This article will aid you to remove .SBLOCK Ransomware. Follow the ransomware removal instructions provided at the end of the article.
.SBLOCK Ransomware is one that encrypts your data and demands money as a ransom to get it restored. Files will receive the .SBLOCK extension. The .SBLOCK Ransomware will leave ransomware instructions as a desktop wallpaper image. Keep on reading the article and see how you could try to potentially recover some of your locked files and data.
Threat Summary
| Name | .SBLOCK ransomware |
| Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
| Short Description | The ransomware encrypts files by placing the .SBLOCK extension on the target files on your computer system and demands a ransom to be paid to allegedly recover them. |
| Symptoms | The ransomware will encrypt your files and leave a ransom note with payment instructions. |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments |
| Detection Tool |
See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware
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Malware Removal Tool
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User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss .SBLOCK ransomware. |
| 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. |
.SBLOCK Ransomware – Distribution Techniques
The .SBLOCK ransomware as a new release of the Matrix ransomware family probably uses the same attack methods as the previous samples. One of the most popular ones is the launch of email SPAM campaigns that contain various phishing elements. The recipients are coerced into thinking that they have received a legitimate message from a well-known service, product or company. The hackers might hijack the legitimate contents and use them in the dangerous crafted messages. Usually the virus files will be linked or directly attached.
An alternative is to craft malicious sites that attempt to impersonate well-known company landing pages, search engines and download portals. The associated .SBLOCK ransomware can be placed both in the main file contents and any associated elements: web banners, pop-ups, ads and etc.
The .SBLOCK ransomware infection code can also be embedded in payload carriers of which there are two main types:
- Malicious Documents — The hackers can embed the virus infection scripts as macros across all popular formats: spreadsheets, presentations, databases and text files. Whenever they are opened by the users a notification prompt will be spawned asking the users to enable the built-in macros. The quoted reason is that this is required in order to correctly view the file.
- Dangerous Application Installers — The criminals can hijack the legitimate setup files of popular programs which are often downloaded by end users. Usually the list of affected applications includes system utilities, creativity suites, productivity and office apps and etc.
All of these files can also be found on file-sharing networks like BitTorrent where both pirate and legitimate content is found. Large-scale campaigns can be orchestrated via browser hijackers which are dangerous plugins which are made compatible with the most popular web browsers. They are usually uploaded to the relevant repositories using fake user reviews and developer credentials thereby enticing the visitors into installing them. The presented descriptions will promise new features addition and performance optimization. However upon installing them the .SBLOCK ransomware will be delivered along with any other malicious behavior as intended. This is usually a manipulation of the default settings in order to redirect the victims to a preset hacker-controlled page. The altered changes are usually the default home page, search engine and new tabs page.
.SBLOCK Ransomware – Detailed Analysis
As the .SBLOCK ransomware is descendant from the Matrix family of threats its set of modules is known. It is anticipated that it will follow the typical behavior patterns as known by previous infections. One of the first components that is run is the information gathering. This instructs the engine to extract information that can be categorized into two main groups:
- Personal Information — The engine can be programmed to search for personal information that can reveal the identity of the hackers. This makes the engine search for strings like their name, phone number, address, interests and any stored account credentials.
- Machine Identification Data — The criminals can program the .SBLOCK ransomware engine to construct an unique string that can identify each affected computer. It is made by an algorithm thaat takes its input values from a wide range of sources: system configuration values, the installed hardware components and certain user preferences.
The collected information can be used further by the next module in the chain called security bypass. It will scan the memory and hard disk contents for any applications and services that can block the proper virus execution. Their real-time engines and main executables can be bypassed or entirely removed. In most cases this includes the likes of anti-virus programs, sandbox environments, virtual machine hosts and etc.
Whenever the security of the machines has been bypassed the .SBLOCK ransomware can continue further with various system changes and other related malicious actions. Some of them include the following:
- Windows Registry Modifications — The ransomware engine can change values that belong both to the operating system and any third-party installed applications. In most cases this can lead to severe performance issues to the point of rendering the system completely unusable. Certain functions can be become inaccessible and unexpected errors and shut downs can happen. This usually results in data loss.
- Data Removal — Like some previous Matrix ransomware samples the .SBLOCK virus release is able to identify and remove sensitive files from the infected computers. This usually includes the likes of system restore points, backups and shadow volume copies. In this case the victims will need to use a professional-grade data recovery software.
- Persistent Installation — The .SBLOCK ransomare can reconfigure the system in order to start automatically as soon as the computer is powered on. This will also disable access to the boot menu options and recovery menus which are used wwith manual user removal instructions. In this case the victims will be forced to use a professional-grade anti-spyware solution in order to guarantee a complete removal.
- Additional Malware Delivery — In many cases viruses like this one are used to deploy other threats to the affected computers. This is done because the ransowmare has already bypassed and the dropped viruses will have the ability to fully unleash their potential.
Most of the advanced Matrix ransomware samples are also fully capable of installing complex Trojan horse clients. They allow the criminals to use a persistent connection to the infected machines. The hackers are thus able to take over control of the machines at any time, spy on the users actions and retrieve data before it has been processed by the encryption engine.
.SBLOCK Ransomware – Encryption Process
Like other popular malware samples the .SBLOCK ransomware will launch the encryption engine once all prior modules have finished running. It will probably use a built-in list of target file type extensions which are to be processed by a strong cipher. An example list can include the following data types:
- Backups
- Databases
- Archives
- Images
- Music
- Videos
All affected files are renamed with the .SBLOCK extension.
Remove .SBLOCK Ransomware and Try to Restore Data
If your computer system got infected with the .SBLOCK 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.
Martin Beltov
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.
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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.
- Guide 1: How to Remove .SBLOCK ransomware from Windows.
- Guide 2: Get rid of .SBLOCK ransomware from Mac OS X.
How to Remove .SBLOCK ransomware from Windows.
Step 1: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove .SBLOCK ransomware
Step 2: Uninstall .SBLOCK ransomware 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 .SBLOCK ransomware 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 .SBLOCK ransomware 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 .SBLOCK ransomware with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 5 (Optional): Try to Restore Files Encrypted by .SBLOCK ransomware.
Ransomware infections and .SBLOCK ransomware 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 .SBLOCK ransomware from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall .SBLOCK ransomware 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 .SBLOCK ransomware 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 .SBLOCK ransomware.
Ransomware infections and .SBLOCK ransomware 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.
.SBLOCK ransomware FAQ
What is .SBLOCK ransomware ransomware and how does it work?
.SBLOCK ransomware 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 .SBLOCK ransomware ransomware infect my computer?
Via several ways..SBLOCK ransomware 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 .SBLOCK ransomware 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 ..SBLOCK ransomware files?
You can't. At this point the ..SBLOCK ransomware 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 ..SBLOCK ransomware files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
One way to restore files, encrypted by .SBLOCK ransomware 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 "..SBLOCK ransomware" files (Other Methods)?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore ..SBLOCK ransomware 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 .SBLOCK ransomware 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 .SBLOCK ransomware ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important ..SBLOCK ransomware files.
Also, keep in mind that viruses like .SBLOCK ransomware 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.
