Somik1 ransomware

Somik1 ransomware – a file-locking infection that adds the .somik1 or the [email protected] appendix to each encrypted file

Somik1 ransomware is a virtual parasite that adds one out of two extensions to encrypted documents and drops five ransom messages. The malware was first spotted and announced by S!Ri on Twitter^[1] and has been recently attacking random users. This cyber threat uses unique encryption ciphers to block data and adds the .somik1 or the [email protected] appendix to each affected file. Afterward, Somik1 ransomware displays WARNING2.txt, WARNING3.txt, WARNING4.txt, WARNING5.txt, and WARNING6.txt ransom messages on the Windows computer desktop. 

Somik1 ransomware has been spotted as a malicious parasite by 42 AV tools, according to VirusTotal information.^[2] Some of the detection names include Win32:Trojan-gen, Gen:Heur.Ransom.REntS.Gen.1,  HEUR:Trojan.Win32.Generic,  Ransom:Win32/Somik.PA!MTB, W32.Ransom.Gen, A Variant Of MSIL/Filecoder.AK, TROJ_GEN.R002C0OA520.

Somik1 virus sneaks into the computer system without notifying the users and this should be accurate as no one would want to install malware on their systems intentionally. However, the users let the malicious infection escape by opening a phishing attachment or hyperlink that is included in an email spam message. Furthermore, the malicious payload can be downloaded through a software crack that the users are likely to get on p2p networks such as The Pirate Bay and BitTorrent.

Somik1 ransomware drops the somik1.exe executable in the Task Manager^[3] that lets the malware to activate its module. It scans the entire computer system looking for encryptable files and documents. Once the virus finds all components, it launches a unique encryption code and locks up all the files found. Afterward, the victims can no longer access their information properly anymore.

As a solution, Somik1 ransomware developers offer to send them a Bitcoin payment in exchange for the decryption software. These people also threaten the victims that they cannot use any antimalware software to remove the virus, cannot employ other decryption software or try renaming the files as they can get permanently damaged or lost forever. Keep in mind that such information is likely to be false and the crooks only seek to earn monetary benefits from you:

All your files have been encrypted due to a security problem with your PC.
If you want to restore them, write us to the e-mail [email protected]
Your PC id: –

Free decryption as guarantee:

– Before payment you can send us 1-2 files for free decryption.
– Please note that files must NOT contain valuable information.

How to obtain Bitcoins:

The easiest way to buy bitcoins is LocalBitcoins site.
You have to register, click Buy bitcoins, and select the seller by payment method and price.

hxxps://localbitcoins.net/buy_bitcoins

Also you can find other places to buy Bitcoins and beginners guide here:
hxxp://www.coindesk.com/information/how-can-i-buy-bitcoins/

Attention!

– Do not rename encrypted files
– Do not try to decrypt your data using third party software, it may cause permanent data loss
– You are guaranteed to get the decryptor after payment
– Do not attempt to use the antivirus or uninstall the program
– This will lead to your data loss and unrecoverable
– Decoders of other users is not suitable to decrypt your files – encryption key is unique!

Even though these people do not mention the ransom amount, they can demand a price anywhere from $50 to $2000 or more. In order to know about the ransom demands, the crooks urge users to write them via [email protected]  email address. Somik1 ransomware developers urge for Bitcoin cryptocurrency and drop a link on how to obtain BTC. These types of currency demands are popular between crooks as they can stay safe and untrackable.

Somik1 ransomware can also initiate the removal of Shadow Volume Copies via PowerShell commands. This type of activity is done in order to prevent the users from decrypting files on their own as some recovery software requires the Shadow Copies to stay untouched. Also, the malware might target the Windows hosts file and damage it in order to prevent access to cybersecurity websites where the victims might get valuable information on Somik1 ransomware removal.

Somik1 ransomware is a dangerous virus that injects the somik1.exe process in the Windows Task Manager to run its infectious module

Another feature that might be included in the module of Somik1 ransomware is the infiltration of other malware. The ransomware virus makes the infected Windows computer system vulnerable to other infections by opening backdoors for other cyber threats such as trojans. These virtual parasites can bring big damage to the system and its software. Also, you might get your personal information stolen and money swindled straight from your bank account.

You should remove Somik1 ransomware from your Windows machine and delete all the additional files and entries that the virus might have brought to the system. For the removal process, employ only reliable automatical software as these products are the most capable of getting rid of nasty parasites such as ransomware. Also, if you discover any damaged entries, you can try fixing them with the help of Reimage Reimage Cleaner or similar software. 

Somik1 ransomware is a virtual parasite that travels via phishing email messages and their malicious attachments, cracked software, vulnerable RDP configuration, malvertising, etc.

