What Is Sijr Virus?
Sijr virus is the name of a recently detected ransomware infection, part of the STOP/DJVU family of threats. The primary objective of this infection is to get inside your computer system and begin attacking your files, by locking them using encryption. This leaves the files with the .sijr file extension and the ransomware also leaves behind a _readme.txt ransom note. The main goal of this virus is to extort you into paying a lot of money in the form of a ransom pay off in Bitcoin.
Read this article to learn more information about how to remove this virus, how it got in your computer in the first place and how you can try to recover your files without having to pay.
[Sijr Virus Summary
| Name | Sijr virus, also known as UDS:Trojan.Win32.Chapak.gen, Ransom:Win32/StopCrypt.KM!MTB, Win32:PWSX-gen [Trj], Win32:PWSX-gen [Trj], A Variant Of Win32/GenKryptik.FHJB – more detections of this virus on VirusTotal |
| File Extension | .sijr |
| Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
| Short Description | The ransomware encrypts files on your computer system and demands a ransom to be paid to allegedly recover them. |
| Symptoms | The Sijr Virus ransomware will encrypt your files by appending the .sijr extension to them. |
| Ransom Demanding Note | _readme.txt |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments |
| Detection Tool |
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Sijr Virus – How Did I Get Infected?
Just like the .hajd, .qall and .ghas versions of STOP/DJVU ransomware, the Sijr virus may also end up on your computer system via one of the following methods:
- If it has been downloaded from some shady third-party software download site.
- If you have received it in the form of an e-mail attachment or a URL in your e-mail inbox.
If you have become a victim of this nasty ransom ware infection by downloading a file from some type of a suspicious website, then there is a strong chance that the file pretend to be one of the following:
- Patches for programs or games.
- SFX (self extracting) or regular archive files.
- Cracked applications or portable apps.
- Crack-fixes or activators for software or games.
- Keygens or key generators.
Another option is if the virus is sent to you via email. If this is the scenario, then the file most likely pretends to be some type of a legitimate and important document, like the following examples:
- Invoice files.
- Receipt documents.
- Work-related documents.
- E-Tickets of some kind (flights, train, events).
Usually these files contain different kinds of malicious codes in them the trigger infection process, like the following when their content is opened and allowed:
Sijr Virus – What Does It Do?
Sijr virus may initially establish a connection to a remote command and control server, from where it may download its malicious payload module files. This happens without you even realizing it and the files may be located in the following directories of Windows:
- %LocalLow%
- %SystemDrive%
- %Local%
- %Temp%
- %System%
- %AppData%
- %Windows%
- %system32%
When the virus has already dropped its files, it may also leave behind a ransom note. It is called _readme.txt and has the following content:
The Sijr virus may also attack you Windows Registry Editor. This happens by creating multiple kinds of values in the registry sub-keys. These value entries are added with data that links them to the malicious files. This particular threat has been noticed before to attack the following registry subkeys:
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
What Are .sijr Files
The .sijr files are enciphered using AES encryption, which may leave them looking like the following:
Picture.jpg.sijr
Removing the extension will not fix the files, as their core data is changed by the encryption algorithm and only a decryption key is able to reverse this process. The virus scans for the following kinds of files to encrypt:
- Files that are archives (.zip, .rar, etc).
- Various sorts of documents (.docx, .pptx, etc.).
- Audio file formats (.mp3, .wav, etc.).
- Different picture file types (.jpg, .png, .etc).
- Video file formats (.mp4, .avi, etc.).
- Other files.
How to Remove Sijr Virus?
If you want to remove Sijr virus, our main suggestion is that you follow the removal instructions we have created beneath this article. The main objective of these steps is to help you remove the virus either manually or automatically with the help of an anti-malware software. Using such a security to strongly recommend it, because it has the capability of thoroughly scanning your computer system and getting it rid of any malicious applications completely.
How to Decrypt .sirj Files?
