.SBLOCK Ransomware — How to Remove Virus Infections

by Martin Beltov | March 1, 2019 | 0 Comments .SBLOCK, .SBLOCK extension, .SBLOCK ransomware, Matrix ransomware, ransomware, removal guide, virus

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 Download Malware Removal Tool
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.

How to Remove .SBLOCK ransomware from Windows.

Step 1: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove .SBLOCK ransomware

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

1. Hold Windows key() + R

2. The "Run" Window will appear. In it, type "msconfig" and click OK.

3. Go to the "Boot" tab. There select "Safe Boot" and then click "Apply" and "OK".

Tip: Make sure to reverse those changes by unticking Safe Boot after that, because your system will always boot in Safe Boot from now on.

4. When prompted, click on "Restart" to go into Safe Mode.

5. You can recognise Safe Mode by the words written on the corners of your screen.

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:

1. Hold the Windows Logo Button and "R" on your keyboard. A Pop-up window will appear.

2. In the field type in "appwiz.cpl" and press ENTER.

3. This will open a window with all the programs installed on the PC. Select the program that you want to remove, and press "Uninstall"

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:

1. Open the Run Window again, type "regedit" and click OK.

2. When you open it, you can freely navigate to the Run and RunOnce keys, whose locations are shown above.

3. You can remove the value of the virus by right-clicking on it and removing it.

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.

IMPORTANT!
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

1. Click on the "Download" button to proceed to SpyHunter's download page.

Download

Malware Removal Tool

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.

2. After you have installed SpyHunter, wait for it to update automatically.

3. After the update process has finished, click on the 'Malware/PC Scan' tab. A new window will appear. Click on 'Start Scan'.

4. 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.

If any threats have been removed, it is highly recommended to restart your PC.

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.

1. Download the reccomended Data Recovery software by clicking on the link underneath:

EaseUS Data Recovery Software

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.

Windows Mac OS X

Get rid of .SBLOCK ransomware from Mac OS X.

Step 1: Uninstall .SBLOCK ransomware and remove related files and objects

OFFER

Manual Removal Usually Takes Time and You Risk Damaging Your Files If Not Careful!

We Recommend To Scan Your Mac with SpyHunter for Mac

Keep in mind, that SpyHunter for Mac needs to purchased to remove the malware threats. Click on the corresponding links to check SpyHunter’s EULA and Privacy Policy

1. Hit the ⇧+⌘+U keys to open Utilities. Another way is to click on “Go” and then click “Utilities”, like the image below shows:

2. Find Activity Monitor and double-click it:

3. In the Activity Monitor look for any suspicious processes, belonging or related to .SBLOCK ransomware:

Tip: To quit a process completely, choose the “Force Quit” option.

4. Click on the "Go" button again, but this time select Applications. Another way is with the ⇧+⌘+A buttons.

5. In the Applications menu, look for any suspicious app or an app with a name, similar or identical to .SBLOCK ransomware. If you find it, right-click on the app and select “Move to Trash”.

6: Select Accounts, after which click on the Login Items preference. Your Mac will then show you a list of items that start automatically when you log in. Look for any suspicious apps identical or similar to .SBLOCK ransomware. Check the app you want to stop from running automatically and then select on the Minus (“-“) icon to hide it.

7: Remove any left-over files that might be related to this threat manually by following the sub-steps below:

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:

Disclaimer! If you are about to tamper with Library files on Mac, be sure to know the name of the virus file, because if you delete the wrong file, it may cause irreversible damage to your MacOS. Continue on your own responsibility!

1: Click on "Go" and Then "Go to Folder" as shown underneath:

2: Type in "/Library/LauchAgents/" and click Ok:

3: Delete all of the virus files that have similar or the same name as .SBLOCK ransomware. If you believe there is no such file, do not delete anything.

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 2: Scan for and remove malware from your Mac

When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts, programs and malware, the recommended way of eliminating the threat is by using an anti-malware program. Combo Cleaner offers advanced security features along with other modules that will improve your Mac’s security and protect it in the future.

Download

Combo Cleaner

Step 3 (Optional): Try to Restore Files Encrypted by .SBLOCK ransomware on your Mac.

Ransomware for Mac .SBLOCK ransomware aims to encode all your files using an encryption algorithm which may be very difficult to decode, unless you pay money.

This is why we have suggested a data recovery method that may help you go around direct decryption and try to restore your files, but only in some cases. Bear in mind that this method may not be 100% effective but may also help you a little or a lot in different situations.

1. Download the recommended Data Recovery Mac app by clicking on the link underneath:

Stellar Data Recovery Technician Version

.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.