Zwer Ransomware

The STOP Ransomware is still one of the most threatening file-lockers circulating in the wild, and it is recommended that you take the required measures to protect your system and files from its attacks. The best way to reach this result is to invest in a regularly updated anti-malware service, as well as to keep backup copies of your most important files. Do not forget that there dozens of variants of the STOP Ransomware circulating in the wild, and you are at risk of coming across them if you interact with pirated software and games, illegal media, torrent trackers and other shady download locations regularly.

One of the latest versions of the STOP Ransomware is called the Zwer Ransomware, and recovering from its attack may be nearly impossible unless you have a backup copy of your data. When this file-locker infects a system, it will begin encrypting files stored on all accessible storage devices immediately. The file types that the Zwer Ransomware targets are very diverse – documents, images, archives, spreadsheets, databases and text-files are just some of its targets. Whenever it encrypts a file, it will manipulate its name so that it includes the '.zwer' extension – for example, the file 'document.docx' will be named 'document.docx.zwer' once it has been encrypted.

Of course, the Zwer Ransomware ends its attack by creating a ransom note for the victim – it is stored under the name '_readme.txt' and can be found on the Windows Desktop. According to the '_readme.txt' note, victims of the Zwer Ransomware have the opportunity to purchase a decryptor for $490 – the attackers warn them that the price is only valid for 72 hours, and it will be doubled after the promotional period expires. The perpetrators also mention that they will decrypt 1-2 files free of charge so that the victim will have the reassurance that the decryption service works. Last but not least, the Zwer Ransomware authors note that they can be reached by messaging helpmanager@mail.ch or helpdatarestore@firemail.cc.

Trying to purchase anything off of ransomware operators is a risky endeavor, and we suggest against doing that. Instead, use an anti-malware solution to eradicate the Zwer Ransomware threat, and then try to get your data back by using popular file recovery tools.