Every day new forms and variants of ransomware are being developed and spread, and one of them is Wallet ransomware. Discovered by ransomware researcher Michael Gillespie, Wallet is a new variant of vicious file-encrypting ransomware called BTCWare.
Computer users infected with this cryptovirus experience data encryption and receive ransom demands in exchange for access to data. Keep on reading to learn how to remove Wallet ransomware from your computer before it causes any serious damage to your system, especially to your valuable data.
What is Wallet Ransomware?
Wallet is a ransomware-type program that is mainly designed by cybercriminals to encrypt all major file types (e.g., .doc, .mp3, .jpeg, .pdf, .xls, etc.) on targeted PC and extort money from victims to restore access to the data. Following successful installation, it encrypts files and renames them by appending the “.[amagnus@india.com].wallet” extension to their filenames. For instance, it renames a file originally named “1.mp3” to “1.mp3.[amagnus@india.com].wallet”, “2.mp3” to “2.mp3.[amagnus@india.com].wallet”, and so on.
After this encryption process is complete, it drops a “Good morning.txt” text file (ransom note) in all folders that contain affected data.
The text presented in the ransom note informs the victims about the attack and instructs them to contact the authors of this pesky ransomware via the amagnus@india.com email address.
Users are strongly advised to avoid contacting these cyber crooks and transferring any money into their accounts.
Wallet Ransomware: Distribution Techniques
Below are some of the most common methods that malicious hackers use to spread file-encrypting ransomware and other malware infections.
- Malicious spam (MalSpam) emails
- Drive-by download Kits
- Malicious Advertising (Malvertising)
- Fake software updates
- Pornographic sites
- Peer-to-Peer (P2P) networks like eMule, torrents, etc.
- Unpatched software and operating system flaws
How to Remove Wallet Ransomware?
Installing and running a full system scan with a robust anti-malware software on the compromised system is the easiest way to delete Wallet ransomware and other dangerous computer infections.
Things to Keep in Mind to Prevent Ransomware Attacks in Future
Here are some important cybersecurity tips to protect your computer and your data from ransomware attacks.
- Keep your operating system, web browsers, and apps up-to-date.
- Do not open or download unexpected or untrusted email attachments.
- Backup your important files and folders to external hard drives.
- Create secure hack-proof strong passwords.
- Only download files, software, and plugins from sites you trust.
