Malware researchers have discovered a new ransomware, calling itself SNS Locker. The new enciphering malware encrypts files with .RSNSLocked file extension and uses a strong AES-256 encryption algorithm to encode a wide variety of files on the compromised computer. The ransomware then changes the wallpaper of the user with a random scary pic, notifying him to pay money to get his files back. The ransomware asks for 0.66 bitcoins which are approximately 300$.
Threat Summary
| Name | SNS Locker |
| Type | Ransomware |
| Short Description | The ransomware encrypts files with the RSA algorithm and AES cipher and asks a ransom for decryption. |
| Symptoms | Files are encrypted and become inaccessible. A ransom note with instructions for paying the ransom shows as Wallpaper and a notification window. |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments, File Sharing Networks. |
| Detection Tool |
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| User Experience | Join our forum to Discuss SNS Locker. |
| 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. |
SNS Locker – Distribution
Malware researcher Mosh at Nyxbone.com has researched the ransomware and has established that In order to be successfully distributed out into the open SNS Locker is believed to be spread out via an SNS Locker.exe and SNSLOcker2.exe files with the following parameters:
→ “File name: SNSLocker.exe / Size: 635.0 KB / VT
MD5: c3cd8168f96e89998cab52b436c24b7d
SHA1: 3cbe96abba5269eb69093ebc07dd82e3091f0d3d
SHA256: 503b7d7a1348c3f03c789a5faca481bcd340e9be7cc602175fcbe513e864ffb8
FileName: SNSLOcker2.exe / Size: 796.0 KB / VT MD5: 3a27b49845a3ae4671fa69c2051c2cb6 SHA1: 71caed58a603d1ab2a52d02e0822b1ab8f1a9095 SHA256: 597a14a76fc4d6315afa877ef87b68401de45d852e38f98c2f43986b4dca1c3a”Source: Nyxbone.com
This executable may assume different names to be undetected manually, for example:
- {random name}.exe
- Svchost.exe
- Notepad.exe
- Your Confirmation.exe
- Receipt.exe
It may be spread out via game cracks, other keygens, activators, malicious email messages sent out as spam and even by malicious links that have come up as a result of an adware causing redirects to them, such as DNS Unlocker, for example.
SNS Locker Ransomware In Detail
Researchers at Nyxbone blog have established that the SNS Locker ransomware heavily modifies the computers it infects. For starters, once executed, the ransomware connects to the following C&C(Command and Control) IP address:
→ 5.9.82.18
The address appears to be based in Germany, and after SNS Locker connects to it, it immediately sends the following information from the infected computer:
- Customly generated 8 character ID of the victim. (For example – yas9yc92)
- Machine name.
- Username.
- Public IP address.
- MAC Address.
- Date.
The ransomware then begins to encrypt the files of the infected computer. It is reported to look for the following file types to encode:
→ .1pa, .3dm, .3g2, .3gp, .aaf, .accdb, .aep, .aepx, .aet, .ai, .ai, .aif, .aif, .as, .as3, .asf, .asp, .asx, .avi, .bik, .bmp , .c, .cal, .cdr, .cdt, .cdx, .cgn, .class, .clk, .cmx, .cnt, .cpp, .cpt, .cpx, .cs, .csl, .csv, .cur, .dat, .db, .dbf, .des, .des, .doc, .docb, .docm, .docx, .dot, .dotm, .dotx, .drw, .ds4, .dsf, .dwg, .dwg, .dxf, .efx, .eps, .eps, .fim, .fla, .flv, .fmv, .fpx, .fpx, .fx0, .fx1, .fxr, .gem, .gif, .gif, .h, .idml, .iff, .iif , .img, .indb, .indd, .indl, .indt, .ini, .inx, .iso, .jar, .java, .jpeg, .jpg”, .js, .lgb, .m3u, .m3u8, .m4u, .mac, .max, .mdb, .met, .mid, .mov, .mp3, .mp4, .mpa, .mpeg, .mpg, .msg, .mx0, .nap, .nd, .pat, .pcd, .pct, .pcx, .pdb, .pdf, .pfb, .php, .pic, .plb, .plt, .pmd, .png, .pot, .potm, .potx, .pp4, .pp5, .ppam, .ppf, .ppj, .pps, .ppsm, .ppsx, .ppt, .ppt, .pptm, .pptx, .prel, .prn, .prn, .prproj, .ps, .ps, .ps, .psd, .psp, .ptb, .py, .qba, .qbb, .qbi, .qbm, .qbo, .qbp, .qbr , .qbw, .qbx, .qby , .qpd, .qsm, .qss, .qst, .qwc, .ra, .rar .raw, .raw, .rb, .rif, .rtf, .rtp, .sct, .sdf, .ses, .set, .shw, .sldm, .sldx, .sql, .svg, .svg, .swf, .swf, .tga, .tif, .tiff, .tlg, .tlg, .ttf, .txt, .txt, .txt, .v30, .vcf, .vob, .vsd, .vsd, .wav, .wav, .webm, .wi, .wk3, .wk4, .wma, .wmf, .wmv, .wpd, .wpd, .wpg, .wps, .xcf, .xla, .xlam, .xll, .xlm, .xls, .xls, .xlsb, .xlsm, .xlsm, .xlsx, .xlsx, .xlt, .xltm, .xltx, .xlw, .xml, .xpm, .xqx, .xqx, .zip Source:Nyxbone
