Salsa ransomware, Salsa222 ransomware: what it is and how to remove it
Salsa ransomware, otherwise known as Salsa222 ransomware, is a cyber threat that locks all personal files on the infected machine and then asks for a ransom in Bitcoins to redeem access. The virus uses the XOR encryption algorithm and marks all pictures, videos, music, documents, PDF, and other data with .salsa222 marker.
Facts checked October 7, 2026. Removal steps tested on Windows 11 (26H2) and checked against Microsoft's and the browser makers' current documentation. Sections marked as our earlier report are the original text: they describe the threat as it was then and have not been reviewed since. The 2026 status, the removal steps and the questions are current.
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Fortect finds malware, unwanted programs and the Windows damage they leave behind, and repairs it in one pass.
A free scan checks for the encryptor still on the PC; it does not decrypt .salsa222 files.
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Salsa ransomware, Salsa222 ransomware: summary
| Distribution | Spam emails, malicious or hacked websites, booby-trapped ads, cracks/keygens, exploits, etc. |
|---|---|
| Name | Salsa ransomware, Salsa222 ransomware |
| Type | Cryptomalware, file locking virus |
| Encryption algorithm | Malware uses a mix of XOR and cipher of unknown origin to lock data on the system, skipping system and executable files |
| Related files | Salsa222.exe, SalsaDownload.exe, SalsaDecryptor.exe, bg222salsa .jpg |
| Extension | Each of the encrypted files are appended with .salsa222 marker, e.g., picture.jpg.salsa222 |
| Removal | Scan the PC with security software to find and remove the malware and anything installed with it. Fortect scans Windows for malware and repairs the system files and settings it damaged. Remove it nowTo use the full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Fortect. The scan is free. |
Show 15 more facts
| Ransom note | The virus drops 40 different ransom notes, each representing a different language, which i; the text of the note is not in our records |
|---|---|
| Ransom size | Crooks are asking for ransom in Bitcoins, and the size may vary from $150 to $500, or even more |
| File recovery | Without paying cybercriminals and having no backups, recovering data is difficult. Nevertheless, it may be possible to retrieve some of your files with the help of alternative methods we provide in our recovery section below |
| Malware termination | Perform a full system scan with the help of anti-malware software that can detect[1] the threat |
| Detection names | No Microsoft detection name is known |
| Contact | Not recorded in our earlier report |
| Encrypted file extension | .salsa222 |
| Decryptor | No free decryptor is known for this variant; check No More Ransom (nomoreransom.org) for updates |
| Damage | Not recorded in the old report |
| Symptoms | Files renamed with a new extension |
| Evidence | 6 write-ups by security sites; details still limited |
| Encrypted files | .salsa222 |
| Free decryptor | No free decryptor is known (checked 7 October 2026) |
| First seen | 26 February 2020 |
| Facts checked | 7 October 2026 |
- File extension:
.salsa222
From our report of Feb 2020 · not reviewed since
More from our earlier report on Salsa ransomware, Salsa222 ransomware
- The virus drops 40 different ransom notes, each representing a different language, which includes French, Spanish, German, Swedish, Turkish, Russian, Korean, Japanese, Arabic, and many others
- In case the Windows is malfunctioning after you terminate the infection, repair virus damage with
- Arabic; Belorussian; Bengali; Bosnian; Bulgarian; Chinese; Croatian; Czech; Danish; Dutch; English; Estonian; Finnish; French; German; Greek; Gujarati; Hebrew; Hindi; Hungarian; Icelandic; Indonesian; Italian; Japanese Javanese; Kannada; Korean; Latvian; Lithuanian; Malayalam; Marathi; Norwegian; Persian; Polish; Portuguese; Romanian; Russian; Serbian; Simplified Slovak; Slovenian; Spanish; Swedish; Tamil; Telugu; Thai; Traditional Turkish; Ukrainian; Urdu; Vietnamese;
How Salsa ransomware, Salsa222 ransomware behaves
From our report of Feb 2020 · not reviewed since
Salsa ransomware - file locking malware that presents ransom notes in 40 different languages
Salsa ransomware, otherwise known as Salsa222 ransomware, is a cyber threat that locks all personal files on the infected machine and then asks for a ransom in Bitcoins to redeem access.
The virus uses the XOR encryption algorithm and marks all pictures, videos, music, documents, PDF, and other data with .salsa222 marker. Additionally, to explain to victims what happened to their computers and personal files, Salsa222 virus drops READ TO UNLOCK FILES.salsa.html.
When the virus first hit the stage in April 2017, it immediately drew attention for its one peculiar feature. While there are multiple file-encrypting threats that present the ransom note in several languages, Salsa ransomware drops ransom notes in 40 different languages to ensure that victims get the message through.
