How to remove Wizard Ransomware and decrypt .wizard files

What is Wizard Ransomware

Wizard is a ransomware virus that encrypts data with the help of AES-256 algorithms to blackmail users into paying the ransom. While restricting access to data, all affected files get renamed with the .wizard extension. For instance, a file previously titled 1.pdf will change to 1.pdf.wizard and reset its original icon. Following this, it was observed that the virus creates a text called decrypt_instructions.txt onto the desktop. This note contains information about what victims should do in order to return their encrypted files.

It is said victims have to pay a ransom of 100 USD (in bitcoin cryptocurrency). Extortionists also say they are open to discussion and may agree on lowering the specified price. To initiate the negotiation process, victims should write a message to godepso19@proton.me and include their personal ID. Unfortunately, returning access to data without the help of cybercriminals is often complicated or even impossible. Ransomware developers use strong encryption algorithms and keep their keys secret making decryption with third-party tools an arduous task. Although the money required by Wizard developers is not that high compared to other ransomware infections, it is recommended to think twice before deciding to pay. Quite often, cybercriminals fool their victims and do not send any promised decryption tools. The best way you can recover your data is via backup copies of it. If such is available on external storage like USB flash cards, you can easily use them for recovery. In our guide, you will also find some information about reputable decryption/recovery software, however, their capability may not be enough to deal with the consequences left by this ransomware specifically. You can give them a try if there is no other option left to consider. Note that it is important to delete the infection before trying to recover your data without the help of cybercriminals. You can do so in our guide below and ensure your system is protected against similar threats in the future.

How Wizard Ransomware infected your computer

Ransomware infections can be distributed via trojans, deceptive third-party downloads, fake software updates/installers, backdoors, keyloggers, botnets, system exploits, e-mail spam, and other possible channels. A significant number of successful infiltrations occur through malicious attachments or links that can be bundled within e-mail spam letters. Cybercriminals tend to camouflage such letters under the names of legitimate companies or other entities to bait users into opening content attached to them. Doing so is dangerous and may lead to irreversible malware infections, such as Wizard Ransomware. Files with .DOCX, .XLSX, .PDF, .EXE, .RAR, .ZIP, .JS, and other extension are often the formats used to deliver infection in such types of messages. On the initial basis, these files have nothing to do with malicious content, however, cybercriminals intentionally modify their configuration to set up the installation of malware. Beware of opening them and avoid downloading/browsing content on unofficial or dubious pages. Read our guide below to know how one can protect himself/herself against ransomware and other threats in the future.

1. Download Wizard Ransomware Removal Tool
2. Get decryption tool for .wizard 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 Wizard Ransomware

Wizard Ransomware files:


decrypt_instructions.txt
{randomname}.exe


Wizard Ransomware registry keys:

no information

How to decrypt and restore .wizard files

Use automated decryptors

Download Kaspersky RakhniDecryptor

Use following tool from Kaspersky called Rakhni Decryptor, that can decrypt .wizard 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 .wizard 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 Wizard 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 .wizard files

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

Using Shadow Explorer:

1. Download Shadow Explorer program.
2. Run it and you will see 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 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 Wizard 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. Wizard 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