The .sfile2 virus is a ransomware that is currently set against target end users on a global scale. There is no information available about the hacking group behind it. It is believed to be a new iteration of the famous ransomware family. This is one of the reasons why we believe that the hackers are experienced.
Once the .sfile2 virus has started it will execute its built-in sequence of dangerous commands. Depending on local conditions or the specific hacker instructions various actions will take place. The file encryption will begin after them — the encrypting component will use a built-in list of target file type extensions. In the end the victim files will be renamed with the .sfile2 extension.
Threat Summary
| Name | .sfile2 Virus |
| Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
| Short Description | The ransomware encrypts files on your computer machine and demands a ransom to be paid to allegedly restore them. |
| Symptoms | The ransomware will blackmail the victims to pay them a decryption fee. Sensitive user data may be encrypted by the ransomware code. |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments |
| Detection Tool |
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User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss .sfile2 Virus. |
| 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. |
The .sfile2 virus is a newly discovered unknown ransomware threat which is currently being spread by a group of hackers globally. At this moment there is no information about their identity or origins. As such it is very possible that they are experienced as no source code snippets of famous ransomware have been identified.
The ransom note is named !!_FILES_ENCRYPTED_.txt and states the following:
Your network has been penetrated.
All files on each host in the network have been encrypted with a strong algorithm.
Backups, replications were either encrypted or wiped. Shadow copies also removed.DO NOT RESET OR SHUTDOWN – files may be damaged.
DO NOT RENAME OR MOVE the encrypted and readme files.
DO NOT DELETE *.sfile2 files.
This may lead to the impossibility of recovery of the certain files.To get info how to decrypt your files, contact us at:
vinilblind@protonmail.com
blefbeef@elude.inTo confirm our honest intentions we will decrypt few files for free.
Send 2 different files with extension *.sfile2. Files should not contain essential information.
Files should be inside ZIP archive and mailed to us (SUBJ : your domain or network name).
It can be from different computers on your network to be sure we decrypts everything.The procedure to decrypt the rest is simple:
After payment we will send you decryption software.Don’t waste time, send email with files attached as soon as possible.
It’s just a business. We absolutely do not care about you and your deals, except getting benefits.
If we do not do our work and liabilities – nobody will not cooperate with us. It’s not in our interests.
If you will not cooperate with our service – for us, it’s doesn’t matter. But you will lose your time and data, cause just we have the private key.
Popular distribution techniques can be used to spread the virus samples, at this time they are very low in number. This doesn’t allow the security analysts to perform an in-depth look at the included components. As such we anticipate that the most popular strategies will be used:
- Phishing Campaigns — The criminals can organize detailed phishing campaigns that take advantage of the recipient users by impersonating well-known companies and web services. This can be done via email messages or hacker-controlled sites which can be hosted on similar sounding domain names and include stolen content and forged credentials.
- Infected Files — The alternative is to create malicious files which when run will lead to the .sfile2 virus infection. The two most popular methods are to create virus-infected documents which are usually common Office types — text files, databases, spreadsheets and presentations. The other common type of infected files are the app installers — they are dangerous setup files of popular software.
- Files Upload — The files can be indirectly spread to the intended victims by uploading them to various file-sharing networks such as BitTorrent or via malicious ads. Larger-scale infections with the .sfile2 virus can be done by uploading the virus code in dangerous browser extensions which are called browser hijackers. They are often uploaded to different repositories using fake developer credentials.
It is anticipated that popular modules and components will be integrated in the main ransomware. This means that as soon as the infection is started many common actions will be executed — some of the examples are the following:
- Information Harvesting — Most of the ransomware of this type will engage in some kind of data gathering. This is done in order to create an unique ID based on the generated report of installed hardware components. Some of the advanced viruses will also harvest key user personal information which can be used in criminal activity such as financial abuse and identity theft.
- Additional Infections — Existing .sfile2 virus strains can be used to infect the system with other threats — they can be Trojans, miners and browser hijackers. In other attack campaigns other malware can also be planned.
- System Changes — Many ransomware of this class have some ability to indulge in dangerous system modifications. They can be the setting up of the virus as a persistent infection — the threat will be launched every time the computer is powered on and may also block access to the recovery options. This can be extended over to the Windows Registry where the modification of existing entries can lead to serious problems for the computer owners: they can face performance issues, data loss and unexpected errors.
In future releases we might see the integrated functionality of deleting sensitive files — this will include backups, shadow volume copies and etc. When everything has finished running the encryption module will start and we anticipate that a typical approach will be undertaken. This includes the processing of user data according to a list of target file type extensions. They are commonly of the most popular data: databases, documents, multimedia files, archives, backups and etc.
All victim files will receive the relevant .sfile2 extension and the users will be blackmailed into paying the hackers a ransom fee via a ransom note or a lockscreen instance. The captured virus samples show a ransom note with the !!_FILES_ENCRYPTED_.txt name.
Remove .sfile2 Virus
If your computer system got infected with the .sfile2 Files 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 .sfile2 Virus with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall .sfile2 Virus 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 .sfile2 Virus 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 .sfile2 Virus 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 .sfile2 Virus
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by .sfile2 Virus.
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 .sfile2 Virus 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.
.sfile2 Virus-FAQ
What is .sfile2 Virus Ransomware?
.sfile2 Virus 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 .sfile2 Virus 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 .sfile2 Virus Infect?
Via several ways..sfile2 Virus 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 .sfile2 Virus 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 ..sfile2 Virus files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the ..sfile2 Virus 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 ..sfile2 Virus files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore "..sfile2 Virus" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore ..sfile2 Virus 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 .sfile2 Virus 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 .sfile2 Virus ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important ..sfile2 Virus 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 .sfile2 Virus 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 .sfile2 Virus Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this .sfile2 Virus 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 .sfile2 Virus 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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