Werd ransomware: what it is and how to remove it
Werd ransomware is malware carrying the DNA of Djvu ransomware and performing encryption by adding the .werd filename to affected data. Unique encryption algorithms such as AES or RSA make the data-locking process successful and almost impossible to reverse for the victims.
Facts checked October 6, 2026. Removal steps tested on Windows 11 (26H2) and checked against Microsoft's and the browser makers' current documentation. Sections marked as our earlier report are the original text: they describe the threat as it was then and have not been reviewed since. The 2026 status, the removal steps and the questions are current.
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Werd ransomware: summary
| Distribution | Ransomware payload is often distributed via software cracks, phishing email messages that pretend to come from reputable firms such as FedEx/DHL, p2p networks such as The Pirate Bay, and RDP, including the TCP port 3389, etc. |
|---|---|
| Name | Werd ransomware |
| Type | Ransomware virus |
| Family | Djvu ransomware |
| Danger level | This malware holds the danger level of high because it locks all files found on the infected Windows computer system and might perform other damaging actions in the machine's background |
| Appendix | Once files are locked by using specific ciphers such as AES, RSA, Werd virus appends the .werd appendix next to each filename of encrypted data |
| Removal | Scan the PC with security software to find and remove the malware and anything installed with it. Fortect scans Windows for malware and repairs the system files and settings it damaged. Remove it nowTo use the full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Fortect. The scan is free. |
Show 14 more facts
| Ransom demands | All ransom demands and conditions are mentioned in the _readme.txt message. Here criminals announce about the encryption and urge for $490-$980 to be transferred in exchange for the file decryption software |
|---|---|
| Crooks' contacts | The hackers also provide some contact methods through which victims are supposed to reach to them. This includes two emails: gorentos@bitmessage.ch, gorentos2@firemail.cc, and telegram account: @datarestore |
| Detection names | No Microsoft detection name is known |
| Encrypted file extension | .werd |
| Decryptor | No free decryptor is known for this variant; check No More Ransom (nomoreransom.org) for updates |
| Damage | Not recorded in the old report |
| Symptoms | Files renamed with a new extension and a ransom note left in folders |
| Evidence | 6 write-ups by security sites; no sample analysed yet |
| Encrypted files | .werd |
| Ransom note | _readme.txt |
| Attacker contacts | gorentos@bitmessage.ch |
| Free decryptor | No free decryptor is known (checked 6 October 2026) |
| First seen | 22 October 2019 |
| Facts checked | 6 October 2026 |
- File extension:
.werd - Note file:
_readme.txt - Contact:
gorentos@bitmessage.ch
From our report of Oct 2019 · not reviewed since
More from our earlier report on Werd ransomware
- Scan the entire system and search for infectious content by employing software such as
How Werd ransomware behaves
From our report of Oct 2019 · not reviewed since
Werd ransomware - a ransom-demanding malware that is born from the well-known Djvu ransomware
Werd ransomware is malware carrying the DNA of Djvu ransomware and performing encryption by adding the .werd filename to affected data.
Unique encryption algorithms such as AES or RSA make the data-locking process successful and almost impossible to reverse for the victims. After file-blocking, users are provided with the _readme.txt ransom note that demands a price of $490 or $980 to be paid under certain conditions. Continuously, Werd ransomware developers provide and offer of one small file for free recovery as proof of the decryption key's existence.
The _readme.txt message includes other details such as the criminals' email addresses that are gorentos@bitmessage.ch, gorentos2@firemail.cc, and a telegram account that holds the name of @datarestore. Making contact with Werd ransomware spreaders is not advisable as they will only try to convince you to transfer the money as faster as possible and maybe not even provide you with a decryption key.
