Geek's Advice

Two years past the WannaCry ransomware attack, the virus is still active

WannaCry ransomware is a malicious file-encrypting computer virus that first gained world’s attention in May 2017 in a global cyber attack. The malware managed to infect over 300,000 computers using a EternalBlue exploit developed by NSA, which was leaked by cybercriminals group known as The Shadow Brokers. Unfortunately, modified versions of the dangerous virus are still distributed nowaday, taking all victim’s files hostage for a ransom.

The malicious software functions by encrypting all files on the infected computer or whole server. The malware uses a combination of AES and RSA encryption algorithms to lock files securely both on the Windows computer and on external devices plugged into it (f.e., USBs, CD/DVD disks, etc.).

Following that, the malware modifies filenames for affected files, adding contact email address, set of random characters, and .Wannacry extension. Finally, the malware changes desktop wallpaper and leaves a ransom note (both in @Please_Read_Me@.txt and info.hta files) and demanding a payment in Bitcoin cryptocurrency. In fact, its functionality is very similar to the long-gone Cerber and nowadays active Stop (DJVU) ransomware.

The Ransom demand

Following a successful data corruption, Wannacry ransomware launches the WanaDecrypt0r 2.0 file which displays a window on the screen, informing about a ransomware attack. The note consists of such parts:

• What happened to my computer? This part briefly covers what happened, and what needs to be done now.
• Can I recover My Files? Criminals assure that data decryption is possible if the victim decides to pay up. In addition, the victim can try to decrypt a couple of files for free (to test the decryptor’s functionality).
• How Do I Pay? Hackers explain that payments are accepted in Bitcoin currency only.
• Contact. Victims can contact hackers by sending them a message.

Other ransom notes and file extensions indicate criminals contact email address – recoverydata54@protonmail.com and username data54 on Telegram app.

On the left side of the window, the virus shows a time counter which shows how much time has left until the ransom price raise. There is also another time counter until the complete disaster – final data loss.

The initial malware version is known to demand $300-$600 in Bitcoin, although this price may vary depending on the malware version in 2019.

Fact sheet

If the described malware has compromised your files and you can no longer open them, it is important to remove WannaCry virus immediately and take actions to recover your files. However, please proceed to the malware removal only after reading all of the information provided.

WannaCry spin-offs still active in 2019

According to the latest report by Sophos, called “The WannaCry hangover,” the virus is still a concern although two years after the infamous cyberattack have passed. The initial version was stopped with so-called kill-switch.

To put it simply, the ransomware was coded to check for a specific domain and, if it is unregistered, start the encryption procedure. Otherwise, the malware shuts itself down. However, variants of the virus are still spreading and some of the versions can bypass the kill-switch.

A security researcher going after a name of MalwareTech (real name Marcus Hutchins) then discovered the kill-switch, registered the said domain and prevented the virus from encrypting computers worldwide. Hutchins gained respect worldwide but it was soon revealed that he was involved in other malware operations himself.

Despite the original version being almost dead, the biggest problem is that there are now over 12k versions of the said ransomware virus. Although the majority of these can’t even encrypt files on target systems, they can replicate and spread to computers using older and unpatched Windows versions. As a consequence, these computers can get infected. Besides, some of the versions are created to bypass the kill-switch.

Known distribution methods

WannaCry ransomware attack was based on a Server Message Block (SMB) security flaw in Windows. It was exploited with the help of leaked information from National Security Agency, who had developed an exploit dubbed EternalBlue for older Windows OS. The information about the exploit was leaked by The Shadow Brokers, a well-known hacker group.

The ransomware infected outdated Windows systems by leveraging the security hole in the said older systems. This method of attacking unaware computer users is still very popular among cybercriminals, so users should to keep their operating system and software up-to-date at all times.

Ransomware frequently reaches victims via email or untrustworthy download sites and infected ad networks. For general tips on how to avoid ransomware attacks, please see this lengthy and detailed guide on ransomware prevention techniques in 2019.

Decryption opportunities

It is now 2019 and there are dozens of ransomware analysis reports. Two years since the initial attack passed. As a consequence, security researchers have released several Wannacry decryption tools to recover .wannacry, .wcry and .wncry file extension files locked by the malware. Below, you can find some information about the tools you can use to recover your data.

• WanaKiwi.
• WannaKey.

Important: If your machine has been infected by the virus, do not reboot it before you try WanaKiwi. It is so because the tool needs to detect specific information on your machine related to the virus.

The decryptors only work for operasting systems up to Windows 7. For detailed information on how to use these tools, refer to this article by Matt Suiche.

Remove WannaCry ransomware from Windows computer

WannaCry removal is a complicated task. The cybersecurity experts suggest first using the decryptor than removing the ransomware. If you have already attempted to restore your files, or in case you have a backup and now you want to wipe the malware remains from your computer, consider using below-provided instructions.

To remove WannaCry, follow each step attentively. It doesn’t matter if you installed the initial ransomware version or a modified version of it – these instructions apply to all file-encrypting malware versions.

OUR GEEKS RECOMMEND

Our team recommends a two-step rescue plan to remove ransomware and other remaining malware from your computer, plus repair caused virus damage to the system:

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RESTORO uses AVIRA scanning engine to detect existing spyware and malware. If any are found, the software will eliminate them.

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Alternative software recommendations

Malwarebytes Anti-Malware

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Disclaimer. This site includes affiliate links. We may earn a small commission by recommending certain products, at no additional cost for you. We only choose quality software and services to recommend.

Norbert Webb

Norbert Webb is the head of Geek’s Advice team. He is the chief editor of the website who controls the quality of content published. The man also loves reading cybersecurity news, testing new software and sharing his insights on them. Norbert says that following his passion for information technology was one of the best decisions he has ever made. “I don’t feel like working while I’m doing something I love.” However, the geek has other interests, such as snowboarding and traveling.