How to remove Sanctions ransomware virus

What should you expect from Sanctions ransomware virus?

Sanctions ransomware is a unique example of a file-encrypting virus. It has a political connotation and mocks America’s attempts to sanction Russia.^[1] The developers’ beliefs are clearly illustrated in the caricature presented in the ransom note. The virus has been spotted on March 2017; however, it seems it hasn’t started spreading actively. According to the virus researchers, the developers might be launching targeted attacks instead of starting massive distribution campaigns. This crypto-malware uses a combination of AES-256 and RSA-2048 algorithms to encrypt targeted files. What is more, it appends the .wallet file extension to each targeted file. Typically this file extension is added by Dharma and CrySiS ransomware families; however, Sanctions virus is not related to them.

Following data encryption, the Sanctions ransomware leaves a ransom note called RESTORE_ALL_DATA.html. What is interesting, the letter has a link to a Satoshi box which allows uploading and selling files using Bitcoin currency. Probably, you can release that victims can purchase a decryption tool and recover their files for 6 Bitcoins. Indeed, it’s an enormous amount of money that equals 6.700 USD at the moment. However, we want to discourage you from this risky deal. It’s better to remove Sanctions from the system instead of hoping for the criminals’ good will. Nevertheless, you transfer the demanded sum of money; no one can assure that you will get safe and working decryption tool. Keep in mind that it is illegal business and hackers might play unfairly.^[2] We recommend Sanctions removal with a help of FortectIntego. Detailed information about ransomware elimination is presented at the end of this article.

How can I avoid ransomware infection?

The specific methods how Sanctions ransomware virus is being distributed is still under the investigation. However, the majority of file-encrypting viruses are being spread using the same techniques and strategies. Last year, malicious spam emails and their attachments became number one malware distribution method.^[3] Thus, it’s important to be careful with actions in your inbox and learn how to identify infected email^[4] from the legitimate one. Another popular method is malvertising which gives criminals an opportunity to place malicious and misleading ads on various websites. Thus, before clicking on “too good to be true” or strange ads, you should evaluate the fact that click on it might cause the infiltration of crypto-malware such as Sanctions virus. Ransomware might also invade the system with a help of bogus software and updates, or use flaws in the computer’s security. Thus, keep all software installed on your PC updated, and find credible sources to download updates and necessary programs. As you can see, there are numerous ways how ransomware might attack your device and data. Hence, you should also backup your files regularly, and strengthen computer’s security with an antivirus program.

What to do after Sanctions ransomware attack?

After ransomware attack, computer users always are too much concerned about a possibility to recover their files. However, removal should be the priority. Thus, if you ever get infected with Sanctions malware, you should not focus on getting back your data. Do not even consider your chances to transfer the demanded sum of money and hope for the working and safe to use decryption tool. As we already told you, there is huge possibility to face a bigger damage. Of course, if you have never backed up your files,^[5] you should not have high expectations to recover your data soon. However, you should try additional methods that might help to rescue at least some of your files. Though, first of all, you have to focus on Sanctions removal. Install reputable malware removal program, such as [d1[, SpyHunterCombo Cleaner or MalwarebytesMalwarebytes. However, if you have problems with installing your chosen security tool, have a look at our prepared instructions. They will explain how to disable the virus in order to access security program and remove Sanctions automatically. Then, you can use data backups or other methods to restore encrypted files.