Complete .wndie Virus Removal Guide (Full Instructions)

.wndie Virus image

An infection with the dangerous .wndie Virus leads to serious security issues. Victims can restore and protect their computers by following our complete removal guide.

Remove .wndie Virus and Restore PC
Manual Removal Guide
Skip all steps and download anti-malware tool that will safely scan and clean your PC.

DOWNLOAD .wndie Virus Removal Tool

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

Distribution of .wndie Virus

The .wndie Virus is a new virus which has been sighted in a limited attack campaign. At the moment the security researchers cannot determine the primary infection strategy. We presume that the most widely used tactics are going to be employed.

Among them are the email messages created in an automated way and sent to large lists of potential victims. The .wndie Virus can be directly attached to the messages. This is one of the easiest way for the criminals to attempt the infection. However a lot of email hosting providers usually capture the signatures of the virus and as such discard such messages or label them as dangerous or spam. Other infection methods related to this one is the option of inserting hyperlinks in the body content of the messages. The links are usually labeled as leading to a familiar website or a file of user interest. Redirects can redirect to hacker-controlled sites, infected payloads or other instances that can lead to an .wndie Virus infection.

The computer criminals behind the malware can create malicious sites or download portals which distribute malware of different kinds, including the .wndie Virus. A popular option is the use of infected documents which may be of different types ‒ spreadsheets, rich text documents, presentations and databases. They are modified to initiate the virus once the built-in scripts are run. Usually when the files are opened a notification will ask the users to run the macros (scripts). If this is done the infection follows.

The hacker-controlled sites are specialist portals that have been created either manually or automatically by the criminals behind the .wndie Virus. They can either directly distribute the threat by initiating various scripts or automated operations or link to such instances. Redirects are usually caused by email interaction, ad networks or other browsing activity. However one of the main sources is the availability of browser hijackers. They are malicious addons made for the most popular web browsers ‒ Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome, Internet Explorer, Opera, Microsoft Edge and Safari. Once installed they not only infect the users with the malware, but also redirect the victims to a hacker-controlled site. Depending on the configuration the browser hijackers can also steal sensitive information such as any stored passwords, account credentials, history, bookmarks, form data and settings.

Impact of .wndie Virus

The .wndie virus is a newly discovered threat which masquarades as a Wanna Cry imposter malware. It is also known under other other names including the names of Wanna die decrypt0r and Wana_Decrypt0r. During the security analysis it was discovered that the project’s initial code name is titled CryptoWall, a generic title that is part of many malware families.

At the moment no information is available about the identity of the hacker or criminal collective behind it. It is believed that the source of infections originate from a Russian-speaking country as the captured samples include a lockscreen with a ransom message in Russian. This is a fully capable malware that exhibits a wide range of capabilities that are separated into two phases of execution. First there are the post-infection scripts that are used to prepare the system for the actual ransomware deployment and then this process is initiated.

One of the first task that the malware process initiates is the data extraction process. The virus seeks to create a complete profile of the target system. This includes data such as the installed hardware components, applications and user settings. The collected information is reported to the hackers via the network infrastructure and may be used to generate the unique infection ID (UID) which is assigned to every infected host.

The .wndie virus is capable of disabling certain Windows functionality including the Task Manager. This effectively prevents the user from manually interfering with the abusive processes. The main infection engine installs itself deep into the system and can create processes of its own including ones with elevated privileges. Such methods are widely used to install malware like the .wndie virus in a persistent way. In such cases the active infections can only be removed using professional-grade solutions.

Other malware activities include the modification of access controls to system files. As the .wndie virus is able to communicate with the hackers additional threats can be installed on the the victim computers. The dangerous fact is that the infection engine is able to manipulate other programs and the Windows settings in general. The security analysis uncovers that the .wndie virus strains modify the network settings by redirecting the traffic through hacker-controlled proxy servers. Modifications are made to the Windows registrry as well. This can effectively lead to performance issues or application failure.

Once all prerequisite conditions have been met the ransomware engine is started. Like other similar threats it uses a built-in list of target file type extensions. The captured .wndie virus strains werer found to process the following data: .1cd, .csv, .dat, .doc, .docb, .docm, .docx, .dot, .dotm, .dotx, .dt, .DT, .dt, .ged, .hbk, .hbk, .htm,
.html, .key, .keychain, .md, .pps, .ppt, .pptx, .sdf, .tar, .tax2014, .tax2015, .txt, .vcf, .xlc, .xlm, .xls,
.xlsb, .xlsm, .xlsx, .xlt, .xltm, .xltx, .xlw, .xml

All of the processed files are assigned the .wndie extension at the end of the file names. The preceeding names may be changed as well depending on the hacker configuration. The procesed data goes through a very strong cipher which requires the use of a professional-grade malware removal application.

