Suncrypt ransomware virus - removal and decryption options

What kind of malware is Suncrypt?

Discovered by GrujaRS, Suncrypt ransomware prevents victims from accessing files by encryption. It also renames all encrypted files and creates a ransom message. It renames encrypted files by appending a string of random characters as the new extension.

For example, Suncrypt would rename a file called "1.jpg" to "1.jpg.F3F2420C68439B451670486B17EF6D1B0188A7982E7A9DBD9327E7F967C15767", a file named "2.jpg" to "2.jpg.G4D3519X58293C283957013M35DC8A2V0748D9845E7A5DBD6590E3F834C4638", and so on.

It also creates the "YOUR_FILES_ARE_ENCRYPTED.HTML" file (ransom message) in all folders that contain encrypted files.

Screenshot of files encrypted by Suncrypt (with a string or random characters as file extension):

Ransom note overview

The "YOUR_FILES_ARE_ENCRYPTED.HTML" ransom message (available in English, German, French, Spanish and Japanese) states that victims can restore access to their files by following instructions provided by cyber criminals (this is via chat on their Tor website).

The chat can be entered through the Tor website by clicking the "Go to our website" link at the foot of the ransom message. Victims are warned that all of their files will published on a website unless they pay the ransom and cooperate with cyber criminals behind Suncrypt.

Unfortunately, there is no third party software and/or key that can encrypt files that are compromised by Suncrypt (at least not at the moment). I.e., only cyber criminals behind this ransomware have valid tools that can decrypt files. Despite this, victims who pay ransoms to cyber criminals are scammed and do not receive any decryption tools.

Therefore, you are strongly advised not to pay any ransom to Suncrypt's developers. Typically, victims of ransomware attacks can recover files free of charge by restoring them from a backup. Further encryption of any unaffected files can be prevented by uninstalling the ransomware, however, already compromised files remain encrypted even after removal of the rogue software.

Ransomware in general

In summary, most ransomware-type programs encrypt data and provide victims with instructions about how to contact cyber criminals, pay the ransom and various other information. Examples of other ransomware programs are FDFK22, Morseop and Wannacry (Xorist).

Main variables are cost of a decryption tool/key and cryptographic algorithm (symmetric or asymmetric) that ransomware uses for data encryption. Unfortunately, files encrypted by ransomware can only be decrypted with tools held by cyber criminals, unless in rare cases the ransomware contains bugs/flaws, etc.

Therefore, have a backup of data and keep it on a remote server and/or unplugged storage device.

How did ransomware infect my computer?

In most cases, malware is proliferated through Trojans, malspam campaigns (emails), untrusted file and/or software download sources, unofficial activation tools and third party, fake software updating tools. Trojans are malicious programs that can infect operating systems, but only if they are already installed.

Trojans install other programs of this kind (malware), causing chain infections. Cyber criminals often attempt to spread malware by sending emails that contain malicious attachments. For example, malicious Microsoft Office, PDF documents, executable files (.exe), archive files such as RAR, ZIP or JavaScript files.

If recpients open the files, they infect systems with malicious software. Note that cyber criminals often send emails with malicious links. Malware is also spread through Peer-to-Peer networks such as torrent clients, eMule, free file hosting websites, third party downloaders, freeware download pages, unofficial websites, and so on.

Users cause installation of malware when they open a malicious file (disguised as harmless, legitimate) that was downloaded through one of the aforementioned channels. Unofficial activation ('cracking') tools are illegal programs that supposedly activate licensed software free of charge, however, they can infect computers with high-risk malware.

Unofficial software updating tools infect systems by installing malware rather than updates or fixes for installed software, or by exploiting bugs/flaws of installed software that is out of date.

How to protect yourself from ransomware infections

Third party downloaders/installers, Peer-to-Peer networks, unofficial pages and other similar sources, tools should never be used to download or install programs.

