How to remove Soldier Ransomware and decrypt .xsmb files

What is Soldier Ransomware

Soldier Ransomware is a malicious piece that encrypts user’s data and gouges their money to decrypt files. It was first discovered by security researcher Amigo-A. During the encryption process, all files get changed with the .xsmb extension that is attached at the end of a file. For instance, something like 1.mp4 will change its name to 1.mp4.xsmb and reset its icon. After all, the ransomware generates a text file (contact.txt) or image (contact.png) on the victim’s desktop.

As stated in these files, users have to send 0.1 BTC or 4 ETH through the linked address. Additionally, you can send up to 3 files to their e-mail for free decryption. It is also worth mentioning that Soldier Ransomware seems to be created and operated by a single person as the note suggests. Unfortunately, Soldier Ransomware is impossible to decrypt without the involvement of cybercriminals. In this case, you should have an external backup of vital data on flashcards or cloud storage to restore the lost files. This article will help you delete Soldier Ransomware from your PC without traces and reveal some ways of decryption.

How Soldier Ransomware infected your computer

It is pretty common for users to get malware from e-mail spam messages, fake software cracking tools, trojans, keyloggers, and other suspicious channels. To prevent ransomware infiltration, you should avoid opening or downloading unfamiliar content from random messages that come into your inbox. There are certain file formats like MS Office documents, PDFs, ZIP archives, executables (.exe), and JavaScript files that can be attached to an e-mail message and run scripts to infect systems. Overall, to prevent accidental infection, you should follow simple rules on the Internet: download files only from trusted resources and avoid clicking on shady ads or banners. Otherwise, your data may become another morsel for extortionists to chew on.

1. Download Soldier Ransomware Removal Tool
2. Get decryption tool for .xsmb files
3. Recover encrypted files with Stellar Data Recovery Professional
4. Restore encrypted files with Windows Previous Versions
5. Restore files with Shadow Explorer
6. How to protect from threats like Soldier Ransomware

Soldier Ransomware files:


contact.png
contact.txt
{randomfilename}.exe


Soldier Ransomware registry keys:

no information

How to decrypt and restore .xsmb files

Use automated decryptors

Download Kaspersky RakhniDecryptor

Use following tool from Kaspersky called Rakhni Decryptor, that can decrypt .xsmb files. Download it here:

Download RakhniDecryptor

There is no purpose to pay the ransom because there is no guarantee you will receive the key, but you will put your bank credentials at risk.

Dr.Web Rescue Pack

Famous antivirus vendor Dr. Web provides free decryption service for the owners of its products: Dr.Web Security Space or Dr.Web Enterprise Security Suite. Other users can ask for help in the decryption of .xsmb files by uploading samples to Dr. Web Ransomware Decryption Service. Analyzing of files will be performed free of charge and if files are decryptable, all you need to do is purchase a 2-year license of Dr.Web Security Space worth $120 or less. Otherwise, you don't have to pay.

If you are infected with Soldier Ransomware and removed it from your computer you can try to decrypt your files. Antivirus vendors and individuals create free decryptors for some crypto-lockers. To attempt to decrypt them manually you can do the following:

Use Stellar Data Recovery Professional to restore .xsmb files

1. Download Stellar Data Recovery Professional.
2. Click Recover Data button.
3. Select type of files you want to restore and click Next button.
4. Choose location where you would like to restore files from and click Scan button.
5. Preview found files, choose ones you will restore and click Recover.

Download Stellar Data Recovery Professional

Using Windows Previous Versions option:

1. Right-click on infected file and choose Properties.
2. Select Previous Versions tab.
3. Choose particular version of the file and click Copy.
4. To restore the selected file and replace the existing one, click on the Restore button.
5. In case there is no items in the list choose alternative method.

Using Shadow Explorer:

1. Download Shadow Explorer program.
2. Run it and you will see screen listing of all the drives and the dates that shadow copy was created.
3. Select the drive and date that you want to restore from.
4. Right-click on a folder name and select Export.
5. In case there are no other dates in the list, choose alternative method.

If you are using Dropbox:

1. Login to the DropBox website and go to the folder that contains encrypted files.
2. Right-click on the encrypted file and select Previous Versions.
3. Select the version of the file you wish to restore and click on the Restore button.

How to protect computer from viruses, like Soldier Ransomware, in future

1. Get special anti-ransomware software

Use ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware

Famous antivirus brand ZoneAlarm by Check Point released a comprehensive tool, that will help you with active anti-ransomware protection, as an additional shield to your current protection. The tool provides Zero-Day protection against ransomware and allows you to recover files. ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware is compatible with all other antiviruses, firewalls, and security software except ZoneAlarm Extreme (already shipped with ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware) or Check Point Endpoint products. The killer features of this application are: automatic file recovery, overwrite protection that instantly and automatically recovers any encrypted files, file protection that detects and blocks even unknown encryptors.

Download ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware

2. Back up your files

As an additional way to save your files, we recommend online backup. Local storages, such as hard drives, SSDs, flash drives or remote network storages can be instantly infected by the virus once plugged in or connected to. Soldier Ransomware uses some techniques to exploit this. One of the best services and programs for easy automatic online backup is iDrive. It has the most profitable terms and simple interface. You can read more about iDrive cloud backup and storage here.

3. Do not open spam e-mails and protect your mailbox

Malicious attachments to spam or phishing e-mails is most popular method of ransomware distribution. Using spam filters and creating anti-spam rules is good practice. One of the world leaders in anti-spam protection is MailWasher Pro. It works with various desktop applications, and provides very high level of anti-spam protection.

Download MailWasher Pro