RansomwareRemoval Guide

Remove DireWolf Virus (.direwolf Files Ransomware)

DireWolf Virus Ransomware

The DireWolf mean a ransomware-type infection. DireWolf was elaborated specifically to encrypt all major file types. Once the file is encrypted people are not able to use them. DireWolf adds the “.direwolf” extension for each file encrypted by it. For example, the file “myphoto.jpg“, when encrypted by DireWolf, will be renamed into “myphoto.jpg.direwolf“. As quickly as the encryption is finished, DireWolf places a special text file into every folder containing the encrypted data.

The message given by DireWolf text file requesting for the ransom is absolutely the same as the statements given by other ransomware virus representatives. It literally points out that the information is encrypted and that the only way to restore it is to use a a special decryption key. Unfortunately, this is absolutely true. The kind of cryptography mechanism applied by DireWolf is still not correctly examined. Still, it is definitely specific that each victim may be given the specific decryption key, which is completely unique. It is difficult to restore the files without the key available.

Another trick of DireWolf is that the victims cannot gain access to the key. The key is stored on a specific server run by the frauds related to DireWolf ransomware. To get the key and recover the important info people need to pay the ransom.

However, irrespective of the requested quantity, people must keep away from paying the ransom. Cyber frauds are unfair, so they tend to completely disregard what their victims feel about the issue, even when the payment reaches their pockets. This is why paying the ransom generally does not give any positive result and people just waste their money for nothing.

We strongly recommend that you do not contact these crooks and certainly do not transfer money into their accounts. It is said to admit that there are no utilities able to crack DireWolf ransomware and to recover the information data free of charge. Hence, the just right decision is to recover the lost data from the available backup.

Virus Summary

NameDireWolf Ransomware
File Extension.direwolf
TypeRansomware
Short DescriptionThe ransomware encrypts all the data stored on your system and requires a ransom to be paid on your part supposedly to recover your important files.
SymptomsFile encryption by the ransomware is performed by means of the AES and RSA encryption algorithms. Once the encryption is completed, the ransomware adds its special direwolf extension to all the files modified by it.
Distribution MethodSpam Emails, Email Attachments
Removal Tool   GridinSoft Anti-Malware

Remember that the world wide web is now overwhelmed with threats that look comparable to DireWolf ransomware. Malicious programs of such kind are typically elaborated to encrypt crucial data and to state the need before the user to pay the ransom. The peculiarity of all such ransomware threats is that all apply a comparable algorithm to generate the unique decryption key for data decryption.

Hence, as long as the ransomware is still being developed or has some hidden bugs, manually recovering the information is simply not feasible. The only method to avoid the loss of your crucial information is to regularly create backups of your important information.

Remember that even if you create such backups, they must be placed into a special storage utility not connect to your main computer. You may use the USB Memory Stick or external hard drive for this purpose, or refer to the help of the cloud storage. If you save your backup files on your common system they may be encrypted along with other files, so it’s certainly not a good storage place.

How did ransomware infect my PC?

There are a number of ways used by online scams to distribute DireWolf ransomware. Despite the fact that it doubts how exactly DireWolf injects your system, there are some leaks through which it may penetrate the system:

  • integration with third-party software, especially freeware;
  • spam emails from unidentified senders;
  • sites rendering free hosting services;
  • pirated peer-to-peer (P2P) downloads.

Typically DireWolf ransomware might exist as some genuine software, for example, in the pop-ups advising users to carry out some essential software updates. This is the common technique used by online frauds to persuade people into downloading and installing DireWolf infection manually, by ways of their direct participation in the installation process.

Additionally, the criminals might refer to numerous e-mail spam strategies to inject harmful codes into copmuter. So, they may refer to to sending unsolicited spam emails with tricky notifications promoting users to download the attachments or click on certain download links, for example, the ones motivating users to open some receipts, files, tax reports or invoices.

Needless to mention, opening such files or clicking on such dangerous links may severely damage the system. Fictitious Adobe Flash Player update notifies may result in DireWolf ransom injection. As for the cracked software, these illegally downloaded programs may also contain malicious codes causing DireWolf secret installation. Finally, injection of DireWolf may take place by methods of Trojans that secretly get injected into the system and install destructive utilities without the user’s authorization.

