4rw5w ransomware is a cryptovirus created primarily to encrypt users’ sensitive data and collect ransom fees from them in exchange for their recovered files. 4rw5w ransomware was first spotted on May 24th, 2017 and malware researchers report that the virus is programmed by a team of independent hackers targeting English-speaking users. In case you have been infected by 4rw5w virus, we highly encourage you to not pay the requested amount. Instead, follow our instructions below for manual or automated removal of 4rw5w ransomware, and only then you can try to restore encrypted data via a data recovery tool.
Manual Removal Guide
Recover Encrypted Files
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4rw5w Ransomware – Description
4rw5w ransomware is a typical crypto virus aiming to lock victims’ files until they transfer 30 USD worth of bitcoins to a particular wallet address to get their files back. Once encrypted, the files receive the .4rwcry4w extension to them.
The virus also runs as 4rw5wDecryptor.exe’ and ‘4rw4w.exe’ on infected devices. Some of the files below indicate that your PC has been infected:
Artemis!A4DEA323D161
Ransom.CryptXXX
Ransom_STUPETRI.A
Troj.W32.Agent!c
Trojan.Win32.Agent.nezzky
malicious_confidence_100% (W)
Interesting enough, the ransom note displayed on the screen of an infected machine resembles that of the notorious WannaCry virus that was used in a massive attack a week ago, though it’s a bit different. The 4rw5w ransom note reads the following message:
WARNING
we have encrypted your files with 4rw5w crypt virus !
Your important files : photos, videos, documents, etc, were encrypt with our 4rw5w crypt virus.
The only way to get your files back is to pay us 30$ in Bitcoins. Otherwise, your files will be lost.
Caution: Removing of 4rw5w crypt virus will not restore access to your encrypted files.
[+] What happened To my files?
Understanding the issue
[+] How can i Get my files back?
The only way Is To pay For the decryption key !
[+] What should i Do Next?
Buy the decryption Key for 30$ worth in Bitcoins !
Bitcoin Adress to buy the decryption key : 16K81jbUkCcUbwjtmW7Lvywp3CJcg2HKoG
Encrypted Files: [RANDOM NUMBER] Decrypted Files: [RANDOM NUMBER]
The 4rw5w ransomware encrypts files with the following extensions using the AES cypher:
.avi, .dll, .doc, .docx, .dot, .dotm, .exe, .jpg, .lnk, .mp3, .mp4, .nef, .odt, .pdf, .pif, .png, .png, .rar, .txt, .url, .wav, .zip
These are pretty much the most commonly used files by most users. Once scrambled, they will receive the .4rwcry4w extension.
4rw5w Ransomware – How Did My PC Get Infected?
4rw5w ransomware is currently in a stasis mode but it’s expected to be distributed via compromised email attachments, social media, corrupted files, etc. Once the corrupted file enters your system and you execute it, the 4rw5w ransomware infection process will begin. To avoid infection, you should always be alert what emails you open. This is the most preferred by the hackers way to distribute ransomware infections. They carefully craft the fake email and disguise it as a legitimate one from your bank, a website you usually visit, a service you are subscribed to or another institution.
Related: Five Tips for Your Online Privacy
Remove 4rw5w Ransomware and Restore Encrypted Files
In case your system gets infected by 4rw5w ransomware virus, make sure you do not pay the ransom fee. This action only encourages hackers to continue spreading the infection. Also, even if you pay, you are not guaranteed to receive your files back. There cases when victims pay the requested amount but since the infection remains in the system, the hackers strike again later, asking for more money. The best thing you could do in case of a 4rw5w ransomware infection is to remove the virus first and only then try to recover your data using a legitimate data recovery tool.
WARNING! Manual removal of the 4rw5w ransomware virus requires being familiar with system files and registries. Removing important data accidentally can lead to permanent system damage. If you don’t feel comfortable with manual instructions, download a powerful anti-malware tool that will scan your system for malware and clean it safely for you.
SpyHunter anti-malware tool will diagnose all current threats on the computer. By purchasing the full version, you will be able to remove all malware threats instantly. Additional information about SpyHunter / Help to uninstall SpyHunter
4rw5w Ransomware Virus – Manual Removal Steps
Start the PC in Safe Mode with Network
This will isolate all files and objects created by the ransomware so they will be removed efficiently. The steps bellow are applicable to all Windows versions.
1. Hit the WIN Key + R
2. A Run window will appear. In it, write msconfig and then press Enter
3. A Configuration box shall appear. In it Choose the tab named Boot
4. Mark Safe Boot option and then go to Network under it to tick it too
5. Apply -> OK
Show Hidden Files
Some ransomware threats are designed to hide their malicious files in the Windows so all files stored on the system should be visible.
1. Open My Computer/This PC
2. Windows 7
- – Click on Organize button
– Select Folder and search options
– Select the View tab
– Go under Hidden files and folders and mark Show hidden files and folders option
3. Windows 8/ 10
- – Open View tab
– Mark Hidden items option
4. Click Apply and then OK button
Enter Windows Task Manager and Stop Malicious Processes
1. Hit the following key combination: CTRL+SHIFT+ESC
2. Get over to Processes
3. When you find suspicious process right click on it and select Open File Location
4. Go back to Task Manager and end the malicious process. Right click on it again and choose End Process
5. Next, you should go folder where the malicious file is located and delete it
Repair Windows Registry
1. Again type simultaneously the WIN Key + R key combination
2. In the box, write regedit and hit Enter
3. Type the CTRL+ F and then write the malicious name in the search type field to locate the malicious executable
4. In case you have discovered registry keys and values related to the name, you should delete them, but be careful not to delete legitimate keys
Click for more information about Windows Registry and further repair help
Recover Encrypted Files
WARNING! All files and objects associated with 4rw5w ransomware virus should be removed from the infected PC before any data recovery attempts. Otherwise the virus may encrypt restored files. Furthermore, a backup of all encrypted files stored on external media is highly recommendable.
1. Use present backups
2. Use professional data recovery software
Stellar Phoenix Data Recovery – a specialist tool that can restore partitions, data, documents, photos, and 300 more file types lost during various types of incidents and corruption.
3. Using System Restore Point
- – Hit WIN Key
– Select “Open System Restore” and follow the steps
4. Restore your personal files using File History
- – Hit WIN Key
– Type restore your files in the search box
– Select Restore your files with File History
– Choose a folder or type the name of the file in the search bar
– Hit the “Restore” button
