Remove .wallet Virus File Ransomware in just a few easy steps with our removal guide which works with all versions of Windows.
In the next several paragraphs, we will be talking about a virus known under the name of .wallet. This particular piece of malware is one of the newest members of the infamous Ransomware family. This kind of harmful programs is known to target users’ personal data, but instead of outright destroying it, they lock the files via a sophisticated encryption and later demand ransom in exchange for the decryption code.
The rising menace
Currently, the Ransomware type is one of the most feared and dangerous software threats and it does not seem to be losing momentum. Newer and more advanced programs of this kind are developed on a daily basis and security software companies have a hard time keeping up with the ever increasing pace of Ransomware. Therefore, we must ensure that our readers are well informed in regards to this threat and know how to protect their computers from it. In this article, you will be provided with some invaluable information and tips concerning .wallet, so make sure to read everything we have to offer. We will provide an in-depth explanation on how Ransomware viruses actually work and what you can do to stop them from completing their task. Also, for those of you that have already had their files locked by .wallet’s encryption, we have a removal guide that will help you deal with the virus infection and possibly restore the access to your documents without the need of paying the ransom.
Ransomware viruses often remain undetected
One of the things that makes .wallet and other malware of its type so dangerous and problematic is the fact that a lot of times antivirus programs fail to recognize the threat. This is because of the method that these viruses use when locking your files, namely – the method of encryption. You see, encryption as a separate process is not a bad thing. It is actually quite useful when software developers want to provide their product’s files with an extra layer of protection. However, Ransomware programs use that against you by applying the encryption on your personal data, thus rendering it inaccessible. As we already mentioned, encryption is commonly used by regular and legit programs and not only by Ransomware viruses. Therefore, most of the time antivirus programs regard such processes as harmless and let them continue. That way, .wallet is neither detected nor interrupted and is thus free to proceed with its noxious agenda.
Mind your PC behavior
Most of the time encryption processes do not finish in an instant. This is because of the way they work. First, the targeted files get copied and the copies that are created are actually the ones with the encryption code. After that, the original data is deleted and the end result is that each of the initial files has been made into an identical, locked copy. All of this can take substantial amounts of time, depending on your system and how much data you have stored on your HDD. Also, the Ransomware would require significant amounts of CPU time, RAM and free hard-drive space in order to complete its task. This allows you to spot the infection if you are vigilant enough. Therefore, make sure that you frequently check your Task Manger and see if there is an unusually high amount of system resources consumption without any visible reason. If you notice any of that, it might be due to a Ransomware attack, in which case the best course of action would be to shut down your machine and call for professional aid.
Concerning the ransom
When most Ransomware viruses succeed in locking the user’s data, they display a message, in which ransom is demanded and instructions on how to make the transfer are provided. Bitcoins are the usual currency, since they are untraceable and the criminal is able to retain full anonymity. If you’re currently in this situation and are contemplating paying the ransom, know that this is a really bad idea. There is absolutely no guarantee that you will be granted the key for your files, regardless of whether you make the transfer or not. A much better option is to try our removal guide below the next paragraph. We ought to mention that it might not work in all cases of Ransomware attacks, but it’s still worth the try and costs you nothing.
Preventing future infections
The next couple of rules, though simple and easy to follow, are extremely important when it comes to ensuring the security and safety of your computer and data for the days to come.
- Download and install a high-quality security/antivirus program on your PC. In many instances .wallet gets to people’s computers through another virus that provides the Ransomware with direct access to your system. To prevent this from happening, you would need good and reliable security software.
- Be careful when browsing. A huge number of users get their computers infected by .wallet because they have visited some illegal and sketchy website or downloaded something from an unreliable download source.
- Meticulously check the details of newly received emails since if any of them are spam, they might contain the Ransomware. If you suspect that any of your new messages is some form of spam/junk mail, make sure to directly delete it.
- Make sure that you have backed-up all important documents and other files so that even if Ransomware attacks and locks the ones on your PC, you will still have your data on a separate device that is untouched by the virus.
- Important note: If you suspect that .wallet has attacked your PC, DO NOT connect any devices such as smartphones or flash memory sticks in an attempt to save your data, since those devices might get infected as well, making the matters even worse.
.wallet File Virus Ransomware Removal
Step 1 – hunt for active virus processes
To do this, you will have to make use of your Task Manager. Use the R-Ctrl+Shift+Esc key combination in order to open it. Now, go to the Processes tab and sort the list by order of CPU and/or memory used. Now, look through the list – if any process is using up very high amounts of memory or has a suspicious name or description, then it might be a process ran by the Ransomware. End that process immediately and move on to the next step.
Now open your start menu and search for MSConfig. Go to the Startup section and see if there are any suspicious entries with unknown manufacturers. Disable anything that seems illegitimate. Keep in mind that the virus may duplicate the names of real programs!
Step 2 – prepare your PC for the removal process
Next thing you need to do is boot your machine into Safe Mode and reveal all hidden files and folders. Click on the links for detailed instructions.
Step 3 – find and delete virus-related files
- Open your Registry Editor by typing regedit in the Run window (Winkey+R) and pressing Enter, then open Edit->Find. Search for the virus name.
- If there are any results, delete those registry entries.
- Open your Start Menu and in the search field type each of the following and go to the corresponding location:
- %AppData%
- %LocalAppData%
- %ProgramData%
- %WinDir%
- %Temp%
- Delete everything from Temp. In the other folders, see if there has been added anything recently that seems suspicious. If that is the case, delete the new entries.
Step 4 – look for Hosts file manipulation
- Use the Win-key+R combination to open Run and hit enter after you copy-paste the following:
notepad %windir%/system32/Drivers/etc/hosts
- A notepad file will open. If your PC has been infected, may be IP addresses at the bottom of the file. Delete them.
- Note that if those IP’s are either 0.0.0.0 or 127.0.0.1, then they are not coming from a virus, thus this is no indication of an infection.
Step 5 – decrypt already encrypted files
For this, you will first have to identify the virus you are dealing with and then acquire the corresponding decryptor tool that can help you decrypt your files.
- To identify the Ransomware, go to this link and follow the instructions.
- Now that you know what you are dealing it, make a search for how to decrypt ransomware and look for a decryptor for your specific virus.