WannaScream ransomware (Virus Removal Instructions) - Decryption Methods Included

WannaScream virus Removal Guide

What is WannaScream ransomware?

WannaScream ransomware – a computer virus that encrypts all victims' personal files and demands a ransom for a decryption tool

WannaScream ransomwareWannaScream ransomware is computer virus that uses AES algorithm to lock all files on the targeted machine, preventing access to them

WannaScream ransomware is a cryptovirus that locks all non-system files on an infected victim's computer and tries to extort cryptocurrency as a ransom for a promised decryption toolkit. This virus encrypts all files with an army-based AES-256 coding algorithm.[1]

As soon as the virus gets access to a device, it starts its bidding. All files personal files like pictures, videos, documents, archives, backups, etc., are appended with the WannaScream extension, as well as other components – this renders files inaccessible. For example, a file “document.html” is turned into “document.html.[Filemgr@tutanota.com][1E857D00].WannaScream.”

Just like other versions H@RM@ or NORD, following successful encryption, the WannaScream file virus creates two types of ransom notes – a pop-up window (WannaScream.hta) and many text documents (README.txt) in all folders with renamed personal victim files. Both messages in the ransom notes are identical and demand victims to pay ransom for a decryption too

name WannaScream ransomware, WannaScream file virus
type Malware, Ransomware
Other versions
Appointed file extension A tricky extension is added to the original filenames in this sequence: original filename.[Filemgr@tutanota.com][appointed victim ID].WannaScream
Ransom note A pop-up window, titled WannaScream.hta, and hundreds of text files, named README.txt
Criminal contact details Filemgr@tutanota.com and Cryptor6@tutanota.com
Ransomware Removal All ransomware should be removed immediately with the help of professional anti-malware software
System tune-up Following a successful WannaScream ransomware removal, a system repair is a must. We suggest using the FortectIntego tool to fix any damage the malware might have caused to the system registry and other essential system settings

In the first part of the ransom notes, creators of WannaScream ransomware explain to victims that all their data was locked, and if they want to get it back, they have to establish a contect via the two given emails – Filemgr@tutanota.com and Cryptor6@tutanota.com. Also, an appointed, unique user ID is provided. The ransom amount isn't specified, but the hackers state that it depends on how quickly the victim contacts them. The preferred payment method is Bitcoins.

In the second part, WannaScream ransomware developers try to build a fake trust relationship by offering their victims a free decryption guarantee of any five files from the infected device. The files can't be archived and shouldn't exceed 10Mb. By doing this, the cybercriminals are trying to prove that they really possess the necessary decryption tool and will forward it to the victims after the payment is made.

The third part consists of detailed instructions on how to obtain the necessary cryptocurrency in question. The last part of the WannaScream virus note is composed of warnings. The perpetrators urge the victims not to rename the encrypted files and not try any third-party decryption tools, which might lead to permanent data loss.

WannaScream ransomware virusWannaScream is a type of malware that locks all data and then asks for a ransom for a decryption tool

All malware, no matter if it's pesky adware or perilous trojans, must be eliminated from all devices ASAP. Remove WannaScream ransomware automatically with the help of reliable anti-malware software. We recommend trying apps like SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner or Malwarebytes to eliminate the cryptovirus automatically.

Ransomware is able to mess up the system registry and other core system settings, so after WannaScream ransomware removal, it is highly recommended to perform a full scan with a system repair tool like the FortectIntego to find and fix any system irregularities that the virus might have caused.

Message from the makers of WannaScream ransomware to their victims in the README.txt files looks like this:

[+] All Your Files Have Been Encrypted [+]

[-] Do You Really Want To Restore Your Files?
[+] Write Us To The E-Mail : Filemgr@tutanota.com
[+] If you did not get any response until 24 hours later,Write to this E-Mail : Cryptor6@tutanota.com
[-] Write Your Unique-ID In The Title Of Your Message.
[+] Unique-ID : 1E857D00
[-] You Have To Pay For Decryption In Bitcoins.
[-] The Price Depends On How Fast You Write To Us.
[-] After Payment We Will Send You The Decryption Tool
That Will Decrypt All Your Files.
________

[+] Free Decryption As Guarantee [+]

