How to remove Woodrat ransomware

Woodrat ransomware is Windows-based malware created by hackers for money extortion

Woodrat ransomware is malicious software that encrypts files and demands money for the decryption key. This threat encrypts different file types, for example, photos, videos, recordings, backups, and more. Once the virus is in the system, it starts to hunt files and locks them, making all data unopenable.

All encrypted files get .woodrat extension. For example, if the file was named as “123.jpg”, the ransomware encryption^[1] algorithm changes it to “123.jpg.woodrat”. Once all of victim's documents are locked, the virus leaves a message LOCKED_README.txt, explaining what happened to the computer. Of course, cybercriminals behind this virus warn the victim that the only possible way to recover files is to pay in Monero cryptocurrency.

The ransom note left by cybercrooks is designed in such a way that the victim would be frightened and in a hurry to fulfill the demands. Cybercriminals even write that the sooner you pay, the smaller the payment for the decryption key will be. Moreover, according to the Woodrat ransomware developers, if you don't pay in less than a month, the files will never be decrypted.

The full ransom note is named as LOCKED_README.txt and reads the following:

Ooops, all your files are encrypted, that means you can't use them for a while!!!

They are not perpmanently lost, for there's a special key to get them back.

You can try all the ways you have to decrypted your files, but it's just a waste of time,

eventually you will know there's no other way but to contact us for help.

With our help, you could get your files back within a hour, but you need to follow the instructions below :

[1] Send an email to the addr below :

woodratofficial@outlook.com

[2] with content of :

*1 your “ID” & “BIT KEY” located in “LOCKED_README.txt”

*2 The amount of files encrypted and the finish time(I have ways to figure out the finish time, so think twice)

[3] Then, there's two choices :  

*1 [recommended] pay us immediately, so we'll help you decrypt as soon as the payment was conformed

*2 wait for our reply(need a lot of time)

*  the first method was recommended for you have limited amount of time

*  if you'd like to test some files, you can send them to us via mail,but here's the limtation :

*  quantity <= 4 and total file size <= 4mb

[*] send xmr to the addr below :

41k9ry6hQUZLJJd9ZEJpPVXNuUVjRNJGkPbroMf XJVf6DsqHfJ6Sro2LHJzr6wuvXwE5kS7c9Azni2F8srmGScU5Fzu9P2C

more detail about xmr purchasing, visit hxxps://www.getmonero.org/ or just use search engine for 'buy xmr'

if you have future questions, it's welcome to send us a mail!

[*] here's the price, notice : you only have limited amount of time

=====================================================  

= encrypted in 1-3 days   – 1.5 xmr to get decrypt  =  

= encrypted in 3-7 days   – 3 xmr to get decrypt    =  

= encrypted in a month    – 10 xmr to get decrypt   =  

= encrypted over a month  – never get decrypt       =  

=====================================================

Woodrat virus uses a very powerful encryption algorithm. Unfortunately, when hackers say that the only way to unlock files is to pay for the decryption key, in most cases it is true. But if you have backups of your files on other devices or online servers (for example, iCloud), you can restore the data. Also, there are other ways to recover at least some of the files, which are explained at the end of this article.

Note that even if you do not have backups of your files, you should still ignore the demands of cybercriminals. Experts^[2] say that it is not worth relying on hackers, because there is always a chance that you will be left not only without a decryption key but also with empty pockets. Woodrat ransomware removal is the best option.

Moreover, ransomware continuously operates on the infected device. So, if you don't want to see the new files locked too, you should act quickly. The only way to stop it from working is to remove Woodrat ransomware from your computer with reliable anti-malware software like SpyHunterCombo Cleaner or MalwarebytesMalwarebytes. Also, remember to use a powerful repair tool if you want to fix the system after the threat too. We recommend relying on FortectIntego if you want your computer system to work smoothly again.

Ransomware uses deceptive methods to enter your device but you shouldn't pay cyber criminals if you want to recover .woodrat files

As we stated before, sometimes it is impossible to recover .woodrat files if you don't have backups in other devices or online servers. But paying cybercriminals for the decryption key is not a very good choice. Experts say there is no guarantee that you will recover your files if you pay money to hackers. Sometimes they just disappear without sending the decryption key.^[3]

If you are trying to guess how ransomware managed to infect your computer in the first place, you should think about your behavior on the internet. The most common way how ransomware infections come to the computer is through cracked software. These cracks are delivered on various p2p networks, for example, torrenting websites, eMule, etc. If you want to avoid infections in the future, you should download programs only from trustable sources or from official pages.

Also, try to remember that email spam campaigns are very popular regarding malware distribution too. Cybercriminals like to pretend that they are from reliable companies but you should always think twice before opening any email attachments or hyperlinks because they can hold malicious infection.

If you want to avoid any threats in the future. Try to be very careful and use powerful anti-malware software. Also, we recommend storing backups of your files. This way, even if you download the ransomware again, you could easily recover your data. There are different ways to store your files safely. You can use a portable USB flash drive, remote servers (for example, iCloud), or simply store the copies in different devices.

It is important to remove Woodrat ransomware before attempting to restore files

Woodrat ransomware removal should not be difficult to accomplish, as long as you have a reliable program to do so. Powerful anti-malware software should be able to delete this virus and any other possible threat on your computer. We recommend using SpyHunterCombo Cleaner or MalwarebytesMalwarebytes if you want to get rid of the ransomware in just a few minutes.

Once you remove Woodrat ransomware from your computer, you can attempt to recover your files. As previously mentioned, there are different ways to recover files. Firstly try them all before giving up or deciding to pay the ransom. You can find the instructions below.

Moreover, you should remember to repair any damage that this virus may have caused to your computer's operating system. The easiest way to do this is to use a reliable repair tool like FortectIntego.

Please note that you should use a reliable anti-malware program to avoid various types of infections in the future. However, even the most powerful tool won't help you if you behave carelessly while browsing the internet.