How to remove StevenSeagal ransomware

StevenSeagal ransomware is a crypto virus that denies access to your files

StevenSeagal ransomware is a data locker that was discovered in late November 2018 by the independent security researcher Emmanuel_ADC-Soft.^[1] The malware comes from the notorious Scarab family which already has over two dozen variants created since summer of 2017. The malware uses an AES-256 encryption algorithm to lock up files and ads .stevenseagal@airmail.cc appendix to each of the altered data. From that point, none of the data is readable by the machine, so users lose access to their pictures, videos, images, databases, documents, etc. StevenSeagal ransomware then drops a ransom note HOW TO RECOVER ENCRYPTED FILES.TXT that contains information about what happened to victims' data, and what they should do next. Crooks ask users to pay up for the decryptor which is located on a remote server and only accessible to them.

StevenSeagal ransomware typically enters machines with the help of phishing emails, although other methods can be used:

• Exploits and vulnerabilties;^[2]
• Brute-force attacks
• Bundled software
• Torrent files;
• Fake updates, etc.

As soon as StevenSeagal virus breaks in, it performs various system changes to ensure persistence. It modifies Windows Registry and attempts to delete Shadow Volume Copies, making file recovery more complicated. After that, the virus turns all personal files into a modified version of themselves (note that data is not corrupted, it is merely locked by a key), for example, a picture.jpg turns into picture.jpg.stevenseagal@airmail.cc. While StevenSeagal ransomware removal will not decode files, we suggest you start from precisely that.

Steven Seagal is a well known Hollywood actor. Many criminals like to use well-known individuals within ransomware names, although the individuals (for example, Barack Obama Blackmail ransomware) have nothing to do with the virus. Therefore, please do not contact Steven Seagal if you got infected, he will not be able to help you!

Crypto malware is created by cybercriminals who seek monetary gain by blackmailing people, which is a criminal offense. While some crooks have been caught, there are thousands that will never be tracked and punished. Therefore, StevenSeagal ransomware authors should never be trusted, as they might scam you and not give you the decryptor, even if you pay the demanded amount of Bitcoin.

Instead, we suggest you remove StevenSeagal ransomware without contacting crooks. You should use comprehensive anti-malware programs that are capable of deleting the virus and all its traces from the system. We suggest you try FortectIntego, SpyHunterCombo Cleaner or MalwarebytesMalwarebytes, although other security software can be handy as well. 

Ransomware is known to be spread with the help of infected installers or bundled files

The Internet is not a safe place, especially if you do not use any security measures to prevent malware from entering your machine. Indeed, there are several ways you can install ransomware and other malware on your computer, and you will not ever notice it. The complicated code performs millions of operations within a few seconds, without giving out it is there. However, after the encryption process is complete, users can quickly see that they are unable to open or use their personal files.

Ransomware infections usually come from inexperience, although negligence is another leading cause. Therefore, please follow these tips provided by security experts:^[3]

• Install security tools that are capable of stopping most malware from entering;
• Do not download spam email attachments, even if they look legitimate. Also, do not click on links inside – it can lead you to a malicious website;
• Carefully examine web pages that you visit – a simple misclick might result in ransomware installation;
• Avoid file-sharing and torrent sites;
• Use VPN for when using RDP, and never leave it unprotected;
• Install ad blocker which would prevent fake updates;
• Patch your system as soon as the updates are ready to be installed.

Additionally, having a backup of your files can save you from a lot of distress.

Remove StevenSeagal ransomware with the help of appropriate security software

StevenSeagal ransomware removal should be executed with the help of reputable anti-malware software, as eliminating the threat manually is almost impossible. We suggest you download and install FortectIntego, SpyHunterCombo Cleaner or MalwarebytesMalwarebytes (although other software of your choice can work as well) and perform full system scan in Safe Mode with Networking. We provide all the instructions below.

As soon as you remove StevenSeagal virus, you can proceed with the file recovery. As long as you kept backups of your system on the virtual or external device, you should have no problems. However, most of the people do not bother with backups, which complicates data recovery significantly. In such a case, we suggest you try third-party software that may help you to recover at least some of your files. A full guide below!