As always the victims are shown a lockscreen to draw their attention to the infection. It also blocks ordinary computer interaction thereby making it impossible to use the host until the virus is completely removed. It reads the following message written in Russian:

Файлы зашифрованы, что делать?
ЧТО СЛУЧИЛОСЬ С МОИМ КОМПЬЮТЕРОМ ?
Ваши важные файлы зашифрованы.
Многие из ваших документов, фотографий, видео, баз данных и других файлов больше недоступны, поскольку они были зашифрованы. Возможно, вы заняты поиском способа восстановления ваших файлов, но не тратьте свое время. Никто не сможет восстановить ваши файлы без нашей службы дешифрования.
МОЖНО ЛИ ВОССТАНОВИТЬ ФАЙЛЫ ?
Конечно Мы гарантируем, что вы сможете безопасно и легко восстановить все свои файлы. Но у нас не так много времени.
Вы можете расшифровать некоторые свои файлы бесплатно. Попробуйте нажать “Расшифровать”.
Но если вы хотите расшифровать все свои файлы, вам нужно заплатить.
Каждую минуту мы будем уничтожать по одному нужному вам файлу, чтобы ускорить процесс (оплата-дешифровка).
У вас есть только 3 дня, чтобы отправить платеж. После этого цена будет удвоена.
Кроме того, если вы не заплатите в течении 7 дней, вы не сможете восстановить файлы навсегда.
У нас будут бесплатные мороприятия для пользователей, которые настолько бедны, что не смогут заплатить за 6 дней.
КАК МНЕ ОПЛАТИТЬ ?
Оплата принимается только в биткоинах. Для дополнительной информации нажмите “Что такое биткоин?”.
Пожалуйста, проверьте текущую цену биткоинов и переведите биткоины на указанную сумму. Для перевода средств нажмите “Перечислить биткоины”.
И отправьте правильную сумму на адрес, указанный в этом окне.
***

[1Dowv8DTWhRk6xQmuWrEDipgCc83VTKbYT] [Копировать] [Введите ключ расшифровки] [Расшифровать] —
Оплата будет повышена
Времени осталось
02:7:38:43

Ваши файлы будут утеряны
Времени осталось
06:22:45:23

Утеря важного файла
Времени осталось
00:0:01:03

Что такое биткоин?
Перечислить биткоины
Связаться с помощью

An automated English-language version reads the following:

Files are encrypted, what should I do?
WHAT HAPPENED WITH MY COMPUTER?
Your important files are encrypted.
Many of your documents, photos, videos, databases and other files are no longer available, because they have been encrypted. Perhaps you are busy searching for a way to restore your files, but do not waste your time. No one can recover your files without our decryption service.
CAN I RESTORE FILES?
Of course We guarantee that you will be able to safely and easily restore all your files. But we do not have much time.
You can decrypt some of your files for free. Try clicking Decrypt.
But if you want to decrypt all your files, you need to pay.
Every minute we will destroy one file you need to speed up the process (payment-decryption).
You only have 3 days to send the payment. After that, the price will be doubled.
In addition, if you do not pay within 7 days, you will not be able to restore the files permanently.
We will have free events for users who are so poor that they will not be able to pay for 6 days.
HOW DO I PAY?
Payment is accepted only in bitcoins. For more information, click “What is bitcoin?”.
Please check the current price of bitcoins and transfer the bitcoins to the specified amount. To transfer funds, click “List Bitcoins”.
And send the correct amount to the address specified in this window.
***

[1Dowv8DTWhRk6xQmuWrEDipgCc83VTKbYT] [Copy] [Enter the decryption key] [Decipher] —
Payment will be increased
Time left
02: 7: 38: 43

Your files will be lost
Time left
06: 22: 45: 23

Loss of an important file
Time left
00: 0: 01: 03

What is bitcoin?
List the bitcoins
Contact Us

Depending on the version a ransomware note can be created which features generic messages blackmailing the victims to pay a Bitcoin ransomware fee. We recommend that all users abstain from communicating with the hackers and use our full .wndie Virus removal guide below to recover their data and delete the active infections.

Remove .wndie Virus and Restore PC

WARNING! Manual removal of the .wndie 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.

