A ransomware dubbed after its associated extension has been spotted in the wild. .SOLO files virus is designed to invade computer systems and encrypt important files with the strong cipher algorithm AES. Once it corrupts target files it drops a ransom note file called IHRE_DATEIEN_SIND_VERSCHLUESSELT.html and opens it on the screen. The presented message is written in German. It extorts a ransom of 0.2 BTC from victims.
If you want to potentially recover files encrypted by .SOLO ransomware without paying hackers’ the ransom, you should read thoroughly the guide presented in the end. There you will find how to clean your infected system from malicious files as well as how to use alternative data recovery methods.
Threat Summary
| Name | .SOLO Files Virus |
| Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
| Short Description | A data locker ransomware that utilizes AES cihper algorithm to encode target files so it can blackmail victims into paying a ransom of 0.2 BTC. |
| Symptoms | Important files are inaccessible and marked with the extension .SOLO. A ransom message states that hackers demand a ransom payment for files decryption. |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments, Corrupted Web Pages, Freeware Installers |
| Detection Tool |
See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware
Download
Malware Removal Tool
|
User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss .SOLO Files 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. |
.SOLO Files Virus – Distribution
Spread campaigns of the so-called .SOLO files virus are targeting computer systems situated around the globe. The spread is likely to happen mainly via massive spam email campaigns. Emails part of such campaigns could be recognized by several typical traits.
The first one is an attached file that according to the text message contains very important information. Hence it should be opened as soon as possible. Malicious file attachments could be masked as legitimate documents archived into .rar or .zip files. However, once started on the machine they could evade detection and run the infection code of SOLO ransomware.
Another suspicious element that is often used in spam emails is a URL address that lands to a compromised web page. The code of such page could be set to trigger a drive-by download attack and this way execute the infection code directly on your PC.
In addition, fake software installers, fake update notifications, compromised software setups, files shared on forums and other techniques may download and activate the ransomware module.
Variants of [wplinkpreview url=”https://sensorstechforum.com/skype-virus-remove/”]Skype viruses may be also part of the distribution scheme of this .SOLO ransomware. By exploiting some security flaws of the software hackers could deliver their malicious code directly through this channel.
.SOLO Files Virus – Overview
An infection with .SOLO files virus starts the moment when its payload file is executed on the system. The code of this file is configured to interfere with essential system components which in turn results in the corruption of important settings and valuable data.
At first, the threat is likely to create some additional malicious files that could manipulate legitimate processes. Other files that support the attack may be dropped on the system after .SOLO ransomware connects to its server. There are several folders that may store files associated with this ransomware and they are:
- %AppData%
- %Local%
- %LocalLow%
- %Roaming%
- %Temp%
- %Windows%
Among affected system components may be the Registry Editor. It is a hierarchical database that contains low-level system settings that are essential for its proper performance. In addition, the values there keep various users preferences. In case that your Windows operating system has been infected by .SOLO files virus it is likely that two registry sub-keys – Run and RunOnce are plagued by the threat.
Such an issue could be explained by the specific functionalities of these two sub-keys. Since they can provide for the automatic execution of ransomware infection files on each system start, .SOLO is likely to add its values under them. The same process could be performed when it’s time for the ransomware to display its ransom note on the screen.
This file is called IHRE_DATEIEN_SIND_VERSCHLUESSELT.html and its purpose is to blackmail you into paying hackers a ransom of 0.2 BTC which is around $1200. It contains message written in German that reads the following:
Alle Ihre Dateien wurden verschlüsselt.
Ihr Computer wurde mit der SOLO Verschlüsselungssoftware infiziert. Ihre Dateien wurden verschlüsselt und können nicht von Ihnen selbst entschlüsselt werden.
Bitte nehmen Sie keine versuche vor, Ihre Dateien selbst zu entschlüsseln, im schlimmsten Fall werden Sie Ihre Dateien beschädigen und somit für immer **unverschlüsselbar machen.**
Um Ihre Dateien zu entschlüsseln, benötigen Sie unsere spezielle Entschlüsselungssoftware:
SOLO Decrypter welche alle Ihre verschlüsselten Dateien sofort entschlüsselt, desweiteren entfernt die Software die SOLO Verschlüsselungssoftware von Ihrem PC.
Der Preis für die Entschlüsselungssoftware beläuft sich auf 0.2 Bitcoin (etwa $1,200).
Bitcoin können Sie auf einen der vielzähligen Krypto-Marktplätzen ganz einfach per Kreditkarte oder Banküberweisung kaufen. Beispiele zu Diensten, wo Sie Bitcoin kaufen können:
Bitpanda – Kreditkarte, SOFORTueberweisung, Giropay, Bankueberweisung
BTC Direct – Kreditkarte, SOFORTueberweisung, Giropay, Bankueberweisung
ANYcoin Direct – SOFORTueberweisung, Giropay, Bankueberweisung
Localbitcoins – Grosse Anzahl an Zahlungsmoeglichkeiten
Coinmama – Kreditkarte
Weitere Möglichkeiten finden Sie mit einer kurzen Google suche nach ‘Bitcoins kaufen’.
