Remove WERD Ransomware Virus (2022 Guide)
WERD ransomware is the 174th STOP/DJVU virus variant
Contents
WERD Ransomware is the 174th version of STOP DJVU file-encrypting virus. It has been discovered by Michael Gillespie on October 21st, 2019. The ransomware targets Windows systems to encrypt all files on them. To mark encrypted data, the virus adds .werd file extensions to them. Finally, the malware leaves ransom-demanding messages in files called _readme.txt (the ransom notes). This version demands $490 if paid within 72 hours and $980 later on. This ransomware also installs Azorult password-stealing Trojan on the system.
The virus locks files using AES+RSA cryptography, which is nearly impossible to break. Such combination of cryptography is typically used to secure military-grade secrets. However, the ransomware uses either online or offline keys to lock data based on the success to establish connection with a remote server.
The offline key is easier to break, therefore victims affected by the offline key encryption can restore their files sooner or later.
Good news! Victims of offline ransomware encryption can decrypt WERD files for free using Emsisoft Decrypter for STOP/DJVU. Find instructions here.
Unfortunately, the online keys are generated on the criminals’ end, therefore, such victims looking for help on decrypting .werd files cannot recover their files in any other way than using data backups.
If your files were encrypted with offline key (your personal ID ends with t1), you can recover at least part of your data for free using STOP Decrypter. Find instructions here.
The attackers demand paying a hefty ransom to recover data
The ransomware developers provide their conditions in the ransom notes stored in each data folder with encrypted data. The _readme.txt file explains that all files have been encrypted, but they can be returned if the victim pays a hefty sum of money to the cyber criminals.
In other words, the hackers want you to pay a ransom, which you shouldn’t do in any circumstances as they cannot be trusted and you may never get your data back even after paying.
The note informs that the victim can contact WERD file virus developers via gorentos@bitmessage.ch or amundas@firemail.cc. To force the victim believe that it is worth paying the ransom, the attackers suggest decrypting one file for free. They even provide a 50% discount for victims who reach out within 72 hours from the ransomware infection. These can pay $490 instead of $980 (the full price) for the DJVU Decryptor.
Full contents of the ransom note are given below.
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:
[removed link]
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:
amundas@firemail.cc
Your personal ID:
SDF5hTlGeFDSFC5nsgsaoejm4RWx1y37zcacA5hsfl60BnY8fnb
sdJH62723bqD7sdfJmYmGFWxkjhDG2710AbS35Qaidkhghvt1
If you have been infected with this malicious file-encoding virus, we strongly recommend you to remove WERD file virus as soon as you can using a trustworthy antivirus. Please check software reviews on our site if you do not have any at the moment. In addition, follow the guidelines provided below the article to start your antivirus safely while the virus is lurking on your computer system.
Chances to recover data are low
To decrypt .werd files, you’ll need to collect original and encrypted data examples and teach the decryptor to unlock the rest of your files.
However, if your files were locked by an online key, there are no chances to recover data at the moment. Cryptography is a very complicated process which is made to be complex on a time basis, meaning that attempts to decrypt a file without having a private key could take years. It is why such encryption is so strong and the chances to recover files are low.
If you are wondering why other STOP DJVU versions (such as RECO, NOOS, BOOT, BORA) are decryptable but .leto or .toec extension files are not, it is so because the DJVU ransomware has been updated in August 2019 and the encryption methods used were improved. Once the attackers send out the private key to their own servers, there is no way to obtain or extract it (unless an offline key is used).
Threat Summary
| Name | WERD ransomware virus |
| Type | Ransomware |
| File Marker | .werd extension |
| Encryption | AES+RSA |
| Ransom note | _readme.txt |
| Ransom demand | $490-$980 in Bitcoin |
| Decryptable | Can be decrypted if locked with offline key, see instructions here |
| Distribution | Illegal software activators: cracks, keygens |
| Removal | Can be removed in Safe Mode. Scan with RESTORO to identify and repair virus damage |
Scan your system for FREE to detect security, hardware and stability issues. You can use the scan results and try to remove threats manually, or you can choose to get the full version of software to fix detected issues and repair virus damage to Windows OS system files automatically. Includes Avira spyware/malware detection & removal engine.