Additionally, Werd ransomware highlights special conditions for ransom payments. If the victim hurries up and transfers the money before 72 hours after the malware attack, he receives a 50% discount and needs to pay only $490. If the person is unlucky and is too late to transfer the money, he is urged to pay a doubled price - $980. Take a look at the entire ransom-demanding message:
Criminals who are behind the distribution of Werd ransomware use remote servers to keep safe both encryption and decryption keys. The tools are reachable only for the developers themselves and the data recovery process becomes a very hard task for the victims as hackers use a different key each time they initiate a malware attack on a different Windows computer system.
As you can see, criminals are very greedy and urge for hundreds to be paid for the ransom price. Rather than following their commands, you should remove Werd ransomware from your machine and try alternative data restoring techniques. We have made a research and found out that DrWeb is offering a Rescue Pack for $150 that may decrypt some Djvu ransomware versions. You can give it a try.
However, Werd ransomware removal is the first step you need to take towards a fully clean machine. You should also get software such as or to help you and detect all potentially malicious products that might have been hidden in your computer system. Afterward, go to the end of this article and read a thorough guide on how to remove Werd ransomware and try data recovery software.
Note that every component that is related to Werd ransomware needs to be eliminated from your Windows machine permanently, otherwise, the malware might return within the next system boot. Cleaning takes locations such as the Windows Registry, Task Manager, and similar directories where ransomware viruses are the most likely to inject malicious entries, files, and processes.
From our report of Oct 2019 · not reviewed since
Werd ransomware might carry a more complex module than expected at first
Werd ransomware is not all about file encryption and ransom demands.
This notorious malware form might have additional features that increase its operating principle in a more efficient way. The ransomware virus supposedly is able to carry out the following tasks:
As you can see, Werd ransomware is a more complex threat if you take a deeper look at its operating module. We want to encourage all users not to postpone the removal process as the ransomware virus might run a big variety of malicious processes in the background and relate to total computer destruction.
- Eliminate Shadow Volume Copies. Ransomware viruses execute specific PowerShell commands that permanently corrupt or delete Shadow Copies of encrypted data to harden the recovery process for victims. This way the criminals have a better chance of receiving more ransom transfers.
- Damage the Windows hosts file. If Werd ransomware damages the hosts file, users are prevented from visiting various security-related networks such as forums, articles, news sources, antimalware websites, etc.
- Secretly infiltrate other malware. Werd ransomware might bring the AZORult trojan horse to the system that will supposedly record personal information or try to swindle money from your bank account.
From our report of Oct 2019 · not reviewed since
The most popular distribution sources of ransomware payload
Researchers from NoVirus.uk state that ransomware infections come secretly hidden in cracked software, outdated programs, vulnerable services, fake versions of key management systems such as KMSPico, hacked RDP, especially the TCP port 3389, unsecured networks (p2p, mostly) such as The Pirate Bay, eMule, and other torrenting websites.
However, the most popular ransomware distribution method is email spam campaigns. Criminals pretend to be from a bank and urge you to confirm a payment or check some payment information that appears to be a malicious executable. Additionally, hackers mimic reputable shipping organizations such as FedEx and DHL.
The best way to prevent malware is obvious - always be CAREFUL. Whenever you are browsing, opening emails, or just playing computer games, you have to keep one eye on your security and evaluate the risk before proceeding to questionable content. Also, you can lengthen this security task by installing reputable antimalware that is crucial for every user to have.
The Werd ransomware note
ATTENTION!
Don't worry, you can return all your files!
All your files like photos, databases, documents and other important are encrypted with
strongest encryption and unique key.
The only method of recovering files is to purchase decrypt tool and unique key for you.
This software will decrypt all your encrypted files.
What guarantees you have?
You can send one of your encrypted file from your PC and we decrypt it for free.
But we can decrypt only 1 file for free. File must not contain valuable information.
You can get and look video overview decrypt tool:
https://we.tl/t-vzAZbtWtGh
Price of private key and decrypt software is $980.
Discount 50% available if you contact us first 72 hours, that's price for you is $490.