[-] Before Paying You Can Send Us Up To 5 Files For
Free Decryption, The Total Size Of Files Must Bee Less
Than 10MB, (Non Archived) And Files Should Not Contain
Valuable Information (Databases, Backups, Large Excel
-Sheets, Etc).
________

[+] How To Obtain Bitcoins [+]

[-] The Easiest Way To Buy Bitcoins Is LocalBitcoins
Site : https://localbitcoins.com/buy_bitcoins
You Have To Register, Click 'Buy Bitcoins', And Select
The Seller By Payment Method And Price.
[-] Also You Can Find Other Places To Buy Bitcoins And
Beginners Guide Here:
http://coindesk.com/information/how-can-i-buy-bitcoins
________

[+] 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.

________DARKCRYPT_Ransomware________

Avoiding most common distribution techniques of ransomware

Numerous malware types [2] are spread out through the internet and are lurking for unaware everyday computer users to click on them. Some could be hidden in deceptive ads, others in freeware bundles. But the most common ways the ransomware is distributed is through file-sharing platforms and spam emails.

File-sharing platforms such as torrent sites like The Pirate Bay are rattled with all kinds of malware, including ransomware. Cybercriminals are trying to outsmart computer users by naming their creations as something that would lure them in. For example, a new unlocked licensed software, or a crack for some latest game. When such disguised malware is downloaded, the infection of the device is started immediately. So refrain from using such platforms.

Spam email is another popular method used by the hacker to spread their “products”. Although most email providers have spam folders, some of these emails are so intricate that they surpass the provider's security and end up in regular inboxes. These emails might look like valid letters from banks, shipping companies, medical institutions, etc. However, threats lie in wait within them.

These emails contain either hyperlinks to malicious sites, where a virus payload file is downloaded automatically after visiting them or infected attachments, that when opened or downloaded, initiate an infection process instantly. Please look through the message thoroughly. Maybe there are some grammatical mistakes or other spottable irregularities. Avoid opening any hyperlinks and always scan email attachments with anti-malware software before downloading them.

WannaScream virusOnce WannaScream ransomware locks files, it becomes extremely difficult to get them back without backups

Guidelines on how to remove WannaScream ransomware from encrypted devices

There are no guarantees that after paying the ransom, the decryption tool will be provided. Instead of dealing with cybercriminals, victims should remove WannaScream virus immediately and search for other data recovery methods. Few possible data retrieval techniques (including a free decryption tool for the older version of the cryptovirus) are displayed at the bottom of this article.

Malware can be eliminated manually, but it isn't easy at all, so we suggest entrusting professional anti-malware software with WannaScream ransomware removal. To do it automatically, we suggest using any of these two time-tested apps – SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner or Malwarebytes.

When your device is virus-free, you're still not out of the woods. Ransomware usually alters various system settings such as registry to help it thrive within the infected machine. So experts[3] recommend using a system tune-up tool like the FortectIntego to find and fix any system irregularities that might cause abnormal device behavior, such as severe lag, crashing, etc.

Offer
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Compatible with Microsoft Windows Compatible with macOS
What to do if failed?
If you failed to fix virus damage using Fortect Intego, submit a question to our support team and provide as much details as possible.
Fortect Intego has a free limited scanner. Fortect Intego offers more through scan when you purchase its full version. When free scanner detects issues, you can fix them using free manual repairs or you can decide to purchase the full version in order to fix them automatically.
Alternative Software
Different software has a different purpose. If you didn’t succeed in fixing corrupted files with Fortect, try running SpyHunter 5.
Alternative Software
Different software has a different purpose. If you didn’t succeed in fixing corrupted files with Intego, try running Combo Cleaner.

Getting rid of WannaScream virus. Follow these steps

Manual removal using Safe Mode

If WannaScream ransomware can't be removed in normal Windows mode, trying doing it in Safe Mode with Networking

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

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:

  1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc on your keyboard to open Windows Task Manager.
  2. Click on More details.
    Open task manager
  3. Scroll down to Background processes section, and look for anything suspicious.
  4. Right-click and select Open file location.
    Open file location
  5. Go back to the process, right-click and pick End Task.
    End task
  6. Delete the contents of the malicious folder.

