SMAUG Ransomware [Buran Virus Family]

SMAUG Ransomware

The SMAUG stands for a ransomware-type infection. The infection comes from the Buran ransomware family. SMAUG was elaborated specifically to encrypt all major file types. As quickly as the encryption is finished, SMAUG places a special text file into every folder containing the encrypted data.

The message given by SMAUG text file requesting for the ransom is definitely the like the statements given by other ransomware virus representatives coming from the Buran clan. It actually discusses that the information is encrypted which the only way to restore it is to use a a special decryption key. Regretfully, this is definitely true. The type of cryptography mechanism used by SMAUG is still not properly examined. Still, it is absolutely specific that each victim might be given the specific decryption key, which is totally distinct. It is difficult to restore the files without the key available.

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

Nonetheless, irrespective of the requested quantity, people need to keep away from paying the virus. Cyber frauds are unfair, so they tend to entirely disregard 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 just lose 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 SMAUG ransomware and to recover the data data for free. Therefore, the only best decision is to recover the lost information from the available backup.

Virus Summary

Name	SMAUG Ransomware
Type	Ransomware
Family	Buran
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.
Distribution Method	Spam Emails, Email Attachments
Removal Tool	GridinSoft Anti-Malware

Bear in mind that the world wide web is now overwhelmed with threats that look similar to SMAUG ransomware. Harmful programs of such kind are usually 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 similar algorithm to create the special decryption key for information decryption.

Therefore, as long as the ransomware is still being developed or has some hidden bugs, manually recovering the information is merely not feasible. The only method to prevent the loss of your important files is to frequently create backups of your important information.

Remember that even if you create such backups, they need to be put into a special storage utility not connect to your main computer. You may use the Memory Stick or external disk drive for this purpose, or refer to the help of the cloud storage. If you store 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 PC?

There are a number of ways used by online scams to distribute SMAUG virus. Despite the fact that it doubts how exactly SMAUG injects your PC, there are some leaks through which it may penetrate the system:

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

Frequently SMAUG ransomware might exist as some genuine software, for example, in the pop-ups instructing users to implement some crucial software updates. This is the typical trick used by online scams to persuade people into downloading and installing SMAUG infection manually, by methods of their direct participation in the installation process.

Additionally, the criminals may refer to different e-mail spam tactics to inject harmful codes into systems. So, they may refer to to sending unsolicited spam e-mails with tricky notices promoting users to download the attachments or click on certain download links, for example, the ones motivating users to open some photos, documents, tax reports or invoices.

Needless to mention, opening such files or clicking on such dangerous links may seriously harm the system. Fictitious Adobe Flash Player update notifies may result in SMAUG virus injection. When it comes to the cracked software, these illegally downloaded programs may likewise consist of harmful codes leading to SMAUG secret installation. Finally, injection of SMAUG may occur by ways of Trojans that covertly get injected into the system and set up destructive tools without the user’s authorization.

Is there any way to prevent the injection of SMAUG ransom virus?

Despite the fact that there is no 100% guarantee to avoid your PC from getting infected, there are some pieces of recommendations we wish to show with you. First of all, be extremely mindful when you browse the web and particularly while downloading totally free apps. Stay 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 malicious. Make sure that your current antivirus software and your entire OS is always duly updated.

Naturally, downloading pirated software is illegal and may lead to necessary damage to be produced your PC. Hence, stay away from downloading cracked software. You are likewise highly advised to reconsider your existing security software and potentially switch to another security solution that can render much better services of defending your PC.

Below please find the quotation from the SMAUG text file:

Your files have been encrypted using military grade encryption. They can never be accessed again without buying a decryption key. You can buy the decryption key at http://smaugrwmaystthfxp72tlmdbrzlwdp2pxtpvtzvhkv5ppg3difiwonad.onion. To access the site you need Tor Browser.

Use GridinSoft Anti-Malware to remove SMAUG 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.