The .sijr files that are encrypted and have an offline key can be decoded using the STOP Ransomware Decryption Steps or the video guide below. These both guides contain the usage of the official decryption software for this virus, that has been created by independent malware researchers and is designed to work for the off-line versions of the virus. In case you have the online key version, our suggestion is trying out the alternative methods for file recovery below. They have been created to help you recover as many files as possible using alternative solutions, but they are in no way guaranteed to work for all of the files.
Video guide for using the STOP Ransomware Decryptor:
Ventsislav Krastev
Ventsislav is a cybersecurity expert at SensorsTechForum since 2015. He has been researching, covering, helping victims with the latest malware infections plus testing and reviewing software and the newest tech developments. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for learning new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management, Network Administration and Computer Administration of System Applications, he found his true calling within the cybersecrurity industry and is a strong believer in the education of every user towards online safety and security.
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Step 1: Scan for Sijr with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall Sijr and related malware from Windows
Here is a method in few easy steps that should be able to uninstall most programs. No matter if you are using Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista or XP, those steps will get the job done. Dragging the program or its folder to the recycle bin can be a very bad decision. If you do that, bits and pieces of the program are left behind, and that can lead to unstable work of your PC, errors with the file type associations and other unpleasant activities. The proper way to get a program off your computer is to Uninstall it. To do that:
Follow the instructions above and you will successfully delete most unwanted and malicious programs.
Step 3: Clean any registries, created by Sijr on your computer.
The usually targeted registries of Windows machines are the following:
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
You can access them by opening the Windows registry editor and deleting any values, created by Sijr there. This can happen by following the steps underneath:
Tip: To find a virus-created value, you can right-click on it and click "Modify" to see which file it is set to run. If this is the virus file location, remove the value.
Before starting "Step 4", please boot back into Normal mode, in case you are currently in Safe Mode.
This will enable you to install and use SpyHunter 5 successfully.
Step 4: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove Sijr
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by Sijr.
Method 1: Use STOP Decrypter by Emsisoft.
Not all variants of this ransomware can be decrypted for free, but we have added the decryptor used by researchers that is often updated with the variants which become eventually decrypted. You can try and decrypt your files using the instructions below, but if they do not work, then unfortunately your variant of the ransomware virus is not decryptable.
Follow the instructions below to use the Emsisoft decrypter and decrypt your files for free. You can download the Emsisoft decryption tool linked here and then follow the steps provided below:
1 Right-click on the decrypter and click on Run as Administrator as shown below:
2. Agree with the license terms:
3. Click on "Add Folder" and then add the folders where you want files decrypted as shown underneath:
4. Click on "Decrypt" and wait for your files to be decoded.
Note: Credit for the decryptor goes to Emsisoft researchers who have made the breakthrough with this virus.
Method 2: Use data recovery software
Ransomware infections and Sijr aim to encrypt your files using an encryption algorithm which may be very difficult to decrypt. This is why we have suggested a data recovery method that may help you go around direct decryption and try to restore your files. Bear in mind that this method may not be 100% effective but may also help you a little or a lot in different situations.
Simply click on the link and on the website menus on the top, choose Data Recovery - Data Recovery Wizard for Windows or Mac (depending on your OS), and then download and run the tool.
Sijr-FAQ
What is Sijr Ransomware?
Sijr is a ransomware infection - the malicious software that enters your computer silently and blocks either access to the computer itself or encrypt your files.
Many ransomware viruses use sophisticated encryption algorithms to make your files inaccessible. The goal of ransomware infections is to demand that you pay a ransom payment to get access to your files back.
What Does Sijr Ransomware Do?
Ransomware in general is a malicious software that is designed to block access to your computer or files until a ransom is paid.
Ransomware viruses can also damage your system, corrupt data and delete files, resulting in the permanent loss of important files.
How Does Sijr Infect?
Via several ways.Sijr Ransomware infects computers by being sent via phishing emails, containing virus attachment. This attachment is usually masked as an important document, like an invoice, bank document or even a plane ticket and it looks very convincing to users.
Another way you may become a victim of Sijr is if you download a fake installer, crack or patch from a low reputation website or if you click on a virus link. Many users report getting a ransomware infection by downloading torrents.
How to Open .Sijr files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .Sijr files are encrypted. You can only open them once they are decrypted using a specific decryption key for the particular algorithm.
