Ransomware

Ssaw File Virus (.ssaw) Ransomware Removal and Decryption

What is Ssaw Ransomware?

During our regular malware research, we recently discovered a new ransomware-type malware called Ssaw. Once this nasty virus infects your PC, it encrypts your files which makes them completely inaccessible. Upon file encryption, a new “.ssaw” extension gets added to all the original filenames. For Example, a file “myphoto.jgp” would appear as “myphoto.jgp.ssaw” and users will not be able to access this file. The same process happens to all the files on the infected computers.

This nasty threat is quite inspired by the horror movie Saw, which features a serial jigsaw killer. It replaces your desktop Wallpaper with a Doll image and ransom note in Russian. A separate ransom note “как расшифровать файлы.txt” is also created on the computer.

The similarities between the Ssaw File Virus and the Saw movie franchise are only twisted mind games of the ransomware creators. They want to scare the victims into paying ransom money. We strongly suggest that there is no connection between the ransom creators and filmmakers.

Threats like Ssaw Virus keep getting back on the machine if all associated files are not removed. So you are advised to use a powerful Malware Removal Tool to run a thorough scan of your PC and delete all threats at once.

SpyHunter 5 Anti-Malware offers a 7-day fully-functional Free Trial. Credit card required, NO charge upfront. No charge if you cancel up to two business days before the trial period ends. Read SpyHunter 5 Review, and Free SpyHunter Remover details.

Ssaw File Virus Overview

After a thorough inspection of this Ssaw Ransomware, we found that it is just another file-encrypting malware. The sole motive of this threat is to make users believe that they have no other way of getting their files back other than paying the ransom.

Ssaw ransom note informs the victims about the file encryption and suggests they make contact with the attacker to buy the decryption key by paying ransom money. This process is quite similar for all ransomware-type infections. They tell victims that any attempt to restore files without a decryption key will corrupt files permanently.

In our dealings with such kinds of malware, we have seen that it is almost impossible to restore encrypted files without decryption tools. However, the underdeveloped or flawed or malware in testing mode can be decrypted sometime. But in this case, Ssaw virus encrypted files are impossible to decrypt.

Most of the time, victims do not get the decryption software even after paying the ransom money. So we suggest you not to pay the ransom money to hackers and remove the malware from your PC. It will not restore your encrypted files but it will prevent the Ssaw file virus from encrypting any more data.

How did ransomware infect my computer?

Most of the threats including ransomware like the Ssaw file virus are often spread via bundled freeware programs. Cybercriminals bundle malicious programs with free software and release them on various sites for free download. Social engineering attacks carried out by phishing and deceptive websites are also major sources of malware.

Spam emails with malicious attachments disguised as pdf, doc, ppt, rar, zip files, or suspicious links are also used by hackers to spread harmful viruses. When users open such emails and download the files or click on the links, malware gets executed. It is one of the most used tricks of malware distribution and is used to target a large number of people at once.

Downloading cracked or pirated content like software, games, movies, TV series, music, etc. from torrent or other untrustworthy websites can also bring malware to your PC.  Illegal patches, hacks, activation tools, and fake updates are often created with the help of malware. So they are complete access to your device and download malware on your PC without your knowing.

Ssaw Ransomware: Threat Analysis

Name Ssaw
Type Ransomware, File-Encrypting virus
Extension .Ssaw
Threat Level High (Encrypt all your data and Restrict access to your files).
Symptoms Victims cannot access any files on their PC and find Ransom notes asking for money.
Damage Ssaw will  encrypt your data by adding its extension to file names and demand ransom money for the decryption key
Distribution It is mainly distributed through spam emails, bundled freeware, porn, or torrent sites.
Removal Download SpyHunter 5 Anti-Malware
File Recovery Download Data Recovery Software

File Encryption and Ransom Demand

Ssaw Virus uses a very powerful encryption algorithm like RSA/AES. It is very hard to break such encryption without a proper decryption key. Ransomware attackers show no mercy when it comes to extracting money from victims. Once your computer is infected by this virus and it has successfully encrypted your data, you can no longer access any of the information on your PC.

