Somik1 ransomware: what it is and how to remove it
Somik1 ransomware is a virtual parasite that adds one out of two extensions to encrypted documents and drops five ransom messages. The malware was first spotted and announced by S!Ri on Twitter and has been recently attacking random users.
Facts checked October 7, 2026. Removal steps tested on Windows 11 (26H2) and checked against Microsoft's and the browser makers' current documentation. Sections marked as our earlier report are the original text: they describe the threat as it was then and have not been reviewed since. The 2026 status, the removal steps and the questions are current.
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Somik1 ransomware: summary
| Distribution | Ransomware viruses can get distributed through email spam and the malicious hyperlinks that are added to the messages or the infectious payload that comes attached to the email. Also, this malware gets spread through software cracks from p2p networks, unprotected RDP configuration, fake software updates, and malvertising |
|---|---|
| Name | Somik1 ransomware |
| Category | Ransomware virus/malware |
| Detection names | Win32:Trojan-gen, Gen:Heur.Ransom.REntS.Gen.1, HEUR:Trojan.Win32.Generic, Microsoft: Ransom:Win32/Somik.PA!MTB, W32.Ransom.Gen, A Variant Of MSIL/Filecoder.AK, TROJ_GEN.R002C0OA520 |
| Appendix | After all the files and documents are encrypted by the ransomware virus, the malware adds the .somik1 or the .arnoldmichel2@tutanota.com appendix to the filenames |
| Ransom note(s) | The ransomware virus drops five ransom notes: WARNING2.txt, WARNING3.txt, WARNING4.txt, WARNING5.txt, and WARNING6.txt |
| Removal | Scan the PC with security software to find and remove the malware and anything installed with it. Fortect scans Windows for malware and repairs the system files and settings it damaged. Remove it nowTo use the full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Fortect. The scan is free. |
Show 15 more facts
| Danger | Besides encrypting valuable files and demanded a ransom in exchange for the decryption tool, the ransomware also can infiltrate other malware into the computer system |
|---|---|
| Discoverer | This ransomware virus was first discovered by a cybersecurity researcher named S!Ri who announced about the findings on Twitter |
| Contact | arnolmichel2@tutanota.com, arnoldmichel2@tutanota.com, ARNOLDMICHEL2@TUTANOTA.COM |
| Encrypted file extension | .somik1 |
| Decryptor | No free decryptor is known for this variant; check No More Ransom (nomoreransom.org) for updates |
| Ransom note | A message left on the computer; note that this is the exact place where the malware lies; the text is quoted in full below |
| Damage | Not recorded in the old report |
| Type | File-encrypting ransomware |
| Symptoms | Files renamed with a new extension, a Windows Security "Threats found" notification and a ransom note left in folders |
| Evidence | 5 write-ups by security sites; no sample analysed yet |
| Encrypted files | .somik1 |
| Free decryptor | No free decryptor is known (checked 7 October 2026) |
| First seen | 10 January 2020 |
| Microsoft Defender name | Ransom:Win32/Somik.PA!MTB |
| Facts checked | 7 October 2026 |
Somik1 ransomware detection names
If Windows Security shows Ransom:Win32/Somik.PA!MTB, it has found Somik1 ransomware or a file that belongs to it.
Write the name down before you click Remove: it is the most useful search term later, and you will need it if you report the incident.
A family name in the label is more informative than a heuristic one. Our page on why one threat has many antivirus names lists the common formats and what each part means.
- File extension:
.somik1 - Note file:
the ransom note
From our report of Jan 2020 · not reviewed since
More from our earlier report on Somik1 ransomware
- You should get rid of the cyber threat as soon as you spot that your files are encrypted.
- For this process, you should employ only reliable and strong antimalware software
- If you have discovered any system damage or entry compromisation, you can try repairing the machine and all affected areas with the help of a tool such as
How Somik1 ransomware behaves
From our report of Jan 2020 · not reviewed since
Somik1 ransomware - a file-locking infection that adds the .somik1 or the .arnolmichel2@tutanota.com appendix to each encrypted file
Somik1 ransomware is a virtual parasite that adds one out of two extensions to encrypted documents and drops five ransom messages.
The malware was first spotted and announced by S!Ri on Twitter and has been recently attacking random users. This cyber threat uses unique encryption ciphers to block data and adds the .somik1 or the .arnoldmichel2@tutanota.com appendix to each affected file. Afterward, Somik1 ransomware displays WARNING2.txt, WARNING3.txt, WARNING4.txt, WARNING5.txt, and WARNING6.txt ransom messages on the Windows computer desktop.