Step 3. Check program Startup

  1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc on your keyboard to open Windows Task Manager.
  2. Go to Startup tab.
  3. Right-click on the suspicious program and pick Disable.
    Startup

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:

  1. Type in Disk Cleanup in Windows search and press Enter.
    Disk cleanup
  2. 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).
  3. Scroll through the Files to delete list and select the following:

    Temporary Internet Files
    Downloads
    Recycle Bin
    Temporary files

  4. Pick Clean up system files.
    Delete temp files
  5. 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 WannaScream using System Restore

System Restore is also a viable option that might delete ransomware

  • Step 1: Reboot your computer to Safe Mode with Command Prompt
    Windows 7 / Vista / XP
    1. Click Start Shutdown Restart OK.
    2. When your computer becomes active, start pressing F8 multiple times until you see the Advanced Boot Options window.
    3. Select Command Prompt from the list Select 'Safe Mode with Command Prompt'

    Windows 10 / Windows 8
    1. Press the Power button at the Windows login screen. Now press and hold Shift, which is on your keyboard, and click Restart..
    2. Now select Troubleshoot Advanced options Startup Settings and finally press Restart.
    3. Once your computer becomes active, select Enable Safe Mode with Command Prompt in Startup Settings window. Select 'Enable Safe Mode with Command Prompt'
  • Step 2: Restore your system files and settings
    1. Once the Command Prompt window shows up, enter cd restore and click Enter. Enter 'cd restore' without quotes and press 'Enter'
    2. Now type rstrui.exe and press Enter again.. Enter 'rstrui.exe' without quotes and press 'Enter'
    3. When a new window shows up, click Next and select your restore point that is prior the infiltration of WannaScream. After doing that, click Next. When 'System Restore' window shows up, select 'Next' Select your restore point and click 'Next'
    4. Now click Yes to start system restore. Click 'Yes' and start system restore
    Once you restore your system to a previous date, download and scan your computer with FortectIntego and make sure that WannaScream removal is performed successfully.

Bonus: Recover your data

Guide which is presented above is supposed to help you remove WannaScream 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 WannaScream, you can use several methods to restore them:

Try using Data Recovery Pro for file recovery

This third-party app might be able to help you with file retrieval.

  • 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 WannaScream ransomware;
  • Restore them.

Using Windows Previous Version feature to restore files

Windows OS feature Windows Previous Version might be able to recover files to their previous version by one at a time.

  • 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”.

Employing Shadow Explorer for data recovery

If ransomware didn't delete Shadow Volume Copies, then this app might be able to restore old data.

  • 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.

Possible WannaScream ransomware decryption tools

A company called Emisoft is constantly working on the decryption tool for various ransomware families. Download it and try it out, it might just work. If it doesn't check back with us later as we update our readers with all the latest news.

Finally, you should always think about the protection of crypto-ransomwares. In order to protect your computer from WannaScream and other ransomwares, use a reputable anti-spyware, such as FortectIntego, SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner or Malwarebytes

How to prevent from getting ransomware

Access your website securely from any location

When you work on the domain, site, blog, or different project that requires constant management, content creation, or coding, you may need to connect to the server and content management service more often. The best solution for creating a tighter network could be a dedicated/fixed IP address.

If you make your IP address static and set to your device, you can connect to the CMS from any location and do not create any additional issues for the server or network manager that needs to monitor connections and activities. VPN software providers like Private Internet Access can help you with such settings and offer the option to control the online reputation and manage projects easily from any part of the world.

 

Recover files after data-affecting malware attacks

While much of the data can be accidentally deleted due to various reasons, malware is one of the main culprits that can cause loss of pictures, documents, videos, and other important files. More serious malware infections lead to significant data loss when your documents, system files, and images get encrypted. In particular, ransomware is is a type of malware that focuses on such functions, so your files become useless without an ability to access them.

Even though there is little to no possibility to recover after file-locking threats, some applications have features for data recovery in the system. In some cases, Data Recovery Pro can also help to recover at least some portion of your data after data-locking virus infection or general cyber infection. 

 

About the author
Lucia Danes
Lucia Danes - Virus researcher

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