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.
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.
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.
Note! Your computer might be affected by RansSIRIA and other threats.
Threats such as RansSIRIA may be persistent on your system. They tend to re-appear if not fully deleted. A malware removal tool like SpyHunter will help you to remove malicious programs, saving you the time and the struggle of tracking down numerous malicious files. SpyHunter’s scanner is free but the paid version is needed to remove the malware threats. Read SpyHunter’s EULA and Privacy Policy
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.
This article will aid you to remove RansSIRIA virus in full. Follow the ransomware removal instructions provided at the end of the article.
The RansSIRIA virus is a newly released threat that is made by an unknown criminal collective and uses substantial social engineering tricks in order to coerce the victims into interacting with it.
Threat Summary
Name
RansSIRIA
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 a strong encryption algorithm.
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.
RansSIRIA Virus – Distribution Ways
The RansSIRIA virus is being operated by an unknown hacker or criminal collective and unlike many other threats uses non-standard social engineering tactics.
One of the primary ways that it is distributed is through a shortened URL that leads to the malware executable file. According to the security reports it was initially created on March 15, it is likely that this is the start of the campaign. This URL is probably being sent via different mechanisms.
The criminals behind it use email messages that contain hyperlinks leading to the RansSIRIA virus. The criminals can customize them to include text and graphics taken from legitimate sites in order to fool the victims into thinking that the messages are sent by them. The other way is to directly attach the files. This method can be combined with payload delivery such as the following:
Documents — The hackers embed the malware code into files of different types: rich text documents, presentations and spreadsheets. Once they are opened a notification prompt will be spawned that asks the users to enable the built-in scripts. If this is done the virus will be loaded from a remote server.
Bundle Installers — The RansSIRIA virus can be delivered by downloading and installing modified application installers. They are made by taking the relevant files from the official vendors and modifying them to include the dangerous code. The hackers usually choose popular applications such as system utilities, creativity suites or computer games.
Another strategy is to use browser hijackers. They represent dangerous web browser plugins that are compatible with the most popular applications (Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome, Safari, Opera, Internet Explorer and Microsoft Edge). They are programmed to redirect the victims to a hacker-controlled page. This is done by changing the default settings: home page, new tabs page and search engine. The next step is the deployment of the virus.
RansSIRIA Virus – In-Depth Analysis
As soon as the RansSIRIA virus is launched onto the target computers it starts its malware engine immediately. Depending on the exact configuration this can begin with a data harvesting engine. It can be used to search for sensitive data that is classified into two main groups:
Anonymous Data — This data is used by the hackers to judge how effective their campaign is. It is composed of hardware information and certain operating system values.
Personal Data — The module can be configured into extracting data that can directly expose the users identity by looking for specific strings. Examples are the user’s name, address, phone number, interests, location, passwords and account credentials.
If a stealth protection component is included it can be programmed to use the harvested information as input surveillance data. It scans for installed applications that may interfere with the correct execution. This includes anti-virus software, debugging environments and virtual machine hosts.
A next step would be to institute various system changes. This can cause Windows Registry modifications of existing or the creation of ones. If such are applied then the victims may be unable to run certain applications or Windows services. Changes to the registry can also impact overall performance.
Changes can also be made to the boot options thereby disabling the startup recovery menu. The RansSIRIA virus can be programmed into automatically starting each time the computer boots. To make recovery harder the malware engine can delete identified shadow volume copies of sensitive data. This means that in this case the victims will need to use a quality recovery solution. Refer to our instructions for further information.
Advanced copies of the RansSIRIA virus can also create a network connection with a hacker-controlled server. It can be used to delivery additional threats to the infected computers or spy on the victims. The malware operators can also hijack user data if desired.
RansSIRIA Virus – Encryption Process
Once all necessary components have executed correctly the encryption processs is started. It uses a strong cipher to encrypt target user data. Example content can include any of the following:
Archives
Documents
Music
Videos
Photos
Databases
Backups
An full screen lockscreen is launched that appears similar to WannaCry and displays a message written in Portuguese:
Sorry, your files have been locked
Permita nos apresentar como Anonymous, e Anonymous apenas. Nós somos uma idéia. Uma idéia que não pode ser contida, perseguida nem aprisionada. Milhares de seres humanos estão nesse momento rufigiados, feridos, com fome e sofrendo… Todos como vítimas de uma guerra que não é nem mesmo deles!!! Mas infelizmente apenas palavras não mudarão a situação desses seres humanos… NÃO queremos os seus arquivos ou lhe prejudicar…, queremos apenas uma pequena contribuição… Lembre-se.., contribuindo você não vai estar apenas recuperando os seus arquivos… …e sim ajudando a recuperar a dignidade dessas vitimas…
nvie a sua contribuição de apenas: Litecoins para carteira/endereço abaixo.
