What is Waldo?
Every day internet users face new threats on the internet. The one of the newly discovered ones is Waldo ransomware. This virus doesn’t belong to any already know file-encryption ransomware family, however, it can easily become the most widespread one. It’s possible due to the ways Waldo ransomware spreads. As the rule, hackers create fake installers and then promote such files by the means of fake websites. When a victim come to such a site it displays tons of various notifications the function of which is to assure him or her that it’s necessary to download and install the file. However, sometimes hackers use various remote access software and trojans. Such malicious programs can spread by the means of bundles. Moreover, hackers can easily inject the code of the virus into a regular Microsoft Office documents and send it by email. In this case, the operating system executes the code once the file is opened. It works even in a preview. When the virus gets into the system, it changes some registry keys and their values. Then it infects system processes by the means of which it encrypts the files. As the result of encryption, the files are unreadable, however, their extensions remain the same. It’s a characteristic feature of Waldo ransomware. At the same time the virus drops the ransom note, called “READ_ME.txt”. The purpose of this note is to force victims to purchase the decryption tool, promoted by hackers. Unfortunately, it’s the surest way to decrypt the data, however, in the most cases, hackers just ignore their victims after being paid. Moreover, they can easily make the situation much worse by sending another virus instead of the decryption tool. Still, there is a possible way out. For this reason we’ve prepared the detailed guide on how to remove Waldo ransomware and decrypt files without paying ransoms.
READ_ME.txt
Oops!
Your computer has been infected by the Waldo Ransomware.
Your files have been encrypted to hex codes by AES and RSA algorithms.
The file extensions haven't changed, but the contents are encrypted.
They won't be recovered easily, but there is clearly a way to get them back.
Contact me by email :
iamwaldo@tutamail.com
Your personal code :
*ID*
You can't get your files back if you lose your personal code.
Good Luck!
Article’s Guide
- How to remove Waldo ransomware from your computer
- Automatically remove Waldo ransomware
- Manually remove Waldo ransomware
- How to decrypt Waldo files
- Automatically decrypt Waldo files
- Manually decrypt Waldo files
- How to prevent ransomware attacks
- Remove Waldo ransomware and decrypt Waldo files with our help
How to remove Waldo ransomware from your computer?
Every day ransomware viruses change as well as their folders, executable files and the processes, which they use. For this reason it’s difficult to detect the virus yourself. That’s why we’ve prepared the detailed guide for you on how to remove Waldo ransomware from your computer!
Automatically remove Waldo ransomware
We strongly recommend you to use automated solution, as it can scan all the hard drive, ongoing processes and registry keys. It will mitigate the risks of the wrong installation and will definetely remove Waldo ransomware from your computer with all of its leftovers and register files. Moreover, it will protect your computer from future attacks.
Our choice is Norton 360 . Norton 360 scans your computer and detects various threats like Waldo, then removes it with all of the related malicious files, folders and malicious registry keys. Moreover, it has a great variety of other features, like protection from specific ransomware attacks, safe box for your passwords and many other things!
Manually remove Waldo ransomware
This way is not recommended, as it requires strong skills. We don’t bear any responsibility for your actions. We also warn you that you can damage your operating system or data. However, it can be a suitable solution for you.
- Open the “Task Manager”
- Right click on the “Name” column, add the “Command line”
- Find a strange process, the folder of which probably is not suitable for it
- Go To the process folder and remove all files
- Go to the Registry and remove all keys related to the process
- Go to the AppData folder and remove all strange folders, that you can find
How to decrypt Waldo files?
Once you’ve removed the virus, you are probably thinking how to decrypt Waldo files or at least restore them. Let’s take a look at possible ways of decrypting your data.
Restore Waldo files with Stellar Data Recovery
If you decided to recover your files, we strongly advise you to use only high-quality software, otherwise your data can be corrupted. Our choice is Stellar Data Recovery. This software has proven to be very appreciated by customers, who have faced ransomware problems!
- Download and install Stellar Data Recovery
- Select drives and folders with your files, then click Scan.
- Choose all the files in a folder, then press on Restore button.
- Manage export location.
The download is an evaluation version for recovering files. To unlock all features and tools, purchase is required ($49.99-299). By clicking the button you agree to EULA and Privacy Policy. Downloading will start automatically.
Other solutions
The services we’ve mentioned in this part also guarantee users, that the encrypted data is unlikely to become damaged. But you should understand, that there is still a risk to corrupt your files.
Decrypt Waldo files with Emsisoft decryptor
Decrypt Waldo files with Kaspersky decryptors
Decrypt Waldo files with Dr. Web decryptors
Decrypt Waldo files manually
If above mentioned solutions didn’t help to decrypt Waldo files, still, there is no need to invest in the malicious scheme by paying a ransom. You are able to recover files manually.
You can try to use one of these methods in order to restore your encrypted data manually.
Restore Waldo files with Windows Previous Versions
- Open My Computer and search for the folders you want to restore;
- Right-click on the folder and choose Restore previous versions option;
- The option will show you the list of all the previous copies of the folder;
- Select restore date and the option you need: Open, Copy and Restore.
Restore Waldo files with System Restore
- Type restore in the Search tool;
- Click on the result;
- Choose restore point before the infection infiltration;
- Follow the on-screen instructions.
How to prevent ransomware attacks?
If you have successfully removed Waldo ransomware, you know probably think about the ways how to protect your data from future attacks. The best way is to create backups of your data. We recommend you to use only high-quality products. Our choice here is Stellar Data Recovery. This soft can easily create highly-qualified backups, has a user friendly interface and moreover, it can help you to restore your files! Then you should take under strict control all your internet connections. Some of the ransomware viruses connect to various internet services and can even infect computers that are connected to the same local network. That’s why it’s important to use a strong firewall, that can easily restrict any connection. The best choice is GlassWire. This program has a user friendly interface and it becomes very easy to prevent any ransomware or hacker attack.
To unlock all features and tools, purchase is required ($49.99-$299). By clicking the button you agree to EULA and Privacy Policy.
If you want to learn out more details about the ways how to prevent ransomware attacks, read our detailed article!
Write us an email
If your case is an unusual one, feel free to write us an email. Fill the form below and wait for our response! We will answer you as soon as possible. The files we need to inspect your case are: executable files of the virus, if it’s possible; examples of the encrypted files; screenshots of your task manager; ransom note; background screen.
CONCLUSION: nowadays, these solutions are the all possible ways to remove Waldo ransomware and decrypt Waldo files. Nowadays the best way to remove it is the Norton 360 . Their specialists improve the scan system and update the databases every day. It helps not only to remove existing problems, but also protects computers from future attacks. If there is a new way to decrypt your files, we will update the article, so stay tuned.