How to remove Watz Ransomware and decrypt .watz files

What is Watz Ransomware

Watz Ransomware is a variant of the STOP/DJVU ransomware family, a notorious group of file-encrypting malware. This ransomware encrypts files on the victim’s computer, rendering them inaccessible, and demands a ransom payment in exchange for a decryption key. The primary goal of Watz Ransomware, like other ransomware, is to extort money from victims by holding their data hostage. Once Watz Ransomware infects a system, it encrypts files and appends the .watz extension to the filenames. For example, a file named document.docx would be renamed to document.docx.watz. Watz Ransomware employs a combination of AES-256 and RSA-2048 encryption algorithms. AES-256 is used to encrypt the files, while RSA-2048 is used to encrypt the AES key. This dual-layer encryption ensures that decrypting the files without the private key held by the attackers is nearly impossible. After encrypting the files, Watz Ransomware creates a ransom note named _readme.txt in each folder containing encrypted files. The ransom note typically includes instructions on how to pay the ransom, the amount demanded (usually in cryptocurrency), and contact information for the attackers. The note may also offer a “discount” if the ransom is paid within a specified timeframe.

The Emsisoft STOP Djvu Decryptor is a free tool designed to decrypt files encrypted by various STOP/DJVU ransomware variants, including Watz. To use this tool, first, download the Emsisoft STOP Djvu Decryptor from the official Emsisoft website or other trusted sources. Once downloaded, run the decryptor with administrative privileges to ensure it has the necessary permissions to access and decrypt files. The tool will automatically select available directories, but you can add additional locations if needed. Click the “Decrypt” button to begin the decryption process. The tool will attempt to decrypt files using known offline keys. If the ransomware used an online key, decryption might not be possible without the attackers’ private key.

In some cases, manual methods can help recover files encrypted by Watz Ransomware. For very large files (2GB+), try deleting the “.watz” extension and opening them. The ransomware may have failed to encrypt these files properly. Additionally, since Watz Ransomware deletes the original files after encryption, file recovery tools like Stellar Data Recovery Pro can sometimes recover the original files from the disk sectors.

How Watz Ransomware infects computers

Watz Ransomware typically spreads through several common infection vectors:

Phishing Emails: Cybercriminals use social engineering tactics to trick users into opening malicious email attachments or clicking on links that download the ransomware onto their systems.
Malvertising and Exploit Kits: These methods involve malicious advertisements or exploit kits that take advantage of vulnerabilities in software to deliver the ransomware payload.
Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) Exploits: Attackers gain unauthorized access to systems by exploiting weak RDP credentials or vulnerabilities.
Drive-By Downloads: Users inadvertently download the ransomware by visiting compromised or malicious websites.

1. Download Watz Ransomware Removal Tool
2. Get decryption tool for .watz files
3. Recover encrypted files with Stellar Data Recovery Professional
4. Restore encrypted files with Windows Previous Versions
5. Restore files with Shadow Explorer
6. Restore media files with Media Repair
7. How to protect from threats like Watz Ransomware

Virus modifies “hosts” file to block Windows updates, downloading antivirus programs, and visiting sites related to security news or offering security solutions. Watz Ransomware comes along with AZORult trojan, which was initially created to steal logins and passwords. The process of infection also looks like installing Windows updates, the malware shows a fake window, that mimics the update process.

It uses rdpclip.exe to replace a legal Windows file and to launch an attack on a computer network. After encrypting the files, the encrypter is deleted using the delself.bat command file. Watz Ransomware virus is propagated via spam attack with malicious e-mail attachments and using manual PC hacking. Can be distributed by hacking through an unprotected RDP configuration, fraudulent downloads, exploits, web injections, fake updates, repackaged, and infected installers. The virus assigns a certain ID to the victims, which is used to name those files and supposedly to send a decryption key. Great tools to protect against Watz Ransomware are: Emsisoft Anti-Malware and Malwarebytes Anti-Malware.

How to remove Watz Ransomware manually

Kill Watz Ransomware Process

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc keys simultaneously to open the Windows Task Manager.
2. Select the Processes tab and look for any suspicious processes related to Watz Ransomware.
3. Right-click on the malicious process and select Open file location. This step is necessary to remove executable file after this.
4. Right-click on the malicious process and select End Task or End Process option.

Disable Watz Ransomware Start-up Entry

1. Press Win + R keys together to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type msconfig and press Enter to open the System Configuration window.
3. Go to the Startup tab and look for any suspicious entries related to Watz Ransomware.
4. Uncheck the box next to the malicious entry and click OK to disable it.

Delete Watz Ransomware Task

1. Press Win + R keys together to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type taskschd.msc and press Enter to open the Task Scheduler.
3. Look for any tasks related to Watz Ransomware in the Task Scheduler Library.
4. Right-click on the malicious task and select Delete or Disable option.

Remove Watz Ransomware Executable Files

1. Open folder that was opened on the third step of the first instruction Kill Watz Ransomware Process.
2. Find Watz Ransomware executable file.
3. Right-click on the malicious executable file and select Delete to remove it.
4. To be able to do this you will need to modify permissions fo this file in the instruction below.