An English language translation reads the following:
Sorry, your files have been locked
Please introduce us as Anonymous, and Anonymous only. We are an idea. An idea that can not be contained, pursued or imprisoned. Thousands of human beings are now ruled, wounded, hungry and suffering … All as victims of a war that is not even theirs !!! But unfortunately only words will not change the situation of these human beings … We DO NOT want your files or you harm them … we only want a small contribution … Remember .. by contributing you will not only be recovering your files … … but helping to restore the dignity of these victims …
Contribute your contribution from only: Litecoins to wallet / address below.
As an additional social engineering tactic the RansSIRIA virus opens up a variety of photographs showing war victims. The hacker operators are also using a popular Youtube video that can make a large impact on the users. The ransomware link also leads to a news report about Syrian refugees.
Remove RansSIRIA Ransomware and Restore Affected Files
If your computer system got infected with the RansSIRIA 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.
Note! Your computer system may be affected by RansSIRIA and other threats. Scan Your PC with SpyHunter SpyHunter is a powerful malware removal tool designed to help users with in-depth system security analysis, detection and removal of threats such as RansSIRIA. Keep in mind, that SpyHunter’s scanner is only for malware detection. If SpyHunter detects malware on your PC, you will need to purchase SpyHunter’s malware removal tool to remove the malware threats. Read our SpyHunter 5 review. Click on the corresponding links to check SpyHunter’s EULA, Privacy Policy and Threat Assessment Criteria.
To remove RansSIRIA follow these steps:
1. Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove RansSIRIA files and objects
OFFER
Manual Removal Usually Takes Time and You Risk Damaging Your Files If Not Careful!
We Recommend To Scan Your PC with SpyHunter
Keep in mind, that SpyHunter’s scanner is only for malware detection. If SpyHunter detects malware on your PC, you will need to purchase SpyHunter’s malware removal tool to remove the malware threats. Read our SpyHunter 5 review. Click on the corresponding links to check SpyHunter’s EULA, Privacy Policy and Threat Assessment Criteria
Boot Your PC Into Safe Mode
1. For Windows XP, Vista and 7. 2. For Windows 8, 8.1 and 10. Fix registry entries created by malware and PUPs on your PC.
For Windows XP, Vista and 7 systems:
1. Remove all CDs and DVDs, and then Restart your PC from the “Start” menu. 2. Select one of the two options provided below:
– For PCs with a single operating system: Press “F8” repeatedly after the first boot screen shows up during the restart of your computer. In case the Windows logo appears on the screen, you have to repeat the same task again.
– For PCs with multiple operating systems: Тhe arrow keys will help you select the operating system you prefer to start in Safe Mode. Press “F8” just as described for a single operating system.
3. As the “Advanced Boot Options” screen appears, select the Safe Mode option you want using the arrow keys. As you make your selection, press “Enter“.
4. Log on to your computer using your administrator account
While your computer is in Safe Mode, the words “Safe Mode” will appear in all four corners of your screen.
Step 1: Open up the Start Menu.
Step 2: Click on the Power button (for Windows 8 it is the little arrow next to the “Shut Down” button) and whilst holding down “Shift” click on Restart.
Step 3: After reboot, a blue menu with options will appear. From them you should choose Troubleshoot.
Step 4: You will see the Troubleshoot menu. From this menu choose Advanced Options.
Step 5: After the Advanced Options menu appears, click on Startup Settings.
Step 6: From the Startup Settings menu, click on Restart.
Step 7: A menu will appear upon reboot. You can choose any of the three Safe Mode options by pressing its corresponding number and the machine will restart.
Some malicious scripts may modify the registry entries on your computer to change different settings. This is why cleaning your Windows Registry Database is recommended. Since the tutorial on how to do this is a bit long and tampering with registries could damage your computer if not done properly you should refer and follow our instructive article about fixing registry entries, especially if you are unexperienced in that area.
2. Find files created by RansSIRIA on your PC
Find files created by RansSIRIA
1. For Windows 8, 8.1 and 10. 2. For Windows XP, Vista, and 7.
For Newer Windows Operating Systems
Step 1:
On your keyboard press + R and write explorer.exe in the Run text box and then click on the Ok button.
