WinWord64 Ransomware
Malware researchers classify WinWord64 as a ransomware threat. A typical symptom of a WinWord64 Ransomware infection is that the affected user is not able to access files stored on his or her computer because these files have been encrypted with a strong encryption algorithm. During the encryption process, the WinWord64 Ransomware appends the extension '.encrypted" to the files. Afterward, the WinWord64 Ransomware displays a pop-up message containing the attackers' demands.
The WinWord64 Ransomware ransom note starts with reference to the movie The Matrix, then states that all valuable data on the computer has been locked with a unique key, and the victim has to send $500 worth of Bitcoin cryptocurrency to a specified wallet to receive the private decryption key. Unfortunately, most ransomware victims never receive the promised decryption tool even after paying the ransom, so it is not worth negotiating with the cyber crooks who stay behind the WinWord64 Ransomware.
The WinWord64 ransomware falls under the cryptovirus category. WinWord64 uses the secure AES security algorithm to make it impossible for your computer to read important files.
The WinWord64 ransomware has several different infection vectors to get into a target computer. One such method is when people are infected as a result of browser redirections. The virus causes your computer to load a different web page than the one you intended to open, giving you an infection in the process. These browser redirects are often the work of redirection software, a PUP, adware, or something similar.
Another potential infection method is spam emails. WinWord64 is attached to malicious emails in the form of an attached file or link. The emails claim to have invoices, documents, and other legitimate files. What they actually contain, however, is the installation file for the ransomware. Once a user interacts with a malicious attachment, their computer is infected.
Last but not least, there are suspicious and compromised websites advertising the virus as a crack, keygen, patch, or another kind of free download for users. Always take care when downloading software online and get software from first-party official sources whenever possible to reduce the risk of your computer getting infected.
What Does WinWord64 Do?
The problems begin as soon as WinWord64 gets on your computer. You may notice an infection immediately because of how quickly it gets to work. You may notice the following ransom note appears on your computer:
The Matrix Has You!!
ATTENTION: All Your Files Are Belong To Us!!!
All files on your hard drive are encrypted by WinWord64,
Your documents, photos, and other important files have been
encrypted with the strongest encryption and unique key generated for
this computer.
A private decryption key is required to decrypt your files, and no one
else can decrypt your files unless you pay for the private key.
You must send $500 worth of bitcoin to this address to purchase the
decryption key : 569G40JNu94320pmQ021233
WinWord64 gets to work as soon as it is activated. The virus looks for documents, audio files, images, videos, and other personal files outside of essential system files. As mentioned before, infected files are encrypted and have their name changed to include a new extension, as shown below;
WinWord64 uses Advanced Encryption Standard (or AES) to render files inoperable. Your computer can’t read the files, and therefore you can’t access them. The only way to restore access to your files is by using a decryption key that only the hackers have. With that said, security experts recommend against paying any ransom demand. There is no guarantee that the criminals will deliver the promised encryption key, or that it would even work. It’s best to remove the virus from your computer with an antivirus program and then restore damaged data from a backup.
How to Avoid Ransomware Infections
The most crucial step to avoiding ransomware infections is to avoid opening email attachments and links from unknown sources. Keep your programs and OS updated using official sources and tools. Don’t forget to install an antivirus solution and keep said antivirus solution updated so that it can find the latest threats. Last but not least, avoid downloading software from unofficial sources. Stick to official and legal sources.
If you believe your computer could be infected with WinWord64 ransomware, then it is recommended that you use anti-malware programs to scan the computer and remove the infection. Don’t forget to keep regular backups of data on external devices so you can restore any damaged data with minimal fuss. The more copies you have of your data, the better.
To avoid a ransomware infection, never open spam e-mail attachments, as that is the most common propagation method of such harmful malware threats. Also, always use the official download sources of software products and do not click on suspicious advertisements or links on the Internet.
