Sigrun virus is a newly discovered test version of a new threat. The security analysis reveals that it does not contain snippets from any of the famous malware families. It is possible that future versions of it are going to feature updated code that add newer functions. Read our complete Sigrun virus removal guide to learn more about it.
Threat Summary
| Name | Sigrun |
| Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
| Short Description | The ransomware encrypts sensitive information on your computer system with the .sigrun extensions and demands a ransom to be paid to allegedly recover them. |
| Symptoms | The ransomware will encrypt your files with a strong encryption algorithm. |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments |
| Detection Tool |
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User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss Sigrun. |
| 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. |
Sigrun Virus – Distribution Ways
The Sigrun virus has been detected as a new threat following investigation of a recent ransomware attack. According to the available information the attack was found to be limited in size and the number of potentially impacted targets is probably lower than most common infections. This severely limits further analysis of the distribution methods. It is believed that in future attacks the hackers may use the most popular distribution tactics.
A primary is to take coordinate SPAM email messages that utilize social engineering techniques in order to coerce the targets into infecting themselves. This is usually done by attaching Sigrun virus files directly or hyperlinking them in the body contents. They are also used to spread virus payloads. There are two main types:
- Infected Documents — They are used to deploy the virus payload through scripts. This is done by displaying a notification prompt that asks the victims to enable the built-in macros. When this is done the infection follows.
- Software Installers — Using a similar mechanism the criminals can embed the dangerous code in application installers. The hackers typically choose the most popular software: productivity apps, creative solutions, system utilities and even computer games.
The infection can also be spread using web scripts on both hacker-controlled and legitimate web sites. Examples Sigrun virus carriers include all kinds of web banners, pop-ups, in-line scripts and etc. The threat can also be distributed on various file sharing networks as well such as BitTorrent.
The Sigrun virus can use another popular method to spread itself by taking advantage of browser hijackers. They represent malicious web browser plugins that are made compatible with the most popular applications: Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome, Internet Explorer, Opera, Safari and Microsoft Edge. The various strains are usually advertised on the associated plugn repoitories using fake developer credentials and user reviews. Once the relevant threats are installed the default browser settings (new tabs page, search engine and homepage) are changed. Any dangerous code is installed afterwards.
Sigrun Virus – In-Depth Analysis
The Sigrun virus is a newly discovered ransomware that appears to have been made by an unknown hacker or criminal collective. The initial code analysis shows that it doesn’t include any code snippets from the famous malware families.This means that the Sigrun virus maybe created entirely by its operator(s) or bought from the underground hacker markets as a new ransomware strain sample.
So far it seems that the captured strains associated with it are being distributed in their test versions. This means that future variants of it can include a much more feature-rich behavior pattern.
The infection can begin with a data gathering module that is programmed to automatically hijack sensitive data. The collected information can be used for optimizing the campaign by harvesting data about the installed hardware components and operating system values. The ransomare can also expose personally-identifiable data about the victim’s themselves. The nature of the collected information can reveal their name, address, telephone number, location, interests, passwords and account credentials. The collected data can then be processed by another module called stealth protection which is used to protect the dangerous instance from applications and services that can interfere with it. The list includes anti-virus products, sandbox environments and virtual machine hosts. These steps help to prepare the victim host for further modifications.
Any Windows Registry changes that can occur may perform a variety of damaging actions against user-installed software or the operating system itself. For example a modification to a software service can render certain services or functions non-working. When strings related to the operating system are changed the victims can experience serious performance issues. Such actions are also related to the process of instituting the Sigrun virus as a persistent threat. In connection with various boot options the code can render disallow access to the recovery boot menu which makes most manual removal steps useless. In such cases the best way to restore an infected computer by using a quality anti-spyware removal tool. Refer to our instructions for more information.
Steps that can make recovery more difficult include the removal of identified Shadow Volume Copies of any sensitive data. Usually they are chosen based on the built-in list used by the ransomare component.
Advanced virus threats can lead to a remote network connection wherein the Sigrun virus operators can spy on the victim users in real time as well as overtake control of their machines. Such behavior is also capable of delivering additional malware infections.
Sigrun Virus – Encryption Process
Once all associated modules have completed execution the Sigrun virus ransomware engine is launched. Like other popular strains it uses a built-in list of affected file types. An example list may encrypt the following data:
- Archives
- Backups
- Databases
- Documents
- Images
- Videos
- Music
All affected data is encrypted with the .sigrun extension. The accompanying ransom note is called RESTORE-SIGRUN and is available in two versions — TXT and HTML. The message reads the following:
~~~~~~SIGRUN RANSOMWARE~~~~~~~~~
Dear user, all your important files have been encrypted!
Don’t worry! Your files still can be restored by us!
In order to restore it you need to contact with us via e-mail.
sigrun_decryptor@protonmail.ch
As a proof we will decrypt 3 files for free!
Please, attach this to your message:
94 04 00 00 50 1a 63 58 dc 54 f5 a7 fa 63 0f e2
13 f5 37 1d e8 4b 68 4d 3d 8a 15 cc 50 47 46 e2
33 0c fa f0 5e ee 21 3e 24 70 f5 55 6e 34 71 b9
2a cd d6 c3 09 07 0b d4 13 77 10 50 35 14 6d af
77 7b aa a4 1b 30 37 bс 3a bd 64 12 79 63 15 9a
Remove Sigrun Virus and Restore .sigrun Files
If your computer system got infected with the Sigrun 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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Step 1: Scan for Sigrun with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall Sigrun 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 Sigrun 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 Sigrun 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 Sigrun
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by Sigrun.
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 Sigrun 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.
Sigrun-FAQ
What is Sigrun Ransomware?
Sigrun 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 Sigrun 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 Sigrun Infect?
Via several ways.Sigrun 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 Sigrun 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 .Sigrun files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .Sigrun 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 .Sigrun files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".Sigrun" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .Sigrun 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 Sigrun 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 Sigrun ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .Sigrun 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 Sigrun 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 Sigrun Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Sigrun 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 Sigrun 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.
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