Ssimpotashka@gmail.com ransomware (Virus Removal Guide) - updated Apr 2020
Ssimpotashka@gmail.com virus Removal Guide
What is Ssimpotashka@gmail.com ransomware?
Ssimpotashka@gmail.com ransomware is a type of malware that blackmails victims to pay ransom by locking their files
Ssimpotashka@gmail.com ransomware is a file locking virus that belongs to a well-established Scarab family, which operates as RaaS (Ransomware-as-a-service).[1] This version of the malware was first spotted in July 2018, although it is now resurfacing again, with multiple victims reporting getting infected.
Once inside the system, Ssimpotashka@gmail.com ransomware strips Windows computers from their defenses and then initiates the data encryption process. After that, all pictures, documents, databases, and other files can no longer be accessed, and are marked with .Ssimpotashka@gmail.com appendix. As soon as data is locked, victims can access HOW TO RECOVER ENCRYPTED FILES.txt file, which is essentially a note from the attackers. Inside, the attackers claim that an email to ssimpotashka@gmail.com address should be sent in order to negotiate a price for a decryptor.
The note also mentions that if the requirements are not fulfilled within two days, the secret key that can unlock files will be deleted permanently. It is important to note that Ssimpotashka@gmail.com ransomware removal will not retrieve access to data, although there are a few other methods that might help you in some cases.
| Name | Ssimpotashka@gmail.com |
|---|---|
| Type | Ransomware |
| Ransomware family | Scarab |
| encryption method | All non-system and non-executable files are encrypted with the help of RSA |
| extension | Files are appended with .Ssimpotashka@gmail.com appending. Example of the encrypted file: picture.jpg.Ssimpotashka@gmail.com |
| distribution | Threat actors employ a variety of delivery methods, including spam emails, malicious ads, software cracks, etc. |
| symptoms | Files marked with a specific extension are no longer accessible and encrypted with a strong algorithm |
| File Decryption | Unfortunately, this variant of Scarab is using improved encryption method to lock data with RSA, so it can no longer be decrypted for free without backups. Alternative ways how to get back compromised data are indicated at the end of this article |
| elimination | To get rid of malware, perform a full system scan with a powerful anti-malware tool |
| System fix | In case your Windows does not perform as well as prior to malware infection (lags, crashes, returns errors), fix virus damage with FortectIntego repair software |
Since the Ssimpotashka@gmail.com virus utilizes a Ransomware-as-a-Service scheme, it can be delivered in several different methods. In essence, it makes the infection rate much higher, which also increases the chances of victims paying the ransom. Some of the delivery techniques include:
- Spam emails with boobytrapped attachments (documents, archives, PDF files);
- Malicious ads that are placed on less secure of hacked websites;
- Weakly protected Remote Desktop (RDP) connections that are using a default port;
- Botnets – malicious spam is sent by using infected hosts (Necurs is known to spread Scarab ransomware variants);
- Software cracks and pirated program installers, etc.
After the infiltration, Ssimpotashka@gmail.com ransomware leaves the ransom-demanding message and indicates the following information:
YOU FILES WAS ENCRYPTED
[WHAT HAPPENED]
Your important files produced on this computer have been encrypted due a security problem
If you want to restore them, write us to the e-mail: ssimpotashka@gmail.com
You have to pay for decryption. The price depends on how fast you write to us.
After payment we will send you the decryption tool that will decrypt all your files.[FREE DECRYPTION AS GUARANTEE]
Before paying you can send to us up to 3 files for free decryption.
Please note that files must NOT contain valuable information
and their total size must be less than 1Mb[ATTENTION]
Do not rename encrypted files
Do not try to decrypt your data using third party software, it may cause permanent data loss
If you not write on e-mail in 2 day – your key has been deleted and you cant decrypt your files
Cybercriminals claim that they have Ssimpotashka@gmail.com virus decryptor and offer free decryption of 3 regular files. Additionally, they ask to contact them as soon as possible since the price of data recovery depends on it. However, our experts note that attackers are unreliable people and one should never agree to their terms[2].
There are multiple other ways how you can decrypt files with .Ssimpotashka@gmail.com extension without financially motivating the hackers. Furthermore, if you have backups stored in the cloud, you can quickly restore locked files to the primary state and avoid financial losses.
Thus, we strongly advise you to remove Ssimpotashka@gmail.com ransomware before it has damaged your system even more. Unfortunately, simple elimination procedure won't eliminate this cyber threat as it would reappear after the startup and start data encryption once again.
You can perform safe Ssimpotashka@gmail.com ransomware removal by employing a reliable security tool. Such antivirus applications are designed to get rid of all virus-related components from the computer and ensure its security in the future. Later, make sure to check alternative data recovery methods below and also fix virus damage with the help of FortectIntego.
