I wrote this article to help you remove SnakeLocker Ransomware. This SnakeLocker Ransomware removal guide works for all Windows versions.
SnakeLocker is the nth member of the dreadful ransomware family. You have probably heard (or experienced) how dangerous these infections are. They are after your money and nothing else. For the purpose of getting to your bank account, SnakeLocker uses the same clever scheme all ransomware pieces use. It enters your machine in silence and locks your files behind your back. You don’t realize your data is being encrypted until the process is over. All of a sudden your photos, videos, music, presentations, files, databases, contact lists, etc. get locked. Yes, the pest aims at files you have created because they are considered of bigger importance to you. You are much more likely to pay for your pictures, memories, and work than for some program/game, for example, that you can easily download again.
So, SnakeLocker uses the RSA and AES encryption to make your data inaccessible. It also appends the “.snake” extension at the end of each locked file. Seeing this add on is a clear sign that your files are no longer usable. Your computer cannot recognize them anymore as they have been turned to unreadable gibberish. Trying to rename them does nothing. You still see their icons but you cannot use them in any way. Once the malicious extension has been successfully added, SnakeLocker proceeds to step number two. It drops a message for you. The so-called ransom note. The crooks want you to pay 0.1 Bitcoin for the release of your data. The promise that if you pay, they will send you a special tool to free your files. But can you trust them? No! Don’t give them even a cent of your money as you will end up double-crossed. Let`s explain.
Paying gives you zero guarantees. More often than not, when users decide to pay, they don’t get the thing they paid for. Don’t contribute to that statistic. These cybercriminals don’t care for your files. They just want your money. Once crooks receive the payment, they tend to ignore their victims. Don’t let yourself be fooled. Another thing, even if you do get the decryptor and it works (because it is highly possible to receive a not-working one), you still lose. The tool doesn’t remove the infection from your machine. It only removes the encryption. This means that SnakeLocker remains on board ready to strike again anytime it wants. Do you see how paying is not an option? Don’t comply. By paying you are also risking exposing your private and financial details to these strangers. Don’t make it even easier for them to extort you. Use our removal guide below and try removing the pest yourself.
How did SnakeLocker enter? Usually, the pest relies on spam emails to travel the web. It gets attached to a malicious file (usually a MS Office one) that contains macro scripts. If you download this file, these scripts get executed and the ransomware gets downloaded. Be careful what emails you open and what attachments you download. If you don’t personally know the sender, proceed with caution. The email may be disguised as a legitimate one in order to dupe you. Be smart. Don’t fall into the trap. Delete all emails that look suspicious. Hackers pray for your carelessness. Don’t grant it. Choose vigilance instead. This is the only way you will be able to keep your computer infection-free. You can also download a reliable anti-malware program to help you in the battle against infections. Keep it updated and regularly scan your PC to be sure it is clean.
SnakeLocker Ransomware Removal
Method 1: Restore your encrypted files using ShadowExplorer
Usually, SnakeLocker Ransomware deletes all shadow copies, stored in your computer. Luckily, the ransomware is not always able to delete the shadow copies. So your first try should be restoring the original files from shadow copies.
- Download ShadowExplorer from this link: http://www.shadowexplorer.com/downloads.html.
- Install ShadowExplorer
- Open ShadowExplorer and select C: drive on the left panel
- Choose at least a month ago date from the date field
- Navigate to the folder with encrypted files
- Right-click on the encrypted file
- Select “Export” and choose a destination for the original file
Method 2: Restore your encrypted files by using System Restore
- Go to Start –> All programs –> Accessories –> System tools –> System restore
- Click “Next“
- Choose a restore point, at least a month ago
- Click “Next“
- Choose Disk C: (should be selected by default)
- Click “Next“. Wait for a few minutes and the restore should be done.
Method 3: Restore your files using File Recovery Software
If none of the above method works, you should try to recover encrypted files by using File Recovery Software. Since SnakeLocker Ransomware first makes a copy of the original file, then encrypts it and deletes the original one, you can successfully restore the original, using a File Recovery Software. Here are a few free File Recovery Software programs:
