How to remove Wikipedia Ransomware and decrypt .wikipedia files

What is Wikipedia Ransomware

Wikipedia Ransomware is a type of malicious cryptovirus that targets individual and organizational data by encrypting files and demanding a ransom for decryption. It appends the .wikipedia extension to the names of the encrypted files, rendering them inaccessible without the unique decryption key. This ransomware often uses a robust combination of encryption algorithms, such as AES (Advanced Encryption Standard) and RSA (Rivest-Shamir-Adleman) to secure the files, making it extremely difficult to decode the data without the proper decryption key. Victims typically find a how_to_decrypt_files.txt file within affected directories, which serves as the ransom note. This note provides instructions on how to pay the ransom, usually in Bitcoin, and contains threats that further attempts to decrypt the files without following the cybercriminals’ guidelines may result in permanent data loss.

Unfortunately, decryption tools for Wikipedia Ransomware are not readily available as of now. The complexity and sophistication of the ransomware’s encryption method make it hard for cybersecurity experts to create a universal decryption tool. If you are a victim, the best approach is to avoid paying the ransom since payment does not guarantee that the cybercriminals will provide a functioning decryptor. Instead, you should look for reliable professional cybersecurity assistance. You should always maintain regular backups of your files to reduce the impact of such attacks. Meanwhile, identification services like ID Ransomware can help you confirm the type of ransomware and provide you with any available resources, but currently, there is no sure way to decrypt .wikipedia files without the cybercriminals’ key.

How Wikipedia Ransomware infects computers

Wikipedia Ransomware infiltrates computers primarily through phishing emails containing malicious attachments or links. These emails often masquerade as legitimate communications from trusted sources, prompting users to download infected files or visit compromised websites. Once executed, the ransomware exploits vulnerabilities in the system or software, establishing a foothold and encrypting files with extensions like .wikipedia. Additionally, this malware can spread via unsecured Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) configurations, drive-by downloads from malicious ads, or by leveraging exploit kits that target outdated software. Users may unknowingly facilitate the infection by neglecting regular software updates and bypassing advanced security measures. Consequently, the ransomware locks critical data, demanding a bitcoin ransom for decryption, though paying the ransom does not guarantee file recovery.

1. Download Wikipedia Ransomware Removal Tool
2. Get decryption tool for .wikipedia 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. How to protect from threats like Wikipedia Ransomware

Wikipedia Ransomware files:


how_to_decrypt_files.txt
{randomname}.exe


Wikipedia Ransomware registry keys:

no information

How to decrypt and restore .wikipedia files

Use automated decryptors

Download Kaspersky RakhniDecryptor

Use the following tool from Kaspersky called Rakhni Decryptor, that can decrypt .wikipedia files. Download it here:

Download RakhniDecryptor

There is no purpose to pay the ransom because there is no guarantee you will receive the key, but you will put your bank credentials at risk.

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 .wikipedia files by uploading samples to Dr. Web Ransomware Decryption Service. Analyzing 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 Wikipedia Ransomware and removed from your computer, you can try to decrypt 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 .wikipedia files

1. Download Stellar Data Recovery Professional.
2. Click Recover Data button.
3. Select the type of files you want to restore and click Next button.
4. Choose the 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 a 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 are no items in the list, choose an alternative method.

Using Shadow Explorer:

1. Download Shadow Explorer program.
2. Run it, and you will see a 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 an 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.

How to protect computer from viruses, like Wikipedia 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. Wikipedia 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.

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