A new ransomware has been reported to cause devastation and problems to the user. The crypto-malware uses scraped ransom messages from other notorious ransomware, such as CryptoWall 3.0. It arrives via other malware on the user’s computer and once executed it performs several different activities on it which include encrypting the files of the user.
| Name | Surprise Ransomware |
| Type | Ransomware |
| Short Description | Infects the user via a downloader Trojan and encrypts his/her files asking for ransom payment in Bitcoin for the decryption of the data. |
| Symptoms | The user may witness his files being encrypted with the .surpise file extension plus DECRYPTION_HOWTO.Notepad file created on the Desktop. |
| Distribution Method | Via malicious web links or dangerous e-mail attachments. |
| Detection Tool | Download Malware Removal Tool, to See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware |
| User Experience | Join our forum to discuss Surprise Ransomware. |
| Data Recovery Tool | Windows Data Recovery by Stellar Phoenix Notice! This product scans your drive sectors to recover lost files and it may not recover 100% of the encrypted files, but only few of them, depending on the situation and whether or not you have reformatted your drive. |
Surprise Ransomware – Spread
The ransomware has been reported by users on security forums, to be spread via a Trojan.Downloader. Such trojan may be posted as a malicious email attachments in a spam message. One user has detected a file, named surprise.exe which after uploaded to VirusTotal displays the following detections:
This is most likely a downloader which has obfuscation to avoid detection from some anti-malware programs with real-time protection.
Surprise Ransomware In Detail
Once the ransomware is on the computer it may be executed via the following files on the user PC:
- C:\User\LOCAL\Temp\surprise.exe.config
- C:\User\LOCAL\Temp\surprise.exe
- C:\WINDOWS\Microsoft.NET\Framework\v4.0.30319\mscorwks.dll
Source: Malwr.com
After this, the ransomware may begin to scan for and encrypt the user’s files. A malware researcher, named Demonslay335 at BleepingComputer forums has reported that Surprise ransomware scans for and encrypts the following file extensions:
→ “.asf”, “.pdf”, “.xls”, “.docx”, “.xlsx”, “.mp3”, “.waw”, “.jpg”, “.jpeg”, “.txt”, “.rtf”, “.doc”, “.rar”, “.zip”, “.psd”, “.tif”, “.wma”, “.gif”, “.bmp”, “.ppt”, “.pptx”, “.docm”, “.xlsm”, “.pps”, “.ppsx”, “.ppd”, “.eps”, “.png”, “.ace”, “.djvu”, “.tar”, “.cdr”, “.max”, “.wmv”, “.avi”, “.wav”, “.mp4”, “.pdd”, “.php”, “.aac”, “.ac3”, “.amf”, “.amr”, “.dwg”, “.dxf”, “.accdb”, “.mod”, “.tax2013”, “.tax2014”, “.oga”, “.ogg”, “.pbf”, “.ra”, “.raw”, “.saf”, “.val”, “.wave”, “.wow”, “.wpk”, “.3g2”, “.3gp”, “.3gp2”, “.3mm”, “.amx”, “.avs”, “.bik”, “.dir”, “.divx”, “.dvx”, “.evo”, “.flv”, “.qtq”, “.tch”, “.rts”, “.rum”, “.rv”, “.scn”, “.srt”, “.stx”, “.svi”, “.swf”, “.trp”, “.vdo”, “.wm”, “.wmd”, “.wmmp”, “.wmx”, “.wvx”, “.xvid”, “.3d”, “.3d4”, “.3df8”, “.pbs”, “.adi”, “.ais”, “.amu”, “.arr”, “.bmc”, “.bmf”, “.cag”, “.cam”, “.dng”, “.ink”, “.jif”, “.jiff”, “.jpc”, “.jpf”, “.jpw”, “.mag”, “.mic”, “.mip”, “.msp”, “.nav”, “.ncd”, “.odc”, “.odi”, “.opf”, “.qif”, “.xwd”, “.abw”, “.act”, “.adt”, “.aim”, “.ans”, “.asc”, “.ase”, “.bdp”, “.bdr”, “.bib”, “.boc”, “.crd”, “.diz”, “.dot”, “.dotm”, “.dotx”, “.dvi”, “.dxe”, “.mlx”, “.err”, “.euc”, “.faq”, “.fdr”, “.fds”, “.gthr”, “.idx”, “.kwd”, “.lp2”, “.ltr”, “.man”, “.mbox”, “.msg”, “.nfo”, “.now”, “.odm”, “.oft”, “.pwi”, “.rng”, “.rtx”, “.run”, “.ssa”, “.text”, “.unx”, “.wbk”, “.wsh”, “.7z”, “.arc”, “.ari”, “.arj”, “.car”, “.cbr”, “.cbz”, “.gz”, “.gzig”, “.jgz”, “.pak”, “.pcv”, “.puz”, “.rev”, “.sdn”, “.sen”, “.sfs”, “.sfx”, “.sh”, “.shar”, “.shr”, “.sqx”, “.tbz2”, “.tg”, “.tlz”, “.vsi”, “.wad”, “.war”, “.xpi”, “.z02”, “.z04”, “.zap”, “.zipx”, “.zoo”, “.ipa”, “.isu”, “.jar”, “.js”, “.udf”, “.adr”, “.ap”, “.aro”, “.asa”, “.ascx”, “.ashx”, “.asmx”, “.asp”, “.indd”, “.asr”, “.qbb”, “.bml”, “.cer”, “.cms”, “.crt”, “.dap”, “.htm”, “.moz”, “.svr”, “.url”, “.wdgt”, “.abk”, “.bic”, “.big”, “.blp”, “.bsp”, “.cgf”, “.chk”, “.col”, “.cty”, “.dem”, “.elf”, “.ff”, “.gam”, “.grf”, “.h3m”, “.h4r”, “.iwd”, “.ldb”, “.lgp”, “.lvl”, “.map”, “.md3”, “.mdl”, “.nds”, “.pbp”, “.ppf”, “.pwf”, “.pxp”, “.sad”, “.sav”, “.scm”, “.scx”, “.sdt”, “.spr”, “.sud”, “.uax”, “.umx”, “.unr”, “.uop”, “.usa”, “.usx”, “.ut2”, “.ut3”, “.utc”, “.utx”, “.uvx”, “.uxx”, “.vmf”, “.vtf”, “.w3g”, “.w3x”, “.wtd”, “.wtf”, “.ccd”, “.cd”, “.cso”, “.disk”, “.dmg”, “.dvd”, “.fcd”, “.flp”, “.img”, “.isz”, “.mdf”, “.mds”, “.nrg”, “.nri”, “.vcd”, “.vhd”, “.snp”, “.bkf”, “.ade”, “.adpb”, “.dic”, “.cch”, “.ctt”, “.dal”, “.ddc”, “.ddcx”, “.dex”, “.dif”, “.dii”, “.itdb”, “.itl”, “.kmz”, “.lcd”, “.lcf”, “.mbx”, “.mdn”, “.odf”, “.odp”, “.ods”, “.pab”, “.pkb”, “.pkh”, “.pot”, “.potx”, “.pptm”, “.psa”, “.qdf”, “.qel”, “.rgn”, “.rrt”, “.rsw”, “.rte”, “.sdb”, “.sdc”, “.sds”, “.sql”, “.stt”, “.tcx”, “.thmx”, “.txd”, “.txf”, “.upoi”, “.vmt”, “.wks”, “.wmdb”, “.xl”, “.xlc”, “.xlr”, “.xlsb”, “.xltx”, “.ltm”, “.xlwx”, “.mcd”, “.cap”, “.cc”, “.cod”, “.cp”, “.cpp”, “.cs”, “.csi”, “.dcp”, “.dcu”, “.dev”, “.dob”, “.dox”, “.dpk”, “.dpl”, “.dpr”, “.dsk”, “.dsp”, “.eql”, “.ex”, “.f90”, “.fla”, “.for”, “.fpp”, “.jav”, “.java”, “.lbi”, “.owl”, “.pl”, “.plc”, “.pli”, “.pm”, “.res”, “.rsrc”, “.so”, “.swd”, “.tpu”, “.tpx”, “.tu”, “.tur”, “.vc”, “.yab”, “.aip”, “.amxx”, “.ape”, “.api”, “.mxp”, “.oxt”, “.qpx”, “.qtr”, “.xla”, “.xlam”, “.xll”, “.xlv”, “.xpt”, “.cfg”, “.cwf”, “.dbb”, “.slt”, “.bp2”, “.bp3”, “.bpl”, “.clr”, “.dbx”, “.jc”, “.potm”, “.ppsm”, “.prc”, “.prt”, “.shw”, “.std”, “.ver”, “.wpl”, “.xlm”, “.yps”, “.1cd”, “.bck”, “.html”, “.bak”, “.odt”, “.pst”, “.log”, “.mpg”, “.mpeg”, “.odb”, “.wps”, “.xlk”, “.mdb”, “.dxg”, “.wpd”, “.wb2”, “.dbf”, “.ai”, “.3fr”, “.arw”, “.srf”, “.sr2”, “.bay”, “.crw”, “.cr2”, “.dcr”, “.kdc”, “.erf”, “.mef”, “.mrw”, “.nef”, “.nrw”, “.orf”, “.raf”, “.rwl”, “.rw2”, “.r3d”, “.ptx”, “.pef”, “.srw”, “.x3f”, “.der”, “.pem”, “.pfx”, “.p12”, “.p7b”, “.p7c”, “.jfif”, “.exif”, “.rar”
Source:BleepingComputer
The files are encrypted with two types of encryption algorithms to make the decryption even more impossible than it currently is – RSA-2048 and AES-256. Both of the algorithms are very difficult to decrypt because they are military-grade. After encryption, Surprise ransomware sets the .suprise file extension on the user PC, for example:
- Picture.jpg becomes Picture.jpg.surprise
Upon opening the encrypted files, the user may either encounter a message saying the file cannot be opened or the following Windows suggestion pop-up:
After encryption, the ransomware drops two notepad files that are called:
- DECRYPTION_HOWTO.Notepad
- Encrypted_Files.Notepad
These are the reported contents of the “DECRYPTION_HOWTO.Notepad” file:
→ What happened to your files ?
All of your files were protected by a strong encryption.
There is no way to decrypt your files without the key.
If your files not important for you just reinstall your system.
If your files is important just email us to discuss the price and how to decrypt your files.
You can email us to nowayout@protonmail.com and nowayout@sigaint.org
Write your Email to both email addresses PLS
We accept just BITCOIN if you dont know what it is just google it.
