I wrote this article to help you remove Ransom_wcry.sm2 Ransomware. This Ransom_wcry.sm2 Ransomware removal guide works for all Windows versions.
The Ransom_wcry.sm2 infection is one of the newest members of the ransomware family. Even though it recently developed, it has managed to infect many innocent users around the world. If you are next, this article is just for you. Here, we will explain what kind of threat you are dealing with, how it operates, what you should and should not do, and, most importantly, how to get rid of it and how to protect yourself in the future.
First of all, if you are stuck with Ransom_wcry.sm2, do your best not to panic. The crooks want you to be scared as if you are, you will be more willing to comply with their demands. That’s why it is crucial that you keep calm and explore all your options before you impulsively do something that you will regret later. There is a reason why ransomware pieces are considered the most dangerous cyber threat that you could possibly encounter. Their reputation is well deserved. So, prepare yourself for a battle.
Ransom_wcry.sm2 enters your machine usually via malicious spam emails messages. Crooks still haven`t forgotten about this technique. And why would they? It is very effective but mostly because users still make the mistake of providing their carelessness. We know you have heard this a million times but we will say it once more: do not open emails from unknown senders EVEN IF they look legitimate. Hackers disguise their messages in order to dupe you. They make them look like a shipping invoice, a job application, fail delivery email, etc.
Be smart. Don’t fall for the fake logos and stamps they put in the messages as well. Proceed with caution. If you don’t personally know the senders, check it. Enter the email address in your search engine and see what comes up. If it has been used for shady business, someone might have reported it. However, newer and newer email addresses are being created every single day which makes this tactic no flawless at all. Always be on the alert. Don’t be negligent as this is what crooks pray for the most.
Once the ransomware enters your machine, it makes a thorough scan. It locates all of your files and then locks them with a strong cipher. Thus, you no longer have access to any of them. The pest even adds a pesky new extension to each locked file in order to solidify its grip. All of your photos, music, videos, presentations, databases, etc. fall victim to the infection. Then, Ransom_wcry.sm2 blackmails you for money. It drops it ransom note which states that the only way of getting your locked data back is by purchasing a special decryption tool.
The hackers don’t say the exact price of the tool but they might try to force the users to constant them as soon as possible to save money. They may even offer to decrypt a couple of your files for free to prove that the decryptor works. Don’t fall for that. Don’t fall for any of this. Let us be straight – paying will not get your files back. Even if it does, it would be temporary simply because your main problem remains.
The decryptor doesn’t remove the infections, it only removes the encryption. This means that your files could get re-encrypted hours later. Then what? Are you going to pay again? NO! You must get rid of Ransom_wcry.sm2 first, and only then you can try to safely recover your data. Our removal guide below will help you do that. Follow our instructions and clean your machine from Ransom_wcry.sm2. Then, once your PC is ransomware-free, continue using the guide to recover your files.
Ransom_wcry.sm2 Ransomware Removal
Method 1: Restore your encrypted files using ShadowExplorer
Usually, Ransom_wcry.sm2 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 Ransom_wcry.sm2 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:
