Sodinokibi ransomware virus - removal and decryption options

What kind of malware is Sodinokibi?

Discovered by S!Ri, Sodinokibi (also known as REvil or Sodin) is a ransomware-type program created by cyber criminals. They use it to encrypt files stored on victims' computers and prevent people from accessing them files until they have paid a ransom. Malware researchers call it Sodinokibi, however, developers have not yet provided an official name.

This ransomware places ransom messages in folders that contain encrypted files. The name of the text file depends on the extension added to the encrypted file. For example, if the extension is ".686l0tek69" (and the encrypted file is renamed from, for example, "1.jpg" to "1.jpg.686l0tek69"), the ransom message filename will be called "686l0tek69-HOW-TO-DECRYPT.txt". Sodinokibi also changes the wallpaper.

As of September 2021, Sodinokibi ransomware is decryptable. Bitdefender offers a free decryption tool for this malware.

Screenshot of files encrypted by Sodinokibi (random extension):

Sodinokibi ransom note overview

The ransom message explains that people who have computers infected with this ransomware can decrypt (recover) their files only by following the instructions provided by the cyber criminals who developed it. To decrypt data, users must visit the websites using one of the two links provided. One should be opened using the Tor browser, and the other with another browser such as Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft Edge, etc.

It is stated that the link/website created for browsers other than Tor could be blocked by the browser, and thus they advise users to use the first website link. In any case, once opened, the website asks users to copy and paste the key provided in the ransom message (.txt file) and to enter the extension name (which is provided in the same text file).

It then opens another page informing victims that they have two days to pay a ransom of $2500. Later, the cost is doubled to $5000. The ransom must be transferred to the Bitcoin wallet address (paid in cryptocurrency) provided. According to cyber criminals, when payment is made, victims should receive three confirmations. They then supposedly reload the website which will create a download link for a decryption tool.

Victims are urged not to try to decrypt their files with other (third party) tools - according to cyber criminals, using them they might cause permanent data loss. Despite this, do not pay developers of this ransomware. Typically, cyber criminals cooperate only until they have received the ransom. After that, most ignore victims and send no tools/keys required for decryption. In summary, people are scammed.

More about ransomware

Typically only the cyber criminals who developed a particular ransomware infection can provide decryption tools. Mostly, cryptography algorithms used to encrypt files are impossible to 'crack' without using specific decryption keys/tools.

The best option in these cases is to restore files using a backup (if one was created before having all files encrypted with the ransomware-type program). However, Sodinokibi ransomware is decryptable as of September 2021. Free decryption tools are offered by Bitdefender.

Similarities between different ransomware variants

Some examples of other ransomware-type programs are BellevueCollegeEncryptor, Hceem, and Hrosas. Most are created to encrypt files and to keep them locked unless a ransom is paid. Any differences are cost of decryption and cryptography algorithm used to encrypt data.

Unfortunately, in most cases, they are impossible to crack, unless ransomware is not fully developed, contains bugs/flaws. To prevent data (and financial) loss caused by ransomware, maintain regular backups and store them on remote servers or unplugged storage devices.

How did ransomware infect my computer?

Some of the most commonly used ways to proliferate ransomware and other malicious programs are spam campaigns, Trojans, fake software updaters, dubious software download sources and software 'cracking' tools.

In spam campaigns, cyber criminals send emails that contain malicious attachments. They present these emails as official and important attempt to trick people into opening attached files, which are usually Microsoft Office and PDF documents, archives such as ZIP, RAR files, JavaScript files, executables (.exe and others), and so on. If opened, they download and install ransomware or other high-risk malware.

If a Trojan is already installed on a computer, it can proliferate other threats. Programs of this type often cause chain infections. Fake software updaters proliferate/install malicious software rather than the expected updates or fixes. These tools can also be used to exploit outdated software flaws, bugs.

Untrustworthy download sources (such as Peer-to-Peer networks, free file hosting websites, unofficial websites and other similar channels) are used to distribute ransomware. Cyber criminals employ these channels to present their malware as harmless files. When people download and open them, they install malicious programs.

By using software 'cracking' tools, people often risk having malicious programs installed. These tools supposedly bypass paid software activation, however, they often cause unwanted installations and computer infections.

How to protect yourself from ransomware infections?

Avoid opening attachments in emails that are received from unknown/suspicious addresses. The same applies to web links. The emails are usually presented as important and legitimate, however, they are mostly irrelevant.

Furthermore, use official and trustworthy websites when downloading software and update it using implemented functions or tools provided by the official developers. Note, tools that allow people to avoid paying for software are illegal and often cause computer infections.

To avoid computer infections, have reputable anti-virus/anti-spyware software installed and keep it enabled. If your computer is already infected with Sodinokibi, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate this ransomware.

Update September 17, 2021 - Bitdefender has released a free decrypter for Sodinokibi ransomware. This decryption tool can be downloaded from Bitdefender's blog.

Screenshot of Bitdefender's decryption tool for Sodinokibi ransomware:

Screenshot of a message encouraging users to pay a ransom to decrypt their compromised data (random-string-HOW-TO-DECRYPT.txt):

Text presented in this text file:

--=== Welcome. Again. ===---

[+] Whats Happen? [+]

Your files are encrypted, and currently unavailable. You can check it: all files on you computer has expansion 686l0tek69.
By the way, everything is possible to recover (restore), but you need to follow our instructions. Otherwise, you cant return your data (NEVER).

[+] What guarantees? [+]

Its just a business. We absolutely do not care about you and your deals, except getting benefits. If we do not do our work and liabilities - nobody will not cooperate with us. Its not in our interests.
To check the ability of returning files, You should go to our website. There you can decrypt one file for free. That is our guarantee.
If you will not cooperate with our service - for us, its does not matter. But you will lose your time and data, cause just we have the private key. In practise - time is much more valuable than money.

