How to remove Werz Ransomware and decrypt .werz files

What is Werz Ransomware

Werz Ransomware (also known as STOP Ransomware) is ruinous virus, whose operating principle is based on strong file encryption and money extortion. There have been more, than 700 versions of this malware, with several major modifications and numerous minor changes. Recent ones use random 4-letter extensions added to affected files, to indicate that they are encrypted. Werz appeared in the very end of May 2023. Since the very beginning, Werz Ransomware has used the AES-256 (CFB mode) encryption algorithm. Depending on the exact extension there are slightly different, but similar removal and decryption methods. Variation under research today uses .werz extensions. Like its predecessors, it creates a ransom note called _readme.txt, below is an example of such a text file.

Werz Ransomware uses system directories to store its own files. In order to start automatically each time the OS starts, the encryptor creates an entry in the Windows registry section that defines the list of programs that start when the computer is turned on or restarted. Therefore, to be able to decrypt your files you need to remove the virus first. The technical peculiarity of this malware allows users to decrypt files successfully in some cases. The matter is Werz Ransomware tries to connect its server every time it starts encryption on a victim’s computer. In case of a successful connection, each victim is assigned a unique key and that is impossible to retrieve. However, sometimes malfunction occurs, and the virus process either cannot connect to its command server or the victim’s computer disconnects to the Internet. In this case, ransomware uses a typical hard-coded encryption key, that can be gathered with the help of a special decryption tool, for example, one from Emsisoft. There are also auxiliary instruments, that may help you to recover files encrypted by STOP (Djvu). Stellar Data Recovery Professional is one of the best file-recovery tools and, if used properly, may recover copies and duplicates of encrypted files, that were removed prior to infection. The only option for a successful 100% recovery is using existing backups. Follow the tutorial to remove Werz Ransomware and decrypt .werz files, that we prepared meticulously for your convenience.

How Werz Ransomware infected your computer

Werz Ransomware is spread via various means, such as torrent websites, key generators, and cracking tools. One of the main ways for distribution is malicious email attachments or links and deceptive pages claiming to provide YouTube video downloads. Thats why we recommend using anti-spam tools such as Mailwasher featured below.

1. Download Werz Ransomware Removal Tool
2. Get decryption tool for .werz 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 Werz Ransomware

Virus modifies “hosts” file to block Windows updates, downloading antivirus programs, and visiting sites related to security news or offering security solutions. Werz 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. Werz 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 Werz Ransomware are: Emsisoft Anti-Malware and Malwarebytes Anti-Malware.

How to remove Werz Ransomware manually

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

Werz Ransomware files:

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

Werz Ransomware registry keys:

no information

How to decrypt and restore .werz files

Use automated decryptors

Download STOP Djvu Decryptor from EmsiSoft (.werz 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 .werz files, encrypted by Werz 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 .werz 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 Werz 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 .werz 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 .werz

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 Werz Ransomware, in future

1. Get special anti-ransomware software

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. Werz 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