You will need to decrypt all your files before you start using them again. Ssaw File Virus demands a huge sum of money for the decryption key. It leaves a ransom note on the infected computer with instructions to pay the extortion fees. Victims can find all the details about how to pay money or when to pay and how much to pay. Attackers normally demand ransom money through Bitcoin which is a cryptocurrency and cannot be tracked.

Ransom note contains the following instructions:

Давай поиграем в игру......
Ваши все файлы были зашифрованы приватным ключом на сервере TOR.
Единственный способ вернуть все файлы это выпросить секретный файл с ключом.
При попытке избавиться от вируса = все ваши данные будут удалены и проданы на чёрный маркет. Материнская плата сгорит.

Данные которые заблокированы: Фотографии, видео, документы, пароли и логины.
БИОС ЗАБЛОКИРОВАН
ДАННЫЕ ЗАШИФРОВАНЫ
Удачи.
Оставшиеся время: 7 часов.

Do not pay the Ransom amount

Ssaw Ransomware is really a dangerous malware and you should not take this threat lightly. It will make your system completely useless. You will not be able to access any of your files and paying ransom money is not an option. If you once agree to pay money to hackers for the decryption key, they will most likely attack your PC again.

This cycle will keep going on unless you decide to fight back. After thorough research, we have found that users who pay ransom money often get hit by other similar threats. There is also no way to make sure that the decryption key won’t bring any other viruses onto your computer.

It is very risky to pay ransom money because it will expose your financial details and risk your identity. So we advised you to completely remove this nasty Ransomware. Removing this threat will not restore your files, but it will prevent any further damage. You can recover your files through backup or you can use data recovery software.

How To Remove Ssaw File Virus

Follow this guide carefully to remove this virus completely from your system. Below you can find step-by-step instructions on how to effectively get rid of this nasty threat easily. Removal of threats like Ssaw Virus is never easy, so we have simplified the process for you in several small steps.

Quick Summary of Removal Instructions:

  1. Automatic Ssaw Virus Removal Guide
  2. How To Decrypt .Ssaw Files
  3. Manual Ssaw Virus Removal Guide
  4. Start PC in Safe Mode With Networking
  5. Kill Malicious Process From Task Manager
  6. Remove Virus From Windows Registry Editor
  7. Remove Ssaw Virus via system restore
  8. Prevent Ssaw Virus in Future

Please Bookmark This Page by pressing the {ctrl+D} button or print it out on paper before you start the removal process because you may need to restart your PC or browser.

Automatic Ssaw Virus Removal Guide

It can be hectic to remove threats from an infected PC but the use of powerful Anti-Malware can make it quite easy. SpyHunter anti-malware can help you to remove Trojan, Ransomware, Spyware, Adware, PUPs, etc. easily. You can scan your system for Ssaw virus and all other hidden threats at once. All you need to do is to download this software and run a new scan on your PC.

It will find all the threats and viruses in no time and save you lots of time and effort. This amazing software also provides 24X7 customer support and one-on-one Spyware HelpDesk support for Custom Malware removal. Advanced System Guard feature detects and removes threats in real time. It has a very User-Friendly Interface and regular Malware definition updates make it most effective against the latest attacks.

How SpyHunter 5 Anti-Malware Works

  • You will begin by downloading the software on your system for which you have to click on the below download button.

Geek’s Recommendation

Threats like Ssaw Virus keep getting back on the machine if all associated files are not removed. So you are advised to use a powerful Malware Removal Tool to run a thorough scan of your PC and delete all threats at once.

SpyHunter 5 Anti-Malware offers a 7-day fully-functional Free Trial. Credit card required, NO charge upfront. No charge if you cancel up to two business days before the trial period ends. Read SpyHunter 5 Review, and Free SpyHunter Remover details.

  • Once the software has been downloaded, double-click on SpyHunter-Installer.exe to install the Anti-Malware program on your PC and proceed with the setup.

double clickAllow access

  • After installation, you will need to launch the Anti-Malware application. From the welcome screen click on the Start Scan Now button to initiate a new scan of your PC.

Scan for Ssaw

  • Once the scanning process begins, it will take some time to run a thorough diagnostic of your PC and find all hidden threats and malware.

Scan for Ssaw

  • Soon you will find a complete list of all the threats on your system screen. Then you will need to click on the Next button to delete all the viruses.

Remove Ssaw

How To Decrypt .Ssaw Files

As there is no Ssaw ransomware decryptor available, you will need to use alternate options to restore your files. The first one is to use the backup. If you have created a backup of your important files then it is going to be quite easy. However, if you don’t have any backup files or they also got encrypted by the virus then you will have to try a data recovery software.

We recommend using Stellar Data Recovery software because it is a powerful and trusted data recovery software. Paying ransom money is not ideal because it will only motivate hackers to carry out more attacks. You can wait for any free decryptor to be launched but it can take forever. Download the free trial version of data recovery and scan your PC for files. It may be able to recover some of your files and save you lots of money.

  • Click on the below download button to get started instantly with the data recovery process on your PC.

Download Data Recovery Software Now

  • After the download click on the installer file and complete the software installation. Then launch the application and select the Data type to recover, and click the Next button.

select Data type

  • After the selection of data, you will need to select the location from where you want to recover data. Choose the location and then click on the Scan button.

Select location

  • The software will take some time to scan your system. You will see a list of all the files that can be recovered. You can preview them or click on the Recover button to save them.

Recover Ssaw encrypted files

Manual Ssaw Virus Removal Guide

Before you start Manual Removal

Attention! For the safety of your system, please confirm a few things before you begin manual removal:

  1. You have done this before, which means you have experience in removing the virus manually;
  2. That you know your way around PC and  all necessary processes and applications;
  3. You know about Registry entry and the Serious repercussions of any mistake;
  4. Make sure you can reverse any mistake made during virus removal.

If you don’t attain any of the above standards, then manual removal could be a very risky idea. It is most likely best for you to use the SpyHunter 5 Anti-Malware which is totally secure and efficient method.

SpyHunter 5 Anti-Malware offers a 7-day fully-functional Free Trial. Credit card required, NO charge upfront. No charge if you cancel up to two business days before the trial period ends. Read SpyHunter 5 Review, and Free SpyHunter Remover details.

Start PC in safe mode with networking

  • Click on the Windows and R keys together on your keyboard to open the Windows Run Box.
  • Now you will need to type in MSConfig and then click the OK button.
  • The System configuration settings box will appear on your computer screen.
  • Click on the Boot tab, check the Safe Boot option, and select the network box,
  • Finally, you will have to click on Apply and then press the OK button.

Safe boot

Kill Malicious Process From Task Manager

  • Open the Windows Rub box again on your PC by pressing the Windows and R keys together on your keyboard.
  • This time you will have to type in taskmgr and then click the OK button to open Windows Task Manager. Look for any unknown or malicious running on your system.
  • Select the process which is taking lots of systems resources and then click on the End Task button.

Stop Ssaw related task

Uninstall Ssaw Virus from Control Panel

  • Again you will need to open the Windows Run Box, so press the Windows and R keys together.
  • This time you need to open the Windows Control Panel, so type in appwiz.cpl and then click the OK button.
  • Programs and Features windows will appear on your computer screen with a list of all the installed applications.
  • Now you need to look for any unknown or virus related program and then Uninstall it from your PC.

Remove Ssaw

Remove Ssaw Virus From Registry Editor

  • Again open the Windows Run Box on your PC by using the Windows and R keys.
  • To open the Windows Registry Editor, type in Regedit and click the OK button.
  • Now you will have to find the virus related registry files and remove them.
  • Press CTRL and F keys together on the keyboard to start a Find query.
  • Type the virus name and click on Find Next button to find malicious entries and delete them.