Spam emails and malicious ads are the primary ransomware distribution sources
The answer to the question of how I got infected with ransomware is very simple. Most file-encrypting viruses spread utilizing the same technique for quite some time now — malicious email attachments. This distribution method is based on the recklessness of novice PC users as they tend to open spam emails that include malicious files.
Criminals create emails that mimic legal documents, invoices, or shopping receipts from well-known brands and companies. Typically, attachments that execute malware are macro-embedded documents, such as .doc, or .xls, although other file types, such as .zip, .pdf, .html, can also be used.
Likewise, you should carefully monitor your activity online and avoid opening any emails from unreliable and suspicious sources. Also, stay away from ads on insecure websites, such as porn, torrent, and similar. If clicked, they might enable malicious scripts and start an automatic download of the crypto-malware[3].
Get rid of Ssimpotashka@gmail.com ransomware and proceed to data recovery
We understand that you want to recover files with .Ssimpotashka@gmail.com extension as quickly as possible. Although, experts[4] note that it is only possible when you uninstall the file-encrypting virus from your system completely. Since this task might be complicated, we suggest using a professional malware removal software.
You should start Ssimpotashka@gmail.com ransomware removal by installing an antivirus. Our top choices are SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner and Malwarebytes. They are effective, and easy-to-use to you will be able to proceed with data recovery steps and unlock your files quickly.
Although, if you can't remove Ssimpotashka@gmail.com ransomware since the virus prevents you from installing the security tool, you should check the instructions below. They are designed to guide you through the whole elimination and file recovery procedure.
Getting rid of Ssimpotashka@gmail.com virus. Follow these steps
Manual removal using Safe Mode
Boot your computer into Safe Mode with Networking to disable the infection:
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 Ssimpotashka@gmail.com 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 Ssimpotashka@gmail.com. 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.
Bonus: Recover your data
Guide which is presented above is supposed to help you remove Ssimpotashka@gmail.com 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 Ssimpotashka@gmail.com, you can use several methods to restore them:
Data Recovery Pro could help Ssimpotashka@gmail.com ransomware victims
If you have files encrypted by the ransomware, try recovering them with this professional software. Additionally, it might help you get back the access to data which has been accidentally deleted or compromised in other ways.
- 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 Ssimpotashka@gmail.com ransomware;
- Restore them.
Windows Previous Versions Feature option
Fortunately, Windows users can take advantage of an inbuilt feature which allows to travel back in time and restore files from their previous versions.
- Find an encrypted file you need to restore and right-click on it;
- Select “Properties” and go to “Previous versions” tab;
- Here, check each of available copies of the file in “Folder versions”. You should select the version you want to recover and click “Restore”.
Try ShadowExplorer software
This application is designed to use Shadow Volume Copies on the system to recover encrypted data. Make sure that they are in place and follow the instructions below:
- 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.
Ssimpotashka@gmail.com ransomware decryptor is not available.
Finally, you should always think about the protection of crypto-ransomwares. In order to protect your computer from Ssimpotashka@gmail.com and other ransomwares, use a reputable anti-spyware, such as FortectIntego, SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner or Malwarebytes
How to prevent from getting ransomware
Stream videos without limitations, no matter where you are
There are multiple parties that could find out almost anything about you by checking your online activity. While this is highly unlikely, advertisers and tech companies are constantly tracking you online. The first step to privacy should be a secure browser that focuses on tracker reduction to a minimum.
Even if you employ a secure browser, you will not be able to access websites that are restricted due to local government laws or other reasons. In other words, you may not be able to stream Disney+ or US-based Netflix in some countries. To bypass these restrictions, you can employ a powerful Private Internet Access VPN, which provides dedicated servers for torrenting and streaming, not slowing you down in the process.
Data backups are important – recover your lost files
Ransomware is one of the biggest threats to personal data. Once it is executed on a machine, it launches a sophisticated encryption algorithm that locks all your files, although it does not destroy them. The most common misconception is that anti-malware software can return files to their previous states. This is not true, however, and data remains locked after the malicious payload is deleted.
While regular data backups are the only secure method to recover your files after a ransomware attack, tools such as Data Recovery Pro can also be effective and restore at least some of your lost data.
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.
- ^ Ransomware-as-a-Service: Ransomware Operators Find Ways to Bring in Business. Trend Micro. Security blog.
- ^ Lee Mathews. Why You Should Never Pay A Ransomware Ransom. Forbes. Global media company, focusing on business, investing, technology, entrepreneurship, leadership, and lifestyle.
- ^ Violet Blue. You say advertising, I say block that malware. Engadget. Home for technology news and reviews.
- ^ Virusi. Virusi. Security and Spyware News.