DataWait Ransomware - How to remove

DataWait virus is called this way because this ransomware locks files up using .datawait extension. Cyber security experts say that it’s a new, updated version of the infamous [email protected] ransomware infection. However, it is not clear if we are talking about same malware developers – it might be that someone simply “borrowed” the code and concept of SaveFiles infection to release new, updated version of the virus and call it a different name.

As you might already know, ransomware infections are lethal. They aim to infect as many computers as possible and collect money by demanding a ransom. It can be a frustrating situation, since you will be not able to open or use any of those locked files. Unfortunately, DataWait is capable of encrypting most of the personal files, so your computer will be completely paralyzed.

We aim to provide readers with help on how to eliminate DataWait virus and restore files that have been damaged, so if you are in this poor situation, please continue reading. Also, if you have some additional questions regarding it, feel free to contact us in the comments section below – we will do our best to get back at you as soon as possible.

DataWait Report

DataWait is a typical ransomware regarding its’ features. First of all, malicious files need to be uploaded to your computer. Then the malware can automatically start operating and scan your computer for personal files that can be encrypted. Sadly, you won’t be able to even notice this process because it is happening in the background. After the scan is over, DataWait will employ strong AES and RSA 1024-bit cryptographies to lock those files.

During this process, the ransomware will change the structure of your files and from that moment you won’t be able to open any of them. Unique extension .datawait will be appended to the end of every encrypted file. Also, after that, you should notice a file called “!readme.txt” placed on your desktop. It is a ransom note that contains information about the ransomware and what should you do in order to recover your files:

==================================================ATTENTION PLEASE!==================================================

Your databases, files, photos, documents, databases and other important files are encrypted and have the extension: .DATAWAIT
The only method of recovering files is to purchase an decrypt software and unique private key.
After purchase you will start decrypt software, enter your unique private key and it will decrypt all your data.
Only we can give you this key and only we can recover your files.
You need to contact us by e-mail [email protected] send us your personal ID and wait for further instructions.
For you to be sure, that we can decrypt your files – you can send us a 1-3 any not very big encrypted files and we will send you back it in a original form FREE.
Discount 50% available if you contact us first 72 hours.

====================================================================================================

E-mail address to contact us:
[email protected]

Reserve e-mail address to contact us:
[email protected]

Your personal id:
**************

They want you to pay the ransom in Bitcoins, but in order to find out the amount of money and Bitcoin wallet address, you will have to contact them via email [email protected] or [email protected]. They also use ’social techniques to force you into doing this – they claim that if you reach out to them within first 72 hours, you will get 50% discount on the ransom.  However, we do not recommend doing that, because even contacting cyber criminals might be dangerous.

Also, keep in mind that there are other alternatives to retrieve your files, so paying the ransom is not the best option. Even if they are asking for a relatively small amount, paying them equals supporting cyber criminals, so they can continue their dirty jobs.

How To Solve DataWait Problem

You need to understand that removing this virus and decrypting files that have been encrypted are two separate things. However, one is not possible without the other. Well, it is technically possible, but there is no point in recovering your files while DataWait is still operating on your computer because this infection will encrypt them once again right away.

So to remove DataWait, download Spyhunter. Scan your computer with either one of those programs and the infection will be detected and removed automatically.

Then, you need to restore encrypted files because the removal of the virus alone doesn’t change anything regarding it. If you have a backup that was made before the infection, you can perform a system restore and restore your files into a previous state. In case you don’t have the ability to do that, try using ’file that can do that for you.

Automatic Malware removal tools

How to recover DataWait Ransomware encrypted files and remove the virus

Step 1. Restore system into last known good state using system restore

1. Reboot your computer to Safe Mode with Command Prompt:

for Windows 7 / Vista/ XP

• Start → Shutdown → Restart → OK.
• Press F8 key repeatedly until Advanced Boot Options window appears.
• Choose Safe Mode with Command Prompt.

for Windows 8 / 10

• Press Power at Windows login screen. Then press and hold Shift key and click Restart.
• Choose Troubleshoot → Advanced Options → Startup Settings and click Restart.
• When it loads, select Enable Safe Mode with Command Prompt from the list of Startup Settings.

 

2.Restore System files and settings.

• When Command Prompt mode loads, enter cd restore and press Enter.
• Then enter rstrui.exe and press Enter again.
• Click “Next” in the windows that appeared.
• Select one of the Restore Points that are available before DataWait Ransomware has infiltrated to your system and then click “Next”.
• To start System restore click “Yes”.

 

Step 2. Complete removal of DataWait Ransomware

After restoring your system, it is recommended to scan your computer with an anti-malware program, like Spyhunter and remove all malicious files related to DataWait Ransomware. You can check other tools here.  

Step 3. Restore DataWait Ransomware affected files using Shadow Volume Copies

If you do not use System Restore option on your operating system, there is a chance to use shadow copy snapshots. They store copies of your files that point of time when the system restore snapshot was created. Usually DataWait Ransomware tries to delete all possible Shadow Volume Copies, so this methods may not work on all computers. However, it may fail to do so. Shadow Volume Copies are only available with Windows XP Service Pack 2, Windows Vista, Windows 7, and Windows 8. There are two ways to retrieve your files via Shadow Volume Copy. You can do it using native Windows Previous Versions or via Shadow Explorer. a) Native Windows Previous Versions Right-click on an encrypted file and select Properties → Previous versions tab. Now you will see all available copies of that particular file and the time when it was stored in a Shadow Volume Copy. Choose the version of the file you want to retrieve and click Copy if you want to save it to some directory of your own, or Restore if you want to replace existing, encrypted file. If you want to see the content of file first, just click Open.

b) Shadow Explorer It is a program that can be found online for free. You can download either a full or a portable version of Shadow Explorer. Open the program. On the left top corner select the drive where the file you are looking for is a stored. You will see all folders on that drive. To retrieve a whole folder, right-click on it and select “Export”. Then choose where you want it to be stored.

Step 4. Use Data Recovery programs to recover DataWait Ransomware encrypted files

There are several data recovery programs that might recover encrypted files as well. This does not work in all cases but you can try this:

• We suggest using another PC and connect the infected hard drive as slave. It is still possible to do this on infected PC though.
• Download a data recovery program.
• Install and scan for recently deleted files.

Note: In many cases it is impossible to restore data files affected by modern ransomware. Thus I recommend using decent cloud backup software as precaution. We recommend checking out Carbonite, BackBlaze, CrashPlan or Mozy Home.