How to remove Satan Ransomware

Satan Cryptor is a dangerous virus that promises to delete personal files if the victim fails to pay a ransom

Satan ransomware is a crypto-virus which operates as Ransomware-as-a-service.^[1] Alternatively, it is also known as Satan Cryptor and Satan Cryptor 2.0 which came back in 2020. Malware is spread via Server Message Block (SMB) exploit that was used by a scandalous Wannacry attack. However, it is still unknown if the virus is related to the previously-released ransomware that was presented in the underground market^[2].

This crypto-malware appends the .satan extension and drops the HELP_DECRYPT_FILES.html or similar file as the ransom note. Originally, the ransomware creators required 0.5 BTC to be paid as the ransom. However, it seems like the amount of ransom decreased with the latest version, demanding 0.3 Bitcoin. The biggest changes to get infected are if you live in the USA, China, and Korea.

Previously, crooks were offered to design their own Satan ransomware and start generating illegal profits from this hazard. They were encouraged to sign up and create their individual file-encrypting variants of ransomware. The malware creation procedure consisted of the following parts:

1. Malwares;
2. Droppers;
3. Translate;
4. Account;
5. Notices;
6. Messages.

Malware allowed its users to specify their ransomware settings. They were allowed to set the amount of the ransom, indicate how much it should increase and the period of time after which it should happen. Once the user finished completing this page, it was allowed to create malicious MS Office macros or CHM installers in the Dropper section which were used to distribute Satan Cryptor. 

Satan ransomware has also been spread in multiple languages. Once inside the system, it starts displaying such warning message:

Payment Time Left: XXXX
Some files have been encrypted 
Please send 0.5 bitcoins to this wallet address: XXXX 
If you paid, send the machine code to my email address
I will of give you key 
If there is no payment within three days,
we will no longer provide a decryption support 
We can give you the test file.  
send 3 files that are smaller than 3 MB to my email address 
Btc Wallet: [1BEDcx8n4PdydUNC4gcwLSbUCVksJSMuo8] 
Mail Address: [satan_pro@mail.ru] 

Note that there could be numerous versions of the threat and the number will keep increasing until people agree to pay the ransom. The developers of the file-encrypting virus promise to reduce their cut when the infection rate increases. It is clear that crooks are motivated to spread ransomware in order to gain a larger profit share. 

Therefore, we recommend you to remove Satan Cryptor and do not pay the ransom under any circumstances. You should be aware that there are several reports on the Internet which inform that the decryption tool is ineffective and it is useless to spend such enormous amounts of money.

Be aware that SpyHunterCombo Cleaner or MalwarebytesMalwarebytes is the best option to complete the virus removal for the regular computer user. Do not hesitate to do that since we also provide you alternative recovery methods at the end of this article to help recover data after a ransomware attack.

Satan ransomware returns in 2020

Malware analyst Bart published a tweet^[3] regarding recent recurrence of Satan Cryptor. The new variant of the virus kills database-related processes and attempts to stop SQL-related^[4] services.

It seems like the extension applied to each of the infected files remains the same – .satan. The ransom note is also very similar to previous versions and is displayed in three different languages – English, Chinese and Korean. However, the amount of demanded ransom changed, which stands at 0.3 BTC.

Hackers are also accepting a personal file that can be sent to them, so they can show that decryption is possible. However, differently for its predecessors, the virus does not provide support for the decryption after three days of infection. It seems like crooks are trying to speed up the process by using scare tactics.

However, you should never get tricked into paying cybercriminals, regardless of how scary the situation might seem. There is no guarantee you will get your files back, and you will also be promoting illegal activities by supporting hackers.

Ransomware can be distributed in various ways

Computer hazards are distributed via multiple techniques to help infect as many computers as possible. The most widely used ones are malicious emails and obfuscate software updates. Both of them possess a deceptive appearance which tricks gullible people to open bogus files and install ransomware.

Users should be aware of the hidden dangers in spam emails. Usually, they hold a malicious attachment of the executable which infects the computer once clicked. Hackers impersonate invoices or job spot responses from famous companies or even governmental authorities. Thus, do not open suspicious emails despite how genuine they may look. You should check some phishing email examples online so that you would be able to spot suspicious emails straight away.

Additionally, it is common to place ransomware as obfuscate software updaters which might pop-up during browsing sessions. Note that the false alerts to fix problems related to Adobe Flash Player might be merely an attempt to lure you into downloading ransomware^[5].

You should remove Satan ransomware without a delay

Since the ransomware has been offered as a ransomware kit which allowed creating customized versions of it, regular computer users might not be able to detect all components of the malware and fail to terminate it. Also, in some cases, it is possible to damage your computer system permanently when trying to get rid of this high-risk computer infection.

Therefore, Satan Cryptor removal is only possible with the help of a certified IT technician or a profession security software. Note that it is vital to make sure that the antivirus tool is reputable and powerful enough to identify and eliminate this dangerous computer hazard.

You can remove the ransomware with SpyHunterCombo Cleaner or MalwarebytesMalwarebytes. Experts from LosVirus.es^[6] assure you that these security programs are robust and able to terminate the ransomware within several minutes. Also, don't forget to use the guide below which will help you to recover corrupted data. The easiest way – using FortectIntego.