DOWNLOAD Anti-Malware Tool

 
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

.wndie 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

Remove .wndie from Windows

Here’s a way to remove the program. This method will work regardless if you’re on Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista or XP. Simply selecting the program and pressing delete won’t work, as it’ll leave a lot of small files. That’s bad because these leftovers can linger on and cause all sorts of problems. The best way to delete a program is to uninstall it. Here’s how you can do that:

1. Hold the “Windows” button (It’s between CTRL and Alt on most keyboards) and press “R”. You’ll see a pop-up window.

run-window-windows

2. In the textbox, type “appwiz.cpl”, then press“ Enter ”.

appwiz-cpl-command-run-windows

3. The “Programs and features” menu should now appear. It’s a list of all the programs installed on the PC. Here you can find the program, select it, and press “Uninstall“.

uninstall-malicious-software-control-panel-programs-features-windows

Remove .wndie Virus From Your Browser

Before resetting your browser’s settings, you should know that this action will wipe out all your recorded usernames, passwords, and other types of data. Make sure to save them in some way.

Removal guide for Mozilla Firefox Removal guide for Google Chrome Removal guide for Internet Explorer

    1. Start Mozilla Firefox. In the upper right corner, click on the Open menu icon and select “Add-ons“.
    add-ons-mozilla-removal-browser-hijacker-guide

    2. Inside the Add-ons Manager select “Extensions“. Search the list of extensions for suspicious entries. If you find any, select them and click “Remove“.
    remove-suspicious-extensions-mozilla-removal-browser-hijacker-guide

    3. Click again on the Open menu icon, then click “Options“.
    options-mozilla-firefox-removal-browser-hijacker-guide

    4. In the Options window, under “General” tab, click “Restore to Default“.
    restore-to-default-settings-mozilla-firefox-removal-guide-browser-hijacker

    5. Select “Search” in the left menu, mark the unknown search engine and press “Remove”.
    search-remove-unknown-search-engine-mozilla-firefox-removal-guide-browser-hijacker

    1. Start Google Chrome. On the upper-right corner, there a “Customize and Control” menu icon. Click on it, then click on “Settings“.

    settings-google-chrome-browser-hijacker-removal-guide

    2. Click “Extensions” in the left menu. Then click on the trash bin icon to remove the suspicious extension.
    delete-suspicious-extension-google-chrome-browser-hijacker-removal-guide

    3. Again in the left menu, under Chrome, Click on “Settings“. Go under “On Startup” and set a new page.
    set-new-page-google-chrome-browser-hijacker-removal-guide

    4. Afterward, scroll down to “Search“, click on “Manage search engines“.
    manage-search-engines-google-chrome-browser-hijacker-removal-guide

    5. In the default search settings list, find the unknown search engine and click on “X“. Then select your search engine of choice and click “Make default“. When you are ready click “Done” button in the right bottom corner.

1. Start Internet Explorer. Go to the “Tools” menu and click on “Manage add-ons“.
manage-add-ons-internet-explorer-removal-browser-hijacker-bestsecuritysearch

2. In the “Manage add-ons” window, bellow “Add-on Types“, select “Toolbars and Extensions“. If you see a suspicious toolbar, select it and click “Remove“.
remove-suspicious-toolbars--internet-explorer-removal-browser-hijacker

3. Then again in the “Manage Add-ons” window, in “Add-on Types“, Select “Search Providers“. Chose a search engine and click “Set as default“. Select the unknown search engine and click “Remove and Close”.
search-providers-set-engine-delete-suspicious-internet-explorer-removal-browser-hijacker

4. Open the Tools menu, select “Internet Options”.
internet-options-internet-explorer-removal-browser-hijacker

5. In the “General” tab, in “Home page”, enter your preferred page. Click “Apply” and “OK”.
enter-preferred-homepage-internet-explorer-removal-browser-hijacker

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

Preventive Security Measures

  • Enable and properly configure your Firewall.
  • Install and maintain reliable anti-malware software.
  • Secure your web browser.
  • Check regularly for available software updates and apply them.
  • Disable macros in Office documents.
  • Use strong passwords.
  • Don’t open attachments or click on links unless you’re certain they’re safe.
  • Backup regularly your data.
  • Was this content helpful?

    Author : Martin Beltov

    Martin graduated with a degree in Publishing from Sofia University. As a cyber security enthusiast he enjoys writing about the latest threats and mechanisms of intrusion.


    Related Posts

    Leave a Reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *