Click on screenshot to zoom
Danger level 8
Type: Trojans
Common infection symptoms:
  • Slow Computer
  • System crashes
  • Slow internet connection
  • Connects to the internet without permission
  • Installs itself without permissions
  • Can't be uninstalled via Control Panel

Smrss32 Ransomware

Smrss32 Ransomware is the latest infection to attack vulnerable Windows systems. This devious threat preys upon unguarded RDP connections to gain remote access to operating systems and to install the malicious infection. Instead of spreading this threat using spam email attachments – which is the method used by most threats of the kind – cyber crooks have to execute it on your PC manually. Once executed, the threat searches your operating system for certain files. According to our research, the malicious ransomware targets well over 6 thousand types of files, and that is very aggressive. The threat is also capable of skipping files in certain directories, such as Program Files, Program Files (x86), AppData, Windows, and cache, so as not to affect system files. Our research has also revealed that the threat does not encrypt BMP files, and you can learn more about this in the report. You should also continue reading if you want to learn how to remove Smrss32 Ransomware.

The devious Smrss32 Ransomware can affect many different kinds of files, and so you can expect it to corrupt your most valuable personal files as well. This ransomware uses the AES symmetric encryption method to corrupt your files, and, once it is done, all of the affected files gain the ".encrypted" extension. The encryption method is explained via a BMP file (_HOW_TO_Decrypt.bmp) that is created to represent the demands.

Data encryption involves converting and transforming data into scrambled, unreadable, cipher-text using non-readable mathematical calculations and algorithms. Restoring requires a corresponding decryption algorithm in form of software and the decryption key.

It is most likely that Smrss32 Ransomware does not encrypt BMP files so as to avoid encrypting its own files called “wallpaper.bmp” (in C:\ProgramData\Wallpaper\) and “_HOW_TO_Decrypt.bmp”. According to our research, the latter file should be copied to every folder that holds encrypted files, and it serves as the first tool of communication. The text message within the file explains in great detail what has happened to your files, and it displays warnings that should deter you from using third-party tools. The message informs that your attempts to restore files using these tools could lead to “fatal” consequences. The file also includes detailed instructions on what you supposedly need to do to get your files back. According to this file, you need to set up a Bitcoin wallet, send 1 BTC (at the moment, this converts to 568 USD/502 EUR) to the provided Bitcoin address, register a new email account at ghostmail.com, and use the new address to confirm your payment by contacting helprecover@ghostmail.com.

The fifth step in the Smrss32 Ransomware-related instructions suggests that decryption software, along with the appropriate decryption key, will be sent to your new email address. The question is: Can cyber criminals be trusted? This is something we discuss in every report that analyzes ransomware. Although it seems that the creators of the ransomware have all the instruments to help you decrypt your files, it is hard to say whether or not they would do it. The thing is that as soon as cyber criminals receive a payment, they get what they were after, and there is no pressure on them to help you. If your money is in the pocket of cyber criminals, you cannot get it back, and this is why so many users suffer from the loss of money and files. Unfortunately, at the moment, decryption tools capable of decrypting Smrss32 Ransomware do not exist, and so paying the ransom might be the only option you have. The problem is that even if you have the money to spare, no one can guarantee that you would receive the decryptor.

Did you know that Smrss32 Ransomware deletes itself after the encryption of your files? This means that you do not need to worry about the removal of this ransomware. Sure, you will need to delete the BMP files, but that is pretty much all you can do in regards to the removal process. Of course, that does not mean that you can move on from this attack. Your operating system could already be corrupted by other threats, and if that has not happened yet, it is only a matter of time before malware slithers in. Therefore, we suggest you immediately scan your PC to see if other threats exist and implement security software to ensure that malware cannot attack in the future. When it comes to your personal files, we hope that you have them backed up; otherwise, the only option you have is taking the risk and paying the ransom, which, of course, is not what we recommend.

Smrss32 Ransomware Removal

  1. Launch Explorer (tap Win+E keys) and enter C:\ProgramData\Wallpaper\ into the bar at the top.
  2. Right-click and Delete the file called wallpaper.bmp.
  3. Right-click and Delete the _HOW_TO_Decrypt.bmp file in every location it exists in.
  4. Click the Download link to acquire a legitimate malware scanner.
  5. Inspect/scan your PC to check if malware exists.
  6. Upgrade the tool to remove existing malware and enable full-time protection.

