Worry (WhatsWrongScared) is a newly discovered ransomware-type malware identified on VirusTotal. This crypto-virus operates by locking users’ files through strong encryption and appending a .WORRY extension to affected filenames. It then delivers a ransom message in a text file titled “HELP_DECRYPT_YOUR_FILES.txt”, urging victims to pay $20 in Bitcoin to regain access to their data.
Worry (WhatsWrongScared) Ransomware Summary
Attribute | Details |
---|---|
Threat Name | Worry (WhatsWrongScared) |
Threat Type | Ransomware, Crypto Virus, Files Locker |
Encrypted File Extension | .WORRY |
Ransom Note Filename | HELP_DECRYPT_YOUR_FILES.txt |
Ransom Amount | $20 in Bitcoin |
Bitcoin Wallet Address | bc1q2rgae6kjysam5qsjr3gt6lx97cnrljgk0kmynx |
Contact Email | whatswrongscareddd@gmail.com |
Detection Names | Avast (Win32:RansomX-gen), Combo Cleaner (Generic.Ransom.Spora), Kaspersky (HEUR:Trojan-Ransom.MSIL.Encoder.gen), Microsoft (Ransom:MSIL/FileCoder.AB!MTB), ESET (A Variant Of MSIL/Filecoder.AK) |
Symptoms | Files cannot be opened; filenames modified to include .WORRY ; ransom note appears |
Damage | Files encrypted; potential additional malware payloads (e.g., password stealers) |
Distribution Methods | Malicious email attachments, torrent sites, pirated software, fake updates |
Danger Level | High – due to data encryption and potential for further malware infection |
Although $20 might seem modest compared to other ransomware demands, payment is not recommended. Cybercriminals frequently fail to send decryption tools even after receiving the ransom. The best solution is to remove the ransomware from the system and restore data using secure backups, if available.
Ransom Note Content
The ransom note found in the “HELP_DECRYPT_YOUR_FILES.txt” file reads:
Oops All Of your important files were encrypted Like document pictures videos etc..
Don’t worry, you can return all your files!
All your files, documents, photos, databases and other important files are encrypted by a strong encryption.
How to recover files?
RSA is a asymmetric cryptographic algorithm, you need one key for encryption and one key for decryption so you need private key to recover your files. It’s not possible to recover your files without private key.
The only method of recovering files is to purchase an unique private key. Only we can give you this key and only we can recover your files.
What guarantees you have?
As evidence, you can send us 1 file to decrypt by email We will send you a recovery file Prove that we can decrypt your file
Please You must follow these steps carefully to decrypt your files:
Send $20 worth of bitcoin to wallet: bc1q2rgae6kjysam5qsjr3gt6lx97cnrljgk0kmynx
after payment, we will send you Decryptor software
contact email: whatswrongscareddd@gmail.com
Your personal ID: –
This message attempts to reassure victims that recovery is guaranteed upon payment, yet security experts caution against trusting these claims.
Ransomware Examples Similar to Worry:
- MRJOKERPALFINGER1984
- CMLOCKER
- ESCANOR
- Optimus (Chaos)
- Anonymous (Xorist)
- Mamona
- Moscovium
Each of these variants follows the same principle: encrypt files and demand money in exchange for a decryption key. While their behavior is similar, encryption algorithms and ransom amounts may vary widely.
Manual Ransomware Removal Process
Important: Manual removal is recommended only for experienced users, as incorrect actions can lead to data loss or incomplete removal of the ransomware. If unsure, consider the SpyHunter Removal Method for a guided, automated solution.
Step 1: Disconnect from the Internet
- Immediately disable Wi-Fi or unplug the Ethernet cable to prevent the ransomware from communicating with remote servers.
- This can prevent additional encryption or further infections.
Step 2: Boot into Safe Mode
For Windows Users
- Windows 10/11:
- Press Windows + R, type
msconfig
, and press Enter. - Under the Boot tab, select Safe boot and check Network.
- Click Apply, then OK, and restart your PC.
- Press Windows + R, type
- Windows 7/8:
- Restart your PC and press F8 repeatedly before Windows starts.
- Select Safe Mode with Networking and press Enter.
For Mac Users
- Restart your Mac and hold the Shift key immediately after the startup chime.
- Release the key when the Apple logo appears.
- Your Mac will boot in Safe Mode.
Step 3: Identify and Terminate Malicious Processes
Windows
- Open Task Manager by pressing Ctrl + Shift + Esc.
- Look for unusual processes consuming high CPU or memory.
- Right-click on the suspicious process and select End Task.
Mac
- Open Activity Monitor (Finder > Applications > Utilities > Activity Monitor).
- Look for unknown or high-resource-consuming processes.
- Select the suspicious process and click Force Quit.
Step 4: Delete Ransomware Files
Windows
- Open File Explorer and navigate to:
C:\Users\[Your Username]\AppData\Local
C:\Users\[Your Username]\AppData\Roaming
C:\Windows\System32
- Identify and delete suspicious files (randomly named or recently modified items).
- Clear temporary files:
- Press Windows + R, type
%temp%
, and hit Enter. - Delete all files in the Temp folder.
- Press Windows + R, type
Mac
- Open Finder and select Go > Go to Folder.
- Type
~/Library/Application Support
and check for unfamiliar files or folders. - Remove unknown
.plist
files from~/Library/LaunchAgents
.
Step 5: Remove Ransomware Entries from Registry or System Settings
Windows
- Press Windows + R, type
regedit
, and hit Enter. - Navigate to:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software
- Identify and delete ransomware-related registry entries.
Mac
- Open System Preferences > Users & Groups.
- Select the Login Items tab and remove any unknown startup programs.
- Check
~/Library/Preferences
for malicious settings.
Step 6: Restore System Using a Backup or Restore Point
Windows
- Press Windows + R, type
rstrui
, and press Enter. - Choose a restore point from before the infection and proceed.
Mac
- Restart your Mac and enter macOS Utilities by holding Command + R.
- Select Restore from Time Machine Backup and restore a safe backup.
Step 7: Attempt to Decrypt Files
- Check No More Ransom (www.nomoreransom.org) for available decryption tools.
- If unavailable, restore files from backups.
Automated Ransomware Removal with SpyHunter
If manual removal is too complex or risky, SpyHunter offers a safer, automated method for detecting and removing ransomware.
Step 1: Download SpyHunter
- Get SpyHunter from the official Enigma Software website.
Step 2: Install SpyHunter
- Open the downloaded file (
SpyHunter-Installer.exe
or.dmg
for Mac users). - Follow the installation prompts.
- Launch SpyHunter upon completion.
Step 3: Run a Full System Scan
- Click Start Scan Now to detect malware and ransomware.
- Wait for the scan to complete and review detected threats.
Step 4: Remove Detected Ransomware
- Click Fix Threats to remove identified ransomware components.
- SpyHunter will clean your system automatically.
Step 5: SpyHunter’s Custom Malware HelpDesk
- If ransomware persists, use SpyHunter’s Malware HelpDesk for custom malware fixes.
Step 6: Restore Files
- Use backups stored on external drives or cloud storage.
- If no backup is available, check No More Ransom for decryption tools.
Preventing Future Ransomware Attacks
- Keep backups: Use cloud storage or an external hard drive.
- Install a reliable security tool: SpyHunter offers real-time protection against malware.
- Enable Windows Defender or Mac security features for additional protection.
- Avoid phishing emails and unknown attachments.
- Regularly update Windows, macOS, and installed applications.