SM$LE Ransomware

SM$LE (Smile) is a crypto‑ransomware strain that encrypts your files, appending the .SM$LE extension to every targeted document, image, or executable. Victims receive a ransom note named SM$LE‑read‑it.txt, paired with a changed desktop wallpaper to announce the attack.

---

Threat Overview

Category	Details
Threat Type	Ransomware (crypto malware)
Encrypted File Extension	.SM$LE
Ransom Note File Name	SM$LE‑read‑it.txt
Associated Email	smilec0rp@proton.me
Detection Names	Trojan:Win32/Tnega!MSR, Win32:Adware-DNA, Win32:Secat [Trj]
Symptoms of Infection	Files renamed with .SM$LE; wallpaper and ransom note appear
Damage / Distribution	AES & RSA encryption; infiltrates via phishing, Trojans, fake installers, cracked software
Danger Level	High – data loss if no backups
Removal Tool	SpyHunter – Download SpyHunter

---

Detailed Evaluation

How I got infected:
SM$LE typically enters a system through cleverly disguised phishing emails, malicious attachments, Trojan droppers, or cracked software. Once executed, it encrypts files and shreds shadow copies to make recovery difficult.

What does it do:
Using strong AES and RSA encryption, Smile locks your files and alters your desktop wallpaper. It drops the ransom note SM$LE‑read‑it.txt, demanding $3,000 USD in Bitcoin via Tor-based darknet sites. Victims are given a 72-hour deadline before a threat of permanent key deletion.

---

Ransom Note Text

The note includes the following message:

SMILE RANSOMWARE
Ooops. Your files have been encrypted by The SMile Ransomware… AES and RSA encryption algorithms…
Pay $3000 worth of bitcoin within 3 days via darknet link or files will be lost forever…
Contact smilec0rp@proton.me or live‑chat on our site.

---

Should You Worry?

Absolutely.

• There’s no guarantee decryptors will work even if you pay.
• Critical data (documents, photos, business files) become inaccessible and possibly lost for good.
• SM$LE may also drop additional malware like info‑stealers (e.g. Vidar), risking more than data loss.

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.

---

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.

---

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.

---

Conclusion

SM$LE is a ruthless ransomware variant that can devastate your system and data. Removing SM$LE malware is crucial—but even more critical is having reliable, offline backups to recover your files without engaging with cybercriminals. Use SpyHunter to clean your system, secure your data, and stay vigilant against malicious email attachments and shady software cracks.