A file encryption virus believed to be originating from Bosnia, named Satana is reported to use a mixture of strong AES plus RSA encryption ciphers to encode files of unsuspecting victims appending the Gricakova extension. The virus demands the approximate sum of 0.5 BTC from its victims and gives seven days deadline. Despite the strong encryption security experts always advise against making the payoff to cyber-criminals, for obvious reasons. Instead, it is recommended to swiftly remove this virus by downloading an advanced anti-malware software and try alternative solutions similar to the ones in this article to restore some of your files.
Threat Summary
| Name | Satana (Gricakova Files) |
| Type | Ransomware virus/ Screen locker |
| Short Description | Satana encriphers data with the RSA algorithm and AES cipher and asks a 0.5 BTC payoff for restoring access to the encoded files.. |
| Symptoms | All of the data is encroded and becomes inaccessible. A ransom note with instructions for paying the ransom shows as a !satana!.txt file, boot screen and window pop-up. |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments, File Sharing Networks. |
| Detection Tool |
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| User Experience | Join our forum to Discuss Satana 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. |
Satana Ransomware (Gricakova Files) Distribution Strategy
To spread effectively and infect successfully Satana ransomware virus may use a range of tools and techniques to bypass security and fool the user into opening its malicious files. For instance, the user may get infected by opening a spam e-mail message attachment which resembles something of importance such as a confirmation letter from a bank the user may be registered in, for example. The attachment may have malicious JavaScript, Payload Loader or in some cases it may open a URL which will redirect to a malicious web link which could infect the user via an Exploit Kit. For successful infection, Satana ransomware may utilize so-called program obfuscators which aim to conceal the malicious executables from antivirus software with real-time shields. However some anti-malware programs detect such obfuscators by monitoring the activity files and whether or not a payload is dropped.
Satana Ransomware (Gricakova Files) – More Information
After it has been activated and has infected a computer system, Satana will remain hidden while encrypting important files of infected users with the Gricakova extension. Its encryption module is programmed to encipher a wide variety of file extensions, which are:
- Adobe Reader PDF files.
- Microsoft Office documents.
- Different Video files.
- Different types of audio files.
- Various types of files associated with databases and different programs like Photoshop, Movie Maker, etc.
The scary part is what Satana uses to encrypt the files by adding the Gricakova extension to them. It uses a two-key encryption, which can be illustrated in detail if you read the following article:
Ransomware Encryption Behind Gricakova Files Explained – Why Is It So Effective?
Explained in brief, the encryption which has been used by Satana to add the Gricakova extension to files, includes two of the most powerful ciphers:
- RSA.
- AES.
One of the algorithms, AES, may be used to encrypt the files themselves and generate a decryption key which itself may be additionally encrypted with RSA cipher and sent out to the cyber-criminals’ server which controls the whole operation.
After encryption, Satata ransomware changes the name of the files from their start, instead of adding a file extension. The name remains in an original variant, but its beginning appears with the contact e-mail address of the cyber-criminals, for example:
- Gricakova@techemail.com_New Text Document.txt
Judging by the origin of the word Gricakova, it is believed that this Ransomware virus might be originating from Bosnia.
Also, Satana(Devil) ransomware uses extreme measures to notify the victims that they are in a tough spot – it displays a message on startup, displays a pop-up and drops a !satana!.txt file so that the user can see it. All of the screens and the text file contain the very same ransom note, reported by infected users to be the following:
→ “You had bad luck. There was crypting of all your files in a FS bootkit virus
To decrypt you need send on this E-mail: banetnatia@mail.com your private code: {unique identification of the victim here} and pay on a Bitcoin Wallet: XjU81vkJn4kExpBE2r92tcA3zXVdbfux6T total 0,5 btc After that during 1 – 2 days the software will be sent to you – decryptor – and the necessary instructions. All changes in hardware configurations of your computer can make the decryption of your files absolutely impossible! Decryption of your files is possible only on your PC! Recovery is possible during 7 days, after which the program – decryptor – can not ask for the necessary signature from a public certificate server. Please contact via e-mail, which you can find as yet in the form of a text document in a folder with encrypted files, as well as in the name of all encrypted files.If you do not appreciate your files we recommend you format all your disks and reinstall the system. Read carefully this warning as it is no longer able to see at startup of the computer. We remind once again- it is all serious! Do not touch the configuration of your computer!
E-mail: banetnatia@mail.com – this is our mail
CODE: {unique identification code of the victim here} this is code; you must send
BTC: XjU81vkJn4kExpBE2r92tcA3zXVdbfux6T here need to pay 0,5 bitcoins
How to pay on the Bitcoin wallet you can easily find on the Internet. Enter your unlock code, obtained by E-mail here and press “ENTER” to
continue the normal download on your computer. Good luck! May God help you!
“
Here is how the message looks when a pop-up is displayed and on system boot as well as in the text document:
Permanently Remove Satana Ransomware and Try To Restore The Files
To eradicate Satana Ransomware virus in full from your computer, we advise you to take a look and follow the Manual or Automatic removal instructions after this article. They are created with a clear purpose – to effectively contribute to the removal of Satana. However, since this ransomware virus creates multiple files on your computer as well as modifies heavily the Windows Registry Editor, it may be difficult to delete all of the objects manually. This is why in case you want to be sure the virus is removed, experts recommend using a particular anti-malware program which will not only find and delete all files associated with Satana Ransomware but protect your computer from ransomware in the future as well.
To attempt getting back your files, we urge you to try restoring them with the alternative solutions we have provided in step “3. Restore files encrypted by Satana Ransomware” after this article. They are no guarantee you will get your files back, but if you are lucky you may restore some of your files, at least until a working decryptor is created for this virus. As soon as researchers release such decryptor, we will make sure to notify you by updating this article, so we suggest that you bookmark it and check it often.
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 Satana (Gricakova Files) with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall Satana (Gricakova Files) 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 Satana (Gricakova Files) 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 Satana (Gricakova Files) 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 Satana (Gricakova Files)
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by Satana (Gricakova Files).
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 Satana (Gricakova Files) 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.
Satana (Gricakova Files)-FAQ
What is Satana (Gricakova Files) Ransomware?
Satana (Gricakova Files) 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 Satana (Gricakova Files) 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 Satana (Gricakova Files) Infect?
Via several ways.Satana (Gricakova Files) 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 Satana (Gricakova Files) 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 .Satana (Gricakova Files) files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .Satana (Gricakova Files) 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 .Satana (Gricakova Files) files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".Satana (Gricakova Files)" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .Satana (Gricakova Files) 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 Satana (Gricakova Files) 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 Satana (Gricakova Files) ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .Satana (Gricakova Files) 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 Satana (Gricakova Files) 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 Satana (Gricakova Files) Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Satana (Gricakova Files) 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 Satana (Gricakova Files) 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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