What Is Snwd Virus?
Snwd virus is a ransomware infection that belongs to a large scale operation, also known as STOP/DJVU viruses. What it does as it enters your computer system and then encrypts your files, adding the .snwd file extension after their original one. The virus then leaves it ransom note file, which is called _readme.txt and uses it to extort victims to pay a ransom in the form of BitCoin if they want to use their files again.
Read this article if you want to learn more information about the Snwd virus and how you can remove it from your computer system effectively plus try and fix your files.
Snwd Virus Summary
Name | Snwd virus, also known as UDS:Trojan.Win32.Chapak.gen, Ransom:Win32/StopCrypt.KM!MTB, Win32:PWSX-gen [Trj], Win32:PWSX-gen [Trj], A Variant Of Win32/GenKryptik.FHJB – more detections of this virus on VirusTotal |
File Extension | .snwd |
Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
Short Description | The ransomware encrypts files on your computer system and demands a ransom to be paid to allegedly recover them. |
Symptoms | The Snwd Virus ransomware will encrypt your files by appending the .snwd extension to them. |
Ransom Demanding Note | _readme.txt |
Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments |
Detection Tool |
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Snwd Virus – How Did I Get Infected?
Snwd virus is just like other versions of STOP/DJVU, such as the recently seen .iios, .kqgs and .bpqd ones.
Snwd virus may end up on your device via multiple different methods, such as:
- By being downloaded from a shady site.
- If it is sent to you as an e-mail attachment or a URL.
If this threat gets sent to you via email, there is a high probability that it could pretend to be a legitimate attachment, like the following:
- Invoices.
- Receipts.
- Work-related files.
- E-Tickets for events or flights.
Snwd virus may trigger an infection via malicious Macro code if it gets sent to you as an attachment in the form of a document. This looks like the image below shows:
Snwd virus may also be download it in the form of a some type of a file that you may have been looking for on a rescue website, for example:
- Software patches.
- Self extracting archives or regular archives.
- Cracked portable versions of apps.
- Software or game cracks.
- Fake installation files.
- Key generator (or Keygen).
Snwd Virus – What Does It Do?
Snwd virus my first reconnect to remove hast to come from where it downloads it’s malicious payload module files, which maybe located in the following Windows directories:
- %SystemDrive%
- %Local%
- %LocalLow%
- %AppData%
- %Windows%
- %Temp%
- %System%
- %system32%
Snwd virus also leaves behind its ransom note, that is known as the _readme.txt file:
Another activity that this ransomware may be responsible for on your computer is to modify the Windows Registry Editor. The virus may do this by creating multiple kinds of malicious value entries in the Run and RunOnce sub-keys:
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
This allows it to run each time you start Windows.
What Are .snwd Files
The .snwd files are the encrypted versions of your original files. They are encoded, using a strong algorithm, also known as AES Encryption. The virus scans for your files, based on their file extensions and then encrypts them:
- Archive file formats (.zip, .rar, etc).
- Documents of different types (.docx, .pptx, etc.).
- Audio (.mp3, .wav, etc.).
- Picture file kinds (.jpg, .png, .etc).
- Videos (.mp4, .avi, etc.).
- Others.
After the encryption process is complete, the files may start to look like the following:
Picture.jpg.snwd
How to Remove Snwd Virus?
To get rid of Snwd virus, or main suggestion is to focus on following the removal instructions beneath this article. They have been created with the main idea to best assist you in automatically detecting and deleting this threat from your device. If you want a removal with maximum effectiveness, our main suggestion is to run a scan of your device using professional anti-malware software. Such a program has been designed to thoroughly scan your device and get rid of any malicious files that may currently be hidden in it.
How to Decrypt .snwd Files?
To decrypt .snwd files, encrypted by this virus, our main recommendation is to follow the STOP Ransomware Decryption Steps or the video guide beneath. They both contain instructions on how you can use the official decryption software for this virus, that has been created by independent malware researchers and designed to help the victims of this virus.
Video guide for using the STOP Ransomware Decryptor:
- Step 1
- Step 2
- Step 3
- Step 4
- Step 5
Step 1: Scan for Snwd with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall Snwd 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:
Step 3: Clean any registries, created by Snwd 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 Snwd there. This can happen by following the steps underneath:
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 Snwd
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by Snwd.
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 Snwd 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.
Snwd-FAQ
What is Snwd Ransomware?
Snwd 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 Snwd 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 Snwd Infect?
Via several ways.Snwd 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 Snwd 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 .Snwd files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .Snwd 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 .Snwd files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".Snwd" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .Snwd 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 Snwd 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 Snwd ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .Snwd 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 Snwd 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 Snwd Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Snwd 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 Snwd 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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