[+] How to get access on website? [+]

You have two ways:

1) [Recommended] Using a TOR browser!
  a) Download and install TOR browser from this site: hxxps://torproject.org/
  b) Open our website: hxxp://aplebzu47wgazapdqks6vrcv6zcnjppkbxbr6wketf56nf6aq2nmyoyd.onion/913AED0B5FE1497D

2) If TOR blocked in your country, try to use VPN! But you can use our secondary website. For this:
  a) Open your any browser (Chrome, Firefox, Opera, IE, Edge)
  b) Open our secondary website: http://decryptor.top/913AED0B5FE1497D

Warning: secondary website can be blocked, thats why first variant much better and more available.

When you open our website, put the following data in the input form:
Key:

-

Extension name:

686l0tek69

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

!!! DANGER !!!
DONT try to change files by yourself, DONT use any third party software for restoring your data or antivirus solutions - its may entail damge of the private key and, as result, The Loss all data.
!!! !!! !!!
ONE MORE TIME: Its in your interests to get your files back. From our side, we (the best specialists) make everything for restoring, but please should not interfere.
!!! !!! !!!

Screenshot of Sodinokibi website (first page):

Screenshot of Sodinokibi website (second page):

Text presented in a website opened with Tor (second page):

Your computer have been infected!
Your documents, photos, databases and other important files encrypted
To decrypt your files you need to buy our special software - 686l0tek69-Decryptor
You can do it right now. Follow the instructions below. But remember that you do not have much time
686l0tek69-Decryptor costs

You have 2 days, 23:59:17
* If you do not pay on time, the price will be doubled
* Time ends on May 3, 10:44:08
Current price
After time ends
0.47528863 btc
ò 2,500 USD
0.95057726 btc
ò 5,000 USD

Status: No access to download 686l0tek69-Decryptor.

BTC receiving address: 324VH5nPXCKCUGAMAn23nogm2Z6ph97evh
Instructions Chat support
How to buy 686l0tek69-Decryptor?

Create a Bitcoin Wallet (we recommend Blockchain.info)
Buy necessary amount of Bitcoins. Current price for buying is 0.47528863 btc
Send 0.47528863 btc to the following Bitcoin address:
324VH5nPXCKCUGAMAn23nogm2Z6ph97evh

* This receiving address was created for you, to identify your transactions
Wait for 3 confirmations
Reload current page after, and get a link to download 686l0tek69-Decryptor

Guarantees?

Upload your file for test 686l0tek69-Decryptor.

* This file should be an encrypted image. Example

your-file-name.jpg.686l0tek69
your-file-name.png.686l0tek69
your-file-name.gif.686l0tek69

Appearance of Sodinokibi website opened with Tor (GIF):

Screenshot of Sodinokibi desktop wallpaper:

Screenshot of Sodinokibi ransomware process in Task Manager ("Showing Mcga Wmv Photo Ramsey Married")

Screenshots of a chat with cyber criminals about the ransomware name:

Text in the chat:

Researcher Tomas: Where are you from?
Researcher Tomas: What is the name of your ransomware?
Cyber criminal: We don't have name, don't write here.
Researcher Tomas: Researchers are calling this - "Sodinokibi" ransomware. That's not a very nice name, maybe you like to use something else?
Cyber criminal: show me
Researcher Tomas: hxxps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MlfYEqAjXUE&feature=youtu.be
Researcher Tomas: You could think of some cooler name than "Sodinokibi".
Cyber criminal: Hm, why this name?
Researcher Tomas: I would guess this is from an executable file name (hxxps://twitter.com/GrujaRS/status/1122051853657739265/photo/1)
Researcher Tomas: What name would you like to use?
Cyber criminal: we don't have name, but give to us few days to think about it
Researcher Tomas: ok, great.

Update May 3rd, 2019 - Research shows that cyber criminals have started exploiting Oracle WebLogic Server vulnerability (CVE-2019-2725) to inject them with malware, including GANDCRAB, Sodinokibi, and various miners, botnets, etc. Fortunately, Oracle has already released a patch to fix the vulnerability. Therefore, if you own this type of server, download and install the patch immediately. You can find detailed information and a download link for the patch in this article.

Update July 11, 2019 - Cyber criminals have recently released an updated variant of Sodinokibi ransomware which is now capable of exploiting Win32k component's vulnerability in Windows 7 through Windows 10 operating systems' server editions. Sodinokibi exploits the vulnerability to enhance its privileges so that it would be able to damage the system even more. We should also mention that Sodinokibi uses multiple encryptions in order to compromise data. It not only encrypts files, but the private key (which is necessary to restore data) is also encrypted. In other words, two keys are necessary for the decryption.

Update September 3rd, 2019 - Cyber criminals have started distributing Sodinokibi ransomware through hijacked legitimate WordPress websites. They inject legitimate sites with a JavaScript that alters the original website's content with a fake Q&A forum post which is typically related to the actual website's content. The post contains a fake answer from site's administrator and the answer contains a link to Sodinokibi's installation setup.

Update October 21, 2019 - Although there are no decryption tools capable of restoring data compromised by Sodinokibi ransomware for free, Emsisoft and Coveware companies have recently found a workaround that can help some victims restore their data. In order to receive help victims should contact Emsisoft's/Coveware's technicians directly via Twitter (@emsisoft or @coveware) or email (support@emsisoft.com or Coveware contact form).

Update December 27, 2019 - Crooks have recently released yet another variant of Sodinokibi ransomware. The behavior is virtually the same - it encrypts data, appends random extension, changes the desktop wallpaper and drops a ransom note. The main difference is text within the ransom note, which now wishes victims "Merry Christmas". The website is slightly updated as well.

Screenshot of updated Sodinokibi's ransom note ("[random_string]-readme.txt"):

Text presented within this file:

---=== Welcome. ===---

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays everyone!
You have a great opportunity to enter the new year, leaving all the bad in the outgoing year.
I advise you to write to us as soon as possible and not waste your precious time that you can spend with your family.
With our decryptors recovery will take you the least time, without us you will have a very hard time and some of your files will not be recovered never.
The longer you think, the harder it will be for us to negotiate with you .
Waiting for your dialogues in our chat, below you can get acquainted with what happened.