Avoid ransomware attacks in the future
Werd ransomware is known to be distributed via untrustworthy and possibly illegal websites that provide software cracks, keygens, and other unofficial software activators (for instance, KMSPico virus). You have a bigger chance to catch such ransomware infection in you tend to trust various sites that share torrent or other peer-to-peer type downloads. Please remember that it is better to be safe than sorry, and obtaining legal software licenses is typically much cheaper than paying to the ransomware developers.
Furthermore, please be aware of other tricks employed by malware distributors. They often target users of older Windows systems that still use old technologies such as Flash Player. Therefore, it is extremely important to keep up to date with current technologies that are much more secure and always update the operating system along with programs that you have. This way, the attackers have lower chances of exploiting vilnerabitlities in your software and OS.
Finally, try to create data backups regularly. It is vital to store them on external storage devices. Although you can also use cloud backups, remember that some ransomware versions are made to reach these clouds and encrypt files stored there during the attack, too.
Remove WERD ransomware virus immediately and recover data from backups
Do not relay WERD ransomware removal – its is extremely important to delete it along with Azorult Trojan that it installs on the system. Please follow the instructions given below and eliminate the threat according to provided professional guidance.
Once you remove Werd ransomware virus, start restoring your files from a data backup. You can also try to gather as many original file copies as possible from emails, data transfer services used recently, messages, phone, and so on. Please also change all of your passwords that you use online due to Azorult’s banking Trojan activity. Finally, we do not recommend deleting the encrypted files for good – the encryption tool MIGHT appear in the far future.
Victims of ransomware attacks are kindly asked to inform their friends and family about ransomware protection methods. There is no 100% working way to secure yourself against ransomware in a blink of an eye. People should follow the latest malware distribution trends and be aware of them in order to avoid falling a victim.
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:
STEP 1. REMOVE AUTOMATICALLY WITH ROBUST ANTIVIRUS
STEP 2. REPAIR VIRUS DAMAGE TO YOUR COMPUTER
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WERD ransomware Removal Guidelines
Method 1. Enter Safe Mode with Networking
Step 1. Start Windows in Safe Mode with Networking
Before you try to remove WERD ransomware virus, you must start your computer in Safe Mode with Networking. Below, we provide the easiest ways to boot PC in the said mode, but you can find additional ones in this in-depth tutorial on our website – How to Start Windows in Safe Mode. Also, if you prefer a video version of the tutorial, check our guide How to Start Windows in Safe Mode on Youtube.
Instructions for Windows XP/Vista/7 users
- First of all, turn off your PC. Then press the Power button to start it again and instantly start pressing F8 button on your keyboard repeatedly in 1-second intervals. This launches the Advanced Boot Options menu.
- Use arrow keys on the keyboard to navigate down to Safe Mode with Networking option and press Enter.
Instructions for Windows 8/8.1/10/11 users
- Open Windows Start menu, then press down the Power button. On your keyboard, press down and hold the Shift key, and then select Restart option.
- This will take you to Windows Troubleshoot screen. Choose Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Startup Settings > Restart. Tip: If you can't find Startup Settings, click See more recovery options.
- In Startup Settings, press the right key between F1-F9 to enter Safe Mode with Networking. In this case, it is the F5 key.
Step 2. Remove files associated with the virus
Now, you can search for and remove WERD ransomware files. It is very hard to identify files and registry keys that belong to the ransomware virus, Besides, malware creators tend to rename and change them repeatedly. Therefore, the easiest way to uninstall such type of a computer virus is to use a reliable security program such as INTEGO Antivirus, which also includes data recovery software. For virus damage repair, consider using RESTORO.