Besides, the malware also replaces the default wallpaper with "bg222salsa.jpg," which is essentially a black background with a text "SALSA PERSONAL FILES ENCRYPTED."
The prevalence of Salsa222 ransomware is relatively low, despite the attackers' efforts to satisfy every potential "customer" from 40 countries. Nevertheless, they may use several different methods to spread the malware around, which includes:
However, before encrypting files, Salsa ransomware performs the necessary changes on the Windows system, which include modification of the registry, deletion of shadow volume copies, connection to a remote server, creation of new malicious processes, etc. These changes may sometimes complicate Salsa ransomware removal, and it may only be performed in the Safe Mode.
Each of the files represents the following languages:
- Spam email attachments and hyperlinks
- Exploit kits
- Software cracks
- Repacked application installers
- Web injects
- Malicious ads
- Fake updates, etc.
From our report of Feb 2020 · not reviewed since
Connections to Razy ransomware and other details
According to its technical specification, it links to the malware called Razy ransomware, which came into the daylight last year .
However, the latter threat is not single-use ransomware. Its hackers have developed it into a bigger virus project. Underestimating, it might be lead to severe outcomes.
Even if you got infected with this malware, there is no need to comply with the demands. It would be a wiser solution to remove Salsa ransomware with reputable anti-malware software. To fix your damaged Windows system files, employ .
This malware follows the manner of some cyber infections that appeared last year, which preferred changing your desktop picture into a ransom notification. Likewise, Salsa attempts to scare users more by replacing their background picture into black wallpaper with few words informing that the victims' files have been infected. It indicates the deadline when users have to pay 500 dollars or 0.465112 bitcoins .
They also give instructions for users in case the decryption process fails to complete successfully. In that case, they should reboot the device and download Salsa Decrypter from the indicated servers. Note that installing this file might only corrupt the system more. Even if you succeed in retrieving the wanted documents, later on, you might be struck with another wave of the cyber attack.
It does not take long for victims to notice their compromised files as all of them are marked with .salsa222 file extension. Another feature raises concern as this virus can delete show volume copies.
Unfortunately, this factor leaves fewer chances for file recovery. Nonetheless, it does not mean that you should follow the pre-determined scenario set by hackers. Thus, it would be better to concentrate on Salsa222 removal.
The Salsa ransomware, Salsa222 ransomware note
We did not record the full text of the ransom note in our report.
How to remove Salsa ransomware, Salsa222 ransomware
Tools you'll need
All of these are free except where noted. Download them on a clean device if the infected PC is offline.
- A USB stick: to keep the ransom note, two or three encrypted files and screenshots off the infected PC.
- Microsoft Defender Offline: built into Windows 11 and Windows 10; scans before Windows starts, so running malware cannot hide.
- Microsoft Safety Scanner: a second, portable scanner with current signatures; each download works for 10 days.
- ID Ransomware: identifies the family from the note and one encrypted file and says whether a decryptor exists.
- No More Ransom: the free decryptors from police and security companies; check it again every few months.
- Fortect (optional): scans Windows for malware and repairs the system files and settings it damaged. The free scan is in the box above.
How to remove Salsa ransomware, Salsa222 ransomware and get your files back
Work in this order.
Disconnecting comes first, removal comes before any restore, and nothing here asks you to contact the attackers.
Step 1: Disconnect the PC and unplug backup drives
Unplug the network cable or turn off Wi-Fi, and disconnect USB drives, external disks and network shares, so Salsa ransomware, Salsa222 ransomware cannot reach more files. Pause OneDrive, Google Drive or Dropbox sync, because synced folders upload the encrypted copies over the good ones.
Leave the PC on but offline while you read the next steps, since a restart can let the ransomware run again. This applies to Windows 11 and Windows 10 alike.
Windows 11: turn off Wi-Fi to take the PC offline. Full procedure with screenshots: Ransomware: first steps, finding a decryptor and recovering files
Step 2: Save the ransom note and identify the family
The name of the family decides whether a free decryptor can help. Copy the ransom note and two small encrypted files to a USB stick, and check them on another device with ID Ransomware or Crypto Sheriff.
Note the extension added to the files, the contact address and the victim ID shown in the note. Keep the originals on the Windows 11 or Windows 10 PC untouched.
Windows 11: the ransom note and encrypted files to copy for identification. Full procedure with screenshots: Ransomware: first steps, finding a decryptor and recovering files
Step 3: Check for a free decryptor
Our last check found that for Salsa ransomware, Salsa222 ransomware, no free decryptor is known (checked 7 October 2026). Look again yourself in the No More Ransom list and the free decryptor pages of Emsisoft, Avast and Kaspersky, which add new families every year.
