Salsa ransomware - How to remove

Salsa crypto-virus is a recent infection that demonstrates some peculiar elements. First, it has a separate html file for each ransom note in a different language. Presumably, so it would know which one should be inserted into victims’ devices, the ransomware would either figure out which language is set as a preference or learn users’ location. However, we have determined that it is possible that all variants of notes will be uploaded into one folder and victims will simply have to choose the most appropriate one. In all, the ransom note can be displayed in forty languages, making this ransomware a threat to all. Salsa virus has received its name from the background image it sets on victims’ desktops and from the extension that is appended to encrypted data. .salsa222 mark will be noticed in all files, ruined by this specific variant. After encryption processes are concluded, files become completely useless and their owners cannot launch them.

Salsa ransomware and its activity

Salsa ransomware demands a ransom in a form of bitcoins, 0.465112BTC to be precise. This sum converts into approximately 565.77 US dollars. Its creators might be either from the Russian Federation or the United States as the virus contacts hosts with IPs, directing to both of these countries. The source of Salsa virus has determined to be, for the most part, file-sharing facilities. Presumably, users will be promised to receive one application, but will end up with completely different executables.

Salsa ransomware inserts a new folder into a device, named CLICK HERE TO UNLOCK YOUR FILES SALSA222 which will open a bunch html files. All of them will aim to explain the demands of hackers in 40 different languages. When one of the html executables is launched, users will be transferred to their preferred browser. The application will launch a website with instructions and demands. First, hackers will announce that all files (even in connected USBs) are encrypted.

A specific period will be given for people to pay the ransom. If they don’t, the ransom will double. In case victims still refuse to make a transaction, the files will allegedly be removed from the infected PCs permanently. SalsaDownload.exe is the main file of this virus and it will modify Windows Registry keys and presumably contact its C&C server before having an opportunity to begin encryption.

We completely understand that losing all of your files might seem like a massive tragedy, but remember that it is unwise to give in to hackers. After they receive your money, these shady people might not bother to decrypt your files. This is a currently active infection and from the looks of it, almost anybody can become a victim of Salsa virus.

Decrypting files that Salsa ransomware has ruined

Salsa virus is not a solved infection: it requires some analysis. There is no way of recovering files for free, at least for the time being. The only way to retrieve files is to use alternative methods. To pursue this goal, you will have to get rid of the infection with an anti-malware tool or manually. Then, you should check whether Shadow Volume Copies have been deleted. Additionally, if you have stored your files in backup storages, you should be able to retrieve them from those storages. However, to ensure that you do not lose all of your files. You should copy the encrypted data before removing the infection.

How is Salsa ransomware spread?

The most likely source for Salsa are various file-sharing domains. You can attempt to download software or files from questionable distributors and end up with a secretive Trojan. Remember: downloading content from random sources is a dangerous action and you should not do it. If you do, the consequences can be severe. For instance: you can be infected with Salsa crypto-virus and suffer from data-loss.

Spyhunter, Plumbytes or Hitman are anti-malware tools that will help you get rid of Salsa ransomware. This is an automatic option which does not require a lot of efforts from the user. On the other hand, manual removal is also a possibility. We have included explanations of decryption options and the guidelines for removal in the following parts.

How to recover Salsa ransomware encrypted files and remove the virus

Step 1. Restore system into last known good state using system restore

1. Reboot your computer to Safe Mode with Command Prompt:

for Windows 7 / Vista/ XP

• Start → Shutdown → Restart → OK.
• Press F8 key repeatedly until Advanced Boot Options window appears.
• Choose Safe Mode with Command Prompt.

for Windows 8 / 10

• Press Power at Windows login screen. Then press and hold Shift key and click Restart.
• Choose Troubleshoot → Advanced Options → Startup Settings and click Restart.
• When it loads, select Enable Safe Mode with Command Prompt from the list of Startup Settings.

 

2.Restore System files and settings.

• When Command Prompt mode loads, enter cd restore and press Enter.
• Then enter rstrui.exe and press Enter again.
• Click “Next” in the windows that appeared.
• Select one of the Restore Points that are available before Salsa ransomware has infiltrated to your system and then click “Next”.
• To start System restore click “Yes”.

 

Step 2. Complete removal of Salsa ransomware

After restoring your system, it is recommended to scan your computer with an anti-malware program, like Spyhunter and remove all malicious files related to Salsa ransomware. You can check other tools here.  

Step 3. Restore Salsa ransomware affected files using Shadow Volume Copies

If you do not use System Restore option on your operating system, there is a chance to use shadow copy snapshots. They store copies of your files that point of time when the system restore snapshot was created. Usually Salsa ransomware tries to delete all possible Shadow Volume Copies, so this methods may not work on all computers. However, it may fail to do so. Shadow Volume Copies are only available with Windows XP Service Pack 2, Windows Vista, Windows 7, and Windows 8. There are two ways to retrieve your files via Shadow Volume Copy. You can do it using native Windows Previous Versions or via Shadow Explorer. a) Native Windows Previous Versions Right-click on an encrypted file and select Properties → Previous versions tab. Now you will see all available copies of that particular file and the time when it was stored in a Shadow Volume Copy. Choose the version of the file you want to retrieve and click Copy if you want to save it to some directory of your own, or Restore if you want to replace existing, encrypted file. If you want to see the content of file first, just click Open.

b) Shadow Explorer It is a program that can be found online for free. You can download either a full or a portable version of Shadow Explorer. Open the program. On the left top corner select the drive where the file you are looking for is a stored. You will see all folders on that drive. To retrieve a whole folder, right-click on it and select “Export”. Then choose where you want it to be stored.

Step 4. Use Data Recovery programs to recover Salsa ransomware encrypted files

There are several data recovery programs that might recover encrypted files as well. This does not work in all cases but you can try this:

• We suggest using another PC and connect the infected hard drive as slave. It is still possible to do this on infected PC though.
• Download a data recovery program.
• Install and scan for recently deleted files.

Note: In many cases it is impossible to restore data files affected by modern ransomware. Thus I recommend using decent cloud backup software as precaution. We recommend checking out Carbonite, BackBlaze, CrashPlan or Mozy Home.