Internet Security Tips

Snoopdog ransomware is a deadly computer infection that can encrypt users’ personal and sensitive files on the target computer and extort a huge sum of the ransom money (in the form of Monero, Bitcoin, and other cryptocurrencies) to restore access to them. According to cybersecurity researchers, this form of malware infection, upon getting into the targeted computers, encrypts stored files of various types and formats such as images, word documents, PDF files, audios, videos, archives, and other files using powerful cryptographic algorithms (symmetric or asymmetric).

QSCX, Gamma, RedDot, MMTA, Venus, and Yajoza are some other ransomware-type programs that use similar techniques to harass innocent computer users and extort ransom money.

The sole motive of the cybercriminals and hackers behind these notorious file-encrypting viruses is to blackmail innocent users and make an illegal profit.

What is ‘Snoopdog’ Ransomware?

This is a type of malicious program that encrypts (locks) the victims’ data stored on an infected machine and asks for a payment to decrypt it. In other words, it restricts victims from accessing their personal data until a ransom payment is made.

At the time of the file locking process, Snoopdog ransomware appends the “.snoopdog” extension to the filenames of each of the encrypted files. For instance, a file originally titled “1.mp4” would appear as “1.mp4.snoopdog”, “2.mp4” as “2.mp4.snoopdog”, and so on – following the encryption.

Once the data is locked, the Snoopdog ransomware creates a ransom note named “!DECRYPT_FILES.txt” and drops it on each folder containing encrypted files. The ransom-demanding message in the “!DECRYPT_FILES.txt” file informs victims that their data has been copied to a vault (remote server) controlled by the attackers. After that, it instructs the victims to contact the creators of Snoopdog ransomware in order to get further instructions.

How Does Snoopdog Ransomware Infect Your Computer?

Various techniques are used by hackers for spreading ransomware-type infections on targeted systems. Below are the most common ones:

• Email spam campaigns
• Malicious ads
• Untrustworthy software downloads sources
• Peer to peer networks
• Bugs/ flaws of obsolete applications

How to Remove Snoopdog Ransomware from PC?

The easiest and most convenient method to delete Snoopdog ransomware and other harmful malware infections (such as trojans, spyware, rootkits, etc.) is to run a complete system scan using an automatic anti-malware tool.