What is .sarut file virus?

The .sarut file virus attack begins with the encryption of files! Being a variant of STOP ransomware family, it uses the same algorithm to fulfill its evil idea. Once, it makes itself comfortable in your system, scrutinize every corner of the system for targeted files. After locating the files, it appends a unique extension with the file names. Hence, makes them unusable!

Remember, if a piece of information is locked by crypto virus, you can no longer access it. This is the reason encrypted files are regarded as unbreakable! It is next to impossible to manually restore data encrypted by .sarut virus. Hence, we require the decryption key, which is stored on the hacker’s server. However, the hackers enable the key only after receiving the ransom amount.

Developers, compel the victim to pay the amount by displaying a ransom-demanding message on their screen. Apart from demanding ransom, it also notifies about your data loss. If you fail to pay the ransom within the prescribed time, hackers may destroy your data permanently.

Hence, the victim with the fear of losing their important data/files, get ready to pay the asked ransom. However, by paying the ransom, you only support the spread of evil. Hence, it is important to remove .sarut ransomware virus from your system ASAP.

Threat Summary

Distribution Technique

The primary gateway of stop .sarut ransomware is the spam campaigns. During the spam campaign, hackers sent spam e-mails with malicious attachments to the targeted system. The e-mails look legitimate and real, however the danger lies within the content or the attachment. Most of the time, such e-mails are sent with the name of some well-known shipping companies. FedEx, eBay or DHL are the most used names. Generally, they inform you about an undelivered package or the invoice of a shipment that you made. Either way, when you open the e-mail or the attachment, your system is exposed to destructive crypto virus – .sarut. The content of attachment is basically the hidden malicious macros. Once opened, it triggers the script of .sarut extension and launches the malware payload on your system.

Even though the sender of such e-mails looks trustworthy or legitimate, you should not access any suspicious e-mails or files. Instead, you should immediately delete such questionable e-mails.

Apart from spam attacks, beware of the fake software updates. Fake updaters may infiltrate your system by exploiting the outdated bugs or installing other malicious applications in your system without your knowledge.

To conclude, we can say that the main reason for such infiltration is lack of proper knowledge and reckless behavior.

Threat Behavior

Once it gets inside your system, the first job is to scan every inch of your system to locate the targeted files. It may include your personal documents, images, audio-video files and even back up files. After locating the targeted files, it encrypts and makes them unusable. While encrypting the files, it does not show any specific symptom as it works silently in the background.

Once the encryption process is completed, the malicious .sarut file virus generates a unique decryption key. This key is stored on the hacker’s server and is used to decrypt .sarut files in your system. Getting the decryption key is not a piece of cake! Hackers demand for hefty ransom (in bitcoins) in exchange of the decryption key. With the fear of losing the important data, victim users get ready to pay the asked ransom.

Furthermore, to compel the users to pay the ransom amount, .sarut virus creates a ransom – demanding message. It is a text file, which is created in every folder having the .sarut files. The message automatically pops-up on the screen whenever you try to open the locked files.

Ransom-Demanding Message:

A sum equal to $980 (in bitcoins) is demanded by hackers to enable the decryption key. To your surprise, the developer of .sarut file virus offers you a discount of 50% in the ransom amount. It means the ransom amount will be reduced to $480 (in bitcoins). The only condition is, you have to contact the cyber crooks within 72 hours of the attack. These cyber criminals threaten to permanently delete your locked files, if you fail to make the payment within the specific time. Keep in mind, paying the ransom is not the only way out of this problem. In order to get rid of the malicious .sarut virus, you have to delete .sarut ransomware from your system.

Following are quick and easy steps which can help you to uninstall sarut from windows or Mac:

Removal guidelines for .sarut ransomware

STEP A: Reboot your system to Safe Mode

STEP B: Delete the suspicious file from Configuration Settings

1. Type “Msconfig” in search box / Run Box, select it and press Enter.
2. Click on “Services” Tab and click on “Hide all Microsoft services”.
3. Select .sarut file virus from the list of remaining services and disable it by removing the tick mark from the checkbox and click on Apply button.

STEP C: Remove malicious file from Command Prompt

Once the system starts, ensure to use an account with administrative privilege to access Safe Mode with Command Prompt.

After the user enters admin credentials, Command prompt window is displayed wherein you are entitled to enter the below commands:

1. Type the command “sc delete .sarut file virus” in the command prompt and press Enter.
2. Type “exit” to exit the command prompt and restart the system in safe mode with command prompt.

STEP D: Restore the system files & folders

Tips to prevent your system from .sarut ransomware

1. Keeping the Operating System Updated- In order to remain protected and avoid such infections, it is recommended to keep your Operating System updated by enabling the automatic update on your system. The systems with outdated or older versions of Operating System become an easy target for the attackers.
2. Resist clicking on spam emails – One of the major techniques used for malware distribution is forwarding spam emails to the user. The system gets infected as soon as the user clicks on the attachment. These mails appear to be genuine, so be aware and resist falling for these tricks.
3. Keep an eye on third party installations- It is quite important that you take due care while installing any third party applications for they are major source of such infections. Such malware programs come bundled with the free applications thereby requiring the user to remain cautious.
4. Regular periodical backup- In order to keep your data and files safe, it is recommended to take regular back up of all your data and files either on an external drive or cloud.
5. Use Anti-Virus Protection- We strongly recommend the use of antivirus protection/internet security in your PC like Kaspersky and 360 Total Security so that it remains safe.
6. Enable the Ad Blocker/Popup Blocker in your browser- Enabling the popup blocker/ ad blocker in your chosen browser will help you to stay protected from annoying adware.

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