The discovered files are encoded immediately with two of the most powerful ciphers in the world:
- AES cipher to encrypt the files on the compromised computer.
- RSA algorithm to encode the public AES key which is being sent to the criminals’ IP address.
The malicious software then changes the wallpaper image of the victim user to a terrifying picture, that may look like the following:
Source:Nyxbone
After this has been done, SNS Locker may automatically open a window with the ransom note and a method to decrypt the files by paying in BitCoin. It looks like the following:
Source:Nyxbone
SNS Locker also shows the user his own unique identification number which is most likely made to help the cyber-criminals identify multiple devices easily. Along with the number there is a button which may directly transfer the user to a payment page:
Source:Nyxbone
The payment page is rather simply created. It features the bitcoin address of the cyber-criminals in an electronic invoice which the user can pay online, from distance:
Source:Nyxbone
After the funds have been paid, the user may receive a link from the malicious domain of the cyber-criminals where he or she can find his private and public keys and click on the “Decypher” button to decrypt them:
SNS Locker – Conclusion, Removal, and Decryption Alternatives
The bottom line for SNS Locker is that it is basically a highly sophisticated ransomware which aims to basify the payment method for infected users, by being more “user-friendly”. This is a very effective method and it may have already made the cyber-criminals behind SNS Locker a lot of money. Despite that, malware researchers strongly advise hopeless users NOT to pay any ransom money due to the following possibilities:
- You fund the cyber-crooks to infect even more computers.
- You may not get your files back 100%.
To remove this ransomware effectively from your computer, we advise following the Manual or Automatic removal steps below. Experts also advise downloading a reputable anti-malware program which will automatically take care of the SNS Locker files for you.
Regarding file restoration, be advised that we have prepared some alternative methods in step “3” below that you may try while we investigate any decrypters which are publicly released and working. As soon as there is a solution, expect an update on this article’s web page.
Ventsislav Krastev
Ventsislav is a cybersecurity expert at SensorsTechForum since 2015. He has been researching, covering, helping victims with the latest malware infections plus testing and reviewing software and the newest tech developments. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for learning new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management, Network Administration and Computer Administration of System Applications, he found his true calling within the cybersecrurity industry and is a strong believer in the education of every user towards online safety and security.
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Attention! SensorsTechForum strongly recommends that all malware victims should look for assistance only by reputable sources. Many guides out there claim to offer free recovery and decryption for files encrypted by ransomware viruses. Be advised that some of them may only be after your money.
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.
How to Remove SNS Locker from Windows.
