What is Ssoi ransomware

Ssoi ransomware is a generic ransomware infection from the notorious Djvu/STOP ransomware family. It encrypts files, preventing you from opening them. Once the files are encrypted, the ransomware will demand that you pay for a decryptor to recover them. Ransomware is considered to be a very dangerous malware infection because of this. It is also very easy to get infected, and once it’s inside the computer, the ransomware can do a lot of damage. If you have a backup of your files, file recovery should not be an issue as long as you fully remove Ssoi ransomware from the computer. However, if you do not have a backup, your options are very limited. The cybercriminals will try to sell you the decryptor but paying for it is not recommended, and we will explain why later on.

 

 

Ssoi ransomware is essentially identical to all other versions that come from this family. The ransomware can be differentiated by the extension added to encrypted files. This one adds .ssoi, hence why it’s known as Ssoi ransomware. It will target all personal files including videos, images, photos, documents, etc. All of these files will have this extension. An encrypted image.jpg file would become image.jpg.ssoi. Unfortunately, all files with this extension will not be openable.

While the ransomware is encrypting your files, it will show a fake Windows update window to distract users from what’s happening. Information on how to acquire the decryptor from the cybercriminals can be found in the _readme.txt ransom note that gets dropped in all folders that contain encrypted files. The note is pretty generic but it does have all the necessary information. Unfortunately, the decryptor costs $980, though the note does say that those who make contact with the cybercriminals within the first 72 hours will receive a 50% discount. We cannot confirm whether that is actually true or not but you do need to be aware that paying the ransom comes with many risks. Most importantly, it is not guaranteed that you’ll actually receive a decryptor. Remember that you’re dealing with cybercriminals, and they’re unlikely to feel any obligation to help you, even if you pay. Countless users in the past have paid but not received their decryptors. So while paying is your decision, we highly recommend against giving in to the demands. Furthermore, your money would go towards future criminal activity. As long as victims pay ransom, ransomware will continue to be an issue.

If you don’t have a backup of any of your files, file recovery may be an issue. There currently is no free Ssoi ransomware decryptor available, and it’s not certain whether one will be released in the future. It is difficult for malware researchers to develop a decryptor in this case because this ransomware uses online keys to encrypt files. That means the keys are unique to each user, and unless those keys are released by the cybercriminals themselves, malware researchers will be unable to develop a working universal decryptor.

If you do have a backup, you can start your file recovery as soon as you remove Ssoi ransomware from your computer. And we don’t recommend you try to delete Ssoi ransomware manually because it is a complex malware infection. You could end up causing additional damage. Also, keep in mind that if the ransomware is still present on your computer when you connect to your backup, those backed up files would become encrypted as well. Therefore, make sure to use a reliable anti-malware program to remove Ssoi ransomware from your computer.

How is ransomware distributed

Users who have bad online habits are much more likely to infect their computers with malware. Bad habits include opening unsolicited email attachments, pirating copyrighted content using torrents, clicking on questionable ads when browsing high-risk websites. If you take the time to develop better browsing habits, you will be able to avoid malware infections in the future.

The most common way cybercriminals try to spread their ransomware is via malicious email attachments. It’s quite a low-effort method because all cybercriminals need to do is purchase email addresses from hacker forums and send malicious emails to those addresses. When users open the attached malicious files, their computers become infected and their data would become encrypted. Fortunately, as long as you know what to look for, you should be able to easily recognise malicious emails. For one, malicious emails are usually full of grammar and spelling mistakes, despite sanders claiming to be from legitimate companies. Think of the last time you received an email from a legitimate company with grammar and spelling mistakes in it. Another sign is emails supposedly from companies whose services you use addressing you in generic terms like Member, Customer, User, etc. The names are put into emails automatically when the sender company knows your name, so keep that in mind. It’s also worth mentioning that some emails may be much more sophisticated, which is why it’s a good idea to always scan unsolicited email attachments with anti-malware software or a service like VirusTotal.

Torrents are also very commonly used to distribute malware. It’s no secret that torrents websites are quite badly moderated which allows malicious actors to easily upload torrents with malware in them. Usually, torrents for popular movies, TV shows, video games, software, etc., have malware in them. So if you pirate using torrents, not only is that stealing, but it’s also dangerous for the computer.

Ssoi ransomware removal

Since this is a very complex malware infection, you do need to use anti-malware software to remove Ssoi ransomware from your computer. Do not attempt to do it manually because you could accidentally cause additional damage. Furthermore, if you were to access your backup while the ransomware was still present, your files in the backup would become encrypted as well. Therefore, use a reliable anti-malware program to remove Ssoi ransomware from your computer.