This article aims to help you by showing you how to remove SAD RANSOMWARE infection from your computer system and how to restore encrypted files.
New ransomware infection, going by the name SAD RANSOMWARE was recently detected by researchers. The virus aims to encrypt the files on the computers that have been infected by it and then add the unique victim ID as their file extension. After that, SAD RANSOMWARE also drops a _HELPME_DECRYPT_.txt file which has further instructions on how to make a ransom payoff in order to get the files decrypted again. If you have become a victim of SAD RANSOMWARE, you should immediately read this article and learn how to remove this malware and how to restore encrypted files.
Threat Summary
| Name | SAD RANSOMWARE |
| Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
| Short Description | Encrypts the files on your computer system and then add a random number as a file extension to them. |
| Symptoms | Files are encrypted with a unique identification number added to them. The ransom note _HELPME_DECRYPT_.txt is dropped. |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments, Executable files |
| Detection Tool |
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Malware Removal Tool
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User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss SAD 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. |
SAD RANSOMWARE – Infection methods
Similar to other ransomware viruses, SAD RANSOMWARE uses an infection file that is carefully obfuscated in order to evade antivirus detection. It may also have an exploit for components of Windows that can ensure it to become active on the infected computer by compromising the OS’s known bugs, if they are unpatched.
The file may be sent to you via e-mails, pretending to be a legitimate document, such as an invoice, receipt, banking statement or other form of seemingly legitimate document.
The e-mails which are sent can often pretend to be legitimate, coming from reputable sources, whose primary purpose is to trick you into opening the attachment, for example:
SAD RANSOMWARE – Infection Activity
After the infection has commenced, the SAD RANSOMWARE’s infecton file my connect to a third-party server from which the virus may sent information from your computer, such as:
- System information.
- Network information.
In addition to this, the virus may drop it’s payload in one or more of the following Windows directories:
- %AppData%
- %Local%
- %Temp%
- %Roaming%
- %LocalRow%
- %Documents%
Afrer doing so, the SAD RANSOMWARE virus may focus on attacking the Windows Registry editor, primarily by adding custom registry values with data embedded in them, which allows for it to automatically run on Windows startup. The targeted sub-keys for this to happen 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
In addition to the Run and RunOnce sub-keys, SAD RANSOMWARE may create registry entries in the following sub-keys as well:
→ HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\Desktop\
HKEY_USERS\.DEFAULT\Control Panel\Desktop\
After having set up, the virus may also delete the shadow volume copies of the infected computer, by running the following commands as an administrator:
→ process call create “cmd.exe /c
vssadmin.exe delete shadows /all /quiet
bcdedit.exe /set {default} recoveryenabled no
bcdedit.exe /set {default} bootstatuspolicy ignoreallfailures
SAD RANSOMWARE also makes sure it’s presence becomes noticeable by changing your wallpaper with the following:
Text from image:
!!! IMPORTANT INFORMATION !!! SAD RANSOMWARE YOUR FILES HAVE BEEN ENCRYPTED More information about Bitcoins: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bitcoin More details can be found in _HELPME_DECRYPT_.txt file which you can find on your desktop. Your Personal ID:
SAD RANSOMWARE – Encryption Process
For the encryption, this virus uses a cipher which includes the generating of an assymetric key after the files are modified. The SAD RANSOMWARE virus does not encrypt the whole files, instead the virus encodes only portion of those files, just about enough to make them no longer able to be opened.
For the encryption process, documents, audio files, images, archives and other important files are being scanned for by SAD RANSOMWARE. Below you can see the possible file extensions that may be affected:
“PNG .PSD .PSPIMAGE .TGA .THM .TIF .TIFF .YUV .AI .EPS .PS .SVG .INDD .PCT .PDF .XLR .XLS .XLSX .ACCDB .DB .DBF .MDB .PDB .SQL .APK .APP .BAT .CGI .COM .EXE .GADGET .JAR .PIF .WSF .DEM .GAM .NES .ROM .SAV CAD Files .DWG .DXF GIS Files .GPX .KML .KMZ .ASP .ASPX .CER .CFM .CSR .CSS .HTM .HTML .JS .JSP .PHP .RSS .XHTML. DOC .DOCX .LOG .MSG .ODT .PAGES .RTF .TEX .TXT .WPD .WPS .CSV .DAT .GED .KEY .KEYCHAIN .PPS .PPT .PPTX ..INI .PRF Encoded Files .HQX .MIM .UUE .7Z .CBR .DEB .GZ .PKG .RAR .RPM .SITX .TAR.GZ .ZIP .ZIPX .BIN .CUE .DMG .ISO .MDF .TOAST .VCD SDF .TAR .TAX2014 .TAX2015 .VCF .XML Audio Files .AIF .IFF .M3U .M4A .MID .MP3 .MPA .WAV .WMA Video Files .3G2 .3GP .ASF .AVI .FLV .M4V .MOV .MP4 .MPG .RM .SRT .SWF .VOB .WMV 3D .3DM .3DS .MAX .OBJ R.BMP .DDS .GIF .JPG ..CRX .PLUGIN .FNT .FON .OTF .TTF .CAB .CPL .CUR .DESKTHEMEPACK .DLL .DMP .DRV .ICNS .ICO .LNK .SYS .CFG”
After the encryption is complete, the ransomware also sets a unique identification number which it has previously generated as a file extension on the victim’s computer. The encrypted files may appear like the following:
Remove SAD RANSOMWARE and Restore Encrypted Files
In order to remove this ransomware infection from your computer, recommendations are to immediately focus on deleting it’s payload and after this reverting the settings modified by it. You can do this manually or automatically by following the removal instructions below. The most effective removal method for ransomware viruses, like SAD is to download and install an advanced anti-malware software which will automatically remove this malware from your computer.
Furthermore, if you want to recover files that have been encrypted by SAD RANSOMWARE, we recommend you to use the alternative methods we have suggested for file recovery in step “2. Restore Files encrypted by SAD RANSOMWARE” 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 1: Scan for SAD RANSOMWARE with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall SAD 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 SAD 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 SAD 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 SAD RANSOMWARE
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by SAD 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 SAD 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.
SAD RANSOMWARE-FAQ
What is SAD RANSOMWARE Ransomware?
SAD 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 SAD 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 SAD RANSOMWARE Infect?
Via several ways.SAD 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 SAD 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 .SAD RANSOMWARE files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .SAD 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 .SAD RANSOMWARE files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".SAD RANSOMWARE" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .SAD 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 SAD 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 SAD RANSOMWARE ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .SAD 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 SAD 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 SAD RANSOMWARE Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this SAD 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 SAD 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.