Somik1 ransomware has been spotted as a malicious parasite by 42 AV tools, according to VirusTotal information. Some of the detection names include Win32:Trojan-gen, Gen:Heur.Ransom.REntS.Gen.1, HEUR:Trojan.Win32.Generic, Ransom:Win32/Somik.PA!MTB, W32.Ransom.Gen, A Variant Of MSIL/Filecoder.AK, TROJ_GEN.R002C0OA520.
Somik1 virus sneaks into the computer system without notifying the users and this should be accurate as no one would want to install malware on their systems intentionally.
However, the users let the malicious infection escape by opening a phishing attachment or hyperlink that is included in an email spam message. Furthermore, the malicious payload can be downloaded through a software crack that the users are likely to get on p2p networks such as The Pirate Bay and BitTorrent.
Somik1 ransomware drops the somik1.exe executable in the Task Manager that lets the malware to activate its module. It scans the entire computer system looking for encryptable files and documents. Once the virus finds all components, it launches a unique encryption code and locks up all the files found. Afterward, the victims can no longer access their information properly anymore.
As a solution, Somik1 ransomware developers offer to send them a Bitcoin payment in exchange for the decryption software. These people also threaten the victims that they cannot use any antimalware software to remove the virus, cannot employ other decryption software or try renaming the files as they can get permanently damaged or lost forever.
Keep in mind that such information is likely to be false and the crooks only seek to earn monetary benefits from you:
Even though these people do not mention the ransom amount, they can demand a price anywhere from $50 to $2000 or more. In order to know about the ransom demands, the crooks urge users to write them via arnoldmichel2@tutanota.com email address.
Somik1 ransomware developers urge for Bitcoin cryptocurrency and drop a link on how to obtain BTC. These types of currency demands are popular between crooks as they can stay safe and untrackable.
Somik1 ransomware can also initiate the removal of Shadow Volume Copies via PowerShell commands. This type of activity is done in order to prevent the users from decrypting files on their own as some recovery software requires the Shadow Copies to stay untouched.
Also, the malware might target the Windows hosts file and damage it in order to prevent access to cybersecurity websites where the victims might get valuable information on Somik1 ransomware removal.
Another feature that might be included in the module of Somik1 ransomware is the infiltration of other malware. The ransomware virus makes the infected Windows computer system vulnerable to other infections by opening backdoors for other cyber threats such as trojans. These virtual parasites can bring big damage to the system and its software. Also, you might get your personal information stolen and money swindled straight from your bank account.
You should remove Somik1 ransomware from your Windows machine and delete all the additional files and entries that the virus might have brought to the system. For the removal process, employ only reliable automatical software as these products are the most capable of getting rid of nasty parasites such as ransomware. Also, if you discover any damaged entries, you can try fixing them with the help of or similar software.
From our report of Jan 2020 · not reviewed since
Multiple sources are capable of delivering ransomware
Ransomware viruses are most likely to get delivered via phishing email messages and their malicious attachments or hyperlinks.
The criminals are likely to pretend to be from a reliable organization such as FedEx or DHL and drop "shipping information" in some type of file such as a word document or executable. Note that this is the exact place where the malware lies. Also, the criminals might inject an "order confirmation" hyperlink that also launches the malicious payload.
According to virus specialists from Virusai.lt, ransomware also gets easily delivered through software cracks. A big number of people are likely to download and install products from sources such as The Pirate Bay, eMule, and BitTorrent.
These places might seem handy but definitely are not safe enough for use. Various hackers learn how to manipulate the downloading hyperlinks and inject their malicious payload instead of the regular software, movie clip, or service.
Also, ransomware can appear on the system through malvertising and malicious hyperlinks that are discovered on unsecured third-party sources. Some of the notifications can also be provided as fake software updates that aim to trick users into downloading malware too. Last but not least, infections tend to spread through RDP configuration that does not include any passwords or has easily-guessable security codes included.
The Somik1 ransomware note
All your files have been encrypted due to a security problem with your PC.
If you want to restore them, write us to the e-mail ARNOLDMICHEL2@TUTANOTA.COM
Your PC id: -
Free decryption as guarantee:
- Before payment you can send us 1-2 files for free decryption.
- Please note that files must NOT contain valuable information.
How to obtain Bitcoins:
The easiest way to buy bitcoins is LocalBitcoins site.