Please note that you'll never restore your data without payment.
Check your e-mail "Spam" or "Junk" folder if you don't get answer more than 6 hours.
To get this software you need write on our e-mail:
gorentos@bitmessage.ch
Reserve e-mail address to contact us:
gerentosrestore@firemail.cc
Your personal ID:
-
How to remove Werd ransomware
Tools you'll need
All of these are free except where noted. Download them on a clean device if the infected PC is offline.
- A USB stick: to keep the ransom note, two or three encrypted files and screenshots off the infected PC.
- Microsoft Defender Offline: built into Windows 11 and Windows 10; scans before Windows starts, so running malware cannot hide.
- Microsoft Safety Scanner: a second, portable scanner with current signatures; each download works for 10 days.
- ID Ransomware: identifies the family from the note and one encrypted file and says whether a decryptor exists.
- No More Ransom: the free decryptors from police and security companies; check it again every few months.
- Fortect (optional): scans Windows for malware and repairs the system files and settings it damaged. The free scan is in the box above.
How to remove Werd ransomware and get your files back
Work in this order.
Disconnecting comes first, removal comes before any restore, and nothing here asks you to contact the attackers.
Step 1: Disconnect the PC and unplug backup drives
Unplug the network cable or turn off Wi-Fi, and disconnect USB drives, external disks and network shares, so Werd ransomware cannot reach more files. Pause OneDrive, Google Drive or Dropbox sync, because synced folders upload the encrypted copies over the good ones.
Leave the PC on but offline while you read the next steps, since a restart can let the ransomware run again. This applies to Windows 11 and Windows 10 alike.
Windows 11: turn off Wi-Fi to take the PC offline. Full procedure with screenshots: Ransomware: first steps, finding a decryptor and recovering files
Step 2: Save the ransom note and confirm the family
Your files now end in
.werdand the instructions are in_readme.txt. Save both to a USB stick, a copy of the note and two small encrypted files, before anything else.On another device, check them with ID Ransomware or Crypto Sheriff: the family name decides which decryptor, if any, can help. Keep the note's ID and contact line for your report.
Windows 11: the ransom note and encrypted files to copy for identification. Full procedure with screenshots: Ransomware: first steps, finding a decryptor and recovering files
Step 3: Check for a free decryptor
Our last check found that for Werd ransomware, no free decryptor is known (checked 6 October 2026). Look again yourself in the No More Ransom list and the free decryptor pages of Emsisoft, Avast and Kaspersky, which add new families every year.
A decryptor needs the ransomware gone first, or it encrypts the files again. Keep at least one copy of the encrypted files on an external drive, even if no tool works yet.
Full procedure with screenshots: Ransomware: first steps, finding a decryptor and recovering files
Step 4: Remove the ransomware before you restore or decrypt
Removing Werd ransomware does not bring the files back, but it has to come first. Start with Defender's Full scan, then the offline scan from the same Scan options page, which checks the disk before Windows loads.
If the scan cannot start, use Safe Mode with Networking. Delete the ransom notes only after you have saved a copy, because removal tools sometimes leave them behind on Windows 11 and Windows 10.
Windows 11: Windows Security > Virus & threat protection > Scan options. Full procedure with screenshots: Run a Microsoft Defender Offline scan
Step 5: Look for shadow copies of the files
Windows keeps shadow copies for restore points and backups, and some ransomware fails to delete them.
vssadmin list shadowsin an administrator Command Prompt tells you at once whether any exist.If they do, right-click the folder that held your files, open Properties > Previous Versions, select a version from before the attack, and click Open to check it before you Restore or copy the files out. Windows 11 and Windows 10 both have the tab.
Windows 11: vssadmin list shadows shows whether shadow copies exist. Full procedure with screenshots: Ransomware: first steps, finding a decryptor and recovering files
Step 6: Restore the files from a backup or recover deleted originals
A backup made before the attack is the surest way back. Connect it only once the PC is clean, then restore from File History, Windows Backup, OneDrive's Restore your OneDrive or your own external copies.