A decryptor needs the ransomware gone first, or it encrypts the files again. Keep at least one copy of the encrypted files on an external drive, even if no tool works yet.
Full procedure with screenshots: Ransomware: first steps, finding a decryptor and recovering files
Step 4: Remove the ransomware before you restore or decrypt
Removing Salsa ransomware, Salsa222 ransomware does not bring the files back, but it has to come first. Start with Defender's Full scan, then the offline scan from the same Scan options page, which checks the disk before Windows loads.
If the scan cannot start, use Safe Mode with Networking. Delete the ransom notes only after you have saved a copy, because removal tools sometimes leave them behind on Windows 11 and Windows 10.
Windows 11: Windows Security > Virus & threat protection > Scan options. Full procedure with screenshots: Run a Microsoft Defender Offline scan
Step 5: Look for shadow copies of the files
Windows keeps shadow copies for restore points and backups, and some ransomware fails to delete them.
vssadmin list shadowsin an administrator Command Prompt tells you at once whether any exist.If they do, right-click the folder that held your files, open Properties > Previous Versions, select a version from before the attack, and click Open to check it before you Restore or copy the files out. Windows 11 and Windows 10 both have the tab.
Windows 11: vssadmin list shadows shows whether shadow copies exist. Full procedure with screenshots: Ransomware: first steps, finding a decryptor and recovering files
Step 6: Restore the files from a backup or recover deleted originals
A backup made before the attack is the surest way back. Connect it only once the PC is clean, then restore from File History, Windows Backup, OneDrive's Restore your OneDrive or your own external copies.
Without a backup, try file recovery: the originals that Salsa ransomware, Salsa222 ransomware deleted may still be on the disk until something overwrites them. Install nothing new on the drive you want to recover from on the Windows 11 or Windows 10 PC.
Full procedure with screenshots: Recover deleted files (Recycle Bin, backups, OneDrive) On uGetFix
Instructions for each browser and system
The detailed steps for every browser and system this guide covers. Open the one you use.
Manual removal using Safe Mode
Important! →
Manual removal guide might be too complicated for regular computer users. It requires advanced IT knowledge to be performed correctly (if vital system files are removed or damaged, it might result in full Windows compromise), and it also might take hours to complete. Therefore, we highly advise using the automatic method provided above instead.
Step 1. Access Safe Mode with Networking
Manual malware removal should be best performed in the Safe Mode environment.
Windows 7 / Vista / XP
- Click Start > Shutdown > Restart > OK.
- When your computer becomes active, start pressing F8 button (if that does not work, try F2, F12, Del, etc. - it all depends on your motherboard model) multiple times until you see the Advanced Boot Options window.
- Select Safe Mode with Networking from the list.
Windows 10 / Windows 8
- Right-click on Start button and select Settings.
- Scroll down to pick Update & Security.
- On the left side of the window, pick Recovery.
- Now scroll down to find Advanced Startup section.
- Click Restart now.
- Select Troubleshoot.
- Go to Advanced options.
- Select Startup Settings.
- Press Restart.
- Now press 5 or click 5) Enable Safe Mode with Networking.
Step 2. Shut down suspicious processes
Windows Task Manager is a useful tool that shows all the processes running in the background. If malware is running a process, you need to shut it down:
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc on your keyboard to open Windows Task Manager.
- Click on More details.
- Scroll down to Background processes section, and look for anything suspicious.
- Right-click and select Open file location.
- Go back to the process, right-click and pick End Task.
- Delete the contents of the malicious folder.
Step 3. Check program Startup
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc on your keyboard to open Windows Task Manager.
- Go to Startup tab.
- Right-click on the suspicious program and pick Disable.
Step 4. Delete virus files
Malware-related files can be found in various places within your computer. Here are instructions that could help you find them:
- Type in Disk Cleanup in Windows search and press Enter.
- Select the drive you want to clean (C: is your main drive by default and is likely to be the one that has malicious files in).
- Scroll through the Files to delete list and select the following:
Temporary Internet Files
Downloads
Recycle Bin
Temporary files - Pick Clean up system files.
- You can also look for other malicious files hidden in the following folders (type these entries in Windows Search and press Enter):
%AppData%
%LocalAppData%
%ProgramData%
%WinDir%
After you are finished, reboot the PC in normal mode.
From our report of Feb 2020 · not reviewed since
Ransomware prevention
The majority of ransomware threats are spread via spam email attachments, specifically, via the .zip, .doc, .pdf, and similar files.