You have to register, click Buy bitcoins, and select the seller by payment method and price.
hxxps://localbitcoins.net/buy_bitcoins
Also you can find other places to buy Bitcoins and beginners guide here:
hxxp://www.coindesk.com/information/how-can-i-buy-bitcoins/
Attention!
- Do not rename encrypted files
- Do not try to decrypt your data using third party software, it may cause permanent data loss
- You are guaranteed to get the decryptor after payment
- Do not attempt to use the antivirus or uninstall the program
- This will lead to your data loss and unrecoverable
- Decoders of other users is not suitable to decrypt your files - encryption key is unique!
How to remove Somik1 ransomware
Tools you'll need
All of these are free except where noted. Download them on a clean device if the infected PC is offline.
- A USB stick: to keep the ransom note, two or three encrypted files and screenshots off the infected PC.
- Microsoft Defender Offline: built into Windows 11 and Windows 10; scans before Windows starts, so running malware cannot hide.
- Microsoft Safety Scanner: a second, portable scanner with current signatures; each download works for 10 days.
- ID Ransomware: identifies the family from the note and one encrypted file and says whether a decryptor exists.
- No More Ransom: the free decryptors from police and security companies; check it again every few months.
- Fortect (optional): scans Windows for malware and repairs the system files and settings it damaged. The free scan is in the box above.
How to remove Somik1 ransomware and get your files back
Work in this order.
Disconnecting comes first, removal comes before any restore, and nothing here asks you to contact the attackers.
Step 1: Disconnect the PC and unplug backup drives
Unplug the network cable or turn off Wi-Fi, and disconnect USB drives, external disks and network shares, so Somik1 ransomware cannot reach more files. Pause OneDrive, Google Drive or Dropbox sync, because synced folders upload the encrypted copies over the good ones.
Leave the PC on but offline while you read the next steps, since a restart can let the ransomware run again. This applies to Windows 11 and Windows 10 alike.
Windows 11: turn off Wi-Fi to take the PC offline. Full procedure with screenshots: Ransomware: first steps, finding a decryptor and recovering files
Step 2: Save the ransom note and confirm the family
Your files now end in
.somik1and the instructions are inthe ransom note. Save both to a USB stick, a copy of the note and two small encrypted files, before anything else.On another device, check them with ID Ransomware or Crypto Sheriff: the family name decides which decryptor, if any, can help. Keep the note's ID and contact line for your report.
Windows 11: the ransom note and encrypted files to copy for identification. Full procedure with screenshots: Ransomware: first steps, finding a decryptor and recovering files
Step 3: Check for a free decryptor
Our last check found that for Somik1 ransomware, no free decryptor is known (checked 7 October 2026). Look again yourself in the No More Ransom list and the free decryptor pages of Emsisoft, Avast and Kaspersky, which add new families every year.
A decryptor needs the ransomware gone first, or it encrypts the files again. Keep at least one copy of the encrypted files on an external drive, even if no tool works yet.
Full procedure with screenshots: Ransomware: first steps, finding a decryptor and recovering files
Step 4: Remove the ransomware before you restore or decrypt
Removing Somik1 ransomware does not bring the files back, but it has to come first. Start with Defender's Full scan, then the offline scan from the same Scan options page, which checks the disk before Windows loads.
If the scan cannot start, use Safe Mode with Networking. Delete the ransom notes only after you have saved a copy, because removal tools sometimes leave them behind on Windows 11 and Windows 10.
Windows 11: Windows Security > Virus & threat protection > Scan options. Full procedure with screenshots: Run a Microsoft Defender Offline scan
Step 5: Look for shadow copies of the files
Windows keeps shadow copies for restore points and backups, and some ransomware fails to delete them.
vssadmin list shadowsin an administrator Command Prompt tells you at once whether any exist.If they do, right-click the folder that held your files, open Properties > Previous Versions, select a version from before the attack, and click Open to check it before you Restore or copy the files out. Windows 11 and Windows 10 both have the tab.
Windows 11: vssadmin list shadows shows whether shadow copies exist. Full procedure with screenshots: Ransomware: first steps, finding a decryptor and recovering files
Step 6: Restore the files from a backup or recover deleted originals
A backup made before the attack is the surest way back. Connect it only once the PC is clean, then restore from File History, Windows Backup, OneDrive's Restore your OneDrive or your own external copies.
Without a backup, try file recovery: the originals that Somik1 ransomware deleted may still be on the disk until something overwrites them. Install nothing new on the drive you want to recover from on the Windows 11 or Windows 10 PC.