Nachdem Sie die benötigte Anzahl an Bitcoins (0.2 BTC) erworben haben, senden Sie diese an die folgende Bitcoin-Adresse:
Adresse:
151oCJ1espbmqya9Vj2xxjxi1APb8zhqYR
Betrag:
0.2 BTC
Nachdem wir den kompletten Betrag erhalten haben, wird ihnen automatisch die Entschlüsselungssoftware zum Download bereit gestellt (bitte nehmen Sie keine modifikationen an dieser Datei vor, damit die ordnungsgemäße Funktionalität sichergestellt ist).
Der komplette Betrag wurde noch nicht bezahlt.
Entschlüsselungssoftware Herunterladen
Here is its version translated in English with the help of automatic translation tool:
All your files have been encrypted.
Your computer was infected with the SOLO encryption software. Your files have been encrypted and can not be decrypted by you.
Please do not try to decrypt your files yourself, in the worst case you will damage your files and thus make them unencryptable forever **
To decrypt your files, you need our special decryption software:
SOLO Decrypter which decrypts all your encrypted files immediately, furthermore removes the SOLO encryption software from your PC.
The price of the decryption software is 0.2 Bitcoin (about $ 1,200).
You can easily buy Bitcoin on one of the many crypto marketplaces by credit card or bank transfer. Examples of services where you can buy Bitcoin:
Bitpanda – Credit Card, Instant Bank Transfer, Giropay, Bank Transfer
BTC Direct – Credit Card, Instant Bank Transfer, Giropay, Bank Transfer
ANYcoin Direct – SOFORT Transfer, Giropay, Bank Transfer
Localbitcoins – Large number of payment options
Coinmama – credit card
You can find more options with a short Google search for ‘buy Bitcoins’.
After purchasing the required number of Bitcoins (0.2 BTC), send them to the following Bitcoin address:
Address:
151oCJ1espbmqya9Vj2xxjxi1APb8zhqYR
Amount:
0.2 BTC
Once we have received the full amount, the decryption software will automatically be made available to you for download (please do not make any modifications to this file to ensure proper functionality).
The complete amount has not yet been paid.
Download decryption software
.SOLO Files Virus – Encryption Process
The primary goal of .SOLO ransomware is data encryption. During the [wplinkpreview url=”https://sensorstechforum.com/ransomware-encryption-explained-why-is-it-so-effective/”]encoding process, the ransomware utilizes one of the most sophisticated cipher algorithms – AES. This cipher replaces the original code of target files with other specifically ordered characters. Following these changes, corrupted files remain inaccessible while their names are set to contain the extension .SOLO.
In order to make you more prone to pay the ransom, hackers usually configure their threats to corrupt all your:
- Audio files
- Video files
- Document files
- Image files
- Backup files
- Banking credentials, etc
In addition, .SOLO crypto virus could erase all Shadow Volume Copies from the affected Windows system. This happens with the execution of the following command:
→vssadmin.exe delete shadows /all /Quiet
Once shadow volume copies are erased your options to restore files is reduced by one. If a computer device has been infected with this ransomware and your files are locked, read on through to find out how you could potentially restore some files back to their normal state.
Remove Scarab-Walker Ransomware and Restore .JohnnieWalker Files
Below you could find how a step-by-step removal guide that may be helpful in attempting to remove this .SOLO files virus. The manual removal approach demands practice in recognizing traits of malware files. Beware that ransomware is a threat with highly complex code that plagues not only your files but your whole system. So it should be secured properly before it could be used regularly again.
The automatic approach enables you to check infected system for ransomware files and remove them with a few clicks after the scan. Reliable anti-malware program is also one of the best ways to protect the PC from ransomware. Additional security layer that will prevent you from ransomware attacks is [wplinkpreview url=”https://sensorstechforum.com/the-most-popular-free-anti-ransomware-tools/”]anti-ransomware tool.
If you want to understand how to fix .SOLO files without paying the ransom of 0.2 BTC (≈ $ 1,200) make sure to read carefully all the details mentioned in the step “Restore files” from the guide below. Beware that before recovery process you should back up all encrypted files to an external drive in order to prevent their irreversible loss.
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 .SOLO Files Virus with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall .SOLO Files 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 .SOLO Files 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 .SOLO Files 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 .SOLO Files Virus
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by .SOLO Files 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 .SOLO Files 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.
.SOLO Files Virus-FAQ
What is .SOLO Files Virus Ransomware?
.SOLO Files 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 .SOLO Files 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 .SOLO Files Virus Infect?
Via several ways..SOLO Files 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 .SOLO Files 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 ..SOLO Files Virus files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the ..SOLO Files 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 ..SOLO Files Virus files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore "..SOLO Files Virus" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore ..SOLO Files 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 .SOLO Files 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 .SOLO Files Virus ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important ..SOLO Files 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 .SOLO Files 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 .SOLO Files Virus Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this .SOLO Files 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 .SOLO Files 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.
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.
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