Ssimpotashka@gmail.com ransomware: what it is and how to remove it
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). This version of the malware was first spotted in July 2018, although it is now resurfacing again, with multiple victims reporting getting infected.
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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Ssimpotashka@gmail.com ransomware: summary
| Distribution | Threat actors employ a variety of delivery methods, including spam emails, malicious ads, software cracks, etc. |
|---|---|
| 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 |
| 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 13 more facts
| 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 |
| Detection names | No Microsoft detection name is known |
| Contact | Ssimpotashka@gmail.com, ssimpotashka@gmail.com, picture.jpg.Ssimpotashka@gmail.com |
| Encrypted file extension | Not recorded in our earlier report |
| 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; the text is quoted in full below |
| Damage | Not recorded in the old report |
| Symptoms | An unknown program in Installed apps and a ransom note left in folders |
| Evidence | 5 write-ups by security sites; no sample analysed yet |
| Free decryptor | No free decryptor is known (checked 7 October 2026) |
| First seen | 24 April 2020 |
| Facts checked | 7 October 2026 |
- Note file:
the ransom note
From our report of Apr 2020 · not reviewed since
More from our earlier report on Ssimpotashka@gmail.com
- To get rid of malware, perform a full system scan with a powerful anti-malware tool
How Ssimpotashka@gmail.com ransomware behaves
From our report of Apr 2020 · not reviewed since
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).
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.
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:
After the infiltration, Ssimpotashka@gmail.com ransomware leaves the ransom-demanding message and indicates the following information:
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 .
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 .
- 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.
From our report of Apr 2020 · not reviewed since
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 .
The Ssimpotashka@gmail.com ransomware note
YOU FILES WAS ENCRYPTED
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.
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
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
How to remove Ssimpotashka@gmail.com 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 Ssimpotashka@gmail.com 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
Ssimpotashka@gmail.com encrypts everything it can reach, including drives and shares you connect later. Cut the network first: cable out, or Wi-Fi off from the taskbar.
Then unplug every USB stick and backup disk and pause cloud sync, so the encrypted versions do not replace your online copies. Do not reconnect any of them until the ransomware is removed from the Windows 11 or Windows 10 PC.
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 identify the family
Find the ransom note, usually a
.txt,.htmlor .hta file in every folder or on the desktop, and copy it with one or two encrypted files to a USB stick.From another device, upload them to ID Ransomware or No More Ransom's Crypto Sheriff, which name the family from the note and the file extension. Write down the contact address and your personal ID from the note for the report.
Warning: Never contact the attackers from the infected Windows 11 or Windows 10 PC.
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
For Ssimpotashka@gmail.com, no free decryptor is known (checked 7 October 2026). Search the family name in the No More Ransom decryption tools list and in the free decryptors of Emsisoft, Avast and Kaspersky, because new tools appear years after an attack.
Important: Keep the encrypted files even if nothing works today, and do not pay before every free option is ruled out: payment does not guarantee a working key.
Decryptors run on Windows 11 and Windows 10, but only after the ransomware itself is removed.
Full procedure with screenshots: Ransomware: first steps, finding a decryptor and recovering files
Step 4: Remove the ransomware before you restore or decrypt
Restoring or decrypting files while Ssimpotashka@gmail.com still runs lets it encrypt them again. Run a Full scan in Windows Security > Virus & threat protection > Scan options, then the Microsoft Defender Antivirus (offline scan).
If the ransomware blocks Windows Security, start Safe Mode with Networking and scan from there. Some families install a password stealer as well, so let both scans finish on Windows 11 or 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
Open Command Prompt as administrator and run
vssadmin list shadows. If it lists copies dated before the attack, right-click a folder with encrypted files in File Explorer, choose Properties > Previous Versions, and open or restore a version from before that date.ShadowExplorer, a free tool, shows the same copies when the tab is empty or hidden. Most current families delete shadow copies, so an empty list is normal, but the check takes two minutes on Windows 11 or Windows 10.
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
Restore from an external backup, File History or OneDrive's version history, choosing a date before the attack. Connect the backup drive only after the scans are clean, or the ransomware encrypts it too.
If there is no backup, file recovery software can sometimes find the deleted originals, because some ransomware writes an encrypted copy and deletes the original file.
Stop writing to the drive and try recovery on Windows 11 or Windows 10 before new files overwrite the space.
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 Apr 2020 · not reviewed since
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 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 and . They are effective, and easy-to-use to you will be able to proceed with data recovery steps and unlock your files quickly.
They are designed to guide you through the whole elimination and file recovery procedure.
[GI=method-1]Boot your computer into Safe Mode with Networking to disable the infection:
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.
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.
Try ShadowExplorer software
This application is designed to use Shadow Volume Copies on the system to recover encrypted data.
Ssimpotashka@gmail.com ransomware decryptor is not available.
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 Ssimpotashka@gmail.com 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 ssimpotashka@gmail.com in the list of installed apps.
Setting it up step by step: 3-2-1 backups on Windows 11 and 10.
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 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 can also be effective and restore at least some of your lost data.
Questions about Ssimpotashka@gmail.com ransomware
When will a decryptor for Ssimpotashka@gmail.com be released?
Nobody can promise a date. When we last checked, on 7 October 2026, no free decryptor is known. Decryptors usually appear after one of three events:
- police seize the attackers' servers and keys
- the authors leak or publish the master keys
- researchers find a mistake in how the ransomware generates keys
Some families got a tool within weeks, others never. Keep the encrypted files and the note on an external drive, check No More Ransom every few months, and follow news about the Ssimpotashka@gmail.com family. A decryptor may need an original file, so keep any unencrypted copies too.
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.
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 Ssimpotashka@gmail.com get on my computer?
The way Ssimpotashka@gmail.com 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 ssimpotashka@gmail.com in the list of installed apps, and check the Downloads folder and Installed apps sorted by date. Keep anything suspicious for your report, but do not run it again.
Did Ssimpotashka@gmail.com steal my files or passwords?
We do not know yet. Nothing published so far shows data theft by Ssimpotashka@gmail.com, but the only confirmed sign is ssimpotashka@gmail.com in the list of installed apps, 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.
Is Ssimpotashka@gmail.com 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 delete the ransom note?
Yes, the note itself is harmless text and deleting it does not affect your files. Keep at least one copy first, outside the infected PC. the ransom note contains your personal ID and the attackers' contact details, which identification services use to tell which family encrypted your files, and which a decryptor may need later.
Police reports also ask for it. Once you have saved a copy, you can remove the notes from every folder after the ransomware program has been removed and your files are restored or backed up.
How do I open my .docx, .jpg and other files locked by Ssimpotashka@gmail.com?
You cannot open locked files normally while they stay encrypted, and renaming them will not help. Our earlier report did not record the extension that Ssimpotashka@gmail.com adds, so check one locked file name and the ransom note for it.
No free decryptor is known for this variant; check No More Ransom (nomoreransom.org) for updates. Do not rename the files, change the extension or edit them, because that can make recovery harder. Copy the locked files to an external drive before you clean the system, so a decryptor released later still has them.
Will Fortect remove Ssimpotashka@gmail.com?
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 Ssimpotashka@gmail.com, 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
- Trend Micro: Ransomware-as-a-Service: Ransomware Operators Find Ways to Bring in Business (read October 7, 2026)
- Forbes: Why You Should Never Pay A Ransomware Ransom (read October 7, 2026)
- Engadget: You say advertising, I say block that malware (read October 7, 2026)
- Virusi: Virusi (read October 7, 2026)
- CISA: StopRansomware (read October 7, 2026)