Multiple sources are capable of delivering ransomware

Ransomware viruses are most likely to get delivered via phishing email messages and their malicious attachments or hyperlinks. The criminals are likely to pretend to be from a reliable organization such as FedEx or DHL and drop “shipping information” in some type of file such as a word document or executable. Note that this is the exact place where the malware lies. Also, the criminals might inject an “order confirmation” hyperlink that also launches the malicious payload.

According to virus specialists from Virusai.lt,^[4] ransomware also gets easily delivered through software cracks. A big number of people are likely to download and install products from sources such as The Pirate Bay, eMule, and BitTorrent. These places might seem handy but definitely are not safe enough for use. Various hackers learn how to manipulate the downloading hyperlinks and inject their malicious payload instead of the regular software, movie clip, or service.

Also, ransomware can appear on the system through malvertising and malicious hyperlinks that are discovered on unsecured third-party sources. Some of the notifications can also be provided as fake software updates that aim to trick users into downloading malware too. Last but not least, infections tend to spread through RDP configuration that does not include any passwords or has easily-guessable security codes included.

Removal peculiarities of Somik1 ransomware

For a complete Somik1 ransomware removal, you have to employ strong antimalware software that is capable of dealing with such a complex cyber threat. Also, make sure that you can access your machine and antivirus program properly. If you are struggling to launch the software or detect the ransomware, try booting your Windows computer in Safe Mode with Networking or activating the System Restore feature as shown in the instructing steps below.

When you remove Somik1 ransomware from your affected machine, it is time to search for possible damage and that can be done by running a full system scan with software such as SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner and Malwarebytes. If these tools find anything suspicious, the fix process can be initiated with another program such as Reimage Reimage Cleaner that might be able to repair some damage. Afterward, check the data recovery methods that we have added to the end of this article.

Remove Somik1 using Safe Mode with Networking

To deactivate the ransomware virus on your computer and restore the settings back to normal, activate the Safe Mode with Networking feature by following this guide.

• Windows 7 / Vista / XP
  1. Click Start → Shutdown → Restart → OK.
  2. When your computer becomes active, start pressing F8 multiple times until you see the Advanced Boot Options window.
  3. Select Safe Mode with Networking from the list

  Windows 10 / Windows 8

  1. Press the Power button at the Windows login screen. Now press and hold Shift, which is on your keyboard, and click Restart..
  2. Now select Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Startup Settings and finally press Restart.
  3. Once your computer becomes active, select Enable Safe Mode with Networking in Startup Settings window.

• Log in to your infected account and start the browser. Download Reimage Reimage Cleaner or other legitimate anti-spyware program. Update it before a full system scan and remove malicious files that belong to your ransomware and complete Somik1 removal.

If your ransomware is blocking Safe Mode with Networking, try further method.

Remove Somik1 using System Restore

To diminish malicious processes and tasks on your Windows computer system, boot it in System Restore. If you do not know how to complete such a task, use the following instructing steps.

Bonus: Recover your data

Guide which is presented above is supposed to help you remove Somik1 from your computer. To recover your encrypted files, we recommend using a detailed guide prepared by 2-spyware.com security experts.

If your files are encrypted by Somik1, you can use several methods to restore them:

Data Recovery Pro can allow you to restore some of your files

Try using this software for recovering the files and documents that were encrypted by Somik1 malware.

• Download Data Recovery Pro;
• Follow the steps of Data Recovery Setup and install the program on your computer;
• Launch it and scan your computer for files encrypted by Somik1 ransomware;
• Restore them.

Windows Previous Versions feature might help you with data recovery.

If you have booted your computer via System Restore in the past, you can try using this type of software for restoring some of your files and documents.

• Find an encrypted file you need to restore and right-click on it;
• Select “Properties” and go to “Previous versions” tab;
• Here, check each of available copies of the file in “Folder versions”. You should select the version you want to recover and click “Restore”.

Try using Shadow Explorer for file recovery tasks.

If the ransomware virus did not permanently delete or destroy your Shadow Volume Copies of encrypted data, you can give this piece of software a try.

• Download Shadow Explorer (http://shadowexplorer.com/);
• Follow a Shadow Explorer Setup Wizard and install this application on your computer;
• Launch the program and go through the drop down menu on the top left corner to select the disk of your encrypted data. Check what folders are there;
• Right-click on the folder you want to restore and select “Export”. You can also select where you want it to be stored.

Currently, the cybersecurity specialists are working on the official decryption tool.

Finally, you should always think about the protection of crypto-ransomwares. In order to protect your computer from Somik1 and other ransomwares, use a reputable anti-spyware, such as Reimage Reimage Cleaner , SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner or Malwarebytes