[+] Whats Happen? [+]

Your files are encrypted, and currently unavailable. You can check it: all files on your system has extension szz25513j.
By the way, everything is possible to recover (restore), but you need to follow our instructions. Otherwise, you cant return your data (NEVER).

[+] What guarantees? [+]

Its just a business. We absolutely do not care about you and your deals, except getting benefits. If we do not do our work and liabilities - nobody will not cooperate with us. Its not in our interests.
To check the ability of returning files, You should go to our website. There you can decrypt one file for free. That is our guarantee.
If you will not cooperate with our service - for us, its does not matter. But you will lose your time and data, cause just we have the private key. In practise - time is much more valuable than money.

[+] How to get access on website? [+]

You have two ways:

1) [Recommended] Using a TOR browser!
  a) Download and install TOR browser from this site: hxxps://torproject.org/
  b) Open our website: hxxp://aplebzu47wgazapdqks6vrcv6zcnjp pkbxbr6wketf56nf6aq2nmyoyd. onion/6E0FCE541E857D00

2) If TOR blocked in your country, try to use VPN! But you can use our secondary website. For this:
  a) Open your any browser (Chrome, Firefox, Opera, IE, Edge)
  b) Open our secondary website: hxxp://decryptor.top/6E0FCE541E857D00

Warning: secondary website can be blocked, thats why first variant much better and more available.

When you open our website, put the following data in the input form:
Key:

-

Extension name:

-

-
!!! DANGER !!!
DONT try to change files by yourself, DONT use any third party software for restoring your data or antivirus solutions - its may entail damge of the private key and, as result, The Loss all data.
!!! !!! !!!
ONE MORE TIME: Its in your interests to get your files back. From our side, we (the best specialists) make everything for restoring, but please should not interfere.
!!! !!! !!!

For google: Revil/Sodinokibi

Screenshot of the desktop wallpaper:

Text presented within this image:

All of your files are encrypted!

Find [random_string]-readme.txt and follow instuctions

Screenshot of files encrypted by this Sodinokibi variant (random extension):

Screenshot of the latest Sodinokibi's website (which provides payment/decryption instructions) in Tor network:

Text presented within this website ("INSTRUCTIONS" tab):

Your computer has been infected!
Your documents, photos, databases and other important files encrypted
To decrypt your files you need to buy our special software - zog3i49-Decryptor
You can do it right now. Follow the instructions below. But remember that you do not have much time
zog3i49-Decryptor price
Time is over
* You didn't pay on time, the price was doubled
Current price
0.36018031 BTC
ò 2,600 USD
* BTC will be recalculated in 1 hour with an actual rate.

Bitcoin address: 36ee3WeL8ofVCsuHw4ZMUYJ72xLFaR6RDg
Instructions Chat support About us
How to decrypt files?

You will not be able to decrypt the files yourself. If you try, you will lose your files forever.

To decrypt your files you need to buy our special software - zog3i49-Decryptor.

* If you need guarantees, use trial decryption below.
How to buy zog3i49-Decryptor?

    Create a Bitcoin Wallet (we recommend Blockchain.info)
    Buy necessary amount of Bitcoins. Current price for buying is 0.36018031 BTC
    Send 0.36018031 BTC to the following Bitcoin address:
    36ee3WeL8ofVCsuHw4ZMUYJ72xLFaR6RDg

    * This receiving address was created for you, to identify your transactions
    Wait for 3 confirmations by blockchain
    Reload current page after, and get a link to download zog3i49-Decryptor

Trial decryption

Upload your image file for trial decryption to make sure that zog3i49-Decryptor works.

* This file should be an encrypted image. Example:

    your-image.jpg.zog3i49
    your-image.png.zog3i49
    your-image.gif.zog3i49

Text presented within this website ("ABOUT US" tab):

Sodinokibi

You probably already know about us. Many publications call us Sodinokibi.

If you've read them, you know that our Ransomware is different in its technology and reliability.

We've developed the best data encryption and decryption system available today.

Our competitors allow themselves to lose and destroy their victims' data during the encryption or decryption process, making it impossible to recover the data.

We don't allow ourselves to do that.

So you should be glad you were infected by our guys, not our competitors. This means that when you pay for the decryption, you can be sure that all your data will be decrypted.
Guarantees?

You can read the publications about us. For example, this one:
hxxps://www.coveware.com/blog/2019/7/15/ ransomware-amounts-rise-3x-in-q2-as-ryuk-amp-sodinokibi-spread

This edition explores Ransomware and makes comparisons. This article describes the 100% probability of data recovery via Sodinokibi software.

You can search for other publications about us on the Internet and once again make sure of our warranties.

Or go to the payment instructions page now to get our decryption software if you don't want to waste time.

Time is money.

Update January 23, 2020 - The developers of Sodinokibi ransomware have started using a new tactic - threatening victims to publish data, which is apparently not only encrypted, but also stolen as well. Sodinokibi's developers claim that they've made a copy of data before encrypting it and now they threaten to make it public unless the ransom is paid. This tactic is getting more and more popular amongst ransomware developers, as it increases their chances of getting paid. Home users may put up with losing images, videos, and other similar data, but someone making all of it publicly accessible is completely different thing. Especially when it comes to companies - at this current moment Sodinokibi's developers threaten to release information stolen from Gedia Automotive Group, which is a very huge company with over 4300 employees. Crooks stolen over 50 GBs of data which includes records of employees, customers, etc. Leaking such personal data might cause serious damage to any company. You can find more details in Sergiu Gatlan's article in BleepingComputer.

Update March 20, 2020 - Crooks have recently released yet another variant of Sodinokibi ransomware. Its behavior is virtually the same - names of encrypted files are appended with a random string, the desktop wallpaper is changed and the ransom note is dropped. The difference is text within the ransom note and desktop wallpaper.

Screenshot of this Sodinokibi ransomware's ransom note ("[random_string]-HELP-NEED.txt"):

Text presented within this file:

Sorry, but your files are locked due to a critical error in your system. The extension of your files is now "mjua6530p". If you yourself want to decrypt the files - you will lose them FOREVER.