Step 2:
Click on your PC from the quick access bar. This is usually an icon with a monitor and its name is either “My Computer”, “My PC” or “This PC” or whatever you have named it.
Step 3:
Navigate to the search box in the top-right of your PC’s screen and type “fileextension:” and after which type the file extension. If you are looking for malicious executables, an example may be “fileextension:exe”. After doing that, leave a space and type the file name you believe the malware has created. Here is how it may appear if your file has been found:
N.B. We recommend to wait for the green loading bar in the navination box to fill up in case the PC is looking for the file and hasn’t found it yet.
For Older Windows Operating Systems
In older Windows OS’s the conventional approach should be the effective one:
Step 1:
Click on the Start Menu icon (usually on your bottom-left) and then choose the Search preference.
Step 2:
After the search window appears, choose More Advanced Options from the search assistant box. Another way is by clicking on All Files and Folders.
Step 3:
After that type the name of the file you are looking for and click on the Search button. This might take some time after which results will appear. If you have found the malicious file, you may copy or open its location by right-clicking on it.
Now you should be able to discover any file on Windows as long as it is on your hard drive and is not concealed via special software.
IMPORTANT! Before starting the Automatic Removal below, 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.
Use SpyHunter to scan for malware and unwanted programs
3. Scan for malware and unwanted programs with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Scan your PC and Remove RansSIRIA with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool and back up your data
1. Install SpyHunter to scan for RansSIRIA and remove them.2. Scan with SpyHunter, Detect and Remove RansSIRIA. Back up your data to secure it from malware in the future.
Step 1: Click on the “Download” button to proceed to SpyHunter’s download page.
It is recommended to run a scan before purchasing the full version of the software to make sure that the current version of the malware can be detected by SpyHunter. Click on the corresponding links to check SpyHunter’s EULA, Privacy Policy and Threat Assessment Criteria.
Step 2: Guide yourself by the download instructions provided for each browser.
Step 3: After you have installed SpyHunter, wait for it to update automatically.
Step 1: After the update process has finished, click on the ‘Malware/PC Scan’ tab. A new window will appear. Click on ‘Start Scan’.
Step 2: After SpyHunter has finished scanning your PC for any files of the associated threat and found them, you can try to get them removed automatically and permanently by clicking on the ‘Next’ button.
Step 3: If any threats have been removed, it is highly recommended to restart your PC.
Back up your data to secure it against attacks in the future
IMPORTANT! Before reading the Windows backup instructions, we highly recommend to back up your data with a cloud backup solution and insure your files against any type of loss, even from the most severe threats. We recommend you to read more about it and to download SOS Online Backup.
4. Try to Restore files encrypted by RansSIRIA
Try to Restore Files Encrypted by RansSIRIA
Ransomware infections and RansSIRIA aim to encrypt your files using an encryption algorithm which may be very difficult to decrypt. This is why we have suggested several alternative methods that may help you go around direct decryption and try to restore your files. Bear in mind that these methods may not be 100% effective but may also help you a little or a lot in different situations.
Method 1: Scanning your drive’s sectors by using Data Recovery software. Another method for restoring your files is by trying to bring back your files via data recovery software. Here are some suggestions for preferred data recovery software solutions:
Method 2: Trying Kaspersky and EmsiSoft’s decryptors. If the first method does not work, we suggest trying to use decryptors for other ransomware viruses, in case your virus is a variant of them. The two primary developers of decryptors are Kaspersky and EmsiSoft, links to which we have provided below:
To restore your data in case you have backup set up, it is important to check for Volume Shadow Copies, if ransomware has not deleted them, in Windows using the below software:
Method 4: Finding the decryption key while the cryptovirus sends it over a network via a sniffing tool.
Another way to decrypt the files is by using a Network Sniffer to get the encryption key, while files are encrypted on your system. A Network Sniffer is a program and/or device monitoring data traveling over a network, such as its internet traffic and internet packets. If you have a sniffer set before the attack happened you might get information about the decryption key. See how-to instructions below:
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.
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.
1. For Windows XP, Vista and 7.
2. For Windows 8, 8.1 and 10.
Fix registry entries created by malware and PUPs on your PC.
1. Install SpyHunter to scan for RansSIRIA and remove them.
Back up your data to secure it from malware in the future.
