Wcry ransomware: .wcry files decryptor and virus removal

Get a viable fix for the Wcry ransomware issue, where all important files on a computer get encrypted with AES algorithm and a ransom of 0.3 BTC is pending.

Update 13.05.2017: This information also applies to an updated Wcry variant called Wana Decrypt0r 2.0 active as of May 2017, which uses the .WNCRY extension to stain hostage files.

Although the Wcry ransomware is quite a commonplace sample no matter how you slice it, a rapid increase in its propagation over the past few weeks makes it a noteworthy threat. This aggressive crypto strain scrambles the internal data filling of a victim’s personal files and blemishes each one with the .wcry extension, hence the name. Since cryptography is an integral part of this attack workflow, simply replacing this suffix with a correct one – such as .jpg, xls, .doc, whatnot – will be to no avail in terms of data accessibility. As a result, a sample file named Photo1.jpg gets transformed into Photo1.jpg.wcry entry, which is completely out of bounds for the user. This Trojan leverages the AES-128 cryptosystem to lock data down, therefore any further manipulations are only efficient as long as the secret AES key is at the victim’s disposal.

The problem is, the above-mentioned secret key is nowhere to be found on the plagued computer. Instead, it is stored on the criminals’ Command and Control server, and the only way to obtain it is to meet the hackers’ demands. To explain what the deal is, the current edition of Wcry ransomware generates a popup screen titled “Wanna Decryptor 1.0” that provides a lowdown on what happened and how to recover the hostage files. The window contains a playful inscription that goes, “Ooops, your files have been encrypted!” It also displays two time countdown sections to pressure the victim into coughing up the money as soon as possible. One of them shows the amount of time left before the payment will be raised to 0.6 Bitcoin, and the other counts down the time before the data will be lost for good. The former span is three days, and the latter is one week.

Wcry ransomware also provides a shortened version of its warnings and demands on the desktop background, which substitutes the original image defined by the user. Additionally, it leaves a plaintext edition of the decryption how-to. It’s called “!Please Read Me!.txt”. To submit the ransom, the victim is supposed to use the Bitcoin address indicated right on the Wanna Decryptor GUI or any other copy of the recovery manuals. Although the crooks promise to enable the decryption feature of their in-house tool after the payment, that’s something no one can guarantee. By the way, the scope of the problem can be amplified due to the fact that the Wcry virus reaches further than just the local hard drive volumes and inserted removable media. It can also traverse network drives, if any, and encrypt all popular types of files on them.

This devastating program infects PCs by means of spam. While some people may think this old school technique lost its relevance a while ago, cybercriminals prove them wrong. The malspam (malicious spam) emails involved in the distribution of Wcry ransomware may be camouflaged as receipts, energy bills, job offers, missed delivery reports, ISP complaints, traffic violation notices and other catchy subjects. The goal is to dupe the recipient into opening the attached ZIP file, which contains a malicious JavaScript file underneath the ostensibly safe wrapping. Unfortunately, a lot of users fall for this trick and end up infected. In this case, backups are a godsend as they allow for smooth data recovery after the ransomware has been removed. Otherwise, the choice is between two options: pay the ransom, which is worth about $350, and hope that the bad guys will do what’s claimed; or follow the instructions below that reflect an alternative restoration tactic.

Wcry ransomware automated removal and data recovery

When faced with ransomware like Wcry, one of the best shortcuts in terms of removal is to use Combo Cleaner, a lightweight and incredibly effective application with PC security and optimization features under the hood. It detects and thoroughly deletes threats while giving you insights into the overall health of your computer.

This program’s protection power spans modules that forestall all known types of malware, including ransomware and browser hijackers, and take your online security to the next level by blocking phishing sites and other suspicious web pages. Follow these simple steps to eliminate the infection for good:

1. Download Combo Cleaner installer.

Download Wcry remover

^{Combo Cleaner scans your PC with no strings attached, but you’ll have to buy its fully functional version to remove the threats it detects. The disk optimization tools that find large files and duplicates are free to use.}

2. Open the CCSetup.exe file to get started. Several subsequent screens will allow you to make initial customizations so that the program works exactly as you need from the get-go.

3. The installation will be followed by an update of malware signatures. Once this process is through, click the Start Scan button in the left-hand sidebar.

4. Combo Cleaner will then check system locations that are most often polluted by Windows malware. The first scan can take a while to finish.

5. Combo Cleaner will display a system tray notification as soon as the scan is over. Click the Resolve found threats button to view the results.

6. The scan summary shows the names and types of the detected threats as well as their statuses and locations. Click the Remove all threats button and follow further on-screen prompts to get rid of these items.

Data recovery toolkit to the rescue

Some strains of ransomware are known to delete the original files after the encryption routine has been completed. As hostile as this activity appears, it can play into your hands. There are applications designed to revive the information that was obliterated because of malfunctioning hardware or due to accidental removal. The tool called Stellar Data Recovery features this type of a capability and therefore it can be applied in ransom attack scenarios to at least get the most important files back. So use the app to get an idea of what data can be restored and let it do the recovery job. Here is a step-by-step walkthrough:

1. Download and install Stellar Data Recovery.

Download Stellar Data Recovery

2. Open the application, select the types of recoverable files to look for, and click Next.

3. Choose the areas you want the tool to recover from and click the Scan button.

4. Having scanned the specified locations, the program will display a notification about the total amount of recoverable data. Close the dialog and click the Recover button. This will hopefully help you get some of your valuable files back.

Wcry ransomware manual removal and file recovery

Some ransomware strains terminate themselves after completing the encryption job on a computer, but some don’t. Furthermore, the Wcry virus may prevent victims from using popular antimalware tools in order to stay on board for as long as possible. Under the circumstances, it may be necessary to utilize the Safe Mode with Networking or System Restore functionality.

Be advised that even after the ransomware is removed, files will still be encrypted and inaccessible. The malicious code cleanup part, however, is important because it keeps a relapse of the infection from occurring further on and eliminates all opportunistic malware.

Ways of non-ransom file recovery

Cracking the crypto used by this ransom Trojan is more of a science fiction thing rather than an attainable prospect for the masses. This is why the troubleshooting in predicaments of this sort is a matter of two approaches: one is to pay the ransom, which isn’t an option for many victims; and the other is to apply instruments that take advantage of the ransomware’s possible weaknesses. If the latter is your pick, the advice below is a must-try.

Ransomware Prevention Tips

To avoid Wcry ransomware and other file-encrypting infections in the future, follow several simple recommendations:

These techniques are certainly not a cure-all, but they will add an extra layer of ransomware protection to your security setup.

Revise your security status

Post-factum assessment of the accuracy component in malware removal scenarios is a great habit that prevents the comeback of harmful code or replication of its unattended fractions. Make sure you are good to go by running an additional safety checkup. Another benefit of using the antimalware tool is that it will keep ransomware threats from intruding on your computer further on.

Download Wcry removal tool