Sinobi Ransomware

Sinobi is a newly discovered ransomware that encrypts personal and business files by appending the .SINOBI extension. It then locks you out and demands payment within seven days via a Tor-based chat, threatening permanent data loss if instructions are ignored.

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Threat Overview

Detail	Information
Threat type	Ransomware, Crypto-Virus, File Locker
Encrypted file extension	.SINOBI
Ransom note file name	README.txt (also displayed via changed wallpaper)
Detection names	Avast: Win64:MalwareX-gen [Ransom]
Combo Cleaner: Gen:Variant.Zusy.593897
ESET‑NOD32: Win64/Filecoder.XI
Kaspersky: HEUR:Trojan‑Ransom.Win32.Generic
Microsoft: Trojan:Win32/Egairtigado!rfn
Symptoms of infection	Encrypted files (e.g. photo.jpg.SINOBI), ransom note in every folder, wallpaper change
Damage/distribution	Encrypts all accessible files; spreads via malicious attachments, pirated software, tech-support scams, torrent sites, and deceptive ads
Danger level	Severe – full data encryption; potential additional malware introduced
Removal tool	SpyHunter (download here: https://www.enigmasoftware.com/products/spyhunter/?ref=ywuxmtf)

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Technical Analysis & Impact

How I Got Infected

Sinobi typically spreads through deceptive methods such as malicious email attachments, bundled software from untrusted sources, cracked software, torrent downloads, or fake tech-support alerts. Once a user executes the malicious installer or document, the ransomware activates silently in the background.

What It Does

Sinobi performs a deep scan of the system, looking for documents, databases, archives, and multimedia files. It then encrypts these files using a strong encryption algorithm and appends the .SINOBI extension. A ransom note named README.txt is placed in every affected directory. Additionally, the desktop wallpaper is replaced with a warning containing instructions and a link to a Tor-based chat portal. The attackers typically warn against using antivirus tools or restarting the system, claiming it will cause permanent data loss.

Should You Be Worried?

Yes. Sinobi poses a severe threat to individuals and organizations. The encryption process is irreversible without the private key held by the attackers. Victims without proper backups will find it extremely difficult to recover their data. There is no guarantee that paying the ransom will result in file recovery. Users should never trust cybercriminals.

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Ransom Note Text

The contents of the README.txt ransom note and wallpaper message include the following:

sqlCopyEditSYSTEM LOCKED

All your files have been encrypted with strong encryption.
To decrypt them, you must contact us within 7 days via the link below:
[Tor chat link with unique ID]
Do NOT reboot your computer or use any other recovery software,
or you will lose all your files permanently.

Manual Ransomware Removal Guide

Warning: Manual removal is complex and risky. If not done correctly, it can lead to data loss or incomplete removal of ransomware. Only follow this method if you are an advanced user. If unsure, proceed with Method 2 (SpyHunter Removal Guide).

Step 1: Disconnect from the Internet

1. Unplug your Ethernet cable or disconnect Wi-Fi immediately to prevent further communication with the ransomware’s command and control (C2) servers.

Step 2: Boot into Safe Mode

For Windows Users:

1. For Windows 10, 11:
   • Press Windows + R, type msconfig, and hit Enter.
   • Go to the Boot tab.
   • Check Safe boot and select Network.
   • Click Apply and OK, then restart your PC.
2. For Windows 7, 8:
   • Restart your PC and press F8 repeatedly before Windows loads.
   • Select Safe Mode with Networking and press Enter.

For Mac Users:

1. Restart your Mac and immediately press and hold the Shift key.
2. Release the key once you see the Apple logo.
3. Your Mac will start in Safe Mode.

Step 3: Locate and Terminate Malicious Processes

For Windows Users:

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
2. Look for suspicious processes (e.g., unknown names, high CPU usage, or random letters).
3. Right-click on the process and select End Task.

For Mac Users:

1. Open Activity Monitor (Finder > Applications > Utilities > Activity Monitor).
2. Look for unusual processes.
3. Select the process and click Force Quit.