Step 1: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove SNS Locker
Step 2: Uninstall SNS Locker and related software 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 uninstall most programs.
Step 3: Clean any registries, created by SNS Locker 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 SNS Locker 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: Scan for SNS Locker with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 5 (Optional): Try to Restore Files Encrypted by SNS Locker.
Ransomware infections and SNS Locker 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 top, choose Data Recovery - Data Recovery Wizard for Windows or Mac (depending on your OS), and then download and run the tool.
Get rid of SNS Locker from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall SNS Locker and remove related files and objects
1. Hit the ⇧+⌘+U keys to open Utilities. Another way is to click on “Go” and then click “Utilities”, like the image below shows:
- Go to Finder.
- In the search bar type the name of the app that you want to remove.
- Above the search bar change the two drop down menus to “System Files” and “Are Included” so that you can see all of the files associated with the application you want to remove. Bear in mind that some of the files may not be related to the app so be very careful which files you delete.
- If all of the files are related, hold the ⌘+A buttons to select them and then drive them to “Trash”.
In case you cannot remove SNS Locker via Step 1 above:
In case you cannot find the virus files and objects in your Applications or other places we have shown above, you can manually look for them in the Libraries of your Mac. But before doing this, please read the disclaimer below:
You can repeat the same procedure with the following other Library directories:
→ ~/Library/LaunchAgents
/Library/LaunchDaemons
Tip: ~ is there on purpose, because it leads to more LaunchAgents.
Step 3 (Optional): Try to Restore Files Encrypted by SNS Locker.
Ransomware infections and SNS Locker 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 top, choose Data Recovery - Data Recovery Wizard for Windows or Mac (depending on your OS), and then download and run the tool.
SNS Locker FAQ
What is SNS Locker ransomware and how does it work?
SNS Locker 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 algorithm how 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.
How does SNS Locker ransomware infect my computer?
Via several ways.SNS Locker Ransomware infects computers by being sent via phishing e-mails, 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.
After you download and execute this attachment, a drive-by download occurs and your computer is infected with the ransomware virus.
Another way, you may become a victim of SNS Locker 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 .SNS Locker files?
You can't. At this point the .SNS Locker files are encrypted. You can only open them once they are decrypted.
Decryptor did not decrypt my data. What now?
Do not panic and backup the files. If a decryptor did not decrypt your .SNS Locker files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
One way to restore files, encrypted by SNS Locker ransomware is to use a decryptor for it. But since it's a new virus, advised that the decryption keys for it may not be out yet and available to the public. We will update this article and keep you posted as soon as this decryptor is released.
How Do I restore ".SNS Locker" files (Other Methods)?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .SNS Locker files.
These methods are in no way 100% guarantee that you will be able to get your files back. But if you have a backup, your chances of success are much greater.
How do I get rid of SNS Locker ransomware virus?
The safest way and the most efficient one for the removal of this ransomware infection is the use a professional anti malware software. It will scan for and locate SNS Locker ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .SNS Locker files.
Also, keep in mind that viruses like SNS Locker ransomware also install Trojans and keyloggers that can steal your passwords and accounts. Scanning your computer with an anti-malware software will make sure that all of these virus components are removed and your computer is protected in the future.
What to Do If nothing works?
There is still a lot you can do. If none of the above methods seem to work for you, then try these methods:
- Try to find a safe computer from where you can can login on your own line accounts like One Drive, iDrive, Google Drive and so on.
- Try to contact your friends, relatives and other people so that they can check if they have some of your important photos or documents just in case you sent them.
- Also, check if some of the files that were encrypted it can be re-downloaded from the web.
- Another clever way to get back some of your files is to find another old computer, a flash drive or even a CD or a DVD where you may have saved your older documents. You might be surprised what will turn up.
- You can also go to your email account to check if you can send any attachments to other people. Usually what is sent the email is saved on your account and you can re-download it. But most importantly, make sure that this is done from a safe computer and make sure to remove the virus first.
More tips you can find on our forums, where you can also asks any questions about your ransomware problem.
How to 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.
