Werd Ransomware

The Werd Ransomware is a file-locker Trojan that uses encryption for stopping you from opening personal or work-related files. The Werd Ransomware also may change your Web-browsing settings, add extensions into filenames, create ransom notes, and remove the Restore Points from Windows systems. The previous creation of a secure backup is the best solution to any data loss it causes, although most anti-malware software should remove the Werd Ransomware properly.

The Latest Word in Trojan Negotiations

The STOP Ransomware, a prolific Ransomware-as-a-Service business, is remaining active in the tail-end of 2019, after a high-energy year involving variants like the Blower Ransomware, the Grovat Ransomware, the Kiratos Ransomware, and the Todar Ransomware. An even newer version that malware analysts are confirming is retaining all of the ransoming predilections and, unfortunately, file-locking propensities of its older fellows. For the average victim, what the Werd Ransomware may do to their files isn't reversible – without betting on criminals staying true to their word.

The Werd Ransomware's core function is its encryption, which uses AES with the additional security of an RSA key for blocking the user's work. Documents, spreadsheets, images, and many more content types are at risk, although the Werd Ransomware avoids damaging the Windows operating system. While doing so, it also applies its 'werd' extension to their names, which is the only significant symptom separating it from its numerous kindred.

Blocking users from opening their files and demanding a ransom for the unlocking solution is the Werd Ransomware's central purpose, but it also includes supplementary attacks. Malware experts find most STOP Ransomware variants leveraging Hosts file edits that can block websites, such as microsoft.com or an AV vendor's domain. As well, the Werd Ransomware also may issue a command for wiping out the user's local, default backups or the Shadow Volume Copies.

Getting the Last Word in on the Werd Ransomware

Precautions for countering the Werd Ransomware infections always should include saving backups to another, secure device. Since symptoms of the Werd Ransomware's attacks restrain themselves until after it takes your media hostage successfully, most users will not respond in time for limiting any encryption or deletion-related damage. Malware experts also find that rates for third-party unlocking or decryption, in most cases of the Werd Ransomware's family, are quite low, due to the secure encryption method.

Users should scan attachments and other suspicious downloads before opening them or enabling potentially harmful content, such as Word's macro feature. Some threat actors will circulate their Trojan variants through other methods, however, including targets non-securely-configured servers and networks. Proper password management, software version control, and administration of RDP features will cut out most of these vulnerabilities. Even if users defend their files with all the appropriate practices, the Werd Ransomware belongs to a family that's well-recognized for distributing spyware. What's lost in a Trojan attack isn't recoverable necessarily, since it includes the victim's time and peace of mind.