Do you know what Smrss32 Ransomware is?
There is still not much information about Smrss32 Ransomware, but if this malware infected your computer, you should definitely read the rest of the article and learn as much about it as you can. The infection might lock various documents, photographs, pictures, videos, and other personal data. However, it does not affect any program files, so the computer should work normally. The malware could also change your Desktop wallpaper with a picture that appears to be the ransom note. It contains rather detailed instructions on what the user could do or how much he should pay to get the decryptor. Unfortunately, so far no one from IT volunteers managed to create a working decryption tool that could unlock data affected by Smrss32 Ransomware. Nonetheless, we should warn you that paying the ransom might be not the best idea either. Therefore, keep reading the article for more information and a removal guide.
Many other similar threats are distributed via Spam emails or with other infections, but Smrss32 Ransomware could be manually installed on the victim’s PC. Apparently, the cyber criminals behind this threat could enter the user’s computer through unsecured RDP (Remote Desktop Protocol) connection and infect the system. Needless to say that if the malicious program appeared on the PC, it shows that it is not protected enough. There might be many reasons, e.g. perhaps you do not have a legitimate antimalware tool, or you do not update any software regularly. If you do not wish to end up in such a situation again, we advise you to secure the system.
As we mentioned earlier, the malware does not lock program files. To be more precise, it is set to skip the following data: AppData, Application Data, Games, Program Files, Program Files (x86), ProgramData, Sample Music, Sample Pictures, System Volume Information, Windows, cache, thumbs.db, winnt. Instead, the malicious application encrypts 6,674 file types. To give you an example, such files could have the following extensions: .data, .dazip, .ddat, .ddoc, .ddrw, .desc, .divx, .djvu, .dmsk, .dnax, .docb, .docm, .docx, .dotm, .dotx, .dsp2, .dump, .encrypted, .epfs, .epub, .exif, .fh10, .flac, and so on.
To encrypt the user’s personal data, the cyber criminals use the AES symmetric encryption algorithm. When the file is enciphered it should receive the .encrypted extension, e.g. flower.jpg.encrypted. After it locks all targeted files, Smrss32 Ransomware might replace your Desktop image with “_HOW_TO_Decrypt.bmp.” The picture contains a random note, and it should be placed in every folder with encrypted data. The .bmp file instructs user to pay 1 BTC and contact the cyber criminals with provided email address. The problem is that the malware’s creators may not bother to send you the promised decryptor. If that happens, you will not be able to get the money back, and your data will remain enciphered.
It seems that the malware removes itself after it encrypts targeted data. Still, we would advise you to install a trustworthy antimalware software and perform a full system scan. As we mentioned, in the beginning, there is still not much information about Smrss32 Ransomware, so it is better to be extra careful with the infection. The security tool should be easy to use even for inexperienced users. Also, if you keep it updated the software should help you protect the computer from different ransomware or other malware in the future. Thus, if you want to clean the system from possible threats, you should follow the instructions below and get the antimalware tool recommended by our specialists.
Remove Smrss32 Ransomware
- Open the browser and go to http://www.spyware-techie.com/download-sph
- Click the Save file button and download the installer.
- Open it, install the antimalware tool and launch it.
- Set it to scan the system and wait till it finishes.
- Press the Fix threats button to erase detected threats.
In non-techie terms:
No doubt that Smrss32 Ransomware is a malicious program created to extort money from its users. The malware might encipher the user’s irreplaceable data, such as videos, photographs, and so on. Therefore, you might rush to pay the ransom without thinking about possible consequences. The truth is that there are no reassurances you will receive the decryption tool even if you transfer the money or do other things required by the cyber criminals. Thus, we would advise you not to risk losing your savings as well. If you choose not to pay the ransom, you can delete the note and change the background picture. Also, it is advisable to scan the system with a security tool that you can acquire by following the instructions above.