How to remove SymmyWare ransomware

SymmyWare ransomware is a file locking virus that asks for $0 ransom payment

SymmyWare ransomware is a cyber threat that stems from HiddenTear family and was discovered on November 1st, 2018 by independent security researcher GrujaRS.^[1] Malware uses AES-128 to encipher data and appends .SYMMYWARE extension to each of the affected files. For example, picture.jpg is transformed into picture.jpg.SYMMYWARE after the encryption procedure. SymmyWare virus then contacts Command and Control server to send crooks decryption key and uploads ransom note SYMMYWARE.txt in return, placing it into each of the affected folders. After establishment, ransomware runs an executable watadminsvc.exe in the background.

Criminals prepare the note in order to inform victims on what to do next, and, this time, it can leave most of the users baffled, as it is unclear what hackers want. They claim that they want victims to pay $0 in Bitcoin, which suggests that the whole scheme was conducted as a prank. However, the infection and encryption are real, so users should not ignore it by any means and remove SymmyWare ransomware from their machines as soon as possible.

SymmyWare ransom note states the following:

All your files was ciphered by Strong algorythm AES-128.
Take your time, no one will be able to decrypt your files without our decryption service.
To decrypt files, pay $ 0 in Bitcoins. If you do not have 0 bitcoins (everyone has it) then go to the site localbitcoins.com and there send to our wallet (which we do not have) and write to the mail simmyware@protonmail.ch to get the key and the decoder.
We advise you not to mess around because you still do not restore their hands.
We've also encrypted all your drives, files on your hard drives and network drives.
AES-128 is the Most reliable military-grade cryptographic algorithm.
There's no way to hack it, not even with a supercomputer.
The file cutter will start in 48 hours.
Don't be stupid and ugly like Patrick.
Any hacking attempts can fuck all of your data and the locker will turn them into pee-pee.
Good luck. Goodbye.
P.S I'm not spreading, and I can't.
P.P.S. The best time to send a letter: after November 25 (while we register the mail), and the fact that we wrote about 48 hours – it was a joke. We do not count down the time until the system is removed.

PC security experts^[2] never recommend contacting cybercriminals, even if ask for a ridiculous amount of $0 Bitcoin. Do not trust SymmyWare ransomware authors, as they might send you malware instead of the decryptor, which can result in further compromisation of your device. For example, data-stealing malware can harvest banking details, login information, and other sensitive data.

Virus Total recognizes SymmyWare as:^[3]

• Generic.Ransom.Small.43F2C420
• Ransom.FileCryptor
• Trojan.Encoder.10598
• Mal/Generic-S
• Ransom_RAMSIL.SM
• Ransom:Win32/HiddenTear.gen
• HEUR:Trojan.Win32.Generic, etc.

Therefore, it is vital to use security software that can recognize the threat and block it before it can cause damage. Nevertheless, if you are already infected, scan your machine with security software to perform complete SymmyWare ransomware removal.

After that, you can proceed with file recovery. If you have backups ready, there will be no problems in recovering any of your data. If not, the situation is pretty grim, although you should check our guide for alternative file recovery options when your data is encrypted by SymmyWare ransomware.

After the SymmyWare ransomware elimination, we suggest you use PC repair software FortectIntego to recover from virus damage.

Protect yourself from ransomware attacks

Ransomware is one of the most devastating forms of malware, as corrupted files are not retrieved after its elimination. Therefore, there is a high chance of losing photos, images, video, audio, database, and other personal files after the attack. For that reason, the best solution would be not to get infected in the first place.

There are several distribution methods that hackers employ, and, unfortunately, not everybody is aware of them. The most common technique used is the deception, be it contaminated attachments in phishing emails, hacked sites or fake updates. While most of the scams are pretty obvious, some of them can be made professionally, and even those computer-savvy people might get tricked.

Therefore, never let your guard down. Patch your software as soon as updates become available, treat every spam email as potentially malicious, do not trust questionable websites (file-sharing, gambling, porn, etc.), use strong passwords for your accounts, use a VPN, and of course, employ reliable anti-malware tool.

Eliminate SymmyWare ransomware from your device

As we mentioned above, the SymmyWare virus seems to be prepared as a joke, as the ransomware is full of puns and even the payment amount is not listed (you cannot perform $0 transactions!). However, those who cannot access their files due to this, are in trouble and seek SymmyWare removal instructions.

To remove SymmyWare ransomware, you will have to access Safe Mode with Networking, as explained below. This is done to minimize the functionality of malware, as Safe Mode is loaded only with necessary processes and drivers. Then, use SpyHunterCombo Cleaner or another reliable anti-virus to thoroughly scan your system. The software will take care of everything automatically, and you will not have to reinstall Windows.