Full procedure with screenshots: Recover deleted files (Recycle Bin, backups, OneDrive) On uGetFix
Instructions for each browser and system
The detailed steps for every browser and system this guide covers. Open the one you use.
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.
From our report of Jan 2020 · not reviewed since
Removal peculiarities of Somik1 ransomware
For a complete Somik1 ransomware removal, you have to employ strong antimalware software that is capable of dealing with such a complex cyber threat.
Also, make sure that you can access your machine and antivirus program properly. If you are struggling to launch the software or detect the ransomware, try booting your Windows computer in Safe Mode with Networking or activating the System Restore feature as shown in the instructing steps below.
When you remove Somik1 ransomware from your affected machine, it is time to search for possible damage and that can be done by running a full system scan with software such as and .
If these tools find anything suspicious, the fix process can be initiated with another program such as that might be able to repair some damage. Afterward, check the data recovery methods that we have added to the end of this article.
[GI=method-1]To deactivate the ransomware virus on your computer and restore the settings back to normal, activate the Safe Mode with Networking feature by following this guide.
[GI=method-2]To diminish malicious processes and tasks on your Windows computer system, boot it in System Restore. If you do not know how to complete such a task, use the following instructing steps.
Try using this software for recovering the files and documents that were encrypted by Somik1 malware.
Windows Previous Versions feature might help you with data recovery.
If you have booted your computer via System Restore in the past, you can try using this type of software for restoring some of your files and documents.
Try using Shadow Explorer for file recovery tasks.
If the ransomware virus did not permanently delete or destroy your Shadow Volume Copies of encrypted data, you can give this piece of software a try.
Currently, the cybersecurity specialists are working on the official decryption tool.
Report it and recover your files
Report it
Report the attack even if you do not expect the files back: insurers and banks ask for the report number, and police use the contacts in the note to link cases.
- United States
- FBI IC3 · FTC ReportFraud
- United Kingdom
- Report Fraud (formerly Action Fraud) · NCSC
- Australia
- ReportCyber (ASD)
- EU countries
- Europol: national reporting sites
Give the victim ID, the note and the date the files were encrypted. A business that holds personal data may also have to notify its data protection authority, in the EU within 72 hours.
Backups: the 3-2-1 rule
Keep three copies of files that matter, on two kinds of storage, with one copy offline or off-site.
A disk that stays plugged in is reached by malware like Somik1 ransomware together with the PC; one you connect only for the backup is not.
On Windows 11, File History keeps versions on an external drive, and OneDrive keeps earlier versions of synced files. Before restoring anything, make sure the PC no longer shows files that end in .somik1 and no longer open.
Setting it up step by step: 3-2-1 backups on Windows 11 and 10.
Do not let government spy on you
The government has many issues in regards to tracking users' data and spying on citizens, so you should take this into consideration and learn more about shady information gathering practices.
Avoid any unwanted government tracking or spying by going totally anonymous on the internet.
You can choose a different location when you go online and access any material you want without particular content restrictions. You can easily enjoy internet connection without any risks of being hacked by using VPN.
Control the information that can be accessed by government any other unwanted party and surf online without being spied on. Even if you are not involved in illegal activities or trust your selection of services, platforms, be suspicious for your own security and take precautionary measures by using the VPN service.
Backup files for the later use, in case of the malware attack
Computer users can suffer from data losses due to cyber infections or their own faulty doings.
Ransomware can encrypt and hold files hostage, while unforeseen power cuts might cause a loss of important documents. If you have proper up-to-date backups, you can easily recover after such an incident and get back to work. It is also equally important to update backups on a regular basis so that the newest information remains intact - you can set this process to be performed automatically.
When you have the previous version of every important document or project you can avoid frustration and breakdowns. It comes in handy when malware strikes out of nowhere. Use for the data restoration process.
Questions about Somik1 ransomware
Should I pay the ransom?
We advise against it, and so do the FBI, Europol and national cyber agencies. Payment does not guarantee a working tool: some attackers never reply, some tools damage files, and some variants have no decryptor at all. Paying also funds further attacks and can make you a target again.
Before considering payment, try every recovery option in this guide and report the attack. Companies must involve their legal adviser and insurer, because payments to sanctioned groups can be illegal. If files are truly irreplaceable, store the encrypted copies and wait; decryptors sometimes appear later.
Did Somik1 ransomware steal my files or passwords?
We do not know yet. Nothing published so far shows data theft by Somik1 ransomware, but the only confirmed sign is files that end in .somik1 and no longer open, which says nothing about what happened before. Many current ransomware attacks copy files or run a password stealer first, so it is wise to act as if they did.