Previously, Google has declared war on JavaScript attachments . Nonetheless, gearheads have easily found a way how to evade this ban. The fraudulent attachments might be even placed in double .zip folders .
Furthermore, Salsa ransomware has been detected as Gen:Variant.Razy.125765, Trojan.DownLoader24.28153, a variant of Win32/Kryptik.FQQS, Gen:Variant.Razy.125765, etc. Likewise, it is necessary to improve the overall security of your system. For that purpose, the combination of an anti-virus and anti-spyware utilities might be efficient. A firewall would come in handy as well. Lastly, such protection will be wasted if you carelessly review the contents of spam messages and enable shady browser attachments.
From our report of Feb 2020 · not reviewed since
Getting rid of Salsa222 malware
Looking for tips on how to carry out efficient Salsa ransomware removal, you will come across multiple articles that promote one or another security application.
In general, you should not meddle with ransomware manually as it often corrupts and modifies your system files.
Unless you are a virus researcher, manual intervention might have a perilous effect on the system. After you remove Salsa virus, you might try some of the data recovery methods. Take a look at the bottom of the page. Some of the recommendations might be effective in your case.
[GI=method-1]Can't launch an anti-malware app? Regain access by completing these steps.
This utility is said to recover your files as well as damaged or lost emails.
Make use of Windows Previous Versions
If System Restore is enabled, you might recover some of the files by following the below-suggested links.
In exchange for the decrypted files, you might be an easier target for future ransomware attacks.
Report it and recover your files
Report it
Report the attack even if you do not expect the files back: insurers and banks ask for the report number, and police use the contacts in the note to link cases.
- United States
- FBI IC3 · FTC ReportFraud
- United Kingdom
- Report Fraud (formerly Action Fraud) · NCSC
- Australia
- ReportCyber (ASD)
- EU countries
- Europol: national reporting sites
Give the victim ID, the note and the date the files were encrypted. A business that holds personal data may also have to notify its data protection authority, in the EU within 72 hours.
Backups: the 3-2-1 rule
Keep three copies of files that matter, on two kinds of storage, with one copy offline or off-site.
A disk that stays plugged in is reached by malware like Salsa ransomware, Salsa222 ransomware together with the PC; one you connect only for the backup is not.
On Windows 11, File History keeps versions on an external drive, and OneDrive keeps earlier versions of synced files. Before restoring anything, make sure the PC no longer shows files that end in .salsa222 and no longer open.
Setting it up step by step: 3-2-1 backups on Windows 11 and 10.
Access your website securely from any location
When you work on the domain, site, blog, or different project that requires constant management, content creation, or coding, you may need to connect to the server and content management service more often. The best solution for creating a tighter network could be a dedicated/fixed IP address.
If you make your IP address static and set to your device, you can connect to the CMS from any location and do not create any additional issues for the server or network manager that needs to monitor connections and activities. VPN software providers like can help you with such settings and offer the option to control the online reputation and manage projects easily from any part of the world.
Recover files after data-affecting malware attacks
While much of the data can be accidentally deleted due to various reasons, malware is one of the main culprits that can cause loss of pictures, documents, videos, and other important files.
More serious malware infections lead to significant data loss when your documents, system files, and images get encrypted. In particular, ransomware is is a type of malware that focuses on such functions, so your files become useless without an ability to access them.
Even though there is little to no possibility to recover after file-locking threats, some applications have features for data recovery in the system. In some cases, can also help to recover at least some portion of your data after data-locking virus infection or general cyber infection.
Questions about Salsa ransomware, Salsa222 ransomware
How do I open .salsa222 files?
You cannot open them by renaming or with another program, because the content of files ending in .salsa222 has been encrypted. The only ways back are a working decryptor for the family, or clean copies from elsewhere:
- OneDrive versions
- File History
- an offline backup drive
- Previous Versions if the ransomware did not delete them
Identify the family first by uploading the ransom note and one encrypted file to ID Ransomware or No More Ransom. Avoid websites and programs that promise to open any encrypted file; they do not work and some are scams.
Is there a free Salsa ransomware, Salsa222 ransomware decryptor?
We last checked on 7 October 2026, and for Salsa ransomware, Salsa222 ransomware no free decryptor is known. We check No More Ransom, which collects free tools from police and security companies, and the decryptor pages of the major antivirus vendors. A working decryptor exists only when the encryption has a flaw or the keys were leaked or seized.
Ignore sites and videos that offer a "Salsa ransomware, Salsa222 ransomware decryptor" for download or for a fee: these are usually scams or malware. Real decryptors are free and come from known security companies or law enforcement. Keep the encrypted files in case a tool appears later.