Smrss32 Ransomware is the latest infection to attack vulnerable Windows systems. This devious threat preys upon unguarded RDP connections to gain remote access to operating systems and to install the malicious infection. Instead of spreading this threat using spam email attachments – which is the method used by most threats of the kind – cyber crooks have to execute it on your PC manually. Once executed, the threat searches your operating system for certain files. According to our research, the malicious ransomware targets well over 6 thousand types of files, and that is very aggressive. The threat is also capable of skipping files in certain directories, such as Program Files, Program Files (x86), AppData, Windows, and cache, so as not to affect system files. Our research has also revealed that the threat does not encrypt BMP files, and you can learn more about this in the report. You should also continue reading if you want to learn how to remove Smrss32 Ransomware.

The devious Smrss32 Ransomware can affect many different kinds of files, and so you can expect it to corrupt your most valuable personal files as well. This ransomware uses the AES symmetric encryption method to corrupt your files, and, once it is done, all of the affected files gain the ".encrypted" extension. The encryption method is explained via a BMP file (_HOW_TO_Decrypt.bmp) that is created to represent the demands.

Data encryption involves converting and transforming data into scrambled, unreadable, cipher-text using non-readable mathematical calculations and algorithms. Restoring requires a corresponding decryption algorithm in form of software and the decryption key.

It is most likely that Smrss32 Ransomware does not encrypt BMP files so as to avoid encrypting its own files called “wallpaper.bmp” (in C:\ProgramData\Wallpaper\) and “_HOW_TO_Decrypt.bmp”. According to our research, the latter file should be copied to every folder that holds encrypted files, and it serves as the first tool of communication. The text message within the file explains in great detail what has happened to your files, and it displays warnings that should deter you from using third-party tools. The message informs that your attempts to restore files using these tools could lead to “fatal” consequences. The file also includes detailed instructions on what you supposedly need to do to get your files back. According to this file, you need to set up a Bitcoin wallet, send 1 BTC (at the moment, this converts to 568 USD/502 EUR) to the provided Bitcoin address, register a new email account at ghostmail.com, and use the new address to confirm your payment by contacting helprecover@ghostmail.com.

The fifth step in the Smrss32 Ransomware-related instructions suggests that decryption software, along with the appropriate decryption key, will be sent to your new email address. The question is: Can cyber criminals be trusted? This is something we discuss in every report that analyzes ransomware. Although it seems that the creators of the ransomware have all the instruments to help you decrypt your files, it is hard to say whether or not they would do it. The thing is that as soon as cyber criminals receive a payment, they get what they were after, and there is no pressure on them to help you. If your money is in the pocket of cyber criminals, you cannot get it back, and this is why so many users suffer from the loss of money and files. Unfortunately, at the moment, decryption tools capable of decrypting Smrss32 Ransomware do not exist, and so paying the ransom might be the only option you have. The problem is that even if you have the money to spare, no one can guarantee that you would receive the decryptor.

Did you know that Smrss32 Ransomware deletes itself after the encryption of your files? This means that you do not need to worry about the removal of this ransomware. Sure, you will need to delete the BMP files, but that is pretty much all you can do in regards to the removal process. Of course, that does not mean that you can move on from this attack. Your operating system could already be corrupted by other threats, and if that has not happened yet, it is only a matter of time before malware slithers in. Therefore, we suggest you immediately scan your PC to see if other threats exist and implement security software to ensure that malware cannot attack in the future. When it comes to your personal files, we hope that you have them backed up; otherwise, the only option you have is taking the risk and paying the ransom, which, of course, is not what we recommend.

Smrss32 Ransomware Removal

Launch Explorer (tap Win+E keys) and enter C:\ProgramData\Wallpaper\ into the bar at the top.

Right-click and Delete the file called wallpaper.bmp.

Right-click and Delete the _HOW_TO_Decrypt.bmp file in every location it exists in.

Click the Download link to acquire a legitimate malware scanner.

Inspect your PC to check if malware exists.

Upgrade the tool to remove existing malware and enable full-time protection.

Download Spyware Removal Tool to Remove* Smrss32 Ransomware
  • Quick & tested solution for Smrss32 Ransomware removal.
  • 100% Free Scan for Windows
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