How to remove Warning Ransomware and decrypt .warning!_16 files

What is Warning Ransomware

Warning Ransomware, part of the infamous GlobeImposter family, is a malicious software that encrypts files on infected systems, holding them hostage until a ransom is paid. This ransomware appends the .warning!_16 extension to each encrypted file, which is a tell-tale sign of this specific malware variant. It utilizes robust RSA and AES encryption algorithms to lock the victim’s files, making them inaccessible without the decryption key held by the attackers. Following encryption, the ransomware generates a ransom note titled HOW_TO_BACK_FILES.html in each affected directory. This note informs the victim that their files are encrypted and warns against using third-party recovery solutions, as they could irreversibly damage the files. The note further instructs the victim on how to contact the attackers—via email or a Tor chat link—to negotiate the ransom payment, with a scare-tactic warning that the ransom will increase if contact is not made within 72 hours.

Regrettably, there are no publicly available decryption tools for the Warning Ransomware as of now. This situation underscores the sophistication of the RSA and AES encryption combined with the unique keys generated for each victim. Consequently, decrypting the .warning!_16 files without paying the attackers for their decryption tool is virtually impossible unless vulnerabilities in the ransomware are discovered or the attackers themselves are apprehended and their tools released. Experts and cybersecurity authorities consistently advise against paying the ransom, as there’s no guarantee the decryption tool will be provided even after payment. Instead, affected users should focus on removing the ransomware using reliable antivirus software, isolating infected devices to prevent further spread, and seeking assistance from cybersecurity professionals. The best strategy against HOW_TO_BACK_FILES.html scenarios remains preventive measures, like maintaining regular backups and practicing safe digital habits to avoid initial infection.

How Warning Ransomware infects computers

Warning Ransomware, a variant from the GlobeImposter family, infiltrates computers primarily through deceptive tactics and vulnerabilities. Cybercriminals often spread this malware via malicious email attachments or links, which, once clicked, execute the ransomware. Additionally, users downloading pirated software or engaging with untrustworthy websites risk encountering hidden ransomware payloads. Exploiting outdated software or operating system vulnerabilities is another common method, allowing the ransomware to bypass security defenses. Once inside, Warning Ransomware encrypts files using robust RSA and AES encryption methods, rendering files inaccessible and demanding a ransom for decryption. Maintaining updated security software and practicing cautious online behavior are crucial in mitigating the risk of such infections.

1. Download Warning Ransomware Removal Tool
2. Get decryption tool for .warning!_16 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 Warning Ransomware

Warning Ransomware files:


HOW_TO_BACK_FILES.html
{randomname}.exe


Warning Ransomware registry keys:

no information

How to decrypt and restore .warning!_16 files

Use automated decryptors

Download Kaspersky RakhniDecryptor

Use the following tool from Kaspersky called Rakhni Decryptor, that can decrypt .warning!_16 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 .warning!_16 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 Warning 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 .warning!_16 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 Warning 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. Warning 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