You have to pay get your file decoder. DO NOT TAKE TIME, you have SEVERAL DAYS to pay, otherwise the cost of the decoder will double. How to do it is written below.

If you cannot do it yourself, then search the Internet for file recovery services in your country or city.

Go to the page through the browser: hxxp://decryptor.cc/00F5BC601E857D00
If your site does not open, then download the TOR browser (hxxps://torproject.org/). If you can’t access the download page of the TOR browser, then download the VPN!
After you install the TOR browser on your computer go to the site: hxxp://aplebzu47wgazapdqks6vrcv6zcnjppkbxbr6wketf56nf6aq2nmyoyd.onion/00F5BC601E857D00

Screenshot of this Sodinokibi ransomware's desktop wallpaper:

Text presented within this image:

...ALL YOUR FILES BLOCKED AND CAN BE LOST SOON...

Urgently find: [random_string]-HELP-NEED.txt in folders or on your desktop!

YOU HAVE A FEW DAYS OR A FILE WILL BE LOST FOREVER !!!

Screenshot of files encrypted by this Sodinokibi variant (random extension):

Appearance of this Sodinokibi variant's Tor website:

Text presented within this site:

Main page:

Your computer has been infected!
Your documents, photos, databases and other important files encrypted
To decrypt your files you need to buy our special software - mjua6530p-Decryptor
You can do it right now. Follow the instructions below. But remember that you do not have much time
mjua6530p-Decryptor price
You have 4 days, 23:59:00
* If you do not pay on time, the price will be doubled
* Time ends on Mar 25, 13:42:08
Current price 33.34075745 XMR ≈ 1,495 USD
After time ends 66.6815149 XMR ≈ 2,990 USD
* XMR will be recalculated in 5 hours with an actual rate.
Monero address:
87mqGPJYCzKReE8sgDUgFmFcyGHFTp9rBUVy5 oRw3W2KfLhnj9oPDH5XGVw4Qjf7jajLkrg6EZPo6HBUrqST25ckNyb6z3q
Instructions Chat support About us
Payment method Monero Bitcoin (+10%)
How to decrypt files?

You will not be able to decrypt the files yourself. If you try, you will lose your files forever.

To decrypt your files you need to buy our special software - mjua6530p-Decryptor.

* If you need guarantees, use trial decryption below.
How to buy mjua6530p-Decryptor?

    Buy the required amount of XMR (Monero): 33.34075745 XMR

    If you have problems with buying XMR, you can buy BTC (Bitcoin) and exchange it for XMR. See «Exchange BTC for XMR» on the page.
    Also you can change payment method
    Send 33.34075745 XMR to the following Monero address:
    87mqGPJYCzKReE8sgDUgFmFcyGHFTp9rBUVy5oRw3W 2KfLhnj9oPDH5XGVw4Qjf7jajLkrg6EZPo6HBUrqST25ckNyb6z3q

    * This receiving address was created for you, to identify your transactions
    Wait for 10 confirmations by blockchain
    Reload current page after, and get a link to download mjua6530p-Decryptor

Trial decryption

Upload your image file for trial decryption to make sure that mjua6530p-Decryptor works.

* This file should be an encrypted image. Example:

Buy XMR with Bank

Buy XMR locally with cash or online

Buy Bitcoin and trade for XMR

Other services where you can buy BTC, needed to exchange for XMR:

Exchange BTC for XMR

Buy XMR from India or South Korea

"ABOUT US" tab:

Sodinokibi

You probably already know about us. Many publications call us Sodinokibi.

If you've read them, you know that our Ransomware is different in its technology and reliability.

We've developed the best data encryption and decryption system available today.

Our competitors allow themselves to lose and destroy their victims' data during the encryption or decryption process, making it impossible to recover the data.

We don't allow ourselves to do that.

So you should be glad you were infected by our guys, not our competitors. This means that when you pay for the decryption, you can be sure that all your data will be decrypted.
Guarantees?

You can read the publications about us. For example, this one:
hxxps://www.coveware.com/blog/2019/7/15/ransomware-amounts-rise-3x-in-q2-as-ryuk-amp-sodinokibi-spread

This edition explores Ransomware and makes comparisons. This article describes the 100% probability of data recovery via Sodinokibi software.

You can search for other publications about us on the Internet and once again make sure of our warranties.

Or go to the payment instructions page now to get our decryption software if you don't want to waste time.

Time is money.

Update April 20, 2020 - Crooks have recently released yet another variant of Sodinokibi ransomware. Most of it's behavior is exactly the same - it appends a random extension, sets the exact same image as desktop wallpaper and promotes the same Tor network website. However, the ransom note within the text file ("readme.[random_string].txt") is different:

Text presented within:

Your files are locked due to a vulnerability in your system by "-" extension.
You will not be able to decrypt the files yourself, in the worst case you can destroy the data irreversibly. The only way to unlock your data is to buy the decryption program.
Go to the link written below to more details.

If you can't do this yourself, find a data recovery company in internet.
They can't help you unlock your data, because only we have decryption key, but will help you make a payment and provide you guarantees.

Also, I ask you to note, you have no long time, if you do not make payment soon, the price for the decryptor will double. So I recommend you don't waste time and move!

Go to the page through the browser:

hxxt://decryptor.cc/00F5BC601E857D00

If your site does not open, then download the TOR browser (hxxps://torproject.org/).
If you can’t access the download page of the TOR browser, then download the VPN!

After you install the TOR browser on your computer go to the site:

hxxp://aplebzu47wgazapdqks6vrcv6zcnjppkbxbr6wketf56nf6aq2nmyoyd.onion/00F5BC601E857D00

After going to the site, enter the following code:

-

Yet another Sodinokibi ransomware's text file:

Text presented within:

Your files are locked due to a vulnerability in your system by "-" extension.
You will not be able to decrypt the files yourself, in the worst case you can destroy the data irreversibly.
The only way to unlock your data is to buy the decryption program.
Go to the link written below to more details.

If you cannot do this yourself, find a data recovery company in internet.
They cannot help you unlock your data, because only we have decryption key, but will help you make a payment and provide you guarantees.

