What is a .WNRY file?
A file with the .WNRY extension is one that has been encrypted by the WannaCry ransomware, a type of harmful software used by cybercriminals to lock files on a victim's computer. This malware changes the names of the files and encrypts them, making them inaccessible without a decryption key. Common types of files that might be affected include video files (.MP4), document files (.DOCX), other media files (.MPG), backup files (.BAK), and PDF documents (.PDF). The .WNRY files first became widely recognized in 2017 and are similar to other ransomware file types like .WCRY and .WNCRY.
The main goal of the WannaCry virus is to force the victim to pay a ransom, typically in bitcoin, to regain access to their files. The virus usually enters a computer through phishing emails that trick the user into opening an infected attachment. Once activated, the ransomware starts to encrypt files and renames them by adding the .WNRY extension. For instance, a file originally named "report.xlsx" would be renamed to "report.xlsx.wnry". After encrypting files, the virus creates a ransom note in a .TXT file, explaining to the victim what has happened and the steps necessary to recover the files.
Unfortunately, there are no specific programs designed to open or restore .WNRY files because they are encrypted and locked by the ransomware. The only guaranteed way to recover the files is from a backup, if available. In such cases, the user can perform a full system restore using their backup files. It's important to note that paying the ransom does not guarantee that the files will be decrypted or restored by the attackers.
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