The safest way to download files and programs is via official websites and direct download links. Irrelevant emails that are received from unknown, suspicious addresses and contain attached files (and/or website links) should be checked carefully, since they are often sent by cyber criminals who attempt to trick recipients into installing malware onto their computers.

Installed software must be updated and activated with tools or functions that are provided by official developers. Do not use third party tools to activate or update software. Furthermore, it is illegal to use 'cracking'/unofficial activation tools.

Additionally, regularly scan your computer with reputable antivirus or anti-spyware software, and remove any detected threats immediately. If your computer is already infected with Suncrypt, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate this ransomware.

Appearance of the "YOUR_FILES_ARE_ENCRYPTED.HTML" file (GIF):

Text in this file:

In English:

Whats Happen?
We got your documents and files encrypted and you cannot access them. To make sure we're not bluffing just check out your files. Want to recover them? Just do what we instruct you to. If you fail to follow our recommendations, you will never see your files again. During each attack, we copy valuable commercial data. If the user doesn’t pay to us, we will either send those data to rivals, or publish them. GDPR. Don’t want to pay to us, pay 10x more to the government.
What Guarantees?
We’re doing our own business and never care about what you do. All we need is to earn. Should we be unfair guys, no one would work with us. So if you drop our offer we won’t take any offense but you’ll lose all of your data and files. How much time would it take to recover losses? You only may guess.
How do I access the website?
Get TOR browser here
Go to our website
In case you decide not to cooperate, your private data will be published here or sold.
Offline how-to
Copy & Paste this secret message to this page textarea field

In German:

Was ist gerade passiert?
Wir haben Ihre Dokumente und Dateien verschlüsselt und Sie können nicht mehr darauf zugreifen. Jeder Angriff wird von einer Kopie der kommerziellen Informationen begleitet. Um sicherzustellen, dass wir es ernst meinen, prüfen Sie einfach Ihre Dateien und Sie werden sehen. Möchten Sie sie wiederherstellen? Halten Sie sich einfach an unsere Anweisungen, um uns zu bezahlen. Tuen Sie dies nicht, werden Sie Ihre Dateien niemals wiedersehen. Im Falle einer Zahlungsverweigerung werden die Daten entweder an Wettbewerber verkauft oder in offenen Quellen bereitgestellt. GDPR. Wenn Sie uns nicht bezahlen möchten, zahlen Sie das Zehnfache an der Regierung.
Wie sollten Sie uns trauen ?
Wir machen unsere eigenen Geschäfte und kümmern uns nicht darum was Sie tunen. Wir müssen nur verdienen. Sollten wir einfach nur bluffen, würde niemand an uns zahlen. Wenn Sie unser Angebot ablehnen, werden Sie alle Ihre Daten für immer verlieren. Wie viel Zeit werden Sie brauchen um ihre Daten selber zu ersetzen ? Sie können es sich schon denken.
Unsere Forderungen
Holen Sie sich den TOR-Browser hier
Gehen Sie auf unsere Website

In French:

Qu'est-ce qui vient de se passer?
Nous avons crypté vos documents et fichiers et vous ne pouvez pas y accéder. Chaque attaque est accompagnée d'une copie des informations commerciales. Pour vous assurer que nous ne bluffons pas. Voulez-vous les restaurer? Faites juste ce que nous vous demandons, pour nous payer. Si vous ne suivez pas nos recommandations, vous ne verrez plus jamais vos fichiers. En cas de refus de paiement - les données seront soit revendues à des concurrents, soit diffusées dans des sources ouvertes. GDPR. Si vous ne voulez pas nous payer, payez x10 fois le gouvernement.
Qu'en est-il des garanties?
Nous faisons nos propres affaires et ne nous soucions jamais de ce que vous faites. Tout ce dont nous avons besoin est de gagner de l'argent. Si nous devions être injustes, personne ne travaillerait avec nous. Donc, si vous abandonnez notre offre, nous ne prendrons aucune infraction, mais vous perdrez toutes vos données et vos fichiers. Combien de temps faudrait-il pour récupérer les pertes? Vous pouvez seulement deviner.
Comment puis-je accéder au site web?
Téléchargez le navigateur TOR ici
Allez sur notre site web