What to Do If a Decryptor Does Not Work?
Do not panic, and backup the files. If a decryptor did not decrypt your .Sijr files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".Sijr" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .Sijr files.
These methods are in no way 100% guaranteed that you will be able to get your files back. But if you have a backup, your chances of success are much greater.
How To Get Rid of Sijr Virus?
The safest way and the most efficient one for the removal of this ransomware infection is the use a professional anti-malware program.
It will scan for and locate Sijr ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .Sijr files.
Can I Report Ransomware to Authorities?
In case your computer got infected with a ransomware infection, you can report it to the local Police departments. It can help authorities worldwide track and determine the perpetrators behind the virus that has infected your computer.
Below, we have prepared a list with government websites, where you can file a report in case you are a victim of a cybercrime:
Cyber-security authorities, responsible for handling ransomware attack reports in different regions all over the world:
Germany - Offizielles Portal der deutschen Polizei
United States - IC3 Internet Crime Complaint Centre
United Kingdom - Action Fraud Police
France - Ministère de l'Intérieur
Italy - Polizia Di Stato
Spain - Policía Nacional
Netherlands - Politie
Poland - Policja
Portugal - Polícia Judiciária
Greece - Cyber Crime Unit (Hellenic Police)
India - Mumbai Police - CyberCrime Investigation Cell
Australia - Australian High Tech Crime Center
Reports may be responded to in different timeframes, depending on your local authorities.
Can You Stop Ransomware from Encrypting Your Files?
Yes, you can prevent ransomware. The best way to do this is to ensure your computer system is updated with the latest security patches, use a reputable anti-malware program and firewall, backup your important files frequently, and avoid clicking on malicious links or downloading unknown files.
Can Sijr Ransomware Steal Your Data?
Yes, in most cases ransomware will steal your information. It is a form of malware that steals data from a user's computer, encrypts it, and then demands a ransom in order to decrypt it.
In many cases, the malware authors or attackers will threaten to delete the data or publish it online unless the ransom is paid.
Can Ransomware Infect WiFi?
Yes, ransomware can infect WiFi networks, as malicious actors can use it to gain control of the network, steal confidential data, and lock out users. If a ransomware attack is successful, it could lead to a loss of service and/or data, and in some cases, financial losses.
Should I Pay Ransomware?
No, you should not pay ransomware extortionists. Paying them only encourages criminals and does not guarantee that the files or data will be restored. The better approach is to have a secure backup of important data and be vigilant about security in the first place.
What Happens If I Don't Pay Ransom?
If you don't pay the ransom, the hackers may still have access to your computer, data, or files and may continue to threaten to expose or delete them, or even use them to commit cybercrimes. In some cases, they may even continue to demand additional ransom payments.
Can a Ransomware Attack Be Detected?
Yes, ransomware can be detected. Anti-malware software and other advanced security tools can detect ransomware and alert the user when it is present on a machine.
It is important to stay up-to-date on the latest security measures and to keep security software updated to ensure ransomware can be detected and prevented.
Do Ransomware Criminals Get Caught?
Yes, ransomware criminals do get caught. Law enforcement agencies, such as the FBI, Interpol and others have been successful in tracking down and prosecuting ransomware criminals in the US and other countries. As ransomware threats continue to increase, so does the enforcement activity.
About the Sijr Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Sijr how-to removal guide included, is the outcome of extensive research, hard work and our team’s devotion to help you remove the specific malware and restore your encrypted files.
How did we conduct the research on this ransomware?
Our research is based on an independent investigation. We are in contact with independent security researchers, and as such, we receive daily updates on the latest malware and ransomware definitions.
Furthermore, the research behind the Sijr ransomware threat is backed with VirusTotal and the NoMoreRansom project.
To better understand the ransomware threat, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.
As a site that has been dedicated to providing free removal instructions for ransomware and malware since 2014, SensorsTechForum’s recommendation is to only pay attention to trustworthy sources.
How to recognize trustworthy sources:
- Always check "About Us" web page.
- Profile of the content creator.
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