WastedLocker ransomware spotted in targeted attacksThreat SummaryGarmin hit by WastedLocker – criminals demand $10 million as a ransomRansomware distribution techniques explainedRemove WastedLocker ransomware remains
Just like any other file-encrypting Trojan, this virus restricts victim’s or company’s access to personal or work data in order to extort money as they suggest data decryption tools in exchange for a hefty ransom. WastedLocker ransomware can infect both personal computers or whole computer networks. During the encryption procedure, it also creates ransom notes for each file. The ransom note states that the network is encrypted now, and that the victim has to contact the criminals via provided emails to get the price for the data decryption. The note also warns not to disclose the email for third-parties. Finally, the note contains the key used to encrypt the file. Cybersecurity experts do not recommend writing to victims or trying to reach them in any way. That said, it is obvious that paying the ransom is also NOT a recommended option. You can never know whether you will restore your data after paying. Plus, even if you do, you will fund cybercriminals’ operations and encourage them to continue their filthy work. To protect your computer system instantly, you must remove WastedLocker ransomware virus from the system. We recommend using an automated malware removal tool, such as RESTORO (includes Avira Antivirus engine). The said tool is also effective when it comes to virus damage repair on Windows default system files.
Threat Summary
Screenshot of ransomware-affected files and corresponding ransom notes (source – App.Any.Run). As mentioned earlier, this virus is typically used in company-targeted attacks, meaning that a specific sample of the malware might be created for each targeted company. It has been noticed that the criminals use file extensions based on the company they are trying to infect, say, Acme Corporation might be affected with .acwasted extension and similarly. Ransomware-type viruses are extremely widespread nowadays. Examples like KOOK, KUUS, DATA (DHARMA) showed a very high number of infected victims worldwide. These malicious programs all spread and infect computer systems by using deceptive techniques, then encrypt all personal files on them and demand a ransom payment. Criminals require the money to be transferred in a form of a specific cryptocurrency to ensure their privacy.
Garmin hit by WastedLocker – criminals demand $10 million as a ransom
WastedLocker ransomware operators managed to infect Garmin company’s network and encrypt all data stored on it. As a result, the company experienced an outage, affecting users around the globe. The wearable device maker has officially confirmed that the outage is caused by WastedLocker’s attack. The cyber incident caused Garmin.com and Garmin Connect to shut down its service temporarily. According to the official announcement, the cyber attack interrupted some of the online services, including website functions, customer support, company communications and customer-facing applications. As far as it is currently known, no company or user data was stolen. On July 29th, the official website has returned to operation, although some features might still have temporary limitations.
Ransomware distribution techniques explained
WastedLocker ransomware has been spotted in several different malware campaigns. One report published on June 23rd by BleepingComputer says that the virus has been noticed in hacked websites. The criminals behind the ransomware, known as Evil Corp, have injected malicious codes into websites to display fake software update ads for visitors. If the victim agrees to “update”, the criminals send CobaltStrike loader that is later used to remotely access the infected computer. As a result, the criminals deploy WastedLocker virus on the victim’s device. Typical ransomware viruses are also distributed using malicious email spam and phishing techniques. Therefore, employees of large companies must participate in cyber security awareness trainings to be more confident when it comes to cyber attack prevention. Similar viruses, such as STOP/DJVU, are distributed via illegal downloads, such as software cracks, keygens, or tools like KMSPico. That said, computer users should stay away from various untrustworthy peer-to-peer file sharing sites and agents. When in need for a specific software license, computer users are advised to visit that program’s developers official website.
Remove WastedLocker ransomware remains
Just like any other file-encrypting virus, this one might leave malicious remains on the system. That is why we recommend you to remove WastedLocker using a trustworthy malware removal software as soon as possible. For this matter, we highly recommend RESTORO, which includes Avira malware removal engine. After WastedLocker virus removal, concentrate on ways to recover data. Remember that paying the ransom is not a recommended option, and instead of doing that, you should focus on finding your data backups (either stored on external data storage device or cloud backup). Make sure that the virus is gone completely or your data backup might get encrypted, too! OUR GEEKS RECOMMEND Our team recommends a two-step rescue plan to remove ransomware and other remaining malware from your computer, plus repair caused virus damage to the system: GeeksAdvice.com editors select recommended products based on their effectiveness. We may earn a commission from affiliate links, at no additional cost to you. Learn more. Get INTEGO ANTIVIRUS for Windows to remove ransomware, Trojans, adware and other spyware and malware variants and protect your PC and network drives 24/7. This VB100-certified security software uses state-of-art technology to provide protection against ransomware, Zero-Day attacks and advanced threats, Intego Web Shield blocks dangerous websites, phishing attacks, malicious downloads and installation of potentially unwanted programs. Use INTEGO Antivirus to remove detected threats from your computer. Read full review here. RESTORO provides a free scan that helps to identify hardware, security and stability issues and presents a comprehensive report which can help you to locate and fix detected issues manually. It is a great PC repair software to use after you remove malware with professional antivirus. The full version of software will fix detected issues and repair virus damage caused to your Windows OS files automatically. RESTORO uses AVIRA scanning engine to detect existing spyware and malware. If any are found, the software will eliminate them. Read full review here.
Alternative software recommendations
Malwarebytes Anti-Malware
Method 1. Enter Safe Mode with Networking
Before you try to remove the virus, you must start your computer in Safe Mode with Networking. Below, we provide the easiest ways to boot PC in the said mode, but you can find additional ones in this in-depth tutorial on our website – How to Start Windows in Safe Mode. Also, see a video tutorial on how to do it: Instructions for Windows XP/Vista/7 users Instructions for Windows 8/8.1/10 users Now, you can search for and remove WastedLocker ransomware files. It is very hard to identify files and registry keys that belong to the ransomware virus, Besides, malware creators tend to rename and change them repeatedly. Therefore, the easiest way to uninstall such type of a computer virus is to use a reliable malware removal program. In addition, we suggest trying a combination of INTEGO Antivirus (removes malware and protects your PC in real-time) and RESTORO (repairs virus damage to Windows OS files).
Method 2. Use System Restore
In order to use System Restore, you must have a system restore point, created either manually or automatically. Instructions for Windows XP/Vista/7 users Instructions for Windows 8/8.1/10 users After restoring the system, we recommend scanning the system with antivirus or anti-malware software. In most cases, there won’t be any malware remains, but it never hurts to double-check. In addition, we highly recommend checking ransomware prevention guidelines provided by our experts in order to protect your PC against similar viruses in the future. Removing spyware and malware is one step towards cybersecurity. To protect yourself against ever-evolving threats, we strongly recommend purchasing a Premium version of Malwarebytes Anti-Malware, which provides security based on artificial intelligence and machine learning. Includes ransomware protection. See pricing options and protect yourself now.
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