that the most of these fake email messages used to infect systems with ransomware seem harmless and pretend to be useful notifications from governmental authorities, businesses and similar senders.
Once WannacryV2 ransomware infiltrates the system, you can recognize it from such message:
All your files encrypted! By wannacryV2
Spent time on encryption: 318 seconds
At the moment, the virus is already detected by antivirus programs. It can be reported by using one of these terms:
- HEUR/AGEN.1011424
- Ransom_WCRY.THHOFAH
- Riskware ( 0040eff71 )
- Win32/Trojan.Ransom.6cf
- a variant of Generik.ICBVIFJ
- malicious_confidence_70% (D)
- Trojan-Ransom.Win32.Gen.kfy
- Trojan.Blocker.imx
- Trojan.Generic.D1DB058A
- Trojan.GenericKD.31131018
- Trojan.Ransom.AutoWannaCry
- Trojan.Win32.Z.Agent.955392.BG
No matter how desperate you might be after being infected by such hazardous cyberthreat, keep in mind that its main goal is to collect Bitcoin[1] or another cryptocurrency from desperate users who want to receive a decryption tool badly. The price might differ each time. However, you should never contact the criminals or pay the ransom. After falling for these “recommendations,” victims are usually left with nothing and can even lose their data permanently. Better perform the WannacryV2 removal as soon as you spot files with the .wannacryv2 appendix. Then, check our solutions for files' recovery and start taking care of backups to prevent data loss in the future.
In most of the cases, cybercriminals use unique encryption algorithms to lock up files. It is almost impossible to get them back to their starter positions on your own, even if you are an experienced IT professional. First, you need to remove WannacryV2 virus from your computer system and only then think about files' decryption. After you perform the full elimination of the virus, you can try using some third-party software which might be helpful in data recovery. These methods are displayed below the article.
The main way to spread malware – spam messages
According to virus experts[2], spam has been used by numerous viruses and different malware forms[3] to infiltrate computers. These phishing emails typically use different logos, names and similar elements of legitimate parties so that they could trick their victims into thinking that these messages are legitimate. However, spam messages often include grammar or typo mistakes that should be one of the main signals showing that you are dealing with the scam. Besides, you should always check the sender's email address and compare it to the company he or she is trying to represent. Finally, you can even try to contact the sender to see who is hiding behind it.
Additionally, be careful while browsing the web as such dangerous viruses as Wannacry and its versions can also hide in misleading ads, torrent links, software cracks and similar downloads. Basically, they can be found almost anywhere, so safe browsing practices should be your top priority while looking for specific information online. Avoid visiting strange-looking sites or clicking on links you cannot recognize. For further protection, download and install antivirus protection. The program will scan your PC system and keep it safe from various threats.
Get rid of the dangerous WannacryV2 infection
To remove WannacryV2 virus, you will need to download anti-malware and run a full system scan. We suggest leaning on professional tools, such as FortectIntego, SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner, or Malwarebytes because the elimination of this virus might be complicated. Such tools will guide you through the whole elimination process and will help you get rid of the cyber threat without leaving its leftover files.
However, note that you can run into several issues while trying to remove AutoWannacryV2 as this virus might try to block these scanners to prevent its elimination. In this case, reboot your PC to Safe Mode with Networking or try System Restore feature that turns your computer “back in time.”
After the WannacryV2 removal is finished, be sure to refresh the total computer system. Do some backups and check if all ransomware-related components were successfully deleted. Furthermore, talking about file decryption, you can try using some methods that are shown below.
Getting rid of WannacryV2 virus. Follow these steps
Manual removal using Safe Mode
Activate Safe Mode with Networking and disable the cryptovirus and launch anti-spyware software:
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 WannacryV2 using System Restore
Use System Restore to deactivate WannacryV2 ransomware:
-
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.
-
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.
-
Once your computer becomes active, select Enable Safe Mode with Command Prompt in Startup Settings window.
-
Step 2: Restore your system files and settings
-
Once the Command Prompt window shows up, enter cd restore and click Enter.
-
Now type rstrui.exe and press Enter again..
-
When a new window shows up, click Next and select your restore point that is prior the infiltration of WannacryV2. After doing that, click Next.
-
Now click Yes to start system restore.
-
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 WannacryV2 from your computer. To recover your encrypted files, we recommend using a detailed guide prepared by 2-spyware.com security experts.You might have spot files with the .wannacryv2 extension. That means your documents are corrupted and unusable. If you want to restore important data, try using some of the previous methods.
If your files are encrypted by WannacryV2, you can use several methods to restore them:
Data Recover Pro might help get important files back:
If you use this tool as explained, there might be a possibility that various files will be recovered.
- 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 WannacryV2 ransomware;
- Restore them.
Try Windows Previous Versions feature:
Use this method if you have activated the System Restore function before the ransomware attack.
- 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”.
Try using Shadow Explore for file recovery:
Notice that this method will work only if the infection did not cause Shadow Volume Copy deletion.
- 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.
There is no original decryption tool available for AutoWannacryV2.
Finally, you should always think about the protection of crypto-ransomwares. In order to protect your computer from WannacryV2 and other ransomwares, use a reputable anti-spyware, such as FortectIntego, SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner or Malwarebytes
How to prevent from getting ransomware
Stream videos without limitations, no matter where you are
There are multiple parties that could find out almost anything about you by checking your online activity. While this is highly unlikely, advertisers and tech companies are constantly tracking you online. The first step to privacy should be a secure browser that focuses on tracker reduction to a minimum.
Even if you employ a secure browser, you will not be able to access websites that are restricted due to local government laws or other reasons. In other words, you may not be able to stream Disney+ or US-based Netflix in some countries. To bypass these restrictions, you can employ a powerful Private Internet Access VPN, which provides dedicated servers for torrenting and streaming, not slowing you down in the process.
Data backups are important – recover your lost files
Ransomware is one of the biggest threats to personal data. Once it is executed on a machine, it launches a sophisticated encryption algorithm that locks all your files, although it does not destroy them. The most common misconception is that anti-malware software can return files to their previous states. This is not true, however, and data remains locked after the malicious payload is deleted.
While regular data backups are the only secure method to recover your files after a ransomware attack, tools such as Data Recovery Pro can also be effective and restore at least some of your lost data.
If this free 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.
- ^ Justin Jaffe. What is bitcoin? Here's everything you need to know. CNET magazine. Latest world wide news.
- ^ DieViren. Virus removal guidance.
- ^ The List of Malware Types. The truth about malware.