Step 4: Delete Malicious Files

For Windows Users:

1. Press Windows + R, type %temp%, and hit Enter.
2. Delete all files in the Temp folder.
3. Navigate to:
   • C:\Users\[Your Username]\AppData\Roaming
   • C:\Users\[Your Username]\AppData\Local
   • C:\Windows\System32
4. Look for suspicious files related to the ransomware (random file names, recently modified) and delete them.

For Mac Users:

1. Open Finder and go to Go > Go to Folder.
2. Type ~/Library/Application Support and delete suspicious folders.
3. Navigate to ~/Library/LaunchAgents and remove unknown .plist files.

Step 5: Remove Ransomware from Registry or System Settings

For Windows Users:

Warning: Incorrect changes in the Registry Editor can damage your system. Proceed with caution.

1. Press Windows + R, type regedit, and hit Enter.
2. Navigate to:
   • HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software
   • HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software
3. Look for unfamiliar folders with random characters or ransomware-related names.
4. Right-click and select Delete.

For Mac Users:

1. Go to System Preferences > Users & Groups.
2. Click on Login Items and remove any suspicious startup items.
3. Navigate to ~/Library/Preferences and remove malicious .plist files.

Step 6: Restore System Using System Restore (Windows) or Time Machine (Mac)

For Windows Users:

1. Press Windows + R, type rstrui, and hit Enter.
2. Click Next, choose a restore point before the infection, and follow the prompts to restore your system.

For Mac Users:

1. Restart your Mac and hold Command + R to enter macOS Utilities.
2. Select Restore from Time Machine Backup.
3. Choose a backup prior to the ransomware infection and restore your system.

Step 7: Use a Decryption Tool (If Available)

• Visit No More Ransom (www.nomoreransom.org) and check if a decryption tool is available for your ransomware variant.

Step 8: Recover Files Using Backup

• If you have backups on an external drive or cloud storage, restore your files.

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Automatic Ransomware Removal Using SpyHunter

If manual removal seems too risky or complicated, using a reliable anti-malware tool like SpyHunter is the best alternative.

Step 1: Download SpyHunter

Download SpyHunter from the official link: Download SpyHunter

Or follow the official installation instructions here:
SpyHunter Download Instructions

Step 2: Install SpyHunter

1. Open the downloaded file (SpyHunter-Installer.exe).
2. Follow the on-screen prompts to install the program.
3. Once installed, launch SpyHunter.

Step 3: Perform a Full System Scan

1. Click on Start Scan Now.
2. SpyHunter will scan for ransomware and other malware.
3. Wait for the scan to complete.

Step 4: Remove Detected Threats

1. After the scan, SpyHunter will list all detected threats.
2. Click Fix Threats to remove the ransomware.

Step 5: Use SpyHunter’s Malware HelpDesk (If Needed)

If you are dealing with a stubborn ransomware variant, SpyHunter’s Malware HelpDesk provides custom fixes to remove advanced threats.

Step 6: Restore Your Files

If your files are encrypted:

• Try No More Ransom (www.nomoreransom.org) for decryption tools.
• Restore from cloud storage or external backups.

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Preventing Future Ransomware Attacks

• Keep backups on an external hard drive or cloud storage.
• Use SpyHunter to detect threats before they infect your system.
• Enable Windows Defender or a trusted antivirus program.
• Avoid suspicious emails, attachments, and links.
• Update Windows, macOS & software regularly.

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Conclusion

Sinobi ransomware is a high-risk crypto-malware strain that encrypts valuable data and extorts victims by threatening permanent loss unless a ransom is paid within a strict deadline. It is part of a growing trend of file-locking Trojans that use psychological pressure and encryption to exploit users. Its spread through common internet channels makes it a risk for both home users and businesses. Immediate disinfection with SpyHunter is highly recommended, though full file recovery depends on the presence of clean, offline backups.