The Versiegelt seems to be a German variant of the Jigsaw ransomware cryptovirus. All encrypted files will have the extension .versiegelt appended to them. The virus does not seem to have any particular theme as past variants do. The ransom price which is demanded by cybercriminals for decryption is 100 euros. To see how to remove this ransomware and how you can try to decrypt your files, read the article to the end.
Threat Summary
| Name | Versiegelt |
| Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
| Short Description | The ransomware will encrypt your files and then display a ransom note demanding 100 euros for decryption. |
| Symptoms | Your encrypted files will have the .versiegelt extension appended to each of them. |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments |
| Detection Tool |
See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware
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Malware Removal Tool
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User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss Versiegelt. |
| 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. |
Versiegelt Virus – Distribution
The Versiegelt ransomware could penetrate your computer’s defenses in a number of ways. A payload file could be spread with the help of spam emails. Those emails are made in such a way that they sound important and try to trick you into opening the file attached to them. If you rush and do open the attachment, the malicious script inside it will get executed. Afterward, your computer machine will get infected. An example of such a file can be observed on the VirusTotal website:
Versiegelt ransomware could be distributed by using more methods. Its developers might be spreading the payload file further, around social media platforms or file-share networks. That malicious file could be presented as a useful program on one of those platforms by aiming to infect other potential victims. Right before opening a file, coming from a suspicious source, do a scan beforehand with a security program. Always check the signatures and size of such a file and see if they are strange in any way. You should read more tips on preventing ransomware in the corresponding forum topic.
Versiegelt Virus – In Depth
The Versiegelt cryptovirus seems to be a German version of the popular Jigsaw Ransomware. However, it doesn’t have a specific theme to it, like other variants of the ransomware, do. The virus will encrypt your files and then place the extension .versiegelt to every one of them. A lock screen will appear, right after the encryption process is complete, with the payment instructions written in the German language.
The Versiegelt ransomware can create entries in the Windows Registry when its payload is executed, to accomplish resilience. In case, these registry entries are set right and are active the virus will launch automatically with the booting of the Windows operating system. Afterward, your files will get encrypted, and the ransom message will display on your desktop screen.
This is how the screen with the ransom demands looks:
A QR code is present for quick accessability.
The ransom note written in German reads the following:
Ihre Daten sind verschlüsselt Der einzige Weg Sie wieder zu bekommen ist eine Zahlung von 100€ Sie zahlen an der unten genannten Bitcoin Adresse, wir prüfen die Zahlung und Entschlüsselt die Daten zu 100% danach sind wir Weg und kommen nicht mehr.
Es wird Ihnen keine Service Center Helfen können! Wenn Sie mit uns Kooperrieren halten wir unser Versprechen Zum Schluss löschen wir den Virus und Ihr Rechner funktioniert wieder wie vorher.
A rough English translation of the note:
Your data is encrypted
The only way to get it back is to pay 100 € you pay at the Bitcoin address below, we check the payment and decrypt the data to 100% after that we are gone and no longer visit.No service centers will be able to help you! If you cooperate with us, we keep our promise. Finally, we delete the virus, and your computer will work again as before.
A Bitcoin address is provided to you with the demand of paying 100 euros in the Bitcoin currency. As past iterations of the ransomware were decryptable, it is highly possible that his one is too. You should NOT, in any circumstance, think of paying the cybercriminals. No one can guarantee you that by paying you will restore your files to the way they were. Additionally, the criminals will most likely use the money for making more ransomware viruses.
The Versiegelt ransomware could search to encrypt files with over than 120 various, different extensions. You can take a look at these extensions are, down below:
→.3dm, .3g2, .3gp, .aaf, .accdb, .aep, .aepx, .aet, .ai, .aif, .as, .as3, .asf, .asp, .asx, .avi, .bmp, .c, .class, .cpp, .cs, .csv, .dat, .db, .dbf, .doc, .docb, .docm, .docx, .dot, .dotm, .dotx, .dwg, .dxf, .efx, .eps, .fla, .flv, .gif, .h, .pdb, .pdf, .php, .plb, .pmd, .png, .pot, .potm, .potx, .ppam, .ppj, .pps, .ppsm, .ppsx, .ppt, .pptm, .pptx, .prel, .prproj, .ps, .psd, .py, .ra, .raw, .rb, .rtf, .sdf, .ses, .sldm, .sldx, .sql, .svg, .swf, .tif, .txt, .vcf, .vob, .wav, .wma, .wmv, .wpd, .wps, .xla, .xlam, .xll, .xlm, .xls, .xlsb, .xlsm, .xlsx, .xlt, .xltm, .xltx, .xlw, .xml, .xqx, .xqx, .idml, .iff, .indb, .indd, .indl, .indt, .inx, .jar, .java, .jpeg, .jpg, .js, .m3u, .m3u8, .m4u, .max, .mdb, .mid, .mov, .mp3, .mp4, .mpa, .mpeg, .mpg, .msg
The .versiegelt extension will be appended to the end of the encrypted files’ names. The used encryption algorithm is still unknown.
The Versiegelt cryptovirus probably deletes the Shadow Volume Copies from the Windows operating system with the following command:
→vssadmin.exe delete shadows /all /Quiet
Continue to read to see what methods you can try to possibly decrypt some of your files.
Remove Versiegelt Virus and Decrypt .versiegelt Files
If your computer got infected with the Versiegelt ransomware, you should have some experience in removing malware. You should get rid of this ransomware as fast as possible before it can have the chance to spread further and infect more computers. You should remove the ransomware and follow the step-by-step instructions guide given below. To see ways that you can try to recover your data, see the step titled 2. Restore files encrypted by Versiegelt.
- Step 1
- Step 2
- Step 3
- Step 4
- Step 5
Step 1: Scan for Versiegelt with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall Versiegelt 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 Versiegelt 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 Versiegelt 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 Versiegelt
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by Versiegelt.
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 Versiegelt 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.
Versiegelt-FAQ
What is Versiegelt Ransomware?
Versiegelt 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 Versiegelt 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 Versiegelt Infect?
Via several ways.Versiegelt 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 Versiegelt 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 .Versiegelt files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .Versiegelt 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 .Versiegelt files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".Versiegelt" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .Versiegelt 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 Versiegelt 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 Versiegelt ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .Versiegelt 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 Versiegelt 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 Versiegelt Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Versiegelt 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 Versiegelt 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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