Without a backup, try file recovery: the originals that Werd ransomware deleted may still be on the disk until something overwrites them. Install nothing new on the drive you want to recover from on the Windows 11 or Windows 10 PC.
Full procedure with screenshots: Recover deleted files (Recycle Bin, backups, OneDrive) On uGetFix
Instructions for each browser and system
The detailed steps for every browser and system this guide covers. Open the one you use.
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.
From our report of Oct 2019 · not reviewed since
Werd ransomware removal possibilities + antimalware list
Werd ransomware removal cannot be left to deal on your own or postponed for when you have time.
This dangerous infection can bring big harm to your Windows computer and needs to be erased from the system as soon as possible by employing only reliable software.
Before you remove Werd ransomware, it is recommendable to boot your computer system to Safe Mode with Networking or activate System Restore to reverse previous changes. Continuously, go in search of malicious content with programs such as , , or .
After Werd virus is gone, you can continue by searching for possible data recovery solutions.
[GI=method-1]Boot your computer system in Safe Mode with Networking by using the following instructions:
[GI=method-2]Disable all malicious changes by activating System Restore with the help of these guidelines:
Employ this software if you are looking forward to bringing some files and documents back to their previous positions.
Windows Previous Versions feature might allow restoring some data:
If you have enabled System Restore on your Windows computer lately, this feature might help you with file recovery.
Use Shadow Explorer for file recovery purposes:
If the ransomware virus did not eliminate Shadow Volume Copies of the encrypted files, you can give this software a try.
Sadly, there is no official decryptor released for .werd files.
Report it and recover your files
Report it
Report the attack even if you do not expect the files back: insurers and banks ask for the report number, and police use the contacts in the note to link cases.
- United States
- FBI IC3 · FTC ReportFraud
- United Kingdom
- Report Fraud (formerly Action Fraud) · NCSC
- Australia
- ReportCyber (ASD)
- EU countries
- Europol: national reporting sites
Give the victim ID, the note and the date the files were encrypted. A business that holds personal data may also have to notify its data protection authority, in the EU within 72 hours.
Backups: the 3-2-1 rule
Keep three copies of files that matter, on two kinds of storage, with one copy offline or off-site.
A disk that stays plugged in is reached by malware like Werd ransomware together with the PC; one you connect only for the backup is not.
On Windows 11, File History keeps versions on an external drive, and OneDrive keeps earlier versions of synced files. Before restoring anything, make sure the PC no longer shows files that end in .werd and no longer open.
Setting it up step by step: 3-2-1 backups on Windows 11 and 10.
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 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 can also be effective and restore at least some of your lost data.
Questions about Werd ransomware
Is there a decryptor for .werd files?
That depends on the family behind the .werd extension, which this guide cannot confirm yet from the reports alone. Check No More Ransom and ID Ransomware with your ransom note and one encrypted file; they list families with free tools.
If none exists today, keep the encrypted files and a copy of the note on a separate drive, because decryptors are sometimes published months later after flaws are found or servers are seized. Never buy a decryptor from a website that is not the security company that made it.
How do I open .werd files?
You cannot open them by renaming or by choosing another program. The .werd ending shows that Werd ransomware encrypted the content, and only the matching key can reverse it. Renaming a file back to .docx or .jpg changes nothing except the icon, and it can confuse a future decryptor, so leave the names as they are.
To get the content back, use a backup, an unencrypted copy elsewhere, or a decryptor listed on No More Ransom if one exists for Werd ransomware. Store the encrypted files on an external disk until then.
How did Werd ransomware get on my computer?
The way Werd ransomware spreads has not been documented yet, so look at your own recent activity. On home PCs, ransomware most often comes with cracked programs, game cheats, key generators and fake updates, or with an e-mail attachment that was opened. On business networks, attackers usually log in through Remote Desktop with a stolen or guessed password.
