RansomwareRemoval Guide

Remove Sz40 Virus (.Sz40 Files Ransomware)

Sz40 Virus – Details

The Sz40 mean a ransomware-type infection. Sz40 was elaborated particularly to encrypt all major file types. When the file is encrypted people are unable to use them. Sz40 adds the “.Sz40” extension for each file encrypted by it. For example, the file “myphoto.jpg“, as soon as encrypted by Sz40, will be renamed into “myphoto.jpg.Sz40“. As quickly as the encryption is completed, Sz40 places a special text file into every folder containing the encrypted data.

The message given by Sz40 text file asking for the ransom is definitely the like the statements given by other ransomware representatives. It actually points out that the info is encrypted which the only way to bring back it is to use a a distinct decryption key. Regretfully, this is absolutely true. The type of cryptography mechanism used by Sz40 is still not properly examined. Still, it is definitely particular that each victim might be given the specific decryption key, which is totally unique. It is impossible to bring back the files without the key available.

Another trick of Sz40 is that the victims cannot get to the key. The key is kept on a specific server run by the frauds connected with Sz40 ransomware. To get the key and recover the important info people need to pay the ransom.

However, irrespective of the asked for amount, people must stay away from paying the ransom virus. 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 generally does not give any positive result and people simply waste their money for nothing.

We highly recommend that you do not contact these crooks and definitely do not transfer money into their accounts. It is said to admit that there are no utilities able to crack Sz40 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

NameSz40 Ransomware
File Extension.Sz40
TypeRansomware
Short DescriptionThe 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.
SymptomsFile 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 Sz40 extension to all the files modified by it.
Distribution MethodSpam Emails, Email Attachments
Removal Tool   GridinSoft Anti-Malware

Remember that the web is now overwhelmed with threats that look similar to Sz40 ransomware. Harmful programs of such kind are normally elaborated to encrypt essential data and to state the need prior to the user to pay the ransom. The peculiarity of all such ransomware threats is that all apply a comparable algorithm to produce the distinct decryption key for information 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 avoid the loss of your important information is to routinely 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 Memory Stick or external hard 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 definitely not a good storage location.

How did ransomware infect my system?

There are several methods used by online scams to distribute Sz40 ransomware. Even though it is uncertain how precisely Sz40 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.

Often Sz40 virus might be presented as some legitimate software, for instance, in the pop-ups instructing users to execute some crucial software updates. This is the typical technique used by online scams to persuade people into downloading and installing Sz40 infection manually, by methods of their direct participation in the installation process.

In addition, the criminals may describe various e-mail spam strategies to inject harmful codes into systems. So, they may refer to 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 documents or clicking on such dangerous links may significantly harm the PC. Fictitious Adobe Flash Player upgrade notifies may result in Sz40 ransom injection. As for the cracked applications, these illegally downloaded programs may likewise contain destructive codes resulting in Sz40 secret installation. Lastly, injection of Sz40 may take place by methods of Trojans that privately get injected into the system and set up harmful tools without the user’s approval.

Is there any method to prevent the injection of Sz40 ransom virus?

Despite the fact that there is no 100% guarantee to avoid your computer from getting infected, there are some pieces of guidance we want to share with with you. First off, be extremely cautious when you browse the web and specifically while downloading complimentary programs. Stay away from opening suspicious email attachments, especially when the sender of the email is not familiar to you.

Keep in mind that some freeware installers may include other unwanted utilities in the bundle, so they may be destructive. Make certain that your current antivirus software and your entire operating system is always duly updated.

Of course, downloading pirated software is unlawful and may lead to vital damage to be made for your system. Thus, stay away from downloading cracked software. You are also highly recommended to reconsider your existing security software and possibly change to another security solution that can render better services of protecting your system.

Below please find the quotation from the Sz40 text file:

.sz40
Good day!
We have download and encrypted all your company files!

We did this using hybrid RSA - 2048 public key encryption.It basically means there is no way to decrypt your files without the private key.The private key is stored on our server.

Indeed, we can recover your files.You just have to pay us before the deadline.If you don\'t, the private key will be securely erased from our server, you lose encrypted files forever and we will publish all the contents of your company includes client files, databases and all correspondence on the internet, send it to mass media and your customers.

Leave your contact mail to hxxp://k5q5tnewg4rvbrkce7h6wrx3tdy2tdyj6jylmirtvweb3dr4bj2zhvad.onion/index.php (it\'s Tor site, use Tor Browser hxxps://www.torproject.org/download/) to get instructions and key to restore all your files. Or leave your contact mail to decrypt 2 files for free. After payment will recieve, we securely delete all your files from our servers.

WARNING! Antivirus software, police or anyone can\'t decrypt your files. Also any attemps to modify files may damaged them and even we won\'t be able to recover them.

Screenshot of files with “.Sz40” extension added by the ransomware:
Sz40 Ransomware - encrypt files with .Sz40 extension

Use GridinSoft Anti-Malware to remove Sz40 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.
GridinSoft Anti-Malware
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.
GridinSoft Anti-Malware Setup

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

GridinSoft Anti-Malware Install

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

GridinSoft Anti-Malware  Start

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.
GridinSoft Anti-Malware Scan

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.
GridinSoft Anti-Malware Scan Result

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Daniel Zimmermann

Daniel Zimmermann has been writing on security and malware subjects for many years and has been working in the security industry for over 10 years. Daniel was educated at the Saarland University in Saarbrücken, Germany and currently lives in New York.

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