Salsa ransomware virus. How to remove? (Uninstall guide)
Can‘t speak English? Salsa ransomware presents multilingual ransom notes
When Salsa virus hit the stage, it immediately drew attention for its one peculiar feature. While there are multiple file-encrypting threats which present the ransom note in several languages, Salsa ransomware[1] or alternatively known as Salsa 222 virus astonished the virtual community with even 40 languages. The very title of the ransom message does not deviate – the demands are presented in READ TO UNLOCK FILES.salsa.html. This ransom message is placed in “Click here to Unlock your files Salsa222” folder. According to its technical specification, it links to the malware called Razy ransomware which came into the daylight last year[2]. However, the latter threat is not a 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. For that purpose, you might use Reimage or Plumbytes Anti-MalwareMalwarebytes Malwarebytes.
Questions about Salsa ransomware virus
This malware follows the manner of some cyber infections 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[3]. 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 corrupted files as all of them are marked with .salsa222 file extension. Another feature raises concern as this virus is able to 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 the hackers. Thus, it would be better to concentrate on Salsa222 removal.
Select 'Safe Mode with Networking'
Select 'Enable Safe Mode with Networking'
Select 'Safe Mode with Command Prompt'
Select 'Enable Safe Mode with Command Prompt'
Enter 'cd restore' without quotes and press 'Enter'
Enter 'rstrui.exe' without quotes and press 'Enter'
When 'System Restore' window shows up, select 'Next'
Select your restore point and click 'Next'
Click 'Yes' and start system restore
Ransomware prevention
The majority of ransomware threats are spread via spam email attachments, specifically, in the .zip folders. Previously, Google has declared war on JavaScript attachments[4]. Nonetheless, gearheads have easily found a way how to evade this ban. The fraudulent attachments might be even placed in double .zip folders[5]. 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.
Getting rid of Salsa222 malware
Looking for tips how to carry out efficient Salsa removal, you will come across multiple articles which 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 data recovery methods. Take a look at the bottom of the page. Some of the recommendations might be effective in your case.
To remove Salsa virus, follow these steps:
Remove Salsa using Safe Mode with Networking
Can’t launch anti-malware app? Regain the access by completing these steps.
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Step 1: Reboot your computer to Safe Mode with Networking
Windows 7 / Vista / XP- Click Start → Shutdown → Restart → OK.
- When your computer becomes active, start pressing F8 multiple times until you see the Advanced Boot Options window.
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Select Safe Mode with Networking from the list
Windows 10 / Windows 8- Press the Power button at the Windows login screen. Now press and hold Shift, which is on your keyboard, and click Restart..
- Now select Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Startup Settings and finally press Restart.
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Once your computer becomes active, select Enable Safe Mode with Networking in Startup Settings window.
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Step 2: Remove Salsa
Log in to your infected account and start the browser. Download Reimage or other legitimate anti-spyware program. Update it before a full system scan and remove malicious files that belong to your ransomware and complete Salsa removal.
If your ransomware is blocking Safe Mode with Networking, try further method.
Remove Salsa using System Restore
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Step 1: Reboot your computer to Safe Mode with Command Prompt
Windows 7 / Vista / XP- Click Start → Shutdown → Restart → OK.
- When your computer becomes active, start pressing F8 multiple times until you see the Advanced Boot Options window.
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Select Command Prompt from the list
Windows 10 / Windows 8- Press the Power button at the Windows login screen. Now press and hold Shift, which is on your keyboard, and click Restart..
- Now select Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Startup Settings and finally press Restart.
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Once your computer becomes active, select Enable Safe Mode with Command Prompt in Startup Settings window.
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Step 2: Restore your system files and settings
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Once the Command Prompt window shows up, enter cd restore and click Enter.
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Now type rstrui.exe and press Enter again..
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When a new window shows up, click Next and select your restore point that is prior the infiltration of Salsa. After doing that, click Next.
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Now click Yes to start system restore.
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Once the Command Prompt window shows up, enter cd restore and click Enter.
Bonus: Recover your data
Guide which is presented above is supposed to help you remove Salsa from your computer. To recover your encrypted files, we recommend using a detailed guide prepared by 2-spyware.com security experts.If your files are encrypted by Salsa, you can use several methods to restore them:
Is it worth installing Data Recovery Pro?
This utility is said to recover your files as well as damaged or lost emails.
- Download Data Recovery Pro;
- Follow the steps of Data Recovery Setup and install the program on your computer;
- Launch it and scan your computer for files encrypted by Salsa ransomware;
- Restore them.
Make use of Windows Previous Versions
If System Restore is enabled, you might recover some of the files by following the below-suggested links.
- Find an encrypted file you need to restore and right-click on it;
- Select “Properties” and go to “Previous versions” tab;
- Here, check each of available copies of the file in “Folder versions”. You should select the version you want to recover and click “Restore”.
Salsa222 Decrypter
Do not get tempted to download the tool offered by the crooks. In exchange for the decrypted files, you might be an easier target for future ransomware attacks.
Finally, you should always think about the protection of crypto-ransomwares. In order to protect your computer from Salsa and other ransomwares, use a reputable anti-spyware, such as Reimage, Malwarebytes MalwarebytesCombo Cleaner or Plumbytes Anti-MalwareMalwarebytes Malwarebytes
About the author
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References
- ^ Seung Lee. If You're Not Afraid of Ransomware (or Other Cyberattacks), You Are Crazy. Newsweek. News, analysis, politics, business, technology.
- ^ Danny Palmer . This old ransomware variant is back - with sneaky new tricks. ZDNet. Technology News, Comments, Analysis, Comments and Product Reviews.
- ^ Phil Muncaster. Star Trek Ransomware Demands Monero Payments. InfoSecurity. Insight. Strategy. Technology.
- ^ Chris Merriman. Google to ban JavaScript attachments in Gmail. TheInquirer. News, reviews, and opinion for tech buffs.
- ^ Alice Woods. Sage 2.0 ransomware virus. 2-Spyware. Remove spyware, adware.