Gergana has completed a bachelor degree in Marketing from the University of National and World Economy. She has been with the STF team for three years, researching malware and reporting on the latest infections. She believes that in times of constantly evolving dependency of network connected technologies, people should spread the word not the war.
Gergana has completed a bachelor degree in Marketing from the University of National and World Economy. She has been with the STF team for three years, researching malware and reporting on the latest infections. She believes that in times of constantly evolving dependency of network connected technologies, people should spread the word not the war.
Gergana has completed a bachelor degree in Marketing from the University of National and World Economy. She has been with the STF team for three years, researching malware and reporting on the latest infections. She believes that in times of constantly evolving dependency of network connected technologies, people should spread the word not the war.
Note! Your computer might be affected by .snatch Files Virus and other threats.
Threats such as .snatch Files Virus 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
Gergana has completed a bachelor degree in Marketing from the University of National and World Economy. She has been with the STF team for three years, researching malware and reporting on the latest infections. She believes that in times of constantly evolving dependency of network connected technologies, people should spread the word not the war.
This article explains the issues that occur in case of infection with .snatch files virus and provides a complete guide on how to remove malicious files and how to potentially recover files encrypted by this ransomware.
A data locker ransomware dubbed .snatch files virus has been detected in the wild. In case that you are a victim of this nasty threat you won’t be able to open files that are marked with the .snatch extension. This is a result of significant modifications applied to their code. In addition, hackers will attempt to blackmail you into paying them a ransom fee for files decryption.
Threat Summary
Name
.snatch Files Virus
Type
Ransomware, Cryptovirus
Short Description
Ransomware infection created for the corruption of comon types of files. As a consequence hackers demand a ransom payment.
Symptoms
Important files are encoded with strong cipher algorithm. Their names display the extension .snatch while their information remains inaccessible.
Distribution Method
Spam Emails, Email Attachments, Corrupted Web Pages, Fake Software Installers
Detection Tool
See If Your System Has Been Affected by .snatch Files Virus
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.
.snatch Files Virus – Distribution
In general, for the spread of threats like .snatch files virus, cyber criminals use spam email messages. This method enables them to trick as many users as possible to run the ransomware payload on their devices. Emails that aim to deliver malware on computer devices often pose as representatives of legitimate websites, services, and even governmental institutions.
They also contain a few traits that could help users detect the presence of malicious code. The most common one is a file attachment of frequently used type of files such as documents, archives, images, PDFs or other well-known file formats. Once such a file is loaded on a target device, it triggers the malicious code that leads to infection with .snatch ransomware.
Another malicious element that may appear in emails part of ransomware spread campaigns is URL address being it in the form of an in-text link, button, coupon, banner, image or other clickable forms. The load of the page behind this URL address results in the unnoticed execution of ransomware payload.
.snatch Files Virus – Infection Overview
Another malicious element that may appear in emails part of ransomware spread campaigns is URL address being it in the form of an in-text link, button, coupon, banner, image or other clickable forms. The load of the page behind this URL address results in the unnoticed execution of ransomware payload.
When the payload of this .snatch ransomware manages to run on a target system, it initiates a long sequence of malicious tasks that plague some major system components. Infected system components enable the ransomware to complete its primary goal which is data encryption.
In the beginning, .snatch cryptovirus is likely to establish additional malicious files and objects on the infected computer. For the purpose, it could be either designed to create them directly in a target system directory, download them from a remote server or both. Eventually, like most of the analyzed ransomware infections, .snatch probably keeps its associated files and objects in some of the following system folders:
%Roaming%
%Windows%
%AppData%
%Local%
%Temp%
Once the cryptovirus establishes all needed files, it continues with the contamination of predefined system processes, components and settings most of which essential for system’s regular and secure performance.
The Windows Registry Editor is likely to be infected by this ransomware. By adding malicious values under some of the registry keys, .snatch becomes able to manipulate their functionalities. This way it could perform various malicious activities without being detected by active security measures and ensure its persistent presence on the system.
In addition, when it adds certain valued under the registry sub-key Run or RunOnce, .snatch could automatically load its ransom note on the PC screen. This note is stored in a text file named Readme_Restore_Files.txt and all it reads is:
All your files are encrypted Do not try modify files My email [email protected]
This is a short message that does not provide many details on hackers’ demands. Apparently, they expect victims to contact them at the presented email address so that the first could receive more information on how to restore encrypted files. Beware, that such an action could lead to additional security issues that could affect your privacy. Furthermore, even a successful ransom payment does not guarantee the recovery of your encoded files, so be advised to refrain from following hackers instructions before you attempt to solve the problem in a secure manner.
.snatch Files Virus – Encryption Process
When .snatch reaches the data encryption stage, it activates an inbuilt encryption module. This module is set to run a sophisticated cipher algorithm every time the ransomware detects a target type of file. Unfortunately, all of the following files could be encrypted by .snatch files virus as they are commonly used for the storage of important data:
Audio files
Video files
Document files
Image files
Backup files
Banking credentials, etc
Following encryption, all corrupted files appear with the extension .snatch at the end of their original names. Due to transformations applied to their code, they remain inaccessible until an efficient solution reverts them back to original state.
Remove .snatch Files Virus and Restore Data
The .snatch cryptovirus is a threat with highly complex code that plagues not only your files but your whole system. So you should clean and secure properly your infected system before you could use it regularly again. Below you could find a step-by-step removal guide that may be helpful in attempting to remove .snatch ransomware. Choose the manual removal approach if you have any previous experience with the detection of malware files. If you don’t feel comfortable with the manual steps select the automatic section from the guide. Steps there will enable you to check the infected system for ransomware files and remove them with a few mouse clicks.
In order to keep your system safe from ransomware and other types of malware in future, you should consider the installation of a reliable anti-malware program. Additional security layer that could prevent the occurrence of ransomware attacks is
With the different types of ransomware emerging and evolving on a daily basis, a need for better protection against such viruses arises. A more specific kind of protection is always necessary, in addition to any anti-malware tools. The following article...Read more
If you want to understand how to fix encrypted files without paying the ransom read carefully all the details mentioned in the step “Restore files”. Beware that before the data recovery process you should back up all encrypted files to an external drive as this will prevent their irreversible loss.
Note! Your computer system may be affected by .snatch Files Virus 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 .snatch Files Virus. 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 .snatch Files Virus follow these steps:
1. Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove .snatch Files Virus 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 .snatch Files Virus on your PC
Find files created by .snatch Files Virus
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 .snatch Files Virus with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool and back up your data
1. Install SpyHunter to scan for .snatch Files Virus and remove them.2. Scan with SpyHunter, Detect and Remove .snatch Files Virus. 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 .snatch Files Virus
Try to Restore Files Encrypted by .snatch Files Virus
Ransomware infections and .snatch Files Virus 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:
Gergana has completed a bachelor degree in Marketing from the University of National and World Economy. She has been with the STF team for three years, researching malware and reporting on the latest infections. She believes that in times of constantly evolving dependency of network connected technologies, people should spread the word not the war.
Gergana has completed a bachelor degree in Marketing from the University of National and World Economy. She has been with the STF team for three years, researching malware and reporting on the latest infections. She believes that in times of constantly evolving dependency of network connected technologies, people should spread the word not the war.
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 .snatch Files Virus and remove them.
Back up your data to secure it from malware in the future.
