How to remove WantToCry (NAS) Ransomware and decrypt .want_to_cry files

What is WantToCry Ransomware

WantToCry Ransomware is a type of encryption virus, which is a subset of malware that encrypts files on a victim’s computer and demands a ransom for the decryption key. This particular cryptor targets NAS devices. The WantToCry ransomware appends the .want_to_cry extension to the files it encrypts. This clearly marks which files have been compromised and are inaccessible without the decryption key. While the specific encryption method used by WantToCry is not detailed in the provided source, ransomware generally uses strong encryption algorithms like AES (Advanced Encryption Standard) or RSA (Rivest–Shamir–Adleman) to lock files, making them inaccessible without a unique decryption key. It is a crypto virus that locks files and coerces victims into paying to regain access to their data WantToCry creates a ransom note named !want_to_cry.txt that is left on the victim’s computer. This note informs the victim that their data has been encrypted and provides instructions on how to pay the ransom, which is set at $300. Victims are instructed to download and install qTOX, create a profile, and contact the cybercriminals via qTOX chat to arrange payment.

Without a free decryptor, the options for decrypting “.want_to_cry” files are limited. The primary recommendation is to restore the affected files from backups. If backups are not available and the victim chooses not to pay the ransom, the files may remain encrypted and inaccessible. It is generally advised not to pay the ransom, as this does not guarantee that the files will be decrypted and further incentivizes criminal activity. Victims should also remove the ransomware from their system to prevent further encryption or data loss. This can be done using reputable antivirus or anti-malware software capable of detecting and removing the ransomware.

How WantToCry Ransomware infects computers

Ransomware like WantToCry typically infects computers when users interact with malicious content. This can include opening infected email attachments, downloading pirated software, or clicking on malicious links. Once the ransomware is executed on the system, it begins the encryption process.

1. Download WantToCry Ransomware Removal Tool
2. Get decryption tool for .want_to_cry 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 WantToCry Ransomware

WantToCry Ransomware files:


!want_to_cry.txt
{randomname}.exe


WantToCry Ransomware registry keys:

no information

How to decrypt and restore .want_to_cry files

Use automated decryptors

Download Kaspersky RakhniDecryptor

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

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 .want_to_cry 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 WantToCry 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 .want_to_cry 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.

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 WantToCry Ransomware, in future

1. Get special anti-ransomware software

Use ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware

ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware Dashboard

ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware Alert

ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware Blocked

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.

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. WantToCry 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.