Remove SANTA_CRYPT Virus (.$anta Files Ransomware)

SANTA_CRYPT – General Info

The SANTA_CRYPT mean a ransomware-type infection. SANTA_CRYPT was elaborated particularly to encrypt all major file types. When the file is encrypted people are not able to use them. SANTA_CRYPT adds the “.$anta” extension for each file encrypted by it. For example, the file “myphoto.jpg“, as soon as encrypted by SANTA_CRYPT, will be renamed into “myphoto.jpg.$anta“. As quickly as the encryption is completed, SANTA_CRYPT places a special text file into every folder containing the encrypted data.

The message given by SANTA_CRYPT text file asking for the ransom is definitely the like the statements given by other ransomware virus representatives. It literally mentions that the info is encrypted and that the only way to restore it is to use a a special decryption key. Regretfully, this is absolutely true. The type of cryptography mechanism applied by SANTA_CRYPT is still not appropriately examined. Still, it is definitely specific that each victim might be given the specific decryption key, which is totally distinct. It is impossible to bring back the files without the key available.

Another technique of SANTA_CRYPT is that the victims cannot get to the key. The key is stored on a specific server run by the frauds related to SANTA_CRYPT ransomware. To get the key and recover the important information people have to pay the ransom.

Nevertheless, regardless of the asked for quantity, people should keep away from paying the ransom. Cyber frauds are not fair, so they tend to totally disregard what their victims feel about the issue, even when the payment reaches their pockets. This is why paying the ransom normally does not provide any positive outcome and people simply waste their money for absolutely nothing.

We strongly advise that you do not contact these crooks and absolutely do not transfer money into their accounts. It is said to admit that there are no utilities able to crack SANTA_CRYPT ransomware and to recover the data data for free. Hence, the only right decision is to recover the lost information from the available backup.

Virus Summary

Name	SANTA_CRYPT Ransomware
File Extension	.$anta
Type	Ransomware
Short Description	The ransomware encrypts all the data stored on your system and requires a ransom to be paid on your part supposedly to recover your important files.
Symptoms	File encryption by the ransomware is performed by means of the AES and RSA encryption algorithms. Once the encryption is completed, the ransomware adds its special $anta extension to all the files modified by it.
Distribution Method	Spam Emails, Email Attachments
Removal Tool	GridinSoft Anti-Malware

Bear in mind that the web is now overwhelmed with threats that look comparable to SANTA_CRYPT ransomware. Malicious programs of such kind are usually elaborated to encrypt essential data and to set forth the need prior to the user to pay the ransom. The peculiarity of all such ransomware threats is that all apply a similar algorithm to produce the special decryption key for data decryption.

Hence, as long as the ransomware is still being developed or has some hidden bugs, by hand recovering the information is merely not feasible. The only way to prevent the loss of your crucial data is to frequently create backups of your important information.

Remember that even if you create such backups, they must be put into a special storage utility not connect to your main PC. You may use the USB Flash Drive or external disk drive for this purpose, or refer to the help of the cloud storage. If you save your backup files on your common system they may be encrypted along with other files, so it’s certainly not a good storage place.

How did ransomware infect my computer?

There are numerous ways used by online scams to distribute SANTA_CRYPT virus. Even though it doubts how precisely SANTA_CRYPT injects your PC, there are some leaks through which it may penetrate the system:

• integration with third-party software application, especially freeware;
• spam e-mails from unidentified senders;
• websites rendering free hosting services;
• pirated peer-to-peer (P2P) downloads.

Typically SANTA_CRYPT ransomware might be presented as some genuine software, for instance, in the pop-ups advising users to execute some important software updates. This is the common technique used by online frauds to persuade people into downloading and installing SANTA_CRYPT infection manually, by means of their direct participation in the installation process.

In addition, the criminals may describe various email spam techniques to inject destructive codes into Windows PC. So, they may describe to sending unsolicited spam emails with tricky notifications promoting users to download the attachments or click on certain download links, for example, the ones encouraging users to open some receipts, files, tax reports or invoices.

Needless to mention, opening such files or clicking on such dangerous links may significantly damage the system. Fictitious Adobe Flash Player upgrade alerts may result in SANTA_CRYPT ransom injection. As for the cracked software, these illegally downloaded programs may likewise consist of malicious codes causing SANTA_CRYPT secret installation. Finally, injection of SANTA_CRYPT may occur by methods of Trojans that privately get injected into the system and install malicious utilities without the user’s authorization.

Is there any way to avoid the injection of SANTA_CRYPT ransom virus?

Even though there is no 100% guarantee to prevent your computer from getting infected, there are some pieces of recommendations we want to show with you. Firstly, be really cautious when you browse the web and specifically while downloading complimentary programs. Keep away from opening suspicious email attachments, especially when the sender of the email is not familiar to you.

Remember that some freeware installers may contain other unwanted utilities in the bundle, so they may be harmful. Make certain that your current antivirus and your entire OS is always appropriately updated.

Of course, downloading pirated software is illegal and may lead to important damage to be produced your PC. For this reason, stay away from downloading cracked software. You are also highly encouraged to reconsider your existing security software and perhaps switch to another security solution that can render far better services of defending your PC.

Below please find the quotation from the SANTA_CRYPT text file:

!!!SANTA_CRYPT RANSOMWARE!!!
Hello. All your files are encrypted. To decrypt your files - you must pay us.
Amount to pay depends on how fast you will email us.\"
Our email : mail@mail.ru
Good luck!

Screenshot of files with “.$anta” extension added by the ransomware:

Use GridinSoft Anti-Malware to remove SANTA_CRYPT ransomware from your computer

1.Download GridinSoft Anti-Malware.

You can download GridinSoft Anti-Malware by clicking the button below:

  GridinSoft Anti-Malware

2. Double-click on the setup file.

When setup file has finished downloading, double-click on the setup-antimalware-ag.exe file to install GridinSoft Anti-Malware on your computer.

An User Account Control asking you about to allow GridinSoft Anti-Malware to make changes to your device. So, you should click “Yes” to continue with the installation.

3. Press Install button for run GridinSoft Anti-Malware.

3.Once installed, GridinSoft Anti-Malware will automatically run.

4. Wait for the GridinSoft Anti-Malware scan to complete.

GridinSoft Anti-Malware will automatically start scanning your computer for Win Speedup 2018 and other malicious programs. This process can take a 20-30 minutes, so we suggest you periodically check on the status of the scan process.

5. Click on “Clean Now”.

When the scan has completed, you will see the list of infections that GridinSoft Anti-Malware has detected. To remove them click on the “Clean Now” button in right corner.