Smrss32 ransomware / virus (Removal Guide) - Tutorial
Smrss32 virus Removal Guide
What is Smrss32 ransomware virus?
What problems can Smrss32 ransomware cause on my computer?
Smrss32 ransomware virus is a malicious cyber threat which was named after its executable file smrss32.exe. According to PC security experts, it is similar to Bucbi, Apocalypse, and Troldesh virus that all share the same distribution technique which relies on unsecured RDP connections. Once this threat is installed, it modifies the system and encrypts victim's files with the help of AES symmetric encryption. The most surprising fact related to this virus is that it targets more than 6K file extensions. Keeping in mind that previously released ransomware viruses have only been trying to encrypt from 50 to 500 types of files, this ransomware can cause lots of trouble. However, the most of extensions in Smrss32 virus target list are duplicated, for example .PNG and .png, what makes security experts to believe that the developer of this ransomware is not an experienced one. The list of targeted extensions includes:
.18113 .3gp2 .8pbs .acs2 .aifc .aiff .amff .ascx .aspx .azw3 .backup .backupdb .bank .blob .book .bsdl .cache .cals .cctor .cdr3 .cdr4 .cdr5 .cdr6 .class .clipflair .config .crtr .crtx .ctuxa .data .dazip .ddoc .desc .djvu .dmsk .docm .docx .dotx .dsp2 .dump .encrypted .exif .fh10 .flac .fmpp .gray .grey .gtif .gzip .h264 .hkdb .hplg .html .hvpl .ibank .icns .icxs .ilbm .im30 .incpas .indd .indt .ipsw .itc2 .itdb .ithmb .iw44 .java .jfif .jhtml .jnlp .jpeg .json .kdbx .kext .keychain .keychain .kpdx .lang .latex .lay6 .layout .ldif .litemod .log1 .log2 .log3 .log4 .log5 .log6 .log7 .log8 .log9 .m2ts .m3url .macp .maff .mcmeta .mdbackup .mddata .mdmp .mp2v .mpeg .mpga .mpls .mpnt .mpqge .mpv2 .mrwref .ms11 .mspx .mswmm .oeaccount .opus .otpsc .pack .pages .paint .phtml .pict .pj64 .pkpass .pntg .potm .potx .ppam .ppsm .ppsx .pptm .pptx .ppxps .psafe3 .psmdoc .pspimage .rels .rgss3a .rmvb .rofl .rppm .rtsp .s3db .sas7bcat .sas7bdat .sas7bndx .sas7bpgm .sas7bvew .sidd .sidn .sitx .skin .sldm .sldx .smil .targa .temp .test .text .tiff .tmpl .torrent .trace .tt10 .uns2 .urls .user .vcmf .vfs0 .view .vmdk .wallet .wbmp .webm .webp .wlmp .wotreplay .wrml .xbel .xfdl .xhtml .xlam .xlsb .xlsm .xlsx .xltm .xltx .xspf .xvid .ycbcra .zipx .ztmp
If infected with this ransomware, you will see that each of your files has .encrypted file extension added to them. Also, you should see a ransom note asking you to pay 1 Bitcoin (which is equal to $590) in exchange for the decryption key. It is known that 15 victims have already paid the ransom while trying to unlock their files. However, there is no guarantee that they have received a unique decryption key needed to unlock blocked files. Keep in mind that you have with hackers who are trying to make the money, so there is no guarantee that you will receive a genuine decryption key. Besides, the ransom note used by Smrss32 claims that the victim is dealing with “CryptoWall software.” It is a well-known ransomware which, at the moment of writing, is not as active as it was several months ago. Most probably, it has nothing to do with the developers of CryptoWall and requires using a different strategy for Smrss32 removal. The most reliable one involves downloading FortectIntego, updating it and running a full system scan. To recover your files, you can restore them from backup or use a special software given at the end of this post.
How does this virus typically infiltrate computers?
Smrss32 ransomware is different from other viruses of the category because it uses a slightly different technique to infiltrate computers. Although it still can arrive into your inbox as a spam email or install as a deceptive software update (like the majority of ransomware infections do), a more common method hackers use to spread Smrss32 around is manual installation. The malware creators exploit unprotected Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) connections to gain access to the computer and install this virus on the computer undetected. This is a rather strange method of spreading ransomware around since its distribution volume is very limited, and the successful installation rate is much lower as well. Nevertheless, that did not seem to have stopped the hackers from infiltrating over 15 computers already. Thus, precautions must be taken to avoid it. We suggest equipping your system with a powerful firewall capable of terminating unauthorized connections as well as enable real-time protection on your antivirus utility to block other channels of infiltration. To remove Smrss32 ransom note from your desktop and recover connection to your data, use a following guide.
Smrss32 removal:
If you can see .encrypted file extension added to your files, there is a huge chance that you are infected. Fortunately, anti-spyware developers are working hard to help people with the removal of such ransomware-type threats, so you can already remove Smrss32 virus with the help of FortectIntego or Malwarebytes. Make sure you use the latest versions of these programs to get the best result. If you can see that this ransomware is blocking the scanner and making it useless, you should follow a detailed guide given below to unblock your anti-spyware. To recover your data, you can use Data Recovery Pro. For that, you just need to follow these steps:
- Download Data Recovery Pro;
- Install the program by following its installation wizard;
- Launch the software and scan your computer for files encrypted by Smrss32 ransomware;
- Restore them.
Getting rid of Smrss32 virus. Follow these steps
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.
Remove Smrss32 using System Restore
-
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.
-
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.
-
Once your computer becomes active, select Enable Safe Mode with Command Prompt in Startup Settings window.
-
Step 2: Restore your system files and settings
-
Once the Command Prompt window shows up, enter cd restore and click Enter.
-
Now type rstrui.exe and press Enter again..
-
When a new window shows up, click Next and select your restore point that is prior the infiltration of Smrss32. After doing that, click Next.
-
Now click Yes to start system restore.
-
Once the Command Prompt window shows up, enter cd restore and click Enter.
Finally, you should always think about the protection of crypto-ransomwares. In order to protect your computer from Smrss32 and other ransomwares, use a reputable anti-spyware, such as FortectIntego, SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner or Malwarebytes
How to prevent from getting ransomware
Protect your privacy – employ a VPN
There are several ways how to make your online time more private – you can access an incognito tab. However, there is no secret that even in this mode, you are tracked for advertising purposes. There is a way to add an extra layer of protection and create a completely anonymous web browsing practice with the help of Private Internet Access VPN. This software reroutes traffic through different servers, thus leaving your IP address and geolocation in disguise. Besides, it is based on a strict no-log policy, meaning that no data will be recorded, leaked, and available for both first and third parties. The combination of a secure web browser and Private Internet Access VPN will let you browse the Internet without a feeling of being spied or targeted by criminals.
No backups? No problem. Use a data recovery tool
If you wonder how data loss can occur, you should not look any further for answers – human errors, malware attacks, hardware failures, power cuts, natural disasters, or even simple negligence. In some cases, lost files are extremely important, and many straight out panic when such an unfortunate course of events happen. Due to this, you should always ensure that you prepare proper data backups on a regular basis.
If you were caught by surprise and did not have any backups to restore your files from, not everything is lost. Data Recovery Pro is one of the leading file recovery solutions you can find on the market – it is likely to restore even lost emails or data located on an external device.
If this free guide helped you and you are satisfied with our service, please consider making a donation to keep this service alive. Even a smallest amount will be appreciated.