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Compatibility: Microsoft Windows
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RESTORO is a unique PC Repair Tool which comes with an in-built Avira scan engine to detect and remove spyware/malware threats and uses a patented technology to repair virus damage. The software can repair damaged, missing or malfunctioning Windows OS files, corrupted DLLs, and more. The free version offers a scan that detects issues. To fix them, license key for the full software version must be purchased.
Method 2. Use System Restore
In order to use System Restore, you must have a system restore point, created either manually or automatically.
Step 1. Boot Windows in Safe Mode with Command Prompt
Instructions for Windows XP/Vista/7 users
- Shut down your PC. Start it again by pressing the Power button and instantly start pressing F8 button on your keyboard repeatedly in 1-second intervals. You will see Advanced Boot Options menu.
- Using arrow keys on the keyboard, navigate down to Safe Mode with Command Prompt option and press Enter.
Instructions for Windows 8/8.1/10/11 users
- Launch Windows Start menu, then click the Power button. On your keyboard, press down and hold the Shift key, and then choose Restart option with the mouse cursor.
- This will take you to Windows Troubleshoot screen. Choose Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Startup Settings > Restart. Tip: If you can't find Startup Settings, click See more recovery options.
- In Startup Settings, press the right key between F1-F9 to enter Safe Mode with Command Prompt. In this case, press F6 key.
Step 2. Start System Restore process
- Wait until system loads and command prompt shows up.
- Type cd restore and press Enter, then type rstrui.exe and press Enter. Or you can just type %systemroot%system32restorerstrui.exe in command prompt and hit Enter.
- This launches System Restore window. Click Next and then choose a System Restore point created in the past. Choose one that was created before ransomware infection.
- Click Yes to begin the system restoration process.
After restoring the system, we recommend scanning the system with antivirus or anti-malware software. In most cases, there won't be any malware remains, but it never hurts to double-check. In addition, we highly recommend checking ransomware prevention guidelines provided by our experts in order to protect your PC against similar viruses in the future.
Alternative software recommendations
Malwarebytes Anti-Malware
Removing spyware and malware is one step towards cybersecurity. To protect yourself against ever-evolving threats, we strongly recommend purchasing a Premium version of Malwarebytes Anti-Malware, which provides security based on artificial intelligence and machine learning. Includes ransomware protection. See pricing options and protect yourself now.
System Mechanic Ultimate Defense
If you're looking for an all-in-one system maintenance suite that has 7 core components providing powerful real-time protection, on-demand malware removal, system optimization, data recovery, password manager, online privacy protection and secure driver wiping technology. Therefore, due to its wide-range of capabilities, System Mechanic Ultimate Defense deserves Geek's Advice approval. Get it now for 50% off. You may also be interested in its full review.
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.
Decrypt WERD files
Fix and open large WERD files easily:
It is reported that STOP/DJVU ransomware versions encrypt only the beginning 150 KB of each file to ensure that the virus manages to affect all files on the system. In some cases, the malicious program might skip some files at all. That said, we recommend testing this method on several big (>1GB) files first.
- Create a copy of encrypted file to a separate folder using Copy > Paste commands.
- Now, right-click the created copy and choose Rename. Select the WERD extension and delete it. Press Enter to save changes.
- In the prompt asking whether you want to make the changes as file might become unusable, click OK.
- Try opening the file.
STOP/DJVU decryption tool usage guide
STOP/DJVU ransomware versions are grouped into old and new variants. WERD ransomware is considered the new STOP/DJVU variant, just like VYIA, QBAA, FOPA, VTYM, KQGS, XCBG, BPQD (find full list here). This means full data decryption is now possible only if you have been affected by offline encryption key. To decrypt your files, you will have to download Emsisoft Decryptor for STOP DJVU, a tool created and maintained by a genius security researcher Michael Gillespie.
Note! Please do not spam the security researcher with questions whether he can recover your files encrypted with online key - it is not possible.
In order to test the tool and see if it can decrypt WERD files, follow the given tutorial.
- Download the decryption tool from Emsisoft.
