Santa_Crypt ransomware or $anta is a crypto-virus that infects the computer and proceed with the decryption of user’s files. Normally it targets data such as OpenOffice, MSOffice, archives, images, photos, databases, drawings, and so on. This virus is able to lock the mentioned files with advanced technique as a way to deny user’s access. Along the way, Santa_Crypt also appends .$anta file extension to infected files. As what goes with all ransomware attacks, Santa_Crypt ransomware demands payment from victims if they want to recover the entire .$anta encrypted files.
More about Santa_Crypt Virus
Through spam email messages, computer user may get the virus by executing the malicious file attachment. Other methods of virus propagation includes software exploit, web injections, cracked programs, and malicious software updates especially those that are presented when visiting suspicious websites engaging in software piracy.
Once computer user executes the file, this will give Santa_Crypt clear access to the system and as such, it immediately drops several malicious files especially on System folder. Next, Santa_Crypt searches the local drive for target files and encrypts them with complex algorithm that will make it inaccessible. During the encryption process, the virus also appends a .$anta file extension. So, the common files pics.jpg will become pics.jpg.$anta after the full encryption. In order for victim’s to regain access to encrypted files, attackers are demanding ransom payment. For procedures to proceed with the recovery, attackers are asking users to contact them on specific email address. Here is an excerpt from the ransom note called HOW_TO_RECOVER_MY_FILES.txt.
!!!SANTA_CRYPT RANSOMWARE!!!
Hello. All your files are encrypted. To decrypt your files – you must pay us.
Amount to pay depends on how fast you will email us.”
Good luck!
| Threat Name | Santa_Crypt Ransomware |
|---|---|
| Threat Type | Crypto-virus, File Locker, Encryption Virus |
| File Extension | .$anta |
| Ransomware Note File | HOW_TO_RECOVER_MY_FILES.txt |
| Discovered by | @PolarToffee |
| Virus Alias | Ad-Aware: Trojan.GenericKD.31498667 AegisLab : Hacktool.Win32.Gamehack.3!e AhnLab-V3 : Trojan/Win32.Agent.C2919576 Alibaba : Trojan:Win32/Skeeyah.491b8e09 ALYac : Trojan.Ransom.Filecoder Avast : Win32:Trojan-gen AVG : Win32:Trojan-gen Avira : TR/FileCoder.juiaz BitDefender : Trojan.GenericKD.31498667 Comodo : Malware@#zw769qbeiwog Emsisoft : Trojan.GenericKD.31498667 (B) eScan : Trojan.GenericKD.31498667 ESET-NOD32 : Win32/Filecoder.Autoit.Y F-Secure : Trojan.TR/FileCoder.juiaz Fortinet : W32/Encoder.BEZ!tr Ikarus : Trojan-Ransom.Autoit Kaspersky : Trojan-Ransom.Win32.Encoder.bez McAfee : Generic.bun McAfee-GW-Edition : BehavesLike.Win32.TrojanAitInject.tc Microsoft : Trojan:Win32/Skeeyah.A!bit Panda : Trj/WLT.E Sophos AV : Mal/Generic-L Symantec : Trojan.Gen.2 TrendMicro : Ransom_Encoder.R002C0DIM20 VIPRE : Win32.Malware!Drop Webroot : W32.Trojan.Gen For complete details including full detection list, hash file, file names, and technical behavior (registry actions, shell commands, and processes) of Santa_Crypt ransomware, please refer to this VirusTotal page. |
Backup your files
One important step before proceeding with the procedures below is to backup your files. Ransomware are not the same. Each has its unique sets of payloads aside from encrypting the files with complex method. Others tend to delete the infected files after certain period, while others keep them concealed on hidden places. In addition, ransomware decryption tools are not guaranteed to be perfect, there are instances that files suffer from damages during the decryption process.
So, create a backup copy of your entire Santa_Crypt encrypted files right now.
Santa_Crypt Ransomware Removal Guide
First thing to do is remove the Santa_Crypt virus before attempting the decryption. Remember that as long as the ransomware is active, it will repeatedly encrypt the files on the compromised computer.
Infection of Santa_Crypt ransom virus is dangerous to the system because it can inject files that runs each time Windows starts. To prevent the malicious files from loading, Windows operating system must run with minimal process and it can be done through SafeMode With Networking.
Quick Fix - Scan the PC with Combo Cleaner for Windows
Combo Cleaner is a trusted PC security and optimization tool equipped with powerful virus and malware detection engine. This program can get rid of ransomware like Santa_Crypt through this procedure.
1. Download the application from the following page:
2. Save the file to your preferred location.
3. Double-click the downloaded file CCSetup.exe and install with the default settings.
4. At the end of the setup process, click Finish to run Combo Cleaner.
5. The tool will update the signature file, please wait for this process to complete.
6. To begin checking for threats like Santa_Crypt, click on the Start Scan button. Wait for this scan to finish.
7. At the end of the scan process, click on Remove all threats to delete Santa_Crypt ransomware including all malicious objects from the computer.
