How to remove 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 MalwarebytesMalwarebytes. 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:

1. Download Data Recovery Pro;
2. Install the program by following its installation wizard;
3. Launch the software and scan your computer for files encrypted by Smrss32 ransomware;
4. Restore them.