- Click the little arrow next to your download and choose Show in Folder.
- Now, right-click the file and choose Run as Administrator. If asked, enter administrator's password.
- In UAC window, click Yes.
- Click Yes to agree to software terms in both windows.
- The tool will automatically include C:// disk as a location to decrypt. The file recovery tool will prepopulate the locations to scan, including connected data storage drives or network drives. Click Add folder if you wish to add additional locations.
In Options tab, you can choose to keep encrypted file copies. We recommend leaving this option selected, especially if you do not know if the decryption tool will work. - Click Decrypt to start restoring WERD files. You will see the progress in the Results tab. Here, you can see messages from the tool, such as whether the decryption procedure is successful, or you need to wait for an update.
You might also be informed that online key was used to encrypt your files. In such case, the decryption tool won't work for you, and the only way to recover your files is to use a data backup.
Meanings of decryptor's messages
The WERD decryption tool might display several different messages after failed attempt to restore your files. You might receive one of the following messages:
Error: Unable to decrypt file with ID: [example ID]
This message typically means that there is no corresponding decryption key in the decryptor's database.
No key for New Variant online ID: [example ID]
Notice: this ID appears to be an online ID, decryption is impossible
This message informs that your files were encrypted with online key, meaning no one else has the same encryption/decryption key pair, therefore data recovery without paying the criminals is impossible.
Result: No key for new variant offline ID: [example ID]
This ID appears to be an offline ID. Decryption may be possible in the future.
If you were informed that an offline key was used, but files could not be restored, it means that the offline decryption key isn't available yet. However, receiving this message is extremely good news, meaning that it might be possible to restore your WERD extension files in the future. It can take a few months until the decryption key gets found and uploaded to the decryptor. We recommend you to follow updates regarding the decryptable DJVU versions here. We strongly recommend backing up your encrypted data and waiting.
Report Internet crime to legal departments
Victims of WERD ransomware should report the Internet crime incident to the official government fraud and scam website according to their country:
- In the United States, go to the On Guard Online website.
- In Australia, go to the SCAMwatch website.
- In Germany, go to the Bundesamt für Sicherheit in der Informationstechnik website.
- In Ireland, go to the An Garda Síochána website.
- In New Zealand, go to the Consumer Affairs Scams website.
- In the United Kingdom, go to the Action Fraud website.
- In Canada, go to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.
- In India, go to Indian National Cybercrime Reporting Portal.
- In France, go to the Agence nationale de la sécurité des systèmes d’information.
If you can't find an authority corresponding to your location on this list, we recommend using any search engine to look up "[your country name] report cyber crime". This should lead you to the right authority website. We also recommend staying away from third-party crime report services that are often paid. It costs nothing to report Internet crime to official authorities.
Another recommendation is to contact your country's or region’s federal police or communications authority.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can only open WERD files if you have the decryption key, or if you were affected by offline encryption type.
To figure out whether you were affected by offline encryption, please go to C:/SystemID/PersonalID.txt and see if the string inside of it ends in t1. You can also try using Emsisoft Decryptor for STOP/DJVU.
Please follow the guidances provided by the official WERD decryption tools and believe what they say. If they say it is impossible to decrypt, it really is so. There is no magic tool or human capable of decrypting your files hiding somewhere. Encryption is a technique created to be nearly impossible to decrypt without a special private key (held by the criminals).
We advise scanning with anti-virus, anti-malware, malware removal tools or software like RESTORO to eliminate virus damage on the system. If you do not trust using a single tool, try running one after another. However, we do not recommend keeping several security programs on a computer at once as they can interfere with each other's work.
Beware of fake WERD decryption tools circulating around the web. Cyber criminals are uploading them to various shady websites, also might be promoting them via suspicious Youtube videos. These programs can infect your computer even more heavily (Trojans, miners, etc.). We suggest being extremely cautious around the web. If there will be an official STOP/DJVU decryption tool available, it will be widely discussed in public media.
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.
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