Free features of Combo Cleaner for Windows include Disk Cleaner, Big Files finder, Duplicate files finder, and Uninstaller. To use antivirus, privacy scanner, and to delete identified threats, users have to upgrade to a premium version.
Please continue with the succeeding removal procedures if your are comfortable to manually get rid of the threat and malicious items linked with it.
Stage 1 : Temporarily Disable System Restore on Windows OS
Because Santa_Crypt and relevant virus is capable of reinstating itself by exploiting the System Restore of Windows, we suggests that you temporary disable System Restore while executing the steps. This option is also helpful to effectively run a full scan on the computer.
Do not forget to enable back System Restore after completing the removal of Santa_Crypt ransomware. This feature is vital in reinstating the operating system to previous normal working condition in case of problems or conflicts occurs.Stage 2 : Start Windows in Safe Mode With Networking
Windows 10/11 Guide
1. Click on Windows logo and select Power icon when options pop-ups.
2. Select Restart from the options while pressing Shift key on the keyboard.
3. Choose an Option window will appear, select the Troubleshoot button.
4. On next window, please choose Advanced Option.
5. On Advanced Option window, click on Startup Settings and then, click Restart button to reboot the computer.
6. When Windows boot on Startup Settings, press function key F5 or number 5 on keyboard.
A simpler alternative for Windows 10 users is to scan the computer with Microsoft Defender Offline. This will run a virus scan in the recovery environment.
Windows 8 Guide
1. Click Windows Start icon at the lower left section of the screen.
2. Open Search window and type Advanced in the field. It will open General PC Settings.
3. Click on Advanced Startup and then, click on Restart Now button.
4. Once the computer starts in Advanced Startup option menu, select Troubleshoot.
5. Next, click on Advanced Options to reveal the next section.
6. Click Startup settings and then, click Restart button to boot the PC in Startup Settings.
7. Use function key F5 or number key 5 to Enable Safe Mode with Networking.
Stage 3 : Scan the Computer with Sophos Antivirus
Ransomware files are placed deeply into the system and on various locations, thus, thorough scanning is vital to totally remove Santa_Crypt virus. Aside from our suggested tool, you may also run your own security program.
To remove Santa_Crypt automatically, scanning the computer with this efficient anti-malware tool is suggested. This scanner does not just uncover known threats like viruses or malware, it is also effective in discovering hazardous ransomware like Santa_Crypt.
1. Download Sophos Virus Removal Tool from the link below. Save the file on your computer where you can easily access it.
2. Once the download completes, browse the location of the file. Double-click to run the program and begin the install process.
3. On first windows of installation wizard, click Next to continue. Then, it will display the program’s License Agreement. You need to Accept the terms in order to proceed. If Windows prompts for User Account Control, please click Yes to proceed.
4. On succeeding windows, click Next or Continue to carry on with the installation. After completing the installation process, Launch Sophos Virus Removal Tool.
5. Internet connection is required when running this virus scanner in order to download important updates. Make sure that everything is up-to-date to effectively remove Santa_Crypt ransomware and other relevant viruses.
6. Click the Start Scanning button to inspect the computer. This will check the system for presence of malicious objects, malware, and viruses. The tool reveals items that were found linked to Santa_Crypt and other suspicious entities. Be sure to remove all identified threats.
The above procedures should have totally eliminated Santa_Crypt ransomware. However, if you found that there are still remnants of the virus, please proceed to succeeding procedures below.
Stage 4 : Double-check with Microsoft's Malicious Software Removal Tool
1. Download the free scanner called Malicious Software Removal Tool.
2. The tool automatically checks the operating system and suggest appropriate download version. Click on Download button to begin. Save the file to a convenient location, preferably on Desktop.
3. After downloading the file, Windows will prompt that download has completed. Click Run to start scanning for Santa_Crypt ransomware. Another option is to browse the location folder and double click on the file to run.
4. The tool will display Welcome screen, click Next. Please note the message "This tool is not a replacement for an antivirus product." You must understand that this program is made specifically to find and remove malware, viruses, Trojans, and other harmful elements on the computer. It was not designed to protect the computer.
5. Next, you will see Scan Type. Please choose Full Scan to ensure that all Santa_Crypt ransom virus entities and other harmful files left on the computer will be found and removed. For advanced computer user, you can opt for Customized Scan, if there are other drives or folders you wanted to include in this scan.
6. Full scan may take a while, please wait for Malicious Software Removal Tool to complete the tasks. However, you may cancel the scan anytime by clicking on the Cancel button.
7. After scanning, the tool will reveal all identified threats. There may be other threats that our first scan fails to detect. Please remove/delete all detected items.