Remove Ssaw related registry

Warning: Meddling with Windows Registry files might not be a good idea if you don’t have advanced knowledge about registry files. Deleting the wrong file can break down your entire system. Proceed at your own risk, or just skip this step. You can choose the Automatic Removal method and avoid all the problems.

SpyHunter 5 Anti-Malware offers a 7-day fully-functional Free Trial. Credit card required, NO charge upfront. No charge if you cancel up to two business days before the trial period ends. Read SpyHunter 5 Review, and Free SpyHunter Remover details.

Remove Malicious IP addresses from Windows Hosts Files

  • To open the Windows hosts file, simply press the Windows and R keys together on the keyboard.
  • Type C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc in Run Box and then click the OK button.
  • Now you will need to access the Windows hosts file using Notepad.
  • Most threats add malicious IP addresses here to automatically connect to remote servers.
  • Delete all the malicious IP addresses below the localhost and save the file.

Remove Ssaw virus related IP address

Delete Virus related files from your PC

When malware infects your system, it normally creates several malicious files and spread them at different locations. After you remove the malware, these leftover files help them to get back to your computer. Remove all virus related files at once by following the below instruction :

  • Open the Windows Run Box again by using the Windows and R keys together.
  • Now you will open the below paths one by one using the Run Box and remove malicious files.
  1. %AppData%
  2. %LocalAppData%
  3. %ProgramData%
  4. %WinDir%
  5. %Temp%

For the first four options, look for any recent folder related to the Ssaw File Virus and remove them. For the Temp folder, you can delete all the files at once. Use Ctrl, Shift, and Delete keys together for permanent removal.

Remove Ssaw Virus via system restore

  • You will again need the Windows Run Box, so press the Windows and R keys together.
  • Open the Command Prompt by typing in cmd and then clicking the OK button.
  • Type cd restore and press Enter, then type rstrui.exe and press Enter.
  • The System Restore window will get opened instantly then click on the Next button.
  • Choose a System Restore point you have created in the past and click the Next button.
  • Finally, when you will hit the Yes button, the system restoration process with start immediately.

Remove Ssaw via system restore

Note: System restore to remove a virus will only work if you have a restore point set on your PC. Otherwise, no changes will be made to your system and it will not remove any threats. Be advised, restoring the computer to a previous version does not always guarantee virus removal. Most viruses delete restore points, so don’t get disappointed if this trick does not work for you.

Prevent Ssaw Virus in Future

  • Get a powerful Anti-Malware or Anti-virus to fight cyber threats. Free versions do not offer the best protection and cracked security programs can do more damage than good.
  • Always keep your Windows firewall active, and your OS updated along with other important programs. Only download updates from official sites or reliable sources.
  • Check HTTPS before entering your email, password, credit card details, etc. to any site. Do not visit sites that do not have SSL security. Also, don’t forget to Enable Phishing and Malware protection in Browser.
  • Do not download or install any type of pirated software, games, or illegal patches. Avoid using shady sites to acquire freeware programs because they often use software bundling. Never install a program that asks you to inactivate your anti-virus software.
  • Avoid opening spam emails from unknown senders.  Always scan all the email attachments before opening them. Never click on any suspicious links with some too good to be true offers.
  • Connecting your PC or mobile devices to unsafe public Wi-Fi is not a good idea. You can also avoid unwanted threats coming from malicious sites by using a VPN to spoof your connection.
  • Keep regular backups of all your important data on external hard drives or cloud drives to avoid data loss in case of a ransomware attack. Also, create a system restore point on your system for security purposes.

About the author

Robert Calvert

Robert is the Chief Security Expert and Founder of PCSafetyGeek.com website. He is a cybersecurity enthusiast who loves to research about Malware outbreaks and write about their remedies. He also like to spend time trying new software, reviewing them and sharing IT news. However he is a real coffee lover and likes to play chess in spare time (which is quite rare 😜).

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