Disable inheritance for executable files

1. Right-click on the affected folder and click Properties.
2. Click the Security tab and then click the Advanced button.
3. In the Advanced Security Settings window, click the Disable inheritance button.
4. Choose Convert inherited permissions into explicit permissions on this object to remove inherited permissions.
5. Now you will be able to delete the file.

It is not recommended to remove Watz Ransomware manually, for safer solution use Removal Tools instead.

Watz Ransomware files:

_readme.txt
rdpclip.exe
delself.bat
{randomname}.exe

Watz Ransomware registry keys:

no information

How to decrypt and restore .watz files

Use automated decryptors

Download STOP Djvu Decryptor from EmsiSoft (.watz variations)

IMPORTANT: Read this detailed guide on using STOP Djvu Decryptor to avoid file corruption and time wasting.

STOP Djvu Decryptor is able to decrypt .watz files, encrypted by Watz Ransomware. This tool was developed by EmsiSoft. It works in automatic mode, but in most cases works only for files encrypted with offline keys. Download it here:

Download STOP Djvu Decryptor

Dr.Web Rescue Pack

Famous antivirus vendor Dr. Web provides free decryption service for the owners of its products: Dr.Web Security Space or Dr.Web Enterprise Security Suite. Other users can ask for help in the decryption of .watz files by uploading samples to Dr. Web Ransomware Decryption Service. Analysis of files will be performed free of charge and if files are decryptable, all you need to do is purchase a 2-year license of Dr.Web Security Space worth $120 or less. Otherwise, you don’t have to pay.

If you are infected with Watz Ransomware and removed it from your computer, you can try decrypting your files. Antivirus vendors and individuals create free decryptors for some crypto-lockers. To attempt to decrypt them manually you can do the following:

Use Stellar Data Recovery Professional to restore .watz files

1. Download Stellar Data Recovery Professional.
2. Click Recover Data button.
3. Select type of files you want to restore and click Next button.
4. Choose location where you would like to restore files from and click Scan button.
5. Preview found files, choose ones you will restore and click Recover.

Download Stellar Data Recovery Professional

Using Windows Previous Versions option:

1. Right-click on infected file and choose Properties.
2. Select Previous Versions tab.
3. Choose particular version of the file and click Copy.
4. To restore the selected file and replace the existing one, click on the Restore button.
5. In case there is no items in the list choose alternative method.

Using Shadow Explorer:

1. Download Shadow Explorer program.
2. Run it and you will see screen listing of all the drives and the dates that shadow copy was created.
3. Select the drive and date that you want to restore from.
4. Right-click on a folder name and select Export.
5. In case there are no other dates in the list, choose alternative method.

If you are using Dropbox:

1. Login to the DropBox website and go to the folder that contains encrypted files.
2. Right-click on the encrypted file and select Previous Versions.
3. Select the version of the file you wish to restore and click on the Restore button.

Use Media Repair to decrypt media files encrypted with .watz

1. Download Media Repair tool.
2. Right-click on the downloaded archive, and select Extract to Media_Repair\.
3. Then double-click on the extracted .exe file to launch the utility.
4. At first, you have to choose which file type you want to decrypt. You can do it from the drop-down menu in the utility.
5. Next, browser the folder with encrypted or reference files. Choose any of them and click on the Test icon located in the top right corner.
6. Media Repair will display a pop-up message with information on whether it can repair the selected file or not.
7. After checking if it is possible or not, select your reference file and click on the icon right under the Test button we used in step #5.
8. If the file pair is properly matched, you can move on and hit the Play button to start repairing. You can also stop the process anytime by clicking on the Stop button.

How to protect computer from viruses, like Watz Ransomware, in future

1. Get special anti-ransomware software

Use G-DATA STOP/Djvu vaccine

G DATA has released a vaccine to block STOP/DJVU ransomware from encrypting victims’ files after infection. The vaccine prevents the ransomware from encrypting files anymore, but it does not prevent the infection itself. The vaccine is available on GitHub. Download it below:

Download STOP/Djvu vaccine

Use ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware

Famous antivirus brand ZoneAlarm by Check Point released a comprehensive tool, that will help you with active anti-ransomware protection, as an additional shield to your current protection. The tool provides Zero-Day protection against ransomware and allows you to recover files. ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware is compatible with all other antiviruses, firewalls, and security software except ZoneAlarm Extreme (already shipped with ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware) or Check Point Endpoint products. The killer features of this application are: automatic file recovery, overwrite protection that instantly and automatically recovers any encrypted files, file protection that detects and blocks even unknown encryptors.

Download ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware

2. Back up your files

As an additional way to save your files, we recommend online backup. Local storage, such as hard drives, SSDs, flash drives, or remote network storage can be instantly infected by the virus once plugged in or connected to. Watz Ransomware uses some techniques to exploit this. One of the best services and programs for easy automatic online backup is iDrive. It has the most profitable terms and a simple interface. You can read more about iDrive cloud backup and storage here.

Download iDrive

3. Do not open spam e-mails and protect your mailbox

Malicious attachments to spam or phishing e-mails are the most popular method of ransomware distribution. Using spam filters and creating anti-spam rules is good practice. One of the world leaders in anti-spam protection is MailWasher Pro. It works with various desktop applications and provides a very high level of anti-spam protection.

Download MailWasher Pro