SmartRansom ransomware virus. How to remove? (Uninstall guide)
SmartRansom crypto-malware alarms Chinese users
SmartRansom virus happens to be ransomware[1] which may target Chinese users[2]. After taking a closer look, the malware turns out to be a screen locker rather than a file-encrypting threat. After corrupting the device, the malware opens up the image of an Asian woman and then reveals the ransom message written in Chinese characters. According to the message, the ransomware functions as a moral message for netizens, who engage in watching adult content on the internet. Despite its warnings, the cyber threat does not seem to encrypt files. Users can exit the lock screen by clicking on Alt+F4. After that, initiate SmartRansom removal. You may do it faster with Reimage or Plumbytes Anti-MalwareMalwarebytes Malwarebytes.
While the majority of ransomware threats serve as the means to coax out money, significantly lower minority reflects certain messages. Last year, hackers, discontent with Muslims, launched the ransomware called zScreenLocker with the label “Ban Islam” on it. This time, SmartRansom malware developers target users which entertain themselves in pornographic content. Most likely, the virus is spread in pornographic websites as well as the ransomware greets the victims with the picture of an Asian woman. Furthermore, no specific amount of ransom is indicated. Instead, the penetrators instruct users to scan the code displayed on the screen and remember the identification code. However, even if the malware is unlikely to encrypt files, it should not be underestimated. After infecting the device, it leaves a series of API definitions on the systems. The virus is able to scan files both on a local disk as well as partitions. Furthermore, the malware includes references to a certain Chinese web page — http://www.eyuyan.com. It redirects to a web page which promotes software products developed by the Chinese company. Furthermore, the virus is also capable of pinpointing the geographical location of victim computers. Taking into account these factors, the malware may be developed not by a teenage hacker, but by a full-time software developer. This variation was only a test version so it is likely that the improved edition of the malware might strike again. Meanwhile, remove SmartRansom virus right away.
Transmitting the malware on the net
Luckily, the infiltration of the virus might be prevented as the majority of an anti-virus and anti-spyware tools are able to detect SmartRansom executable files. Users might accidentally download WTF.YOU.JJ1CM.exe.infected, SmartRansom.exe, or AArI.jpg files, associated with the ransomware, when surfing gaming, gambling or domains promoting adult content. Furthermore, Gen:Variant.Zusy.239103 and W32/Agent.EW.gen!Eldorado trojans facilitate SmartRansom hijack. The former definition suggests that the malware might have sort of relation to the latest version of Globe Imposter virus which surfaced last week. In order to lower the probability of the malicious invasion, you do not only need to strengthen your cyber security protection. For that purpose, previously discussed applications might come in handy as they are capable of dealing with elaborate threats and ransomware. Lastly, let us remind you not to visit or download anything from websites overcrowded with ads and shady links.
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
SmartRansom elimination guidelines
At this point, it is still relatively easy to remove SmartRansom virus. You may do it with malware removal tools. Make a rush to eliminate the virus before it attempts to inflict more severe damage. Locate its executable files in the task list of Task Manager. Right-click on them and choose “End Task.” In case, you cannot complete SmartRansom removal because your anti-virus cannot launch normally, feel free to use below guidelines. They instruct how to launch the operating system in Safe Mode and then eliminate the virus. In case, the malware encrypts your files, some of our suggested programs might be of use.
To remove SmartRansom virus, follow these steps:
Remove SmartRansom using Safe Mode with Networking
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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 SmartRansom
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 SmartRansom removal.
If your ransomware is blocking Safe Mode with Networking, try further method.
Remove SmartRansom using System Restore
In case, the first method is somewhat complicated or it failed to recover access to vital system functions, you may opt for 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 SmartRansom. 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 SmartRansom 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 SmartRansom, you can use several methods to restore them:
Data Recovery Pro solution
In case, SmartRansom screen locker encodes your files, it is useful to keep this program up your sleeve. It is said to restore accidentally deleted email letters as well.
- 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 SmartRansom ransomware;
- Restore them.
Using Shadow Explorer for data recovery
The key advantage of this application is its ability to restore files by using shadow volume copies.
- Download Shadow Explorer (http://shadowexplorer.com/);
- Follow a Shadow Explorer Setup Wizard and install this application on your computer;
- Launch the program and go through the drop down menu on the top left corner to select the disk of your encrypted data. Check what folders are there;
- Right-click on the folder you want to restore and select “Export”. You can also select where you want it to be stored.
Finally, you should always think about the protection of crypto-ransomwares. In order to protect your computer from SmartRansom 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
- ^ Adam Turner . The best defence against ransomware: shoot the hostage. The Sidney Morning Herald. Local Australia and World News.
- ^ SmartRansom.exe. PayloadSecurity. Analysis of suspicious files.