Smaug Ransomware (HACKED.txt) Removal & Recover Guide

by Ventsislav Krastev | September 9, 2020 | 0 Comments file-encryption, ransomware, Smaug Ransomware

What Is Smaug Ransomware?

Smaug ransomware is known to be a dangerous cryptovirus that encrypts your files and appends a random file extension to the encrypted files. It then ads the HACKED.txt ransom note that contains the ransom instructions of the virus. Their main goal is to get you to pay a hefty ransom to the cyber-criminals in order to get your encrypted files to work once again. Read this article to learn how to remove Smaug ransomware virus from your computer and how to try and restore encrypted files.

Smaug Virus

Smaug ransomware could spread its infection data via a Trojan dropper that may launch a malicious script for the virus. It may also spread the payload on file-sharing services and social media platforms. It happens often that free apps that are offered for download online, and are often portrayed as useful and helpful apps, can hide the virus script in them. Not to mention that often some compromised sites replace the setups of the programs you may be trying to download with the setups of virus applications. For more info on how to protect yourself from ransomware, please read our ransomware prevention tips.

Threat Summary

Name	Smaug Ransomware
File Extension	Random.
Type	Ransomware, Cryptovirus
What Is It	Aims to encrypt files and then attempts to blackmail you into paying ransom to hackers so that you can get encrypted files to work again.
Symptoms	The file extension .charmant is added to corrupted files. These files cannot be opened. A ransom note, called #RECOVERY#.txt extorts a ransom fee from victims.
Ransom Demanding Note	HACKED.txt
Distribution Method	Spam Emails, Email Attachments, Executable Files, Hacked Websites
Removal	To effectively remove active Smaug Ransomware virus infections, we recommend that you use an advanced anti-malware tool. Download Malware Removal Tool
User Experience	Join Our Forum to Discuss Smaug 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.

Smaug Virus – Description

The Smaug ransomware may infect your computer system without you even noticing it and then drop the HACKED.txt ransom note. The note has the following contents inside it:

Your files have been encrypted using military grade encryption. They can never be accessed again without buying a decryption key. You can buy the decryption key at hxxp://smaugrwmaystthfxp72tlmdbrzlwdp2pxtpvtzvhkv5ppg3difiwonad.onion. To access the site you need Tor Browser.
to view site you can download torbrowser here – hxxps://www.torproject.org/download/
need help?support ttviper@secmail.pro

It is strongly advisable to not pay any ransom to the criminals and not contact them under any circumstances whatsoever.

The hackers who are behind tis ransomware virus aim to convince you that you have to pay a ransom for the successful recovery of your encrypted files, just like any other ransomware virus does. The main idea here, is that the virus may create entries in the Windows Registry editor, which will help it to run absolutely every time you turn on your computer. The virus may then encrypt your files, adding a long and random file extension and as a result of that, the files may begin to appear like the following:

Then, the Smaug virus may delete the Shadow Copies of the computers infected by it, since this will allow it to minimize the chances of file recovery. To do this, the malware may run the following command as administrator:

→ vssadmin.exe delete shadows/ all/ Quiet.

In case your computer has been infected by the Smaug ransomware virus, we strongly recommend that you remove this virus from your computer.

Remove Smaug Ransomware and Try Restoring Data

To remove Smaug ransomware, we advise first of all that you be very cautious, because if you rush with the removal, you may damage your files beyond any recovery. This is why it is generally a good idea to do a backup of your Windows OS. Then, to remove this crypto-virus manually from your computer system, we strongly recommend that you read the removal instructions below. If you cannot seem to remove this virus manually, then we recommend that you combine the steps below with the download and installation of an advanced anti-malware software. Such program is created to detect and remove the virus files of malware, like Smaug ransomware and protect your against future infections as well.

To try and restore files, encrypted by this ransomware infections, we would recommend that you attempt and use the alternative file recovery steps suggested underneath. They may not be a 100% guarantee that you can recover all of your files, but with their help, you might just be able to restore some of the data.

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.

How to Remove Smaug Ransomware from Windows.

Step 1: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove Smaug 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 Smaug 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 Smaug 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 Smaug 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 Smaug 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 Smaug Ransomware.

Ransomware infections and Smaug 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 Smaug Ransomware from Mac OS X.

Step 1: Uninstall Smaug 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 Smaug 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 Smaug 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 Smaug 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 Smaug 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 Smaug 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.

Click the button below below to download SpyHunter for Mac and scan for Smaug Ransomware:

Download

SpyHunter for Mac

Step 3 (Optional): Try to Restore Files Encrypted by Smaug Ransomware.

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.

Smaug Ransomware FAQ

What is Smaug Ransomware ransomware and how does it work?

Smaug 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 Smaug Ransomware ransomware infect my computer?

Via several ways.Smaug 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 Smaug 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 .Smaug Ransomware files?

You can't. At this point the .Smaug 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 .Smaug Ransomware files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.

One way to restore files, encrypted by Smaug 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 ".Smaug 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 .Smaug 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 Smaug 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 Smaug Ransomware ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .Smaug Ransomware files.

Also, keep in mind that viruses like Smaug 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.

Smaug Ransomware