This article will aid you to remove Satana Ransomware. Follow the ransomware removal instructions provided at the end of the article.
Satana Ransomware is one that encrypts your data and demands money as a ransom to get it restored. The Satana Ransomware will leave ransomware instructions as text file. Keep on reading the article and see how you could try to potentially recover some of your locked files and data.
Threat Summary
| Name | Satana |
| Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
| Short Description | The ransomware encrypts files on your computer system and demands a ransom to be paid to allegedly recover them. |
| Symptoms | The ransomware will encrypt your files with the .satana extension and leave a ransom note with payment instructions. |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments |
| Detection Tool |
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User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss Satana. |
| 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 – Distribution Techniques
The Satana ransomware is a new malware which has just been identified in an ongoing attack campaign. The captured samples indicate that it is possible that several methods have been used. Such viruses are often spread with phishing email messages that will coerce the victim targets into interacting with the displayed body contents. They will be designed to appear as service messages from well-known companies or services that the victims might be using. An alternative would be to directly attach them to the messages.
Satana ransomware strains may also be featured on fake web sites that can impersonate download portals or landing pages. These two methods are also widely used to distribute payload carriers of which there are two main types:
- Application Installers — The malicious actors behind the Satana ransomware can also embed the virus installation scripts in setup files of popular software. Examples include programs that are downloaded by end users: creativity suites, system utilities, office packages and etc. The original packages are downloaded from their official sources and the dangerous contents added. They will be then spread via the distribution channels — usually fake web sites or file-sharing networks. BitTorrent is one of the most popular options as it is a mechanism for sharing both legitimate and pirate content.
- Infected Documents — The other popular payload method is the creation and distribution of documents containing malicious scripts. This is possible with all popular document formats: rich text documents, spreadsheets, presentations and databases. Whenever they are opened by the users a message will appear asking them to enable the built-in scripts in order to view the file correctly. If this is done the virus infection command will be started.
Larger infection campaigns can be orchestrated by the programming of purpose-built browser hijackers which are dangerous extensions made for the most popular web browsers. They are usually found on the associated repositories (or “stores”), frequently making use of fake or stolen developer credentials and user reviews. Their descriptions will include promises of feature additions or optimizations. However upon installation they will often change the settings in order to redirect the victims to a hacker-controlled landing page. At the same time the virus infection will follow.
Satana Ransomware – Detailed Analysis
The captured Satana ransomware samples showcase that the virus appears to be made entirely by the criminals which are spreading it. It is very possible that it is an original creation and not based on any of the known malware families. If the threat is not written by this criminal collective then it may be ordered from one of the underground hacker markets.
The security analysis shows that the Satana ransomware does include a collection of modules that are launched as soon as the infection occurs.
One of the first ones that is run is the persistent installation configuration setting which has been confirmed to modify entries in the Windows Registry. When modifications to the operating system belonging values are made then the victims can expect serious performance issues and troubles when accessing common functions. On the other hand modifications to individual applications can render them inaccessible or non-working. The persistent installation has also been found to modify important system configuration files, boot options and the settings of the operating system. In most cases this will mean that the Satana ransomware will be run every time the computer is booted. Access to recovery menus may be disabled which renders most manual user recovery guides non-working.
What is more dangerous about the Satana ransomware is that it has been found to contain advanced fingerprinting techniques that will extract sensitive data from the compromised machines. What is known is that it will construct a unique infection ID which is assigned to each infected host. The following information is harvested from the machines:
- Windows Operating System Credentials — The ransomware engine will identify and harvest all account credentials of the operating system.
- Kernel Information — This will check for details about the installed operating system. To a certain degree this can be used to identify if the host is a virtual machine, representing a form of a security check. If programmed accordingly the infection can stop if such is detected.
- Cryptographic Machine ID — This information is retrieved in order to generate the unique infection ID. This string is individual to every single computer as it is based on the installed hardware components.
As soon as these modules have completed running the Satana ransomware will have access to all running processes being able to hijack important data from them. What we know is that the files on the infected machines can be both accessed, modified and deleted. System data is also affected, future versions can be programmed to locate and remove System Backups, System Restore Points and other important information.
It seems that the modular structure of the virus allows it to be updated further with other components as well. We anticipate that a Trojan module might be added. It will use a local client which will create a persistent connection to a hacker-controlled server. This tunnel allows the malicious operators to spy on the users, steal their data and also overtake control of the machines. This technique also allows the hackers to deploy other threats.
Satana Ransomware – Encryption Process
The Satana ransomware uses the familiar mode of operations that is used by most popular malware engines — a powerful cipher is used to encrypt valuable user data according to a built-in list of target file type extensions. A full list is not yet available however the most common ones are the following:
- Backups
- Archives
- Databases
- Images
- Music
- Videos
The .satana extension will be added to all victim data. The associated ransomware file will be written in files called HOW TO DECRYPT YOUR FILES — they may be either text files or HTML rich text ones.
Remove Satana Ransomware and Try to Restore Data
If your computer system got infected with the Project57 ransomware virus, you should have a bit of experience in removing malware. You should get rid of this ransomware as quickly as possible before it can have the chance to spread further and infect other computers. You should remove the ransomware and follow the step-by-step instructions guide provided below.
Martin Beltov
Martin graduated with a degree in Publishing from Sofia University. As a cyber security enthusiast he enjoys writing about the latest threats and mechanisms of intrusion.
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Step 1: Scan for Satana with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall Satana 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 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 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
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by Satana.
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 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-FAQ
What is Satana Ransomware?
Satana 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 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 Infect?
Via several ways.Satana 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 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 files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .Satana 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 files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".Satana" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .Satana 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 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 ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .Satana 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 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 Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Satana 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 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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