SymmyWare Ransomware Removal Guide

SymmyWare Ransomware displays a rather unusual ransom note since it says the user has to pay 0 BTC to get a key and a decoder necessary to decrypt files that the malware locks. Usually, ransom notes that do not ask for a payment are short and appear with test versions and not on malicious applications that are spread widely. Nonetheless, this threat’s ransom note gives an email address, which might mean the hackers want to be contacted via email before explaining how much to pay and how to make a transfer. Of course, it is not something our specialists would recommend since there is always a risk cybercriminals may scam victims. If you think it would be a bad idea too, we advise deleting SymmyWare Ransomware and restoring data that is available from backup copies. To learn more about the malware, you should continue reading our report. As for deletion instructions, you could use the steps located below this article.

Probably the best way to protect one’s data from damage made by threats like SymmyWare Ransomware is to back it up on cloud storage or removable media devices. Also, we recommend doing all you can to make sure you would not have to use your backup copies. First of all, users should stay away from data that comes with Spam emails, messages from unknown senders, various file-sharing web pages, pop-ups/other advertising material, etc. Second of all, users who care about their computer’s safety should acquire a reliable security tool that could check suspicious files for them and warn about potentially dangerous content. Additionally, we advise removing possible system’s vulnerabilities like outdated software, old passwords, and so on.

Furthermore, we learned the malicious application is after almost all files on the infected device. It looks like it only avoids directories containing data belonging to the operating system and other program files. Thus, once SymmyWare Ransomware encrypts user’s files, the system should run normally, but the user might be unable to open his photographs, documents, videos, and other files considered to be personal. According to the hackers, they encipher files with a robust cryptosystem called AES-128. To make it easy to identify affected data, the threat ought to mark it with a specific extension called .SYMMYWARE, e.g., picture.jpg.SYMMYWARE. Soon after this, SymmyWare Ransomware is supposed to drop a ransom note named SYMMYWARE.TXT that may appear in every directory containing enciphered files.

While the ransom note does not say how to make a payment of the requested 0 BTC, it mentions an email address (simmyware@protonmail.ch). It is likely, SymmyWare Ransomware’s developers expect the malware’s victims would contact them to learn how to pay for the decryption key and decoder. As said earlier, we do not think it would be wise to trust these hackers and if you do not or have no intention to deal with them, we recommend erasing SymmyWare Ransomware. One way to eliminate it is follow the deletion instructions located below the article. The other way is to employ a reliable security tool of your choice, scan the computer with it, and let it take care of the malware for you.

Get rid of SymmyWare Ransomware

1. Tap Ctrl+Alt+Delete.
2. Pick Task Manager.
3. Check the Processes tab and identify a process belonging to the malicious application.
4. Choose it and press the End Task button.
5. Close Task Manager.
6. Press Win+E.
7. Go to the paths:
   %USERPROFILE%\Desktop
   %USERPROFILE%\Downloads
   %TEMP%
8. Locate a file launched before the computer got infected, right-click it and choose Delete.
9. Navigate to: %TEMP%
10. Look for:
    {random letters}.tmp
    {random letters}.bat
11. Right-click the malicious files and press Delete.
12. Then check the C: disk's directory.
13. Find {Random letters}.exe, right-click it and choose Delete.
14. Close File Explorer.
15. Empty Recycle Bin.
16. Reboot the computer.