What is Whiterose Ransomware?
Whiterose Ransomware is a threat that appends {random characters}_ENCRYPTED_BY.WHITEROSE extension to all files it enciphers. Later on, the malicious program is supposed to leave a ransom note claiming the user might get a decryption tool if he chats with its developers. Sadly, this is not all, since the ransom note also states the user would have to pay a ransom. The price is still unknown, although some users report the hackers asked around 0.2 BTC. Given there are no reassurances, these people will not try to scam users, so our researchers at Anti-spyware-101.com recommend not to put up with any demands and eliminate Whiterose Ransomware with the instructions located at the end of this article or a legitimate antimalware tool of your preference. However, if you wish to know more before deciding what to do, we invite you to keep reading our report, as further in the text we will discuss the malware’s possible distribution channels, its working manner, etc.
Where does Whiterose Ransomware come from?
The malicious program could travel with Spam emails, infected setup files, harmful pop-up ads, and so on, although our specialists do not deny the possibility the hackers who developed it could infect the computers while exploiting unprotected Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) connections. In order to keep the device secure it would be advisable to be extra cautious with questionable data downloaded from the Internet or received via email. Additionally, we recommend employing a legitimate antimalware tool that could recognize malicious activities or detect possibly malicious files carrying threats like Whiterose Ransomware, and so on.
How does Whiterose Ransomware work?
It appears that the malware was programmed to encipher all private files, e.g., pictures, photos, videos, archives, documents, and other data alike. The only files left unencrypted should be the ones belonging to the operating system or other software on the computer. Besides, Whiterose Ransomware should not encipher files located in the Recycle bin, although considering you most likely thought the data there is useless as you deleted it, there is not a lot hope to find any useful personal files that would not be ruined. The best way to recognize locked files is to have a look at their titles; if next to the original extension you see a second one similar to this 9mOZHHUUaBL5pFcb_ENCRYPTED_BY.WHITEROSE, it is most likely the system will no longer recognize such files.
To make it impossible to restore data from system’s backup the malicious program was programmed to eliminate all shadow copies. Thus, the only other way to get your data back is through backups on cloud storage, external hard drives or other removable storages, etc. What’s more, according to the malware’s developers users might also get the needed decryptor or as they call it “white rose” from them. The problem is, they want to be paid for providing such a tool. As you realize, Whiterose Ransomware’s creators could scam you, and in such case, you would lose the invested money in vain. For this reason, we advise you not to take any chances and erase the threat.
How to remove Whiterose Ransomware?
The malware can be deleted both manually and with automatic features. If you think you are up to the task, you could complete the steps located a bit below this paragraph and get rid of Whiterose Ransomware manually. Nevertheless, if the process seems to be a bit too difficult for you to manage; we would recommend acquiring a legitimate antimalware tool instead.
Remove Whiterose Ransomware
- Press Ctrl+Alt+Delete.
- Select Task Manager.
- Search for the malware’s process.
- Select this process and click End Task.
- Leave Task Manager.
- Tap Windows key+E.
- Navigate to the following paths:
%TEMP%
%USERPROFILE%\desktop
%USERPROFILE%\downloads - Find the file that infected the device.
- Right-click the malicious file and press Delete.
- Locate the malware’s ransom notes, right-click them one by one and press Delete.
- Close File Explorer.
- Empty your Recycle bin.
- Restart the system.
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