SMILE DOG Virus – Details
The SMILE DOG mean a ransomware-type infection. SMILE DOG was elaborated particularly to encrypt all major file types. Once the file is encrypted people are unable to use them. SMILE DOG adds the “.sMilE” extension for each file encrypted by it. For example, the file “myphoto.jpg“, once encrypted by SMILE DOG, will be renamed into “myphoto.jpg.sMilE“. As quickly as the encryption is finished, SMILE DOG places a special text file into every folder containing the encrypted data.The message given by SMILE DOG text file requesting the ransom is definitely the same as the statements given by other ransomware representatives. It literally points out that the information is encrypted and that the only way to restore it is to use a a special decryption key. Sadly, this is definitely true. The type of cryptography mechanism applied by SMILE DOG is still not properly examined. Still, it is absolutely specific that each victim may be given the specific decryption key, which is totally unique. It is difficult to restore the files without the key available.
Another technique of SMILE DOG is that the victims cannot get to the key. The key is saved on a particular server run by the frauds associated with SMILE DOG ransomware. To get the key and recover the important information people have to pay the ransom.
SMILE DOG encrypted your documents, but that might not be the only damage done to you. The ransomware might still be hidingon your computer. To identify whether this holds true, we suggest downloading GridinSoft Anti-Malware.
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Nonetheless, irrespective of the requested amount, people should stay away from paying the virus. Cyber frauds are not fair, so they tend to totally ignore what their victims feel about the issue, even when the payment reaches their pockets. This is why paying the ransom normally does not give any positive result and people simply waste their money for nothing.
We strongly recommend 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 SMILE DOG ransomware and to recover the information data free of charge. Therefore, the only best decision is to recover the lost data from the available backup.
Virus Summary
| Name | SMILE DOG Ransomware |
| File Extension | .sMilE |
| 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 sMilE extension to all the files modified by it. |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments |
| Removal Tool | GridinSoft Anti-Malware |
Keep in mind that the internet is now overwhelmed with threats that look comparable to SMILE DOG ransomware. Malicious programs of such kind are normally elaborated to encrypt crucial data and to set forth the demand prior to the user to pay the ransom. The peculiarity of all such ransomware threats is that all apply a comparable algorithm to generate the unique decryption key for files decryption.
Hence, as long as the ransomware is still being developed or has some hidden bugs, by hand recovering the information is just not feasible. The only method to prevent the loss of your essential 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 computer. You may use the USB Flash Drive or external hard drive for this purpose, or refer to the help of the cloud storage. If you keep 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 system?
There are a number of methods used by online frauds to distribute SMILE DOG ransomware. Although it doubts how precisely SMILE DOG injects your computer, there are some leaks through which it may penetrate the system:
- integration with third-party apps, especially freeware;
- spam e-mails from unidentified senders;
- websites rendering free hosting services;
- pirated peer-to-peer (P2P) downloads.
Typically SMILE DOG ransomware might be presented as some genuine software, for example, in the pop-ups advising users to execute some important software application updates. This is the common technique used by online frauds to persuade people into downloading and installing SMILE DOG infection manually, by means of their direct participation in the installation process.
Furthermore, the criminals might refer to various e-mail spam tactics to inject malicious 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 video, files, tax reports or invoices.
Needless to mention, opening such documents or clicking on such dangerous links may severely damage the PC. Fictitious Adobe Flash Player upgrade notifies may result in SMILE DOG virus injection. When it comes to the cracked applications, these illegally downloaded programs may likewise consist of harmful codes resulting in SMILE DOG secret installation. Finally, injection of SMILE DOG may happen by ways of Trojans that secretly get injected into the system and install destructive utilities without the user’s approval.
Is there any way to avoid the injection of SMILE DOG ransom virus?
Despite the fact that there is no 100% guarantee to prevent your computer from getting infected, there are some pieces of advice we wish to show with you. Firstly, be very careful when you browse the web and especially while downloading totally free apps. Stay away from opening suspicious email attachments, especially when the sender of the email is not familiar to you.
Bear in mind that some freeware installers may contain other unwanted utilities in the package, so they may be harmful. Make sure that your current anti-virus and your entire OS is always duly updated.
Of course, downloading pirated software is prohibited and may result in necessary damage to be made for your PC. Hence, stay away from downloading cracked software. You are likewise highly advised to reconsider your existing security software and perhaps switch to another security solution that can render much better services of protecting your PC.
Screenshot of files with “.sMilE” extension added by the ransomware:
Use GridinSoft Anti-Malware to remove SMILE DOG ransomware from your computer
1.Download GridinSoft Anti-Malware.
You can download GridinSoft Anti-Malware by clicking the button below:
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.
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