Are ransomware recovery services legitimate?
Some are, but read the offer carefully. Genuine data-recovery firms recover deleted originals from disks or rebuild damaged files, and they say so. Others promise to "decrypt any ransomware" for a fixed price, which is impossible without the key; they quietly pay the attackers and keep a margin, sometimes without telling the victim.
Be especially careful with services that contact you after you post about the attack online. Ask for references, a written method and a no-result-no-fee clause, and check the free tools on No More Ransom first.
Should I pay the ransom?
We advise against it, and so do the FBI, Europol and national cyber agencies. Payment does not guarantee a working tool: some attackers never reply, some tools damage files, and some variants have no decryptor at all. Paying also funds further attacks and can make you a target again.
Before considering payment, try every recovery option in this guide and report the attack. Companies must involve their legal adviser and insurer, because payments to sanctioned groups can be illegal. If files are truly irreplaceable, store the encrypted copies and wait; decryptors sometimes appear later.
How did Salsa ransomware, Salsa222 ransomware get on my computer?
The way Salsa ransomware, Salsa222 ransomware spreads has not been documented yet, so look at your own recent activity. On home PCs, ransomware most often comes with cracked programs, game cheats, key generators and fake updates, or with an e-mail attachment that was opened.
On business networks, attackers usually log in through Remote Desktop with a stolen or guessed password. Think back to what was downloaded or installed in the days before files that end in .salsa222 and no longer open, and check the Downloads folder and Installed apps sorted by date. Keep anything suspicious for your report, but do not run it again.
Did Salsa ransomware, Salsa222 ransomware steal my files or passwords?
We do not know yet. Nothing published so far shows data theft by Salsa ransomware, Salsa222 ransomware, but the only confirmed sign is files that end in .salsa222 and no longer open, which says nothing about what happened before.
Many current ransomware attacks copy files or run a password stealer first, so it is wise to act as if they did.
From a clean device, change the passwords that were saved in the browsers on this PC, starting with e-mail and banking, sign out of all sessions and turn on two-step verification. Watch bank statements and account activity for the next few weeks.
Is Salsa ransomware, Salsa222 ransomware the same as other ransomware with a similar name?
Not necessarily. Ransomware names come from the file extension, the note or a word in the code, so unrelated families often end up with similar names, and one family can appear under several names. The difference matters: a decryptor or advice for one family does not fit another and can damage files.
Compare the ending added to your files and the exact name of the note with the summary table at the top of this guide, then upload the note and one encrypted file to ID Ransomware from a clean device. If the result names another family, follow the guide for that family instead.
My files got .salsa222 overnight. What happened?
Ransomware often runs at night or when the PC is idle, so the encryption finishes before anyone notices. It usually entered earlier through a cracked program, a fake installer, an e-mail attachment or remote desktop with a weak password.
The .salsa222 extension marks every file it reached. Start by disconnecting the PC from the network, then identify the family from the ransom note and one encrypted file, check for a decryptor, and look for copies in backups and OneDrive before you consider anything else.
Will removing Salsa ransomware, Salsa222 ransomware unlock my .salsa222 files?
No. Removing Salsa ransomware, Salsa222 ransomware stops it from encrypting more files and from starting again, but it does not decrypt the files that already end in .salsa222. The scanner does not have the attackers' key.
Files come back only from a backup, from copies the ransomware did not reach, such as OneDrive version history, Previous Versions, e-mail attachments or a phone, or with a working decryptor if one exists.
Remove the ransomware first anyway: if you restore files while it is still active, it can encrypt them again. Keep the encrypted files; a decryptor may be published later.
Will Fortect remove Salsa ransomware, Salsa222 ransomware?
Fortect scans Windows for malware and unwanted programs and repairs the system files and settings they change, and its free scan shows what it finds on your PC before you decide anything.
For Salsa ransomware, Salsa222 ransomware, follow the plan above as well: the browser steps take back permissions and settings that no scanner treats as a threat, and uninstalling the program that brought it removes the source.
Run Microsoft Defender's full scan and, if anything was found, its offline scan as a second opinion. If the symptoms are gone after the plan and both scans are clean, there is nothing more to do.
Sources
- Virus Total: 285f9d8ba4d64ef5ab8430fe39e8464246717613947527feba5ef34946243c3e (read October 7, 2026)
- ZDNet: This old ransomware variant is back - with sneaky new tricks (read October 7, 2026)
- InfoSecurity: Star Trek Ransomware Demands Monero Payments (read October 7, 2026)
- 2-Spyware: Sage 2.0 ransomware virus (read October 7, 2026)
- CISA: StopRansomware (read October 7, 2026)