Stampado is the name of ransomware, which appeared on the Dark Web earlier this week. Offered as a Ransomware-as-a-Service (RaaS) for only 39$ and a full-time license, this piece of malware is fairly accessible to cybercriminals. Heavily advertised as being very cheap, buyers are expected to show up. The ransomware encrypts files while adding the .locked extension to them. Read the whole article to find out how you can stop the ransomware and possibly decrypt any encrypted data.
Threat Summary
| Name | Stampado |
| Type | Ransomware |
| Short Description | The ransomware will encrypt all of your important files and display a well-written ransom note, giving out sufficient details about ransom payment. |
| Symptoms | The ransomware will encrypt files with .locked extension appended to every file. |
| Distribution Method | Exploit Kits, Spam Emails, File Sharing Networks |
| Detection Tool |
See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware
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Malware Removal Tool
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| 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. |
Stampado Ransomware – Distribution Ways
Stampado ransomware is being promoted on the Dark Web with the help of aggressive advertisement campaigns, according to Heimdal’s security blog. Also, at the time of writing, no samples with the malicious code have been found in the wild. The ransomware is sold for 39 US dollars for a lifetime license. By being so cheap on the market, the ransomware is bound to find buyers. With no malware samples to examine, researchers cannot yet tell if this crypto-virus can be decrypted.
In the future, Stampado can be distributed in different ways, depending on how cyber crooks decide to infect users. Exploit kits, spam emails with malicious attachments, targeted attacks, social media and file sharing networks are the broader set of the possible distribution tactics. Be extremely careful when you click on various online content, what privileges you set in documents and about browsing in suspicious web space.
Stampado Ransomware – Technical Overview
Stampado is the name given to a very recent ransomware. The origin of the name allegedly comes from Italian, meaning “to print” or “to press.” The ransomware even has a presentation video on the Dark Web eliciting its capabilities and strong suits. Clearly, it does not require administrator privileges, as most modern ransomware viruses. It will lock data with the very well-known .locked file extensionл
Stampado ransomware creates a copy of itself to this location:
→%AppData%\scvhost.exe
Afterward, Stampado creates the following registry key:
→HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run\”Windows Update” = “%AppData%\scvhost.exe”
The above registry entry makes the ransomware persistent, because it will make it start automatically with each start of the Windows operating system.
When the encryption process is complete Stampado ransomware leaves a ransom note written in proper English and very few ransomware viruses can boast about the same. Here is how that ransom note looks like, by default:
>
The text from the ransom note is the following:
All your files is have Been encrypted.
The All your files is have Been encrypted!
The All your documents (databases, texts, the images, the videos, the musics etc) Were encrypted of The encryption WAS done The using the a secret key That is now! Just on Our servers.
to decrypt your files you will need to buy the secret key from us. Are the only for We the world on the who CAN Provide the this for you.
The Note That every 6 hours, a random file is permanently deleted The faster you are. the less See files is you will of Lose.
Also, in 96 hours, the key will of the BE permanently deleted and there will of the BE the no way of Recovering your files is.
for What CAN I of do?
Contact us by an email telling your ID (the below) and: wait for us to the instructions the send.
Contact us by an email teste@email.com
of As a proof, you CAN the send one’s encrypted file SO we will of the send IT back decrypted. IT as with a the Use That we CAN guarantee your decrypt the files is.
The Next Russian Rollette file deletion:
5 hours, 44 minutes and 59 seconds
Time The total loss The until:
3 days, 23 hours, 44 minutes and 59 seconds
From the ransom note, we can see that files which are going to be encrypted are associated with:
- Databases
- Texts
- Images
- Videos
- Music
Those are the most important and very personal files of every user. The ransomware can use executable files, like .exe and .bat, but also .scr, .dll and .cmd files for the delivery of its payload and all other malicious activities. That makes the ransomware flexible and with all other characteristics combined can make it the preferable choice among cyber criminals.
According to Symantec, some of the files that Stampado ransomware searches to encrypt have the following extensions:
→.7z, .avi, .bmp, .doc, .docx, .flv, .gif, .html, .jpeg, .jpg, .mov, .mp3, .mp4, .pdf, .ppt, .pptx, .rar, .txt, .wav, .wma, .wmv, .xls, .xlsx, .xml, .zip
The Stampado ransomware provides 96 hours for victims to make the needed payment of the ransom. The default ransom price is put at 1 Bitcoin, which is a huge amount considering what criminals pay for it. The most intriguing feature of Stampado is that if 96 hours pass without payment, a Russian roulette is triggered – every 6 hours a random file will get deleted.
If you stumble upon this ransomware, do not pay the ransom. Nobody can make a guarantee that you will restore all of your data. Save your most important files somewhere safe (not on the computer) and wait for a possible way of recovery or decryption. Let’s hope some flaw in the ransomware is found sooner than later.
Stampado ransomware is not described whether it erases the Shadow Volume Copies from the Windows operating system. That is interesting, although it is most likely one of the basic features of the virus.
Remove Stampado Ransomware and Restore .locked Files
If your computer machine got infected with the Stampado ransomware, you should have some experience in malware removal. You should get rid of this ransomware as quickly as possible before it encrypts other files and spreads deeper in the current network. The recommended action here is for you to remove the ransomware completely by following the step-by-step instructions guide given down below.
- Step 1
- Step 2
- Step 3
- Step 4
- Step 5
Step 1: Scan for Stampado with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall Stampado 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 Stampado 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 Stampado 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 Stampado
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by Stampado.
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 Stampado 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.
Stampado-FAQ
What is Stampado Ransomware?
Stampado 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 Stampado 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 Stampado Infect?
Via several ways.Stampado 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 Stampado 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 .Stampado files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .Stampado 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 .Stampado files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".Stampado" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .Stampado 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 Stampado 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 Stampado ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .Stampado 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 Stampado 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 Stampado Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Stampado 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 Stampado 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.
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