A new version of a ransomware virus dubbed Serpent has slithered onto people’s Windows PCs. The virus is named after the .serp ransomware virus extension. The ransom note of the threat is rumored to be “README_TO_RESTORE_FILES
Manual Removal Guide
Recover .serp Files
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Serpent Ransomware Virus – How Does It Infect Us?
The serpent ransomware virus is using the usual methods of infection – emails spam, PUPs, malware backdoors. The most common method is the first one. This is due to the easily-available botnet tools that can send out a massive amount of infectious emails. The other methods are less likely, as they would require more time and effort to implement.
The scammers created the serpent ransomware to make quick and easy cash. The spam is the best way to achieve that. Still, users must be careful about malware that’s distributed in PUPs (potentially unwanted programs, and cracked software (programs and computer games) that include backdoors, Trojans, and of course, ransomware viruses.
Serpent Ransomware Virus – What Does It Do?
The virus will target content that has a high likelihood of being valuable. One possible list of files targeted by .serp virus is:
accd,.accdb,.accde,.accdr,.accdt,
.aepx,.agdl,.aiff,.aspx,.back,.backupdb,.bank,.blend,.btif,
.cdr3,.cdr4,.cdr5,.cdr6,.cdrw,.cfdi,.clas,.class,.cntk,.config,.craw,.db-journal,.db_journal,.ddoc,.ddrw,.defx,.design,.djvu,.docb,.docm,.docx,
.dotm,.dotx,.dtau,.efsl,.erbsql,.fcpa,.fcpr,.flac,.flvv,.gray,.grey,.groups,.html,.backup, 7zip,.
.iban,.ibank,.idml,.incpas,.indb,.indd,.indl,.indt,.int?,.intu,.java,.jpeg,.jsda,
.kdbx,.kpdx,.laccdb,.lay6,.m2ts,.m3u8,.mbsb,.meta,.mhtm,.mone,.moneywell,.mpeg,.ms11,
.myox,.nvram,.pages,.pcif,.php5,.phtml,.plus_muhd,.potm,.potx,.ppam,.ppsm,.ppsx,.pptm,.
pptx,.prel,.prpr,.psafe3,.pspimage,.ptdb,.qb20,.qbmb,.qbmd,.qcow,.qcow2,.qdfx,
.qmtf,.quic,.qwmo,.resx,.s3db,.safe,.sas7bdat,.save,.seam,.sldm,.sldx,.sqli,
.sqlite,.sqlitedb,.tax0,.tax1,.tax2,.text,.tiff,.tt10,.tt11,.tt12,.tt13,.tt14,
.tt15,.tt20,.vbox,.vbpf,.vhdx,.vmdk,.vmsd,.vmxf,.wallet,.xhtm,.xlam,.xlsb,.xlsb,3dm,
.xlsm,.xlsx,.xltm,.xltx,.ycbcra,.zipx
The virus targets a large portion of the Microsoft Office pack files, like Word and Excel. The virus also encrypts e-bank files. That can be very dangerous, as it can compromise financial information. The Serp ransomware virus knows that these files may have high-value to the users. Thus a ransom is more likely to be paid.
The virus will drop its files somewhere in the system folders of your Windows OS. Serp will also change your computer’s setting so the virus can start along with the machine.
Remove Serpent Ransomware Virus and Restore Your PC
WARNING! Manual removal of the Serpent ransomware virus requires being familiar with system files and registries. Removing important data accidentally can lead to permanent system damage. If you don’t feel comfortable with manual instructions, download a powerful anti-malware tool that will scan your system for malware and clean it safely for you.
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Serpent Ransomware Virus – Manual Removal Steps
Start the PC in Safe Mode with Network
This will isolate all files and objects created by the ransomware so they will be removed efficiently. The steps bellow are applicable to all Windows versions.
1. Hit the WIN Key + R
2. A Run window will appear. In it, write msconfig and then press Enter
3. A Configuration box shall appear. In it Choose the tab named Boot
4. Mark Safe Boot option and then go to Network under it to tick it too
5. Apply -> OK
Show Hidden Files
Some ransomware threats are designed to hide their malicious files in the Windows so all files stored on the system should be visible.
1. Open My Computer/This PC
2. Windows 7
- – Click on Organize button
– Select Folder and search options
– Select the View tab
– Go under Hidden files and folders and mark Show hidden files and folders option
3. Windows 8/ 10
- – Open View tab
– Mark Hidden items option
4. Click Apply and then OK button
Enter Windows Task Manager and Stop Malicious Processes
1. Hit the following key combination: CTRL+SHIFT+ESC
2. Get over to Processes
3. When you find suspicious process right click on it and select Open File Location
4. Go back to Task Manager and end the malicious process. Right click on it again and choose End Process
5. Next, you should go folder where the malicious file is located and delete it
Repair Windows Registry
1. Again type simultaneously the WIN Key + R key combination
2. In the box, write regedit and hit Enter
3. Type the CTRL+ F and then write the malicious name in the search type field to locate the malicious executable
4. In case you have discovered registry keys and values related to the name, you should delete them, but be careful not to delete legitimate keys
Click for more information about Windows Registry and further repair help
Recover .serp Files
WARNING! All files and objects associated with Serpent ransomware virus should be removed from the infected PC before any data recovery attempts. Otherwise the virus may encrypt restored files. Furthermore, a backup of all encrypted files stored on external media is highly recommendable.
1. Use present backups
2. Use professional data recovery software
Stellar Phoenix Data Recovery – a specialist tool that can restore partitions, data, documents, photos, and 300 more file types lost during various types of incidents and corruption.
3. Using System Restore Point
- – Hit WIN Key
– Select “Open System Restore” and follow the steps
4. Restore your personal files using File History
- – Hit WIN Key
– Type restore your files in the search box
– Select Restore your files with File History
– Choose a folder or type the name of the file in the search bar
– Hit the “Restore” button