8. When removal procedure is complete, you may now close Malicious Software Removal Tool. We hope that Santa_Crypt ransomware have been completely deleted from the computer. Please restart Windows to proceed with the normal operation.
Recover Files from Santa_Crypt Ransomware Infection
On this section, we will provide ways to decrypt files infected with Santa_Crypt ransomware. Aside from dedicated decryption software and common tools, other options for file recovery are provided. As much as we can, we will update this area whenever there is new and more suitable decryption tool was made available.
Decrypting Santa_Crypt infected files with Emsisoft Tools
This service from Emsisoft is helpful in unlocking encrypted files without paying the ransom. The page provides the list of ransomware decryption tools. All you have to do is look for the specific tool and start recovering the Santa_Crypt encrypted file.
Option 1: Windows Previous Version Tool
Windows Vista and Windows 7 have a feature called Previous Versions. However, this tool is only usable if restore point was made prior to ransomware infection. To use this tool as "recovery option" for files encypted by Santa_Crypt virus, please follow these steps:
1. Open My Computer or Windows Explorer.
2. Right-click on the affected files or folders. From the drop-down list, please click on Restore previous versions.
3. New window will open display all backup copy of files and folders you wanted to recover. Choose the appropriate file and click on Open, Copy, or Restore. Restoring selected files overwrites the current locked files on the computer. The tool is not actually recovering files encrypted by Santa_Crypt. Instead, it restores files from backup copy.
Option 2: Use ShadowExplorer to restore files encrypted by Santa_Crypt Ransomware
Just like Previous Version tool, ShadowExplorer is taking advantage of shadow copy created by Windows. This tool allows you to retrieve older version of files before it was encrypted by Santa_Crypt ransomware.
1. Download ShadowExplorer from the official web site.
2. Install the program with the default settings.
3. The program should run automatically after installation. If not, double-click on ShadowExplorer icon.
4. You can see the drop-down list on top of the console. Please select proper drive and the most recent point-in-time shadow copies of files you wish to restore prior to Santa_Crypt ransomware infection.
5. Right-click on the Drive, Folder, or File you wish to restore and click Export...
6. Lastly, ShadowExplorer will prompt for location where you want to save the copy of recovered files.
How to protect the computer from Santa_Crypt ransomware?
After the removal of the ransomware, it is important to prevent similar incident from happening again. In order to protect the computer effectively, computer user must know how Santa_Crypt ransomware was able to infect the computer. To minimize the possible infection, staying away from the common sources of this virus is crucial.
How Santa_Crypt ransomware can infect your computer?
The method of infecting the computers was found to be similar as other common viruses. Though, ransomware like Santa_Crypt is seen to have efficient deployment via spam email messages, web injectors, malicious software installers, misleading online advertisements, and through another virus infection.
Once the virus is executed, it immediately infects the system. Then, Santa_Crypt ransomware communicates to remote server so that unique key can be generated for the specific computer. After acquiring the key, it starts to decrypt target files using a complex method that is almost unbreakable. On the last stage of the attack, Santa_Crypt ransomware demands for ransom money as payment for the decryption tool. To further understand the attack scheme, we have included an infographic below.
Securing the computer against ransomware attack
Do a Regular File Back-up - Always backup your data on a separate storage devices such as external hard drives, optical discs, or online backup services.
Keep Your Software Updated - Make sure that you have the latest software updates especially on the operating system. Recent updates often contain vital security patches to help protect the computer against all forms of threats.
Install a Security Program - Protect the computer with effective anti-virus application using efficient real-time scanning. Regularly run a complete scan to check the computer for presence of malware.
Protect your files with Controlled Folder Access (Windows 10)
For Windows 10 users, aside from protecting the computer using anti-virus or anti-malware programs, one way to protect against ransomware attack is by using Controlled Folder Access. This feature of Windows Defender Security Center may not prevent the Santa_Crypt ransomware infection, but it can protect the folder and files in general. Follow the steps to enable Controlled Folder Access in Windows 10.
1. Go to Windows 10 Taskbar and search for Windows Defender Security Center.
2. Open Windows Defender Security Center and click on Virus & Threat Protection icon.
3. On next window, please click on Ransomware Protection.
4. Under Controlled Folder Access section, switch the slider to On. That will enable the feature and protect the folder against Santa_Crypt or any type of ransomware.
5. Click on Protected Folderslink to include additional folders. Make sure that folders where important files are located should be included in the list.
Troubleshooting Guide
Certain programs maybe blocked by Controlled Folder Access feature. To fix the issue, simply have the specific program to be white listed.
1. Under Protected Folders, click Allow an app through controlled folder access.
2. Next, click the Add an allowed app and include the target executable file.
This Controlled Folder Access feature is one way to protect files against Santa_Crypt. Other important things to do in keeping files safe against ransomware is through early prevention like keeping programs updated, install an efficient security program, an do regular file backup on a separate media drive.