In Spanish:

¿Lo que de pasar?
Ya tenemos sus documentos y archivos encriptados y usted no puede acceder a ellos. Para asegurarse de que no estamos faroleando. ¿Quiere recuperarlos? Sólo haga lo que le indicamos. Si usted no sigue nuestras recomendaciones, usted nunca verá sus archivos. Durante cada ataque, copiamos los datos comerciales valiosos. Si el usuario no nos paga, enviaremos estos datos a sus rivales o los publicaremos. GDPR. No quiere pagarnos, paga 10 veces más al gobierno.
¿Qué pasa con las garantías?
Estamos haciendo nuestro propio negocio y nunca nos importa lo que hace usted. Todo lo que necesitamos es ganar. Hay que ser injustos chicos, nadie trabajaría con nosotros. Entonces, si deja caer nuestras propuestas, no nos ofenderemos pero usted perderá todos sus datos y archivos. ¿Cuánto tiempo se requiere para recuperar las pérdidas? Sólo usted puede adivinar.
¿Cómo acceder al sitio web?
Obtenga el navegador TOR aquí
Vaya a nuestro sitio web

In Japanese:

何があったのですか？
ドキュメントとファイルを暗号化しました。 それらにアクセスすることはできません。 ブラフしないようにするには、 ファイルをチェックアウトして、すべてが。 それらを回復したいですか？ ただや る 指示すること。 指示に従わない場合、ファイルは二度と表示されません。 各攻撃中に、貴重な商用データをコピーします。 ユーザーが当社に支払わない場合は、それらのデータをライバルに送信するか、公開します。
何が保証されますか ?
私たちは私たち自身のビジネスを行っており、あなたが何をするかを気にしません。 必要なのは稼ぐことだけです。 私たちが不公平な人である場合、誰も私たちと一緒に働くことはありません。 ですから、あなたが私たちの申し出をやめても、私たちは何の罪も犯しません すべてのデータとファイルが失われます。 損失を回復するのにどれくらい時間がかかりますか？ 推測するだけです。
Webサイトにアクセスするにはどうすればよいですか？
ここで TORブラウザを入手
当社のウェブサイトにアクセス

Screenshot of the "YOUR_FILES_ARE_ENCRYPTED.HTML" file.

Screenshot of the chat on Tor website:

Update 27 August 2020 - Cyber criminals behind Maze ransomware created a cartel, and Suncrypt's developers are now part of that cartel. Other members of this cartel are cyber criminals behind LockBit and Ragnar Locker.

Research shows that Suncrypt's developers have joined the group of Maze's developers because they could not deal with all of the potential attacks. It is very likely that cyber criminals behind Maze provide access to compromised networks in exchange for a certain amount of generated revenue.

Suncrypt 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?

Computers become infected after executing a malicious file designed to inject ransomware/encrypt files. Most cybercriminals use cracked/pirated software distribution sites and other shady pages and emails (with malicious attachments or links in them) to trick users into executing ransomware. In all cases, threat actors aim to trick users into executing ransomware by themselves.

How to open files encrypted by Suncrypt ransomware?

There is no way to open these files while they are encrypted. Ransomware victims must decrypt files before they can use them.

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

In case of a ransomware attack you should check the No More Ransom project website (more information above).

I can pay you a lot of money, can you decrypt files for me?

We do not provide a decryption service. Free decryption is not possible unless ransomware is flawed. Third parties offering to decrypt files for money are scammers or act as a man-in-the-middle. Thus, it is highly advisable not to pay them for data decryption.

Will Combo Cleaner help me remove Suncrypt ransomware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner will remove ransomware. However, files will remain encrypted. Antivirus software cannot decrypt the encrypted files. It removes ransomware to prevent more damage (further encryptions).