What is Session Ransomware Virus?
Session ransomware program has appeared in active attack campaigns against users worldwide. The ransomware harasses online users by requesting hefty ransom for the decryption of valuable data. By locking files, the virus prevents victims from reviewing their content.
One of the goals of this malicious software is to damage the settings of essential system components like active security measures. In case of success, it evades detection and runs a complex attack that leaves the infected system extremely vulnerable to future malware attacks.
One of the last things Session ransomware does is the creation of a text file named +README-WARNING+.txt which stores a ransom message with more details about the ransom payment process. All files encrypted by Session ransomware receive three extensions that follow the pattern .[ID number].[].session. Unfortunately, the removal of these three specific extensions cannot restore locked files. They need to be decrypted by a special key and a tool.
If you are one of Session’s virus victims then keep reading this article to learn more about its specifics and the specifics of its complete removal.
Session Summary
| Name | Session |
| Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
| Malicious Extension | victim’s ID number + square brackets + .session |
| Short Description | A data locker ransomware that utilizes strong cihper algorithm to encrypt personal files stored on the infected computer. It demands a ransom for a decryption solution. |
| Symptoms | Important files are locked and renamed with a long sequence of extensions which ends with the .session extension. Corrupted files remain unusable until their code is reverted back to original state. |
| Ransom Message | +README-WARNING+.txt |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments, Corrupted Websites, Software Installers |
| Detection Tool |
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How Does Session Ransomware Spread?
The most popular method used for the distribution of malicious software by malware authors is malspam or spam emails with malicious attachments. Various commonly used types of files may be infected and set to tun malicious commands once they are opened on a computer system.
Links to hacked sites may be promoted by spam email messages too. In the cases when the malicious payload of this threat is hosted by corrupted sites, it runs on computer systems with the help of malicious scripts that perform actions in the background of all other running processes. Such links may be shared on social media and forum topics.
What Does Session Ransomware Do?
Session ransomware has been identified as a strain of a bigger ransomware family called Makop. Why is it useful to know this? Because security researchers who are investigating this ransomware could find a weakness in the code that lets them create a free decryption tool for all victims. Hopefully, this will happen soon and you will be able to restore .session files by the use of one such free tool.
Regarding the infection Session ransomware conducts, it consists of a few stages that disrupt computer security and leave the system extremely vulnerable to infections with additional malware. At first, the threat is likely to establish a bunch of malicious files on the system. These files may be added to the following major system folders:
- %SystemDrive%
- %Local%
- %LocalLow%
- %AppData%
- %Windows%
- %Temp%
- %System%
- %system32%
A load of all malicious files leads to the realization of a few attack stages, each of which corrupts the computer system in a different way. The main goal of Session ransomware is to activate its built-in encryption module that is set to scan the system for target types of personal files. The module is unlikely to corrupt system files because the infected system should stay intact in order that victims can review the ransom message and follow hackers’ guidance.
Hackers try to force victims to pay a ransom fee for the decryption of their .session files. Their ransomware drops the file +README-WARNING+.txt to inform victims about its presence and impact. The following message could be read in this file:
Your data is encrypted!
Unfortunately for you, a major IT security weakness left you open to attack, your files have been encrypted
If you want to restore them install ICQ software on your PC here hxxps://icq.com/windows/ or on smartphone from Appstore / Google Play Market search for “ICQ”
Write to our ICQ @Ransomware_Decrypt hxxps://icq.im/Ransomware_Decrypt/
Or download the (Session) messenger (hxxps://getsession.org) in messenger: 0569a7c0949434c9c4464cf2423f66d046e3e08654e4164404b1dc23783096d313 You have to add this Id and we will complete our converstion
Tell us your file IDAttention!
Do not rename encrypted files.
Do not try to decrypt your data using third party software – it may cause permanent data loss.
We are always ready to cooperate and find the best way to solve your problem.
The faster you write – the more favorable conditions will be for you.
Our company values its reputation. We give all guarantees of your files decryption.
IF WE DON’T SEE MESSAGES FROM YOU IN 72 HOURS – WE WILL SELL YOUR DATABASES AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION TO YOUR COMPETITORS AND OTHER HACKERS IN THE DARKNET.
An information-gathering process may be initiated by the virus too. Sensitive personal data can be obtained and misused for crimes like identity theft, financial abuses, and malware attacks.
A basic Trojan module may be enabled to harvest information and transfer data to criminals’ servers.
.session Virus Files
Files corrupted by Session ransomware are all visible as broken files with the .session extension appended to their original names. A victim’s ID number and square brackets will appear in the names too.
All. session files will remain completely inaccessible until you find an efficient way to restore their original code. To prevent cybercriminals from tricking you once again, you should avoid following their guidance and skip paying the ransom. There is no guarantee that they can send you back a working decryption tool that will recover .session files.
Instead, consider the help of the removal steps below and try to clean your system from malicious files. Afterwards, you can try to recover encrypted files by using some alternative data recovery solutions like the examples shown in the guide below.
Remove Session Ransomware Virus and Attempt to Restore Files
The so-called Session is a threat with a highly complex code that disrupts system security in order to encrypt personal files. Hence the infected system could be used in a secure manner again only after the complete removal of all malicious files and objects created by the ransomware. That’s why it is recommendable that all steps presented in the ransomware removal guide below should be completed. Beware that manual ransomware removal is suitable for more experienced computer users. If you don’t feel comfortable with the manual steps navigate to the automatic part of the guide.
Gergana Ivanova
Highly motivated writer with 5+ years of experience writing for ransomware, malware, adware, PUPs, and other cybersecurity-related issues. As a writer, I strive to create content that is based on thorough technical research. I find joy in the process of creating articles that are easy to understand, informative, and useful. Follow me on Twitter (@IRGergana) for the latest in the field of computer, mobile, and online security.
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Step 1: Scan for Session with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall Session 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 Session 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 Session 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 Session
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by Session.
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 Session 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.
Session-FAQ
What is Session Ransomware?
Session 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 Session 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 Session Infect?
Via several ways.Session 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 Session 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 .Session files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .Session 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 .Session files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".Session" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .Session 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 Session 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 Session ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .Session 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 Session 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 Session Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Session 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 Session 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.