What Is STEEL Virus
STEEL is the name of a nasty cryptovirus, whose main purpose is to enter your PC and cause a lot of different problems, mainly related to your files. What this virus aims to is to use encryption, that changes the files and makes them seem non-openable. The main idea is for this ransom to get you to follow the demands of the criminals who have infected your computer with it that are laid out in the HOW_TO_RESTORE_FILES.txt. There, these crooks often want you to pay them money in the form of BitCoin so that they can unlock your files again, using a decryptor that will reverse the damages done on the files.
Read this article to learn more about the STEEL Virus and how you can remove it from your computer.
STEEL Summary
Name | STEEL also known as Win32:Trojan-gen, Trojan.GenericKD.45770090, Trojan-Ransom.Win32.Encoder.lmf, Trojan:Win32/Wacatac.D5!ml – VirusTotal. |
File Extension | .{random 5 characters} |
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 ransomware will encrypt your files by appending the . extension to them. |
Ransom Demanding Note | HOW_TO_RESTORE_FILES.txt |
Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments |
Detection Tool |
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User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss STEEL Virus. |
STEEL Virus – What We Know About It
STEEL virus can often enter your computer by using two main methods. One of them is if the infection file of this nasty malware is sent to you as an e-mail attachment that only appears like its legitimate. These attachments often pose as:
- Invoice.
- Receipt.
- Flight ticket.
- Bank document.
- Work-related files.
STEEL can also infect if you have manually downloaded its file from some shady website. If this is the infection scenario, the the files can often seem like they are:
- Patches.
- Installers.
- Portable programs.
- Crackfixes.
- Keygens.
STEEL ransomware’s main purpose is to attack your files and use a sophisticated encryption on them. This leaves the files no longer openable with a changed file extension. The virus may attack the following files once on your computer:
- Documents.
- Images.
- Videos.
- Audio files.
- Archives.
- Others.
When the files are encrypted, this infection changes their core structure data to the one used by the encryption language. The files start to look like the following example image:
Then, this virus drops its ransom demand note. It is called HOW_TO_RESTORE_FILES.txt and has the following contents:
The main idea for these crooks is for you to pay them in the Monero cryptocurrency. This type of extortion method is standard for most ransomware viruses. Other viruses that use such intimidation methods include Monero ransomware, TRU8 ransomware and Prometey ransomware.
If you have fallen victim to this virus, we strongly reccomend not to trust the criminals who are behind it and keep reading this article to understand how to remove it and try to get the files back
Remove STEEL Virus and Try to Restore Files
STEEL virus can be removed from your computer if you follow the removal guide we have posted below. It has been created with the main reason to help you safely delete the virus without causing any further harm to your files. For most effective removal, we would strongly advise you to download and run a scan of your computer by using an advanced malware removal software. Such a program has been created with the main idea to help you delete this virus by scanning for its files and removing it automatically.
For the file recovery methods, make sure to check out the alternative steps below. They may not work with a 100% recovery rate, but they are a good solution that may even help get back most of your files.
- Step 1
- Step 2
- Step 3
- Step 4
- Step 5
Step 1: Scan for STEEL Virus with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall STEEL Virus 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 STEEL Virus 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 STEEL Virus 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 STEEL Virus
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by STEEL Virus.
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 STEEL Virus 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.
STEEL Virus-FAQ
What is STEEL Virus Ransomware?
STEEL Virus 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 STEEL Virus 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 STEEL Virus Infect?
Via several ways.STEEL Virus 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 STEEL Virus 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 .STEEL Virus files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .STEEL Virus 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 .STEEL Virus files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".STEEL Virus" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .STEEL Virus 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 STEEL Virus 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 STEEL Virus ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .STEEL Virus 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 STEEL Virus 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 STEEL Virus Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this STEEL Virus 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 STEEL Virus 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.
- Verify Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter personal profiles.