ATTENTION! DATA RECOVERY AGENCIES WORK AND DURING THE CORONOVIRUS QUARANTINE, THEY WILL HELP YOU REMOTE.

Also, I ask you to note, you have no long time, if you do not make payment soon, the price for the decryptor will double. So I recommend you dont waste time and move!

Go to the page through the browser:

hxxp://decryptor.cc/00F5BC601E857D00

If your site does not open, then download the "TOR Browser" (hxxps://torproject.org/).
If you cannot access the download page of the "TOR Browser", then download the VPN!

After installing "TOR Browser", open it and follow the link:

hxxp://aplebzu47wgazapdqks6vrcv6zcnjppkbxbr6wketf56nf6aq2nmyoyd.onion/00F5BC601E857D00

After going to the site, enter the following code:

-

Yet another variant of Sodinokibi ransomware's desktop wallpaper:

Text presented within:

All of your files are encrypted!
Find *****-readme.txt and follow instuctions
The final price depends on how fast you write to us.
We also have gathered your sensitive data.
We would share it in case you refuse to pay.

Update May 20, 2020 - Cyber criminals have recently released an updated version of Sodinokibi ransomware which is now capable of encrypting data that is open and locked by other processes/applications (files are typically locked for security purposes - multiple applications writing to the same file at the same time may corrupt it). To remove the lock Sodinokibi simply terminates the locking process and proceeds with encryption. It is also worth mentioning that the developers of Sodinokibi ransomware are threatening to leak data stolen from a huge entertainment and law company named Grubman Shire Meiselas & Sacks (GSMLaw). According to cyber criminals, the data includes various personal/legal documents and personal information (such as contracts, non-disclosure agreements, personal correspondence, phone numbers, etc.) The company represents a variety of huge stars, such as Madonna, Elton John, Robert De Niro, and others. Therefore, such data may seem very juicy for certain people. You can find more details regarding the data leakage in Ionut Ilascu's article posted in Bleeping Computer.

Update June 18, 2020 - As mentioned in the previous update, the developers of Sodinokibi managed to steal data from the Grugman Shire Meiselas & Sacks (GSMLaw) company and to gain access to private information of various celebrities. They've also threatened to leak data if the ransom is not paid. Well, the leak has begun. Cyber criminals are selling stolen data in an auction. They claim that they've already sold information about the current U.S. president Donald Trump and that Madonna's information is next to be sold. What's interesting is that these persons are asking hundreds of thousands of dollars for this information (the starting price of D. Trump's private data supposedly was $1.000.000). You can find more details regarding this extortion in our news article.

Website provided by yet another variant of Sodinokibi variant (named LV ransomware):

Text presented within this site:

YOUR SYSTEM HAS BEEN
PENETRATED by LV

Your company documents, databases and other important files have been encrypted

Your confidential documents, personal data and sensitive info have been downloaded

All the downloaded info will be published and put up for sale in darknet if you don't pay
You have 2 days 23:57:42
Your price $500,000

IF YOU DO NOT PAY ON TIME, ALL THE DOWNLOADED INFORMATION WILL BE PUBLISHED AUTOMATICALLY
JOURNALISTS AND DATA PROTECTION AUTHORITY WILL BE NOTIFIED ABOUT PERSONAL DATA LEAK
LOOK AT SOME PROOFS
Several screenshots of downloaded files

Your company's private information including billing info, card numbers, logins and passwords, agreements, financial reports; clients', employees', vendors' personal information and financial records. And lots of other sensitive info - belong to us
IT'S JUST A BUSINESS
We'll receive money anyway: from you or from the darknet
IF YOU DO NOT PAY
-_ You'll NEVER decrypt your files
-_ Your confidential data and the most important info, your clients' and employees' personal data will be published and sold out in DARKNET
-_ Your clients, employees, partners will be notified by e-mail that you haven't prevent their data leakage. That you've SOLD their personal data
-_ Journalists, data protection authority will be aware about the personal data leakage and breaking the Law (with PENALTIES per record)
-_ You'll LOOSE lots of time and data and reputation and money and clients. And they will be right cause you didn't meet consumer data protection obligations!
IF YOU_PAY ON TIME
+_ You'll RESTORE all your encrypted files and data IN MINUTES
+_ You'll PREVENT news article that you didn't meet consumer data protection obligations. You'll save your reliable REPUTATION
+_ You'll AVOID your company sensitive info publication and selling out in darknet for future EXPLOITATION
+_ You'll PREVENT problems with state regulatoru authority and ESCAPE punishment and penalties for violations and even court
+_ We'll completely and permanently delete ALL your data from our disks
+_ You'll continue work as reliable company and everything will be GOOD for you
OUR GUARANTY

You can decrypt one file for free. It's our guaranty that your files can be decrypted and restored by our decrypter. Try it
Decrypt any file with - extension and size below 1MB
Select file

DANGER!!!
Do not modify, rename, copy or move any files! This way you damage them and decryption will be impossible. Do not shutdown or reset your system! Do not use any third party or public decryption software or antivirus solutions to restore your files! It'll entail YOUR FILES LOSS. But will not reject your SENSITIVE DATA PUBLICATION!
LIVE CHAT
Take into account that we can answer in several hours. But we will
Hello! I’d be happy to answer any questions!

Update March 22, 2021 - New variant of Sodinokibi has been observed encrypting infected devices in Safe Mode. This ransomware forcefully reboots the system prior to starting the encryption. It reboots the computer in Safe Mode, which is designed to run administrative tasks and perform diagnostic processes using minimal software and drivers required. As this version of Sodinokibi encrypts files, users are presented with a blank screen in Safe Mode. While it is possible to open Windows Task Manager during encryption, the malware prevents victims from launching any applications. After the encryption is complete, the device will resume booting and on startup - display the desktop with a ransom note and dropped onto it.

