How to delete Wisz ransomware

Wisz ransomware is file-encrypting malware from the notorious Djvu/STOP ransomware family. It’s a very dangerous infection that targets personal files and essentially takes them hostage. File recovery is not always possible.

 

The ransomware starts its malicious activities as soon as it’s initiated by users. While it’s encrypting files, it will show a fake Windows Update window to distract users. Once it’s done encrypting files, they will become unopenable.

Unfortunately, the ransomware targets all personal files, including photos, videos, and documents. Encrypted files are easy to recognize because they will have the .wisz extension. For example, an encrypted text.txt file would become text.txt.wisz.

Encrypted files will remain unopenable until you run them through a decryptor first. However, obtaining a decryptor will be challenging because the only ones who have it at the moment are the cyber criminals operating this ransomware. As explained in the _readme.txt ransom note, ransomware victims can purchase a decryptor from the operators for $999, to be paid in Bitcoin. The note also mentions that users who make contact within the first 72 hours will receive a 50% discount. Furthermore, the ransomware operators will supposedly decrypt one file for free provided it does not contain any important information.

Below is the full Wisz ransomware ransom note:

ATTENTION!

Don’t worry, you can return all your files!
All your files like pictures, 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:
–
Price of private key and decrypt software is $999.
Discount 50% available if you contact us first 72 hours, that’s price for you is $499.
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:
support@freshingmail.top

Reserve e-mail address to contact us:
datarestorehelpyou@airmail.cc

Your personal ID:

Paying the ransom is never recommended because it does not guarantee file decryption. Users should keep in mind that they are dealing with cybercriminals, who will not feel obligated to send a decryptor just because a victim pays. It’s also possible that even if they send the decryptor, it will not necessarily work. Countless ransomware victims have paid money to cybercriminals but did not get anything in return.

If you have a backup, you can start recovering your files as soon as you remove Wisz ransomware from your computer. It’s strongly recommended to use a reputable anti-malware program to delete Wisz ransomware because it’s a complicated infection. Only when the ransomware is fully gone that it is safe to connect to your backup.

If you have no backup, back up the encrypted files and wait for a free Wisz ransomware decryptor to be released. However, you still need to delete Wisz ransomware.

How does ransomware infect computers?

Ransomware is distributed through the usual malware distribution methods. Users who have bad browsing habits are much more likely to pick up malware because they engage in risky behavior. For example, if you use torrents to pirate copyrighted content, open unsolicited email attachments without checking them first, click on random links, etc., you’re much more likely to pick up malicious infections. Developing better online habits is a great way to avoid malware.

Because users tend to open email attachments without checking them first, malicious actors often use this method to distribute malware. They attach malicious files to emails, and when users open said files, they infect their computers with the malware. Fortunately, most malicious emails are simple to recognize because they target many users at the same time and are not personalized.

Malicious emails are often made to look like they’re sent by legitimate companies, often ones that provide services. For example, malware is often hidden in emails that are made to look like parcel delivery notifications. It’s also common for the emails to claim that the attached file is an important document that needs to be reviewed immediately. This prompts users to open the attachments. However, these emails are often full of grammar/spelling mistakes. This is an immediate giveaway because you will rarely find mistakes in legitimate emails, especially not in automatic emails.

Malicious emails target many users at the same time so they are not personalized. Such emails address users using generic words like User, Member, Customer, etc., and that’s also a giveaway. Companies whose services users use always use users’ names in emails to address them because that makes the emails seem more personal. Generic words used in the greeting can thus be a sign of either spam or a malicious email.

When malicious actors target someone specific, they make the emails much more convincing. The emails have no mistakes and even contain information that would give the email credibility. These sophisticated malware campaigns are why it’s recommended to scan all unsolicited email attachments with anti-virus software or VirusTotal before opening them.

Malware is also often found in torrents, especially in torrents for entertainment content (e.g. movies, TV series, video games, etc.). Torrent sites are often poorly moderated, which allows malicious torrents to stay up for a long time. Pirating via torrents is not only content theft but also dangerous for users’ computers and data.

Wisz ransomware removal

Ransomware is a complicated infection, which is why manual Wisz ransomware removal is not recommended. Use a good anti-malware program to fully remove Wisz ransomware. Once the ransomware has been removed, you can access your backup and start recovering files. It’s worth mentioning that if the ransomware is still present when you access your backup, the backed-up files will be encrypted as well.

If you have no backup, your options are very limited when it comes to file recovery. A free Wisz ransomware decryptor may become available in the future so back up your encrypted files to keep them safe until that happens. If a free Wisz ransomware decryptor does get released, it will be posted on NoMoreRansom. Be skeptical of free Wisz ransomware decryptors promoted on questionable forums and websites because they would likely be fake. If you cannot find it on NoMoreRansom, you likely won’t find a legitimate Wisz ransomware decryptor on any other site.

Wisz ransomware is detected as:

• Win32:Malware-gen by Avast/AVG
• Gen:Variant.Midie.144304 by BitDefender
• Trojan.MalPack.GS by Malwarebytes
• Trojan:Win32/Caynamer.A!ml by Microsoft
• A Variant Of Win32/Kryptik.HWLX by ESET
• HEUR:Trojan.Win32.Agent.gen by Kaspersky
• Gen:Variant.Midie.144304 (B) by Emsisoft