Think back to what was downloaded or installed in the days before files that end in .werd and no longer open, and check the Downloads folder and Installed apps sorted by date. Keep anything suspicious for your report, but do not run it again.
Should I pay the ransom?
We advise against it, and so do the FBI, Europol and national cyber agencies. Payment does not guarantee a working tool: some attackers never reply, some tools damage files, and some variants have no decryptor at all. Paying also funds further attacks and can make you a target again.
Before considering payment, try every recovery option in this guide and report the attack. Companies must involve their legal adviser and insurer, because payments to sanctioned groups can be illegal. If files are truly irreplaceable, store the encrypted copies and wait; decryptors sometimes appear later.
Can a data-recovery company decrypt my files for a fee?
Only if a decryptor already exists or the company pays the attackers for you. Some "ransomware recovery" services advertise that they can decrypt families with no known flaw; in practice they negotiate with the attackers and add their own fee. Others use the same free tools listed on No More Ransom.
Before you hire anyone, ask in writing how they will recover the files, whether they will contact the attackers and what happens if they fail. A legitimate service answers clearly. If a free decryptor exists for your family, you can run it yourself.
Did Werd ransomware steal my files or passwords?
We do not know yet. Nothing published so far shows data theft by Werd ransomware, but the only confirmed sign is files that end in .werd and no longer open, which says nothing about what happened before. Many current ransomware attacks copy files or run a password stealer first, so it is wise to act as if they did.
From a clean device, change the passwords that were saved in the browsers on this PC, starting with e-mail and banking, sign out of all sessions and turn on two-step verification. Watch bank statements and account activity for the next few weeks.
Is Werd ransomware the same as other ransomware with a similar name?
Not necessarily. Ransomware names come from the file extension, the note or a word in the code, so unrelated families often end up with similar names, and one family can appear under several names. The difference matters: a decryptor or advice for one family does not fit another and can damage files.
Compare the ending added to your files and the exact name of the note with the summary table at the top of this guide, then upload the note and one encrypted file to ID Ransomware from a clean device. If the result names another family, follow the guide for that family instead.
What does _readme.txt tell me about the ransomware?
Quite a lot. The file name _readme.txt, the wording, the contact addresses and the format of the personal ID are typical for each family. Uploading the note together with one encrypted file to ID Ransomware or No More Ransom's Crypto Sheriff usually names the family within seconds.
That name decides your options: some families have free decryptors, some can be partially recovered, and some cannot be decrypted at all. The note's claims about stolen data should be taken seriously but not at face value.
My files got .werd overnight. What happened?
Ransomware often runs at night or when the PC is idle, so the encryption finishes before anyone notices. It usually entered earlier through a cracked program, a fake installer, an e-mail attachment or remote desktop with a weak password.
The .werd extension marks every file it reached. Start by disconnecting the PC from the network, then identify the family from the ransom note and one encrypted file, check for a decryptor, and look for copies in backups and OneDrive before you consider anything else.
Will Fortect remove Werd ransomware?
Fortect scans Windows for malware and unwanted programs and repairs the system files and settings they change, and its free scan shows what it finds on your PC before you decide anything.
For Werd ransomware, follow the plan above as well: the browser steps take back permissions and settings that no scanner treats as a threat, and uninstalling the program that brought it removes the source.
Run Microsoft Defender's full scan and, if anything was found, its offline scan as a second opinion. If the symptoms are gone after the plan and both scans are clean, there is nothing more to do.
Sources
- Search Security: Encryption (read October 6, 2026)
- DrWeb: Dr.Web Rescue Pack (read October 6, 2026)
- Emsisoft: Infected with werd.extension ransomware (STOP Djvu) (read October 6, 2026)
- CISA: StopRansomware (read October 6, 2026)
- No More Ransom (read October 6, 2026)