SchrodingerCat ransomware virus – removal and decryption options
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of malware is SchrodingerCat?
During a routine review of new file submissions to the VirusTotal platform, our research team found the SchrodingerCat ransomware-type program. It belongs to the GlobeImposter ransomware family. SchrodingerCat encrypts data and demands ransoms for its decryption.
On our testing system, this ransomware encrypted files and appended their names with a ".schrodingercat" extension. To elaborate, an original filename such as "1.jpg" appeared as "1.jpg.schrodingercat", "2.png" as "2.png.schrodingercat", etc.
Once this process concluded, SchrodingerCat created a ransom note titled "how_to_back_files.html". Upon inspection, it became evident that this ransomware targets large entities rather than home users.
Screenshot of files encrypted by SchrodingerCat ransomware:
Ransom note overview
SchrodingerCat's message states that the victim's corporate network has been compromised. During this attack, the files stored on it were encrypted.
Restoring the locked data necessitates the purchase of a decryptor. The price is listed as 0.15 BTC (Bitcoin cryptocurrency); at the time of writing, this sum is worth close to ten thousand USD (remember that exchange rates fluctuate constantly).
This note goes into detail as to why the victim should not rely on middlemen and deal with the attackers directly. If the victim refuses to pay the ransom, the cyber criminals threaten to auction off or leak sensitive data stolen from the network. Additionally, the criminals will contact the victim's clients and offer them the opportunity to buy out their information.
SchrodingerCat ransomware overview
We have investigated countless ransomware infections, and this experience allows us to infer that decryption is usually impossible without the attackers' interference.
Furthermore, despite meeting the ransom demands – victims commonly do not receive the decryption keys/software. We strongly advise against paying since data recovery is not guaranteed, and meeting the demands also supports this criminal activity.
To prevent SchrodingerCat ransomware from further encryptions – it must be eliminated from the operating system. However, removal will not restore already affected files. The only solution is to recover them from a backup (if one is available).
The general advice for ensuring data safety is to keep backups in multiple different locations, e.g., remote servers, unplugged storage devices, and others.
Ransomware examples
HUNTER, REDCryptoApp, Dzen, and SatanCD are merely some examples of our newest articles on ransomware. While these programs operate nearly the same throughout, they have two significant differences between them.
Ransomware can use different cryptographic algorithms (symmetric or asymmetric) to encrypt data. Ransoms can likewise vary drastically (i.e., from 3 to 8 digits in USD) depending on