How to remove tasksche.exe ransomware virus

The process named tasksche.exe may be an indicator of compromise in the WannaCry ransomware attack scenario, so it should be removed immediately if spotted.

WannaCry, or Wana Decrypt0r 2.0, took the world by storm in May 2017. The outbreak, the aftermath of which is still around at the time of this writing, is considered to be one of the most sophisticated ransomware campaigns to date. That’s for several reasons. First of all, the infection leverages previously dumped NSA exploits, EternalBlue and DoublePulsar, to contaminate Windows computers without any noticeable signs of intrusion. Secondly, its entry point is a catalogued vulnerability in SMBv1 (Microsoft Server Message Block 1.0), which means the would-be victim doesn’t have to click anything or open any files to get infected. In the context of this article, though, a reasonable question is: what does this ransomware have to do with tasksche.exe? Well, the connection is more than tangible. WannaCry uses said executable to wreak havoc on a contaminated host.

A noteworthy aspect of this blackmail Trojan’s uniqueness is that it is a combo of a worm and ransomware. The worm component named mssecsvc.exe is the one responsible for implementing the clever propagation mechanism described above. In particular, it takes advantage of remote code execution vulnerabilities in SMB server to make the rounds. As soon as this module has infiltrated a system, it drops the ransomware binary, tasksche.exe, into Windir home directory. Then, the perpetrating program commences the extortion routine proper. It deletes restore points and shadow copies of the victim’s files. When done, it scans the hard disk and network drives, if any, for potentially important data and encrypts it all using public-key cryptosystem called RSA-2048.

Every encrypted file gets a specific extension appended to it. The list of strings that may be concatenated this way includes .wcry, .wncry, .wnry, and .wncrypt. Different variants of WannaCry use different extensions. The next stage is to let the victim know what exactly happened and how to resolve the issue. The tasksche.exe virus automatically displays a GUI titled Wana Decrypt0r 2.0. The window keeps the plagued user informed of the time left before files become irrecoverable, and includes the ransom demand along with the crooks’ Bitcoin wallet address. The amount to be paid is a $300 worth of Bitcoin. Additionally, tasksche.exe ransomware drops a rescue note named @Please_Read_Me@.txt, which reiterates the warning and decryption steps. A new desktop background that replaces the one preferred by the victim adds some final strokes to the whole extortion quandary.

In summary, tasksche.exe is a process associated with WannaCry, one of the most dangerous known ransomware menaces. It goes without saying that removing this file is absolutely on the infected user’s to-do list. Importantly, ransomware troubleshooting in this case is supposed to be much more complex than merely deleting tasksche.exe. The sections below highlight the necessary recovery steps.

Tasksche.exe / WannaCry ransomware automated removal and data recovery

When faced with ransomware like Tasksche.exe / WannaCry, 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 Tasksche.exe / WannaCry 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.

Tasksche.exe / WannaCry 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 Tasksche.exe / WannaCry 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 files 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 Tasksche.exe / WannaCry 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 Tasksche.exe / WannaCry removal tool