How to remove SNAKE ransomware

SNAKE ransomware – file locking malware that targets organizations and businesses worldwide

SNAKE ransomware is data locking malware that has been infecting various enterprises^[1] and encrypting valuable files on servers and networks. First discovered by MalwareHunterTeam^[2] in January 2020, operations of malware seized for several months, until May, when researchers noticed a large spike of infections globally. Among the victims – Europe's largest private hospital Fresenius.^[3] Threat actors also claim that they managed to copy valuable files and will most likely use it as another extortion point.

The malware is written in Golang and includes a complex activity module comparing with other infections of this kind. The malware disables tasks that are related to SCADA systems, remote software, virtual devices, etc. Afterward, SNAKE ransomware executes the encryption process by using the AES-256 and RSA-2048 algorithms and adding a random 5 symbol appendix to each filename. Additionally, every encrypted component acquires an EKANS file marker (which is “SNAKE” backward). Then, ransomware places the Fix-Your-Files.txt ransom message in the C:\Users\Public\Desktop directory and offers to purchase the decryption software by contacting the cybercriminals via bapcocrypt@ctemplar.com email address.

SNAKE ransomware is capable of deleting the Shadow Volume Copies^[4] of encrypted files by executing specific PowerShell commands. This way the developers seak to harden the recovery process of all locked files and documents. Another thing that the malware might do is permanently damage the Windows hosts file in order to prevent users from visiting security sources. So, once you are completing SNAKE ransomware removal, do not forget to eliminate the hosts file.

SNAKE ransomware does not include any particular ransom price via the text message it provides. However, the criminals are likely to urge for a cryptocurrency transfer such as Bitcoin in order to remain safe and untrackable. Take a look at how the entire Fix-Your-Files.txt ransom message looks like:

| What happened to your files?

—————

We breached your corporate network and encrypted the data on your computers. The encrypted data includes documents, databases, photos and more –

all were encrypted using a military grade encryption algorithms (AES-256 and RSA-2048). You cannot access those files right now. But dont worry!

You can still get those files back and be up and running again in no time.

—————

| How to contact us to get your files back?

—————

The only way to restore your files is by purchasing a decryption tool loaded with a private key we created specifically for your network.

Once run on an effected computer, the tool will decrypt all encrypted files – and you can resume day-to-day operations, preferably with

better cyber security in mind. If you are interested in purchasing the decryption tool contact us at bapcocrypt@ctemplar.com

—————

| How can you be certain we have the decryption tool?

—————

In your mail to us attach up to 3 files (up to 3MB, no databases or spreadsheets).

We will send them back to you decrypted.

SNAKE ransomware might also be capable of avoiding antimalware detection of some particular software. For this purpose, the malware might run specific tasks in the Task Manager location or insert particular keys in the Windows Registry section. However, according to VirusTotal information,^[5] the malicious update.exe file has been detected by 46 AV tools from the total 69. Some of the detection names include Gen:Win32.AV-Killer.ItW@aei5Gqj, Trojan.Win32.Antavmu.asdd, Trojan-Ransom.b, Ransom:Win32/Killpror!MSR, etc.

SNAKE ransomware stores both encryption and decryption tools on remote servers and keeps then unreachable for other people except the cybercriminals themselves. This malicious string aims to lock all types of files and documents that are found on the infected Windows computer system except folders such as windir, SystemDrive, :\$Recycle.Bin, :\ProgramData, :\Users\All Users, :\Program Files, :\Local Settings, :\Boot, :\System Volume Information, :\Recovery, \AppData\.

Continuously, SNAKE virus can bring numerous losses to big companies and businesses as it is known to be targetting various networks and their computers worldwide. However, this is not the only ransomware virus who gets involved in such types of activities. Other malware forms such as Ryuk ransomware, BitPaymer ransomware, Sodinokibi ransomware, Maze ransomware have also been infecting big companies and demanding inadequate ransom payments.

In addition, SNAKE ransomware might deliver other infectious strains to the Windows computer system such as Trojan viruses, worms, spyware, cryptocurrency miners, etc. These types of parasites might relate in the theft of personal information, credentials and money from your bank account, the installation of other malicious software, program and service corruption, system freezes and crashes, severe computer and file damage, CPU overusing.

You should remove SNAKE ransomware from the infected Windows computer to avoid these types of risks and be able to recover encrypted data. Download reliable automatic software and complete the entire process with it. Also, use a tool such as FortectIntego that might help you fix some malware-corrupted system settings/files. Afterward, go to the end of this article and try some data recovery steps that are definitely better than paying the demanded ransom price and risking to get scammed. 

Find out about ransomware distribution

Security experts from Virusai.lt^[6] claim that ransomware is spread by using stealth and deceptive techniques. The hackers often look for multiple sources available so that they could distribute their malware to a wider range of users. However, the most popular ransomware distribution places include:

• Email spam. Malware often is distributed through phishing email messages and their infectious attachments. The criminals often pretend to be a reliable shipping organization such as FedEx or DHL and deliver a notification including order confirmation in the attached file that is truly the malicious payload.
• Software cracks. The criminals often plant the malicious payload into cracked software that is placed on peer-to-peer networks such as The Pirate Bay, BitTorrent, and eMule.
• Unsecured RDP. If the RDP includes weak protection or has none at all, the hackers can easily manipulate the settings and remotely connect to the targeted Windows computer system.

What you have to do is always be careful while viewing your email messages. Do not enter any suspicious hyperlinks added and do not download any attachments without scanning them with antimalware software. Continuously, download all of your products and services only from reliable sources and their original developers.

In addition, you should always secure your RDP configuration with strong and reliable passwords that contain letters, numbers, and some symbols. Last but not least, ensure that you have trustworthy and strong antivirus protection running on your Windows computer. This tool will inform you if something malicious is trying to escape.

SNAKE ransomware removal possibilities

SNAKE ransomware removal should be completed as soon as you spot the cyber threat lurking on your Windows computer system. This process requires a safe and full elimination process, otherwise, if there are some malicious components left, the ransomware virus might return within the next computer boot up and bring back its malicious tasks.

Regarding this fact, you should employ automatic software for elimination as the manual technique might not be the best possibility for you and pose a risk of system damage. If you are having trouble to remove SNAKE ransomware from your Windows machine, you should boot up in Safe Mode with Networking or activate System Restore.

When SNAKE ransomware is gone, you should try searching for potential damage with the help of software such as SpyHunterCombo Cleaner or MalwarebytesMalwarebytes. If these products detect any system compromisation, try fixing things with FortectIntego. Afterward, continue to the end of this page and try some of the data recovery techniques that might help you to restore individual files.