From a clean device, change the passwords that were saved in the browsers on this PC, starting with e-mail and banking, sign out of all sessions and turn on two-step verification. Watch bank statements and account activity for the next few weeks.
How do I open .somik1 files?
You cannot open them by renaming or by choosing another program. The .somik1 ending shows that Somik1 ransomware encrypted the content, and only the matching key can reverse it. Renaming a file back to .docx or .jpg changes nothing except the icon, and it can confuse a future decryptor, so leave the names as they are.
To get the content back, use a backup, an unencrypted copy elsewhere, or a decryptor listed on No More Ransom if one exists for Somik1 ransomware. Store the encrypted files on an external disk until then.
Is there a free Somik1 ransomware decryptor?
We last checked on 7 October 2026, and for Somik1 ransomware no free decryptor is known. We check No More Ransom, which collects free tools from police and security companies, and the decryptor pages of the major antivirus vendors. A working decryptor exists only when the encryption has a flaw or the keys were leaked or seized.
Ignore sites and videos that offer a "Somik1 ransomware decryptor" for download or for a fee: these are usually scams or malware. Real decryptors are free and come from known security companies or law enforcement. Keep the encrypted files in case a tool appears later.
Can a data-recovery company decrypt my files for a fee?
Only if a decryptor already exists or the company pays the attackers for you. Some "ransomware recovery" services advertise that they can decrypt families with no known flaw; in practice they negotiate with the attackers and add their own fee. Others use the same free tools listed on No More Ransom.
Before you hire anyone, ask in writing how they will recover the files, whether they will contact the attackers and what happens if they fail. A legitimate service answers clearly. If a free decryptor exists for your family, you can run it yourself.
How did Somik1 ransomware get on my computer?
The way Somik1 ransomware spreads has not been documented yet, so look at your own recent activity. On home PCs, ransomware most often comes with cracked programs, game cheats, key generators and fake updates, or with an e-mail attachment that was opened. On business networks, attackers usually log in through Remote Desktop with a stolen or guessed password.
Think back to what was downloaded or installed in the days before files that end in .somik1 and no longer open, and check the Downloads folder and Installed apps sorted by date. Keep anything suspicious for your report, but do not run it again.
Is Somik1 ransomware the same as other ransomware with a similar name?
Not necessarily. Ransomware names come from the file extension, the note or a word in the code, so unrelated families often end up with similar names, and one family can appear under several names. The difference matters: a decryptor or advice for one family does not fit another and can damage files.
Compare the ending added to your files and the exact name of the note with the summary table at the top of this guide, then upload the note and one encrypted file to ID Ransomware from a clean device. If the result names another family, follow the guide for that family instead.
Can I just remove .somik1 from the file names?
You can try it on a copy, but for real ransomware it will not help. The .somik1 extension is only a label; the file content has been scrambled with a key the attackers hold.
If a renamed copy opens normally, the malware only renamed files, which happens with some fake ransomware, and you can rename the rest back. If it does not open, leave the files as they are. Renaming encrypted files can confuse a decryptor later, so always work on copies.
Defender removed Ransom:Win32/Somik.PA!MTB. Am I safe now?
Often yes, but check two things. First, whether the detection was caught on arrival: a file in Downloads or in an archive that Defender quarantined before it ran is the best case.
Second, whether Ransom:Win32/Somik.PA!MTB comes back. If it returns, or if Protection history shows several different detections around the same date, something on the PC keeps producing the file and needs to be found.
Run a full scan and, if anything remains, an offline scan. If the category names a password stealer or a backdoor, change your passwords from another device even if the file is gone.
Will Fortect remove Somik1 ransomware?
Fortect scans Windows for malware and unwanted programs and repairs the system files and settings they change, and its free scan shows what it finds on your PC before you decide anything.
For Somik1 ransomware, follow the plan above as well: the browser steps take back permissions and settings that no scanner treats as a threat, and uninstalling the program that brought it removes the source.
Run Microsoft Defender's full scan and, if anything was found, its offline scan as a second opinion. If the symptoms are gone after the plan and both scans are clean, there is nothing more to do.
Sources
- Twitter: #Ransomware Somik1 (read October 7, 2026)
- Virus Total: 42 engines detected this file (read October 7, 2026)
- Virusai: Virusai.lt (read October 7, 2026)
- CISA: StopRansomware (read October 7, 2026)
- No More Ransom (read October 7, 2026)