Sodinokibi ransomware removal:

Instant automatic malware removal:

Manual threat removal might be a lengthy and complicated process that requires advanced IT skills. Combo Cleaner is a professional automatic malware removal tool that is recommended to get rid of malware. Download it by clicking the button below:

By downloading any software listed on this website you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. To use full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Combo Cleaner. 7 days free trial available. Combo Cleaner is owned and operated by RCS LT, the parent company of PCRisk.com.

Removal and file recovery procedure

If your files are encrypted with a new extension and a ransom note has appeared, you've been hit by ransomware. Don't pay. The procedure below works in order: contain the infection, identify the variant, remove the ransomware itself (so anything you restore doesn't get re-encrypted), and try to recover files using free decryption tools, Windows Volume Shadow Copies, or backups. Run a full system scan with Combo Cleaner to remove the infection - then move on to file recovery.

Common ransomware behaviors

VisibleEncrypts your files and renames them

The ransomware reads each file, encrypts the contents with the attacker's public key, and writes the encrypted bytes back to disk. Most variants also rename the file by appending a new extension - .net, .locked, .crypt, .lockbit, .djvu, etc. Without the matching private key, the encrypted files cannot be opened normally. Recovery depends on a free decryption tool, a recoverable Volume Shadow Copy, or a clean backup.

VisibleDrops a ransom note in every encrypted folder

A text or HTML file (usually named HOW_TO_DECRYPT.txt, README.txt, _readme.txt, or similar) is placed in every folder that contains encrypted files. The note explains the situation, lists a payment amount in cryptocurrency, gives a deadline, and provides a contact email or .onion site. Save the note - don't delete it. Its exact wording, the email address, and the bitcoin wallet are how you identify the variant in the next phase.

VisibleReplaces the desktop wallpaper

Many ransomware variants change the Windows wallpaper to a black or red image with the ransom message and instructions. The wallpaper is just a visual scare tactic - it doesn't add any actual capability and reverts to normal once the ransomware is removed. Photograph it before removal in case the contact details are useful for variant identification or for reporting to authorities.

HiddenDeletes Volume Shadow Copies

One of the first things modern ransomware does after launching is run vssadmin delete shadows /all /quiet to wipe Windows' built-in Volume Shadow Copies - the snapshots that Previous Versions and System Restore rely on. Some ransomware doesn't fully succeed (especially on systems where the user lacks full admin rights), leaving partial shadow copies recoverable. Phase 4 step 11 covers how to check what survived.

HiddenDisables Windows Defender and other security tools

Before encrypting, the ransomware tries to silence anything that could alert you or block it - Windows Defender real-time protection, third-party antivirus services, backup agents (Veeam, Acronis), and sometimes the Windows Event Log service. It often modifies Group Policy or registry keys to keep these off after reboot. Phase 3 step 9 explicitly turns Tamper Protection back on so the next ransomware attempt can't repeat the trick.

HiddenSpreads laterally to other PCs on the network

Network-aware ransomware (LockBit, Conti, BlackCat, Akira families) doesn't stop at the first machine. It scans for SMB shares, mapped drives, and other PCs on the same network, then encrypts whatever it can reach. On Windows domains, a single compromised user with admin rights can lead to all-domain encryption. This is why Phase 1 step 2 disconnects the network as the very first action - it stops the spread immediately.

HiddenSteals data before encrypting (double extortion)

Modern ransomware (LockBit, BlackCat / ALPHV, Akira, Cl0p, Royal) almost always exfiltrates data before encrypting. The attacker then runs a "double extortion" play: pay the ransom for decryption, plus pay again to prevent the stolen data from being leaked on the group's leak site. Paying the first ransom does not get the leaked data back - assume that anything the ransomware could read was uploaded. This is one more reason not to pay: the data is already out.

Tools you'll need

Combo Cleaner Antivirus 7-days free trial

Recommended primary scanner. VB100 certified. Removes the ransomware infection so file recovery doesn't get re-encrypted.

Microsoft Defender Offline Free · built-in

Built into Windows. Scans before Windows fully loads to catch persistence the running scanners miss.

Microsoft Safety Scanner (MSERT) Free

Microsoft's free on-demand scanner. Always-current signatures - the binary expires every 10 days.

ID Ransomware Free · web

Upload a ransom note and a sample encrypted file - identifies the variant family and tells you whether a free decryptor exists.

No More Ransom Project Free · web

Joint project of Europol, Dutch Police, and security vendors. Free decryption tools indexed by ransomware family.

Shadow Explorer Free

Browse Windows Volume Shadow Copies as a normal file tree - useful when ransomware partially failed to delete them.

Recuva Free

Deleted-file recovery. Long-shot for ransomware - only helps if the variant deleted unencrypted originals before encrypting copies.

Phase 1~ 5 min

Don't pay & contain

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1

Don't pay the ransom

1 min · read⚠ Do not skip

Paying the ransom does not guarantee you'll get your files back. Major ransomware response studies consistently show that a meaningful percentage of paying victims either receive a non-working decryptor, only partial decryption, or no decryptor at all. Beyond that:

• Paying confirms you as a willing target - re-attack rates within 12 months are high
• Several ransomware groups have been sanctioned (US OFAC, UK OFSI). Paying these groups may be illegal under sanctions law in your country
• The ransom funds the next attack - on you or someone else
• Modern ransomware almost always exfiltrates data first, so paying doesn't get the leaked data back. Assume anything the malware could read was uploaded
• Decryptors, even when they work, often leave files corrupted because the encryption itself was buggy or rushed

The path below tries every legal, free recovery option first. Pay only as an absolute last resort, after consulting a lawyer and your country's cyber crime authority.

2

Disconnect from the network and log out of cloud storage

2 minNo tool needed

Pull the Ethernet cable and turn off Wi-Fi on the affected PC. If multiple computers share the network, do the same on every machine you suspect could be affected, including any servers and NAS units.

Then sign out of cloud storage clients (OneDrive, Dropbox, Google Drive, iCloud) from their app settings. If you can, pause the sync. Some ransomware uses the running sync client to push encrypted versions over your clean cloud copies.

Why this matters

Modern ransomware spreads laterally across SMB shares, mapped drives, RDP, and reachable network neighbors. Disconnecting stops the spread the moment you do it. Logging out of cloud sync clients prevents the ransomware from encrypting the cloud copies of your files via the sync API.

