How to remove Wormhole Ransomware and decrypt .Wormhole files

What is Wormhole Ransomware

Wormhole Ransomware is a type of malicious software designed to encrypt files on a victim’s computer, rendering them inaccessible until a ransom is paid. This ransomware variant is part of a broader category of malware that uses encryption to hold data hostage, demanding payment for the decryption key. The name “Wormhole” is derived from the file extension it appends to encrypted files. Once Wormhole ransomware encrypts files on a victim’s computer, it appends the .Wormhole extension to the encrypted files. This extension helps victims and cybersecurity professionals identify the type of ransomware that has infected the system. Wormhole ransomware employs strong encryption algorithms to secure the victim’s files. Typically, ransomware uses a combination of symmetric and asymmetric encryption. Symmetric encryption involves using a single key for both encryption and decryption, with AES (Advanced Encryption Standard) being commonly used due to its efficiency and security. Asymmetric encryption involves a pair of keys – a public key for encryption and a private key for decryption, with RSA (Rivest-Shamir-Adleman) often used for this purpose. The exact encryption methods used by Wormhole ransomware are not detailed in the sources, but it is likely to use a combination of AES for file encryption and RSA for securing the AES key, similar to other ransomware variants. After encrypting the files, Wormhole ransomware typically creates a ransom note to inform the victim of the attack and provide instructions for payment (How to recover files encrypted by Wormhole.txt). This note is usually placed in prominent locations such as the desktop or in each directory containing encrypted files. The ransom note may include instructions on how to pay the ransom, often in cryptocurrency like Bitcoin, a deadline for payment to avoid permanent data loss, and contact information for the attackers, often an email address or a link to a dark web site.

As of now, there are no publicly available decryption tools specifically for Wormhole ransomware. Decrypting files encrypted by ransomware without the decryption key is extremely challenging due to the strength of the encryption algorithms used. However, victims can take several steps. They should check for available decryption tools on websites like No More Ransom, which offer decryption tools for various ransomware strains. Consulting cybersecurity experts can also be beneficial, as professional cybersecurity firms may have advanced tools and techniques to assist in decryption or data recovery. If recent backups are available, restoring the system from these backups is the most effective way to recover encrypted files without paying the ransom.

How Wormhole Ransomware infects computers

Wormhole Ransomware can infect computers through various vectors, including phishing emails, drive-by downloads, exploiting software vulnerabilities, and Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) attacks. Phishing emails often contain malicious attachments or links that, when opened, download and execute the ransomware on the victim’s system. Drive-by downloads occur when a user visits a compromised or malicious website that automatically downloads and installs the ransomware without the user’s knowledge. Attackers may also exploit unpatched software vulnerabilities to gain access to a system and deploy the ransomware. Additionally, unauthorized access through weak or compromised RDP credentials can be a vector for ransomware deployment.

1. Download Wormhole Ransomware Removal Tool
2. Get decryption tool for .Wormhole 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 Wormhole Ransomware

Wormhole Ransomware files:


How to recover files encrypted by Wormhole.txt
{randomname}.exe


Wormhole Ransomware registry keys:

no information

How to decrypt and restore .Wormhole files

Use automated decryptors

Download Kaspersky RakhniDecryptor

Use the following tool from Kaspersky called Rakhni Decryptor, that can decrypt .Wormhole 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 .Wormhole 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 Wormhole 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 .Wormhole 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 Wormhole 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. Wormhole 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