I wrote this article to help you remove Mssecsvc.exe Ransomware. This Mssecsvc.exe Ransomware removal guide works for all Windows versions.
Mssecsvc.exe ransomware is an alternate name for a cryptovirus called WannaCry. This infection is referred to in different ways. You can find it listed as WannaCrypt, WCry, Wincry, Wana Decrypt0r, WanaCrypt0r, “Ooops, your files have been encrypted” ransomware and other alternate terms. The latter derives from the beginning of the ransom message. The term Mssecsvc.exe ransomware was coined in reference to a process the virus conducts. If you have noticed mssecsvc.exe in your Task Manager, you are indeed infected with this win-locker. The win-locker was spread through a cyber attack from this past Friday. More than 200,000 computers located in 150 different countries were penetrated.
Mssecsvc.exe ransomware has a worm component. The clandestine program is distributed using an exploit. The attackers exploit a SMB vulnerability in the Windows OS. This flaw was reported by a hacker group called Shadow Broker about a month ago. The hackers leaked NSA documents which contained information about the vulnerability. When the word reached Microsoft, the company took immediate action. The patch MS17-010 was released to fix the issue. This patch was included in the updates for the supported versions of Windows. The computers which did not go through the update remained vulnerable. After the unprecedented attack, Microsoft created patches for the unsupported Windows builds. They are available for free download online. We advise you to obtain them.
Upon entering a computer, Mssecsvc.exe ransomware starts scanning for files to encrypt. The target range of the insidious program encompasses text documents, spreadsheets, presentations, databases, archives, images, audios, videos, logs, scripts and other file types. Mssecsvc.exe ransomware adds a custom suffix to the names of the locked objects: .WNCRY. This marking makes the encrypted files easy to recognize. Since the developers of the sinister program need users to cooperate, they make a formal announcement. The win-locker displays a lock screen which explains the situation. The same message is listed in a ransom note titled @Please_Read_Me@.txt. A copy of the note is dropped in every folder which contains encrypted files.
The cyber criminals attack computers at random. They do not have personal intentions. If you have been unfortunate enough to fall victim to the attack, you will be asked to pay a ransom. The hackers promise to provide a decryption key pursuant to receiving the payment. The lock screen mentioned earlier belongs to Wana Decrypt0r 2.0. This is the decryption tool for Mssecsvc.exe ransomware. It goes together with the win-locker. The cyber thieves require victims to pay a ransom of $300 USD. They give people a term of 3 days to pay this sum. If you miss the deadline, the amount will double. The deadline for completing a payment is 7 days after the encryption has occurred. After this point, victims may never be able to unlock their files.
The lock screen contains countdown clocks which measure the remaining time for the two payment options. This serves as an intimidation technique more than anything. The creators of Mssecsvc.exe ransomware do their best to pressure people into making a payment. On a surprising note, there is a way to avoid paying the ransom altogether. The hackers have promised to hold free events for users who cannot afford the expenditure. The events will take place in 6 months. However, it is not stated whether all requests will be fulfilled.
Paying the proprietors of Mssecsvc.exe ransomware is a risk. These people are criminals. There is a reason why they have chosen to accept payments in Bitcoins. This cryptocurrency provides optimal security for online transactions. To begin with, people do not need to list personal details when they register an account. The withdrawals are also protected. The transferal from the Bitcoin wallet to the designated bank account cannot be traced. Since the deal is unregulated, the only guarantee victims have is the word of the hackers. These people have illegally penetrated your computer behind your back. The wisest decision would be to remove Mssecsvc.exe ransomware and recover your data on your own terms.
Mssecsvc.exe Ransomware Removal
Method 1: Restore your encrypted files using ShadowExplorer
Usually, Mssecsvc.exe Ransomware deletes all shadow copies, stored in your computer. Luckily, the ransomware is not always able to delete the shadow copies. So your first try should be restoring the original files from shadow copies.
- Download ShadowExplorer from this link: http://www.shadowexplorer.com/downloads.html.
- Install ShadowExplorer
- Open ShadowExplorer and select C: drive on the left panel
- Choose at least a month ago date from the date field
- Navigate to the folder with encrypted files
- Right-click on the encrypted file
- Select “Export” and choose a destination for the original file
Method 2: Restore your encrypted files by using System Restore
- Go to Start –> All programs –> Accessories –> System tools –> System restore
- Click “Next“
- Choose a restore point, at least a month ago
- Click “Next“
- Choose Disk C: (should be selected by default)
- Click “Next“. Wait for a few minutes and the restore should be done.
Method 3: Restore your files using File Recovery Software
If none of the above method works, you should try to recover encrypted files by using File Recovery Software. Since Mssecsvc.exe Ransomware first makes a copy of the original file, then encrypts it and deletes the original one, you can successfully restore the original, using a File Recovery Software. Here are a few free File Recovery Software programs:
