What is Waldo Ransomware
Waldo Ransomware is a cryptovirus whose activity occurred in March of this year. Despite the fact that it is aimed at the heads of speaking users, it has spread almost all over the globe. More specifically, this cryptovirus encrypts user data with an algorithm AES+RSA. The changes made make the downloaded files unsuitable for further use. These can be MS Office documents, photos, videos, multimedia and more. As a rule, these files are of some value to users. Fraudsters require a ransom in bitcoins. Also, it creates a file note read_me.txt with the terms of the ransomware, below you can read about it.
Like other crypto viruses, Waldo requires a ransom, reaching several hundred dollars. It is important that the user must pay in cryptocurrency. This is done in order to bypass the protection system, as well as to avoid prosecution by law enforcement. We do not recommend you to pay, because, perhaps, your files will not be returned. This is a cheap risk. Underneath you can see the options to remove Waldo and decrypt the files.
[WALDO RANSOMWARE]
Oops!
Your computer has been infected by the Waldo Ransomware.
Your files have been encrypted to hex codes by AES and RSA algorithms.
The file extensions haven’t changed, but the contents are encrypted.
They won’t be recovered easily, but there is clearly a way to get them back.
Contact me by email :
iamwaldo@tutamail.com
Your personal code :
3c4a5a688dc2cc3491e9ca7905fac786cc6952*** [всего 256 знаков]
You can’t get your files back if you lose your personal code.
Good Luck!
Most often Waldo comes as an attachment to a spam mailing list or as a false software update or utility. This happens for two reasons, firstly because of user inattention, the other reason is the deficiency of a legitimate antivirus. Below you can read our recommendations to try to remove Waldo Ransomware and decrypt your files right now.
Well, there are 2 options for solving this problem. The first is to use an automatic removal utility that will remove the threat and all instances related to it. Moreover, it will save you time. Or you can use the Manual Removal Guide, but you should know that it might be very difficult to remove Waldo ransomware manually without a specialist’s help.
If for any reason you need to recover deleted or lost files, then check out our article Top 5 Deleted File Recovery Software
Waldo Ransomware Removal Guide
Remember that you need to remove Waldo Ransomware first and foremost to prevent further encryption of your files before the state of your data becomes totally useless. And only after that, you can start recovering your files. Removal must be performed according to the following steps:
- Download Waldo Removal Tool.
- Remove Waldo from Windows (7, 8, 8.1, Vista, XP, 10) or Mac OS (Run system in Safe Mode).
- Restore .Waldo files
- How to protect PC from future infections.
How to remove Waldo ransomware automatically:
Norton is a powerful antivirus that protects you against malware, spyware, ransomware and other types of Internet threats. Norton is available for Windows, macOS, iOS and Android devices. We recommend you to try it.
If you’re Mac user – use this.
Manual Waldo Removal Guide
Here are step-by-step instructions to remove Waldo from Windows and Mac computers. Follow these steps carefully and remove files and folders belonging to Waldo. First of all, you need to run the system in a Safe Mode. Then find and remove needed files and folders.
Uninstall Waldo from Windows or Mac
Here you may find the list of confirmed related to the ransomware files and registry keys. You should delete them in order to remove virus, however it would be easier to do it with our automatic removal tool. The list:
Waldo.dll
_readme.txt
readme.txt
Windows 7/Vista:
- Restart the computer;
- Press Settings button;
- Choose Safe Mode;
- Find programs or files potentially related to Waldo by using Removal Tool;
- Delete found files;
Windows 8/8.1:
- Restart the computer;
- Press Settings button;
- Choose Safe Mode;
- Find programs or files potentially related to Waldo by using Removal Tool;
- Delete found files;
Windows 10:
- Restart the computer;
- Press Settings button;
- Choose Safe Mode;
- Find programs or files potentially related to Waldo by using Removal Tool;
- Delete found files;
Windows XP:
- Restart the computer;
- Press Settings button;
- Choose Safe Mode;
- Find programs or files potentially related to Waldo by using Removal Tool;
- Delete found files;
Mac OS:
- Restart the computer;
- Press and Hold Shift button, before system will be loaded;
- Release Shift button, when Apple logo appears;
- Find programs or files potentially related to Waldo by using Removal Tool;
- Delete found files;
How to restore encrypted files
You can try to restore your files with special tools. You may find more detailed info on data recovery software in this article – recovery software. These programs may help you to restore files that were infected and encrypted by ransomware.
Restore data with Stellar Data Recovery
Stellar Data Recovery is able to find and restore different types of encrypted files, including removed emails.
- Download and install Stellar Data Recovery
- Choose drives and folders with your data, then press Scan.
- Select all the files in a folder, then click on Restore button.
- Manage export location. That’s it!
Restore encrypted files using Recuva
There is an alternative program, that may help you to recover files – Recuva.
- Run the Recuva;
- Follow instructions and wait until scan process ends;
- Find needed files, Waldo them and Press Recover button;
How to prevent ransomware infection?
It is always rewarding to prevent ransomware infection because of the consequences it may bring. There are a lot of difficulties in resolving issues with encoders viruses, that’s why it is very vital to keep a proper and reliable anti-ransomware software on your computer. In case you don’t have any, here you may find some of the best offers in order to protect your PC from disastrous viruses.
Malwarebytes
SpyHunter is a reliable antimalware removal tool application, that is able to protect your PC and prevent the infection from the start. The program is designed to be user-friendly and multi-functional.