Werd Virus – Details
Werd is a malicious software working as common ransomware. Michael Gillespie, the well-known malware researcher, very first found this new name in the DJVU ransomware family.
Werd was created for the sole function to encrypt all popular file types. Rationally, as soon as the encryption is effectively achieved, the users are not able to get access to them. Werd virus adds its own “.werd” to all the encrypted files. For instance, the file “price_list.xls”, when crypted by Werd, will be entitled as “price_list.xls.werd”. Once the file encryption is accomplished, Werd puts its own distinct text file (_readme.txt) into all the folders that store the encrypted files.
The alert mentioned by _readme.txt requesting the random os extremely similar to the notices provided by other ransomware threats belonging to the DJVU family. The caution generally indicates that the data has been secured and the only option to get access to it is to use an unique standalone key. Regretfully, this declaration is absolutely true.
The technique to secure the files utilized by Werd is not entirely investigated. However, there is no doubt that each computer system owner might be provided an unique decryption key, which is absolutely special. It is incredibly difficult to recover the data without the suitable key in place.
“Don’t worry, you can return all your files!”, from text file message:
One more peculiarity of the Werd ransomware is that the users are not able to get access to the key. The decrypting key is hosted on a special server under the total control by the scoundrels who have actually introduced the Werd ransomware into the internet. In order to obtain the key and restore the essential data, the users are informed to connect with the frauds via email or by telegram and to pay the ransom in the amount of $980.
The message also says that the people must contact the Werd authors within 72 hours upon the minute of the information encryption. The alert indicates that by doing so individuals will get a 50% discount rate, for that reason, the ransom amount falls to $490.
Werd crypted your files, however, it may not be the only hazard on your computer. Plus, the ransomware may be concealed deep in the system. To spot and erase the threat entirely, we recommend you to describe the help of GridinSoft Anti-Malware app.
Download GridinSoft Anti-Malware
GridinSoft Anti-Malware Review, How to get free trial?, EULA, and Privacy Policy.
No matter what the quantity of the ransom is, we strongly encourage that you do not pay the ransom. There is no assurance that these online scoundrels will keep their promises, so they might not care at all what the victims feel about the encryption, even when the amount of the ransom is gotten into their accounts. For this reason, paying ransom typically does not result in a successful recovery. So, the users might just lose their money for nothing.
Similarly, we advise you not to contact the frauds as they advise. Do not move money into their wallets. There are no applications that could split the Werd virus or bring back the data for free. Therefore, the only right choice is to bring back the data from possible backups (if readily available).
Virus Summary
| Name | Werd Ransomware |
| File Extension | werd |
| Type | Ransomware |
| Family | DJVU |
| Short Description | The 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. |
| Symptoms | File encryption by the ransomware is performed by means of the AES-256 algorithm (CFB mode) encryption algorithm. Once the encryption is completed, the ransomware adds its special .werd extension to all the files modified by it. |
| Distribution Method | Adware bundles and software cracks |
| Similar Infections | Leto, Bora, Reco |
| Removal Tool | GridinSoft Anti-Malware |
Do not forget that the Internet is now loaded with infections comparable to the Werd ransomware. For instance, this specific hazard is generally similar to Brusaf and other ransomware-type infections. These damaging utilities have been established in order to secure the essential information and express the demand for the users to pay the ransom. All these infections utilize the similar algorithm to produce the specific key for successful files decryption.
Unless the Werd ransomware is still under the development procedure or has got some concealed bugs, it is not possible to restore the information by hand. Hence, the only working service to avoid the loss of your important information is to frequently keep updated backups of all your crucial files.
Another essential piece of advice is to keep the backups on special storage not connected to your primary device. For example, you might store it on the USB Flash Drive, or some external hard disk, or by using the cloud data storage services. Keeping the backups on your regular drive is really dangerous, considering that the backup may also be secured by the Werd infection.
Leakages for the Werd ransomware attack.
Werd utilizes lots of courses to infiltrate the vulnerable computers. It is not specific what particular method was utilized in your case, nevertheless, the intrusion might occur by means of the following channels:
- bundling with third-party programs, generally freeware;
- spam e-mails from the unknown senders;
- sites providing free hosting;
- P2P (peer-to-peer) torrent software.
There are times when the Werd virus might disguise itself as some genuine application, for example, through the misleading informs demanding setup of some software upgrade. This is the most common technique utilized by the frauds to inject the Werd virus files into the system. This way users partially take part in its setup, without clearly comprehending the risk.
Furthermore, the frauds may send out unsolicited spam e-mail with tricky signals motivating individuals to open suspicious accessories or click on some download links, for example, those encouraging individuals to open certain images, text files, tax documents and other information.
No doubt, opening these files or clicking on the harmful links might basically harm the system. Fake Adobe Flash Player update notifications may cause the Werd ransomware infiltration. Likewise, downloading the cracked software application might furthermore consist of the ransomware installer. The last but not the least, installation of Werd may happen through some Trojan horses that may be set up stealthily into the system and without the user’s direct consent or perhaps consent.
Avoiding the Werd virus attack.
Obviously, there is no outright assurance that your computer system will be always without any malware attacks, however, we would like to share some beneficial suggestions with you to make it more secure. Make sure to pay very very close attention while browsing the web and specifically while getting cost-free programs. Do not open any suspicious e-mail attachments, especially if the sender is not known to you.
Do not forget that particular freeware installer might likewise include some other additional apps in the bundle. These extra applications may be really destructive. It is of utmost significance to keep your anti-virus software and your operating system in basic to be constantly correctly updated.
It is quite rational that downloading cracked programs is illegal, however, additionally, such unauthorized programs usage may also bring severe damage to your system. For this reason, do not download any cracked programs. Plus, the truth that your present anti-virus did not protect the system from the Werd ransomware is a good reason for you to reevaluate your options and switch to another program that can render the safeguarding functions on a better level.
Below please find the quotation from the Werd text file:
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: https://we.tl/t-2P5WrE5b9f 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: gorentos2@firemail.cc Our Telegram account: @datarestore
Screenshot of files with “.werd” extension added by the virus:”
Use GridinSoft Anti-Malware to remove Werd ransomware from your computer
1.Download GridinSoft Anti-Malware.
You can download GridinSoft Anti-Malware by clicking the button below:
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.
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.
3. Press Install button for run GridinSoft Anti-Malware.
3.Once installed, GridinSoft Anti-Malware will automatically run.
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.
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.
User Review
( votes)
