What is S996 Ransomware
S996 Ransomware became very common at the beginning of the week, namely in the first half of September of this year. This is the updated version of the Matrix Ransomware family. S996 comes to the PC and encrypts user files using an AES+RSA algorithm. Also, S996 changes the file extension to .S996, after which the files become corrupted.
The cryptovirus creates a special S996_INFO.rtf file that contains information about the redemption:
ALL YOUR VALUABLE DATA WAS ENCRYPTED!
All your files were encrypted with strong crypto algorithm AES-256 + RSA-2048. Please be sure that your files are not broken and you can restore them today.
If you really want to restore your files please write us to the e-mails:
BobGreen85@criptext.com
BobGreen85@aol.com
BobGreen85@tutanota.com
In subject line write your ID: 1E40BEBB624B891C
Important! Please send your message to all of our 3 e-mail addresses. This is really important because of delivery problems of some mail services!
Important! If you haven’t received a response from us within 24 hours, please try to use a different email service (Gmail, Yahoo, AOL, etc).
Important! Please check your SPAM folder each time you wait for our response! If you find our email in the SPAM folder please move it to your Inbox.
Important! We are always in touch and ready to help you as soon as possible!
Attach up to 3 small encrypted files for free test decryption. Please note that the files you send us should not contain any valuable information. We will send you test decrypted files in our response for your confidence.
Of course you will receive all the necessary instructions how to decrypt your files!
Important!
Please note that we are professionals and just doing our job!
Please do not waste the time and do not try to deceive us – it will result only price increase!
We are always opened for dialog and ready to help you.
The note is written in English, but the virus is aimed not only at English-speaking users. In addition, reports of infection come from all over the world. The note scammers demand to pay a ransom for decrypting files, however, there are no guarantees, the attackers can do nothing. Besides, why part with a large amount of money in vain. Check out our recommendations to remove S996 Ransomware and decrypt .s996 files.
Well, there are 2 options for solving this problem. The first is to use an automatic removal utility that will remove the threat and all instances related to it. Moreover, it will save you time. Or you can use the Manual Removal Guide, but you should know that it might be very difficult to remove S996 ransomware manually without a specialist’s help.
If for any reason you need to recover deleted or lost files, then check out our article Top 5 Deleted File Recovery Software
S996 Removal Guide
Remember that you need to remove S996 Ransomware first and foremost to prevent further encryption of your files before the state of your data becomes totally useless. And only after that, you can start recovering your files. Removal must be performed according to the following steps:
- Download S996 Removal Tool.
- Remove S996 from Windows (7, 8, 8.1, Vista, XP, 10) or Mac OS (Run system in Safe Mode).
- Restore .S996 files
- How to protect PC from future infections.
How to remove S996 ransomware automatically:
Norton is a powerful antivirus that protects you against malware, spyware, ransomware and other types of Internet threats. Norton is available for Windows, macOS, iOS and Android devices. We recommend you to try it.
If you’re Mac user – use this.
Manual S996 ransomware Removal Guide
Here are step-by-step instructions to remove S996 from Windows and Mac computers. Follow these steps carefully and remove files and folders belonging to S996. First of all, you need to run the system in a Safe Mode. Then find and remove needed files and folders.
Uninstall S996 from Windows or Mac
Here you may find the list of confirmed related to the ransomware files and registry keys. You should delete them in order to remove virus, however it would be easier to do it with our automatic removal tool. The list:
no information
Windows 7/Vista:
- Restart the computer;
- Press Settings button;
- Choose Safe Mode;
- Find programs or files potentially related to S996 by using Removal Tool;
- Delete found files;
Windows 8/8.1:
- Restart the computer;
- Press Settings button;
- Choose Safe Mode;
- Find programs or files potentially related to S996 by using Removal Tool;
- Delete found files;
Windows 10:
- Restart the computer;
- Press Settings button;
- Choose Safe Mode;
- Find programs or files potentially related to S996 by using Removal Tool;
- Delete found files;
Windows XP:
- Restart the computer;
- Press Settings button;
- Choose Safe Mode;
- Find programs or files potentially related to S996 by using Removal Tool;
- Delete found files;
Mac OS:
- Restart the computer;
- Press and Hold Shift button, before system will be loaded;
- Release Shift button, when Apple S996o appears;
- Find programs or files potentially related to S996 by using Removal Tool;
- Delete found files;
How to restore encrypted files
You can try to restore your files with special tools. You may find more detailed info on data recovery software in this article – recovery software. These programs may help you to restore files that were infected and encrypted by ransomware.
Restore data with Stellar Data Recovery
Stellar Data Recovery is able to find and restore different types of encrypted files, including removed emails.
- Download and install Stellar Data Recovery
- Choose drives and folders with your data, then press Scan.
- Select all the files in a folder, then click on Restore button.
- Manage export location. That’s it!
Restore encrypted files using Recuva
There is an alternative program, that may help you to recover files – Recuva.
- Run the Recuva;
- Follow instructions and wait until scan process ends;
- Find needed files, S996 them and Press Recover button;
How to prevent ransomware infection?
It is always rewarding to prevent ransomware infection because of the consequences it may bring. There are a lot of difficulties in resolving issues with encoders viruses, that’s why it is very vital to keep a proper and reliable anti-ransomware software on your computer. In case you don’t have any, here you may find some of the best offers in order to protect your PC from disastrous viruses.
Malwarebytes
SpyHunter is a reliable antimalware removal tool application, that is able to protect your PC and prevent the infection from the start. The program is designed to be user-friendly and multi-functional.