Do you know what Smpl Ransomware is?
Smpl Ransomware is a vicious tool used for money extortion. Cybersecurity specialists say that the malware encrypts files that users might be unable to replace so that they would have to pay ransom in exchange for description tools. Know that you do not have to put up with any demands if you have backup copies of your files or simply do not want to fund cybercriminals. Also, we do not recommend paying ransom, because you cannot know for sure that hackers will hold on to their end of the deal. In other words, you could get scammed. Thus, we advise taking your time while thinking about what to do if you came across this malicious application. Also, it could be helpful if you read the rest of this report to learn more about the malware. We can offer a removal guide below the text too that shows how you might be able to erase Smpl Ransomware manually.
One of the most important things to learn about a malicious application is how it might be spread. Such knowledge can help you avoid the threat in the future. We believe that Smpl Ransomware might be distributed through malicious email attachments, software installers, game cracks, updates, and other data that could be received via email or downloaded from various file-sharing websites. Naturally, to avoid opening such data unknowingly, we recommend staying away from files that come from unknown senders or unreliable websites.
Also, keep in mind that you can learn whether a file is malicious or not by scanning it with an antimalware tool. Always remember that malicious data might not look harmful or even suspicious at all. Hackers can easily disguise files to make them appear harmless. Plus, some files might not be malicious installers in disguise, but opening them may trigger a downloading process during which a threat could be installed without you even noticing anything. Thus, we cannot stress it enough how vital it is to take all possible extra precautions when dealing with files from the Internet. That is if you want to avoid malicious applications like Smpl Ransomware and other malware.
Smpl Ransomware screenshot
Scroll down for full removal instructions
Furthermore, Smpl Ransomware belongs to the Crysis/Dharma Ransomware family. Like other threats from this group, the malicious application marks each file that it encrypts with an additional extension made from a unique ID number, an email address belonging to the threat’s creators, and the .smpl part, for example, .id-B6506614.[crimecrypt@aol.com].smpl. The threat seems to be only after personal data (e.g., photos, videos, etc.). Once it finishes encrypting targeted files, the threat should open a window with a ransom note. As usual for notes of threats from the mentioned ransomware family, the message shows a pirate’s skull and a short text telling users to contact the malware’s creators to restore encrypted files. The note does not mention anything about having to pay, but the text in it suggests that a payment will be required.
If you decide that you do not want to contact hackers and pay ransom, we advise erasing Smpl Ransomware without hesitating. Especially if you have backup copies and want to replace encrypted files because leaving the malware on the system could put your data at risk. If you want to delete Smpl Ransomware manually, you could try the removal guide available below. However, keep in mind that completing our steps might not be enough to eliminate the malware completely. If that is your goal, we highly recommend employing a reputable antimalware tool like SpyHunter that could eliminate the ransomware application for you.
Delete Smpl Ransomware
- Restart your computer in Safe Mode with Networking.
- Click Windows Key+E.
- Navigate to the suggested paths:
%TEMP%
%USERPROFILE%Desktop
%USERPROFILE%Downloads - Identify a file launched when the system got infected, right-click the malicious file and select Delete.
- Find these paths:
%ALLUSERSPROFILE%\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Startup
%ALLUSERSPROFILE%\Application Data\Microsoft\Windows\StartMenu\Programs\Startup
%APPDATA%\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Startup
%WINDIR%\System32 - Locate copies of the malware’s launcher (the title could be random), right-click them and select Delete.
- Go to this location %USERPROFILE%Desktop
- Find a file titled FILES ENCRYPTED.txt, right-click it and choose Delete.
- Navigate to these paths:
%APPDATA%\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Startup
%ALLUSERSPROFILE%\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Startup
%ALLUSERSPROFILE%\Application Data\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Startup
%WINDIR%\System32 - Look for documents called Info.hta, right-click them and choose Delete.
- Exit File Explorer.
- Press Windows Key+R, type Regedit and choose OK.
- Navigate to this path: HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
- Look for value names that could be related to the malicious application.
- Right-click such value names and press Delete.
- Close the Registry Editor.
- Empty Recycle bin.
- Restart the computer.
In non-techie terms:
Smpl Ransomware is a threat you do not want to come across if you have precious photos or other important files on your computer. The malware encrypts such data and, as a result, users can no longer open it. That is because encrypted files become locked and need to be decrypted. The bad news is that decryption requires a unique decryption key and a decryption application. Both of these tools are in the hand of the threat’s creators and it seems like they want to get paid in exchange for providing them. Needless to say that dealing with them is extremely risky, because such people cannot be trusted and could scam you. Thus, we do not recommend contacting them if you fear you could lose your money for nothing. In such a case, we advise deleting Smpl Ransomware with a chosen antimalware tool or manually if you think you can handle the task. After the system is malware-free again, it should be safe to replace encrypted files with backup copies as well as create and receive new data.