How to remove Stroman ransomware virus

Stroman ransomware – malicious program that poses a serious danger to your files

Stroman ransomware is a malicious cyber infection that takes users' files a hostage and requires a special amount of money in exchange for a special decryption tool. Malware uses a sophisticated encryption algorithm, so you can unlock your files only if you have their backups.

Right after the encryption, Stroman adds one of these file extensions and drops readinfo.txt or info.txt  file to inform users how can they recover their files:

• .stroman
• .protos
• .fat32
• .gigahertz 

According to the ransom note provided by Stroman ransomware, victims have to pay $500 in 72 hours; otherwise, the size of ransom will increase.Victims have to contact criminals and make sure that they have an actually working decryptor. Attackers offer to decrypt 1-2 files that are not bigger than 10 Mb for free.

Authors of the Stroman ransomware claim that they will provide decryption software, key, and user instructions as soon as they will receive the payment. However, researchers from Los Virus^[1] warn that this deal might end up with money loss or blackmailing.^[2] Thus, you should put data recovery to the second plan and focus on virus removal.

This crypto-malware is still under investigation. However, the recent data does not give much promising news about possibilities to recover files for free. However, there’s still a chance that third-party tools might help. Possibility to restore data might increase if Stroman does not delete Shadow Volume Copies of the targeted files.

After ransomware attack, we highly recommend scanning the system with FortectIntego or another powerful anti-malware in order to remove Stroman ransomware entirely. However, ransomware might be design to block installation or access to security tools. Thus, in this case, you should follow the instructions below and disable the virus first.

Keep in mind that manual Stroman ransomware removal is not recommended. It’s a complex malicious program that may have affected numerous legit system processes and installed malevolent files that look like safe files. Thus, you might leave dangerous entries or even delete crucial system files. Security tools help to avoid such mistakes.

Stroman ransomware keeps changing extensions

Protos ransomware is one Stroman's versions that drops readinfo.txt to inform its victims about the current situation. It lets its victim know that his or hers files were encrypted and that they only way to recover them is to buy a special decryption key. Typically, it costs around $1000 and should be bought in bitcoin or similar crypto-currency. However, scammers tend to swindle users' money, so make sure you use alternative data recovery methods.

Fat32 ransomware is another version which was named like that according to the file extension used to mark affected files. This variant uses info.txt warning message which seeks to convince the user into paying $700 for a special decryptor. You can get infected with this threat after downloading a malicious email attachment to your computer, so make sure you ignore email messages from unknown senders. It is always better to contact the sender and making sure that it is real before downloading an unknown file.

Gigahertz ransomware virus showed up in the very beginning of 2018. This ransomware requires the same $700 in a form of ransom and uses BM-2cSs3qfF5wo1x6EQbsXJX3nwkzJwYx9R98@bitmessage.ch email address to keep in touch with its victims. Unfortunately, there is no guarantee that dealing with hackers will help you get your files back to you.

The ransom warning of Gigahertz Stroman ransomware and other its versions looks like that:

Your data set are encrypted.
We can help decrypt your files.
Price for full decrypt of all files is $700
You will get decrypt key + personal + manual.
To recover your files – contact us by email:
BM-2cSs3qfF5wo1x6EQbsXJX3nwkzJwYx9R98@bitmessage.ch
Please use the public email for contact: gmail, etc.
To be sure that we can decrypt your files
You can send us 1-2 encrypted files and we will send them back for FREE.
For download files use only dropmefiles.com, no more than 10 Mb
or Send us an email:
1. Personal ID
2. link dropmefiles.com
After you get decrypted files, wait for further instructions.
*****
Using false decryption key will cause a permanent data loss
You can send a message within 72 hours, or the price will be increased

Malware developers use multiple methods to launch cyber attacks

Stroman, as well as other file-encrypting viruses, spread using several strategies. The variety of used attacks allows infiltrating more devices and broaden the scale of the attack. However, the majority of ransomware is being spread using the same methods, such as:

• malicious spam emails with infected attachments;
• malware-laden ads;
• exploit kits;
• unprotected RDP connections;
• fake downloads;
• bogus software installers.

Malware payload might be dropped and immediately executed on the system when users open safely looking Word or PDF document. Thus, it's recommended not to open spam emails and attachments sent from unknown people.

Users should also be careful with installation of free programs and their updates. Avoiding file-sharing websites and using legit publishers’ sites is crucial to avoid accidental installation of a malicious app.

Additionally, keep all the programs updated and add another layer of security by installing an antivirus program.^[3]

Terminate Stroman and try to restore files without paying for cybercriminals

Stroman removal must be completed using reputable malware removal tool because of ransomware’s operation features and ability to make system modifications. We recommend using FortectIntego or MalwarebytesMalwarebytes, but you can choose your preferred tools as well.

If you cannot download, install or run security software, please reboot your PC to the Safe Mode with Networking as shown in the instructions below. Then you will be able to run automatic malware elimination.

Once you remove Stroman, you can use data backups and replace corrupted files with working ones. However, if you do not have them, you can find alternative methods and tools that MIGHT help to restore damaged data below.