3

Unplug external drives and USB storage

1 minNo tool needed

Safely eject any external drives, USB sticks, SD cards, and network-attached storage shares - then unplug them. If a drive was connected when the ransomware ran, the files on it may already be encrypted, but unplugging stops further damage.

Critically: don't reconnect any drive (including your most recent backup) to this PC until the ransomware is removed in Phase 3. Reconnecting an external backup to an actively-infected PC is the most common way that backup gets encrypted too.

Phase 2~ 5 min

Identify the variant

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4

Save the ransom note and a sample encrypted file

2 min

Copy the ransom note and one small encrypted file (under 1 MB) to a USB stick, or photograph the note with your phone. You'll need both for the variant identification step.

The ransom note is usually one of:

• A .txt file in every encrypted folder (typically HOW_TO_DECRYPT.txt, README.txt, or _readme.txt)
• An .html file with the same purpose
• A changed desktop wallpaper - photograph it
• A lock-screen interrupt that runs at startup - rarer

Important

Don't delete the note. Variant identification depends on its exact wording, the contact email, and the bitcoin wallet address. The note is also evidence if you report to authorities.

5

Identify the variant with ID Ransomware

Tool: ID Ransomware3 min

From a clean device (your phone is fine, or another PC that wasn't on the affected network), visit id-ransomware.malwarehunterteam.com. Upload the ransom note and the sample encrypted file. The site identifies the variant family and tells you whether a free decryptor exists.

Pro tip

ID Ransomware is run by the Malware Hunter Team. Files you upload are kept private - they're used for analysis, not published. If you're concerned about uploading data anyway, you can paste the contact email and bitcoin wallet from the note - those are often enough for identification.

Phase 3~ 30-45 min

Remove the ransomware

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The ransomware itself must be removed before any file recovery. If it's still active, anything you restore in Phase 4 gets re-encrypted within minutes.

6

Boot to Safe Mode with Networking and download the scanners

5 min

Safe Mode loads only the minimal Windows drivers, which prevents most ransomware from auto-running while you set up the scanners.

Windows 11: open Settings → System → Recovery, click Restart now next to Advanced startup. After the restart, click Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Startup Settings → Restart, then press 5 or F5.

Windows 10: click the Windows logo, hold Shift, click the Power icon and choose Restart. From the Choose-an-option screen, click Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Startup Settings → Restart, then press F5.

Once Safe Mode has loaded, turn Wi-Fi back on and download Combo Cleaner (used in step 8) and Microsoft Safety Scanner (used in step 9). Save both installers to your Desktop, then disconnect Wi-Fi again before scanning.

7

Run Microsoft Defender Offline

Tool: Built into Windows15 min

Reboot to normal Windows. Open Windows Security → Virus & threat protection → Scan options. Select Microsoft Defender Antivirus (offline scan) and click Scan now. The PC restarts into a stripped-down environment and scans the disk before Windows fully loads.

Why this comes first

Some ransomware variants drop bootkit components or kernel hooks that hide from any scanner running on the same Windows session that's already infected. A pre-boot offline scan sees the disk before the malware can load itself.

Recommended antivirus

Combo Cleaner

VB100 certified. Includes anti-trojan, registry/persistence scanning, and anti-spyware in one pass. The 7-day free trial is available.

Download Combo Cleaner

8

Run a full Combo Cleaner scan

Tool: Combo Cleaner20-40 min

Run the installer you downloaded in step 6 and start a full system scan (not the quick scan). Let it complete, review what it detected, and apply the recommended actions. Combo Cleaner quarantines the ransomware executable and the registry / scheduled-task entries that re-launch it on reboot.

9

Run Microsoft Safety Scanner and re-enable Defender

Tool: MSERT15 min

Run Microsoft Safety Scanner (MSERT.exe) as a second-opinion full scan. The binary expires every 10 days so the copy you downloaded has the latest signatures.

Once it finishes, open Windows Security → Virus & threat protection → Manage settings and confirm Real-time protection, Cloud-delivered protection, and Tamper Protection are all on. Many ransomware variants disable Defender during the attack - this is where you switch it back on so the next attempt can't repeat the trick.

Why a second scan

Different scanning engines catch different threats. Running an additional Microsoft scan after Combo Cleaner is the most underused verification step in malware removal - and free.

Phase 4~ 30-60 min · results vary

Try to recover files

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Try the steps in order. The first decryptor that works ends the recovery process - no need to do all four.

10

Check the No More Ransom Project for a free decryptor

Tool: nomoreransom.org★ Cleanest path if listed5 min

Visit nomoreransom.org and search the Decryption Tools list for the variant name returned by ID Ransomware. The project is run by Europol, the Dutch Police, and security vendors - everything listed is legitimate and free.

If a decryptor exists, download it onto a clean PC, copy it across, and follow its instructions exactly. Decryptors usually want you to point them at a sample encrypted file plus its known unencrypted version (sometimes any image you previously had a backup of works).

Free decryptors exist for parts of the STOP/Djvu, GandCrab, REvil, Avaddon, Conti and Hive families, among others. Most modern variants don't have public decryptors - if yours isn't listed, that's expected; move to the next step.

11

Try Windows Volume Shadow Copies

Tool: Shadow Explorer / vssadmin15 min

Windows automatically creates Volume Shadow Copies of files when System Restore points are made or scheduled backups run. Most ransomware tries to wipe these (vssadmin delete shadows /all /quiet), but the deletion sometimes fails partially - especially if the running user doesn't have full admin rights. When it does fail, snapshots survive that contain pre-encryption versions of your files.

First, check what's there. Open Command Prompt as Administrator and run:

vssadmin list shadows

If you see entries listed, shadow copies survived. To restore from them:

• Built-in: right-click any folder → Properties → Previous Versions tab. Pick a snapshot dated before the infection and restore.
• Better tool for browsing: install Shadow Explorer (free). It shows all snapshots as a normal file tree and lets you copy out only the files you want.