Is there any method to avoid the injection of DireWolf ransom virus?

Although there is no 100% guarantee to avoid your PC from getting infected, there are some pieces of recommendations we want to show with you. First of all, be really careful when you browse the web and particularly while downloading totally free apps. Keep away from opening suspicious email attachments, especially when the sender of the email is not familiar to you.

Remember that some freeware installers may include other unwanted utilities in the bundle, so they may be destructive. Make certain that your current antivirus software and your entire OS is always duly updated.

Obviously, downloading pirated software is prohibited and may lead to essential damage to be made for your system. For this reason, stay away from downloading cracked software. You are likewise highly recommended to reconsider your existing security software and possibly switch to another security solution that can render better services of defending your computer.

Below please find the quotation from the DireWolf text file:

Dear Mr or Ms, 
If you are reading this message, it means that: 
- your network infrastructure has been compromised
- critical data was leaked
- files are encrypted
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
The best and only thing you can do is to contact us
to settle the matter before any losses occurs. 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
We can maintain confidentiality for 3 days for you, during which we will not disclose any information about your intrusion or data leakage. 
We can extend the confidentiality period free of charge until we reach an agreement if you contact us within 3 days and communicate effectively with us.
If the confidentiality period expires, we will disclose the relevant information. 
We provide complimentary decryption testing services. For specific details, please contact us.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
We have provided a sample document as proof of our possession of your files and you can download and check it: 
- hxxxs://gofile.io/d/3*****
Please be advised that your files are scheduled for public release after 30 working days. 
If you want to secure your files, we urge you to reach out to us at your earliest convenience.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Contact Details:
- live chat room:
- url:hxxx://direwolf3ddtab5anvhulcelauvoxu2a7l264hqs6vtxtgrqsjfvodid.onion/ 
- roomID: thairung
- username: tha*****
- password: E27*****
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
Our official website:
- url:hxxx://direwolfcdkv5whaz2spehizdg22jsuf5aeje4asmetpbt6ri4jnd4qd.onion/
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
How to access .onion website: 
1.Download and install TOR Browser https://torproject.org
2.Open it and try to access our onion address
3.Maybe you need to use VPN if it can not open our onion address

Screenshot of files with “.direwolf” extension added by the ransomware:
DireWolf Ransomware - encrypt files with .direwolf extension

Use GridinSoft Anti-Malware to remove DireWolf ransomware from your computer

1.Download GridinSoft Anti-Malware.

You can download GridinSoft Anti-Malware by clicking the button below:

  GridinSoft Anti-Malware

2. Double-click on the setup file.

When setup file has finished downloading, double-click on the setup-antimalware-ag.exe file to install GridinSoft Anti-Malware on your computer.
GridinSoft Anti-Malware
An User Account Control asking you about to allow GridinSoft Anti-Malware to make changes to your device. So, you should click “Yes” to continue with the installation.
GridinSoft Anti-Malware Setup

3. Press Install button for run GridinSoft Anti-Malware.

GridinSoft Anti-Malware Install

3.Once installed, GridinSoft Anti-Malware will automatically run.

GridinSoft Anti-Malware  Start

4. Wait for the GridinSoft Anti-Malware scan to complete.

GridinSoft Anti-Malware will automatically start scanning your computer for Win Speedup 2018 and other malicious programs. This process can take a 20-30 minutes, so we suggest you periodically check on the status of the scan process.
GridinSoft Anti-Malware Scan

5. Click on “Clean Now”.

When the scan has completed, you will see the list of infections that GridinSoft Anti-Malware has detected. To remove them click on the “Clean Now” button in right corner.
GridinSoft Anti-Malware Scan Result

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Daniel Zimmermann

Daniel Zimmermann has been writing on security and malware subjects for many years and has been working in the security industry for over 10 years. Daniel was educated at the Saarland University in Saarbrücken, Germany and currently lives in New York.

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