We will give instructions where and how you buy bitcoin in your country.
Price depends on how important your files and network is.it could be 0.5 bitcoin to 25 bitcoin.
You can send us a 1 encrypted file for decryption.
Feel free to email us with your country and computer name and username of the infected system.
As a bottom line, the ransomware can set up to 25 bitcoins for the user’s data which is approximately 10000 US dollars. It is advisable not to pay the ransom money due to several different reasons:
- You fund the cybercriminals to spread and develop this malware.
- You may not get your files back as promised.
Remove Surprise Ransomware and Restore Your Data
To successfully remove this ransomware, conventional approach simply won’t cut it. This is why we strongly advise you to follow the step-by-step removal manual which is designed methodologically for maximum effectiveness.
Regarding the recovery of your data, we advise you to do it from a powerful, safe PC. More information on recovery methods you may find in the “Restore Files” step below.
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 5
Step 1: Scan for Surprise Ransomware with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall Surprise Ransomware 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 Surprise Ransomware 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 Surprise Ransomware 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 Surprise Ransomware
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by Surprise Ransomware.
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 Surprise Ransomware 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.
Surprise Ransomware-FAQ
What is Surprise Ransomware Ransomware?
Surprise Ransomware 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 Surprise Ransomware 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 Surprise Ransomware Infect?
Via several ways.Surprise Ransomware 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 Surprise Ransomware 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 .Surprise Ransomware files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .Surprise Ransomware 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 .Surprise Ransomware files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".Surprise Ransomware" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .Surprise Ransomware 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 Surprise Ransomware 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 Surprise Ransomware ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .Surprise Ransomware 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 Surprise Ransomware 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 Surprise Ransomware Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Surprise Ransomware 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 Surprise Ransomware 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.
Estimado una computadora de mi trabajo se infecto con ese virus, existe alguna manera de poder desencriptar los archivos?. Como puedo saber si mi red esta infectada? y que antivirus y antimalware me recomendarias para colocar en las computadoras?. De antemano agradezco tu gentil ayuda.
Hello Xavier,
Can you check if your computer’s Remote Desktop Protocol / Remote Assistance is off? What you can do is turn off the Internet connection and check if other computers are infected. However, if no one has complained by now, it’s likely that only your computer got infected.
Have you removed the ransomware with an anti-malware program?
In terms of restoring your encrypted files – have a look at section 4 at the end of this article.