Why check this even when there's a decryptor

Shadow Copies recover the original files exactly, with no risk of decryption errors. If they survived, this is faster and cleaner than running a decryptor on the encrypted set.

12

Restore from cloud or external backup

Tool: your backup software30 min

If you have a backup that pre-dates the infection, this is the cleanest recovery available. Important precautions:

• Don't reconnect a backup drive until Phase 3 is complete. If the ransomware is still active, plugging in the backup encrypts it too.
• For cloud backups (OneDrive, Dropbox, Google Drive, iCloud), use the Version History feature to roll individual files back to pre-encryption versions.
• OneDrive specifically has a "Restore your OneDrive" feature: if it detected mass file changes, you can roll back the entire account up to 30 days. Sign in at OneDrive on the web, click the Settings gear, and choose Restore your OneDrive. Microsoft 365 subscribers also get ransomware detection alerts; non-subscribers get one free recovery.
• Verify the restored files open correctly before you delete the encrypted set. Test a few documents, photos, and any database / project files.

13

Try Recuva as a last-resort recovery

Tool: Recuva30 min

Recuva is a long shot, not a primary recovery tool. Most modern ransomware encrypts files in place - it reads the original, encrypts the data, and writes the encrypted bytes back to the same disk location. In that case, the original isn't deleted, just rewritten - and Recuva has nothing to find.

But for older or simpler variants that deleted originals before creating encrypted copies (rather than encrypting in place), Recuva can sometimes pull the originals from unallocated disk space. Worth trying as a last resort, especially before you use the disk much further.

If you try it:

• Stop using the disk as much as possible - every disk write reduces recovery odds
• Run Recuva from a USB stick, not from the affected disk
• Use Deep Scan mode (slower but the only mode worth running for this scenario)

Don't skip the steps above expecting Recuva to bail you out. It works in maybe 5-20% of cases, depending on the variant and how soon you try.

Phase 5~ 20 min + ongoing

Report & prevent re-infection

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14

Report the attack to authorities

10-20 min

Even if your files aren't recovered, your report helps authorities track variants, attribute groups, and warn future victims. In some jurisdictions (especially the US and UK) early reporting can sometimes help recall a wired ransom payment via banking partners.

United States: ic3.gov (FBI) + stopransomware.gov (CISA)

United Kingdom: reportfraud.police.uk (Report Fraud, the successor to Action Fraud) + NCSC

Canada: antifraudcentre.ca

Australia: ReportCyber

Spain: Policía Nacional (Oficina Virtual de Denuncias)

France: cybermalveillance.gouv.fr

Germany: BKA

Italy: Polizia Postale

Netherlands: Politie

Poland: CERT Polska

Portugal: CNCS

EU (other): your national CERT

Save the report number - banks, insurers, and credit bureaus will ask for it. If you operate a business, you may also have legal disclosure obligations (GDPR in the EU, state breach laws in the US) that run on a 72-hour clock.

15

Plan 3-2-1 backups going forward

30 min initial

The single best defense against ransomware is a tested backup. Use the 3-2-1 rule:

• 3 copies of your data
• 2 different storage media (e.g., internal drive + external drive)
• 1 offline / air-gapped copy (an external drive that isn't always connected)

Recommended cadence:

• Daily: cloud sync (OneDrive, Dropbox, Google Drive) - convenient, but vulnerable if the ransomware reaches the sync folder. The Version History feature is what saves you
• Weekly: external drive that you connect briefly, then disconnect - the air-gap is what protects against ransomware
• Monthly: a second external drive stored off-site (different physical location) - protects against fire, theft, flood

Important

Test the backup at least once. Open a few files from it, check sizes match, restore one to a different folder. An untested backup isn't a backup - it's a hope.

16

Patch the entry point and monitor for 30 days

5 min/day · 30 days

Most reinfections happen via the same vector that worked the first time. Until you've patched the entry point, watch for:

• Unusual disk activity, unexpected file modifications, or unfamiliar processes in Task Manager
• Unexpected reboots or new accounts you didn't create
• Defender or your antivirus turning itself off again

Common entry vectors and what to do about each:

• Phishing email with a malicious attachment - review email filters and train yourself / staff to recognise the patterns - see pcrisk's Phishing/Scam reference
• Exposed RDP with weak passwords - disable Remote Desktop from Settings → System → Remote Desktop if you don't need it. If you do, put it behind a VPN and require a long password plus MFA
• Unpatched VPN appliances or public-facing apps - check the vendor's advisories page and apply the latest firmware
• Cracked / pirated software - was the most common vector for STOP/Djvu in particular. Don't run software from torrent sites

Run a Combo Cleaner scan weekly for the first month. Update Windows, browsers, and applications aggressively.

Important: Removing a ransomware infection requires a full system scan, not a manual file delete. If you're not confident with the manual procedure, run an automated scan with Combo Cleaner and Windows Defender and stop there - that combination removes the vast majority of consumer ransomware variants. Then move to Phase 4 for file recovery, or to Phase 5 if your files are unrecoverable and you need to start fresh from a clean Windows install.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How was my computer hacked and how did hackers encrypt my files?

Most cybercriminals distribute ransomware via emails (links or attachments in emails), cracked software download pages, P2P networks, unofficial pages (and other unreliable sources for downloading software (or files). They succeed when users download and execute ransomware by themselves.

How to open files encrypted by Sodinokibi?

It is not possible to open encrypted files. They have to be decrypted.

Where should I look for free decryption tools for Sodinokibi ransomware?

Files encrypted by Sodinokibi can be decrypted with a tool downloaded from this website. In other cases, it may be possible to decrypt files using a tool downloaded from No More Ransom project website (more information above).

Can I trust third parties offering paid decryption?

Usually, they are scammers or act as a man-in-the-middle. Therefore, it is highly advisable not to pay them for data decryption.

Will Combo Cleaner help me remove Sodinokibi ransomware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan the operating system and eliminate ransomware. Files will remain encrypted since antivirus software cannot decrypt them. It is important to remove ransomware because it may encrypt more files and infect computers connected to a local network.