What Is Smile Virus?
Problems with Smile Virus? Read this article as we will explain here how to get rid of it. The Smile Virus is a form of ransomware that locks your files and tries to make you pay money to get them back. Most users end up infected after opening a harmful email attachment. It can also slip into your system using hidden code or bundled software, making it hard to catch early.
Once this threat is on your machine, your files will no longer open and a message named SM$LE-read-it.txt will appear. It adds the .SM$LE extension to all affected files. We’ve observed it mostly spreads via spam messages, pirated programs, or visiting unsecured websites. It uses complex encryption to block access to your data. Paying the ransom isn’t a sure fix. It’s safer to remove the malware and try recovery steps. Check out our guide below to help clean your system properly.
Smile Ransomware Virus – Details
File Extension | .SM$LE |
Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
Short Description | The ransomware encrypts files on your computer system and demands a ransom to be paid to allegedly recover them. |
Symptoms | The Smile Virus ransomware will encrypt your files by appending a random name extension to them. |
Ransom Demanding Note | SM$LE-read-it.txt |
Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments |
Detection Tool |
See If Your Mac Has Been Affected by Smile Virus
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How Did I Get Infected?
Your computer might get the Smile Virus through:
- Opening emails with infected files or clicking risky links from unknown senders.
- Using hacked software or downloading from shady sites.
Smile Virus – What Does It Do?
This type of ransomware encrypts your files so you can’t open them anymore. It targets many file types and may even try to gather private data before locking the files. Then it demands a cryptocurrency ransom to unlock your information.
It links to remote servers, which might open the door for more malware to infect your system. It also drops files into system directories like:
- %Local%
- %Temp%
- %Windows%
- %SystemDrive%
- %LocalLow%
- %AppData%
- %System%
- %system32%
To keep running, it changes the Windows Registry so it launches automatically each time your PC boots.
The ransom note, saved as SM$LE-read-it.txt, often includes threats and payment steps:
/////>SMILE RANSOMWARE
Ooops. Your files have been encrypted by The SMile Ransomware. Your files are now encrypted with
AES and RSA encryption algorthims and are no longer accessable to you. In order to gain access to your files, you must buy our decryption software. To restore your data, follow these easy steps.1. Download the TOR Browser at hxxps://torproject.org/
2. Visit any of the three darknet sites listed below:
–
–
–If one of the sites doesn’t work then try another one as some of these sites may be
offline from time to time!4.Once your connected to one of our websites. You must pay a total of $3000 worth of bitcoin
to the address listed on the website. Once the payment is verified, you will be sent the decryption software in due time!WARNING: Failure to pay the ransom within a 3 day time period will result in the decryption software being destroyed and your files and data will be lost FOREVER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
If you have any other issues. Please feel free to contact us at smilec0rp@proton.me or LIVE CHAT
with our operators on one of our darknet sites!Thank you.
Best Regards.
Smile C0rp
Sometimes, attackers offer to unlock a few small files (under 5MB, excluding databases) for free to show they have the key.
What Are .SM$LE Encrypted Files?
Files ending in .SM$LE have been locked using strong encryption techniques. This affects many types of files, including:
- Videos (.mp4, .avi, etc.)
- Audio files (.mp3, .wav, etc.)
- Pictures (.jpg, .png, etc.)
- Archives (.zip, .rar, etc.)
- Documents (.docx, .pptx, etc.)
- Other frequently used files.
Only the cybercriminals have the unique decryption key to unlock your data. Here’s how an encrypted file might appear:
Example.jpg.SM$LE
How to Remove Smile Virus
To get rid of the Smile Virus, use a full antivirus or anti-malware scan with trusted security tools. Unless you’re very experienced with malware removal, we suggest avoiding manual steps. Using well-known security software is the most reliable and safe way to clean your device.
- Step 1
- Step 2
- Step 3
- Step 4
- Step 5
Step 1: Scan for Smile Virus with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall Smile Virus 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:



Step 3: Clean any registries, created by Smile Virus 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 Smile Virus there. This can happen by following the steps underneath:



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 Smile Virus





Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by Smile Virus.
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 Smile Virus 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.
Smile Virus-FAQ
What is Smile Virus Ransomware?
Smile Virus 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 Smile Virus 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 Smile Virus Infect?
Via several ways.Smile Virus 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 Smile Virus 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 .Smile Virus files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .Smile Virus 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 .Smile Virus files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".Smile Virus" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .Smile Virus 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 Smile Virus 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 Smile Virus ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .Smile Virus 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 Smile Virus 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 Smile Virus Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Smile Virus 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 Smile Virus 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.
- Make sure that real people are behind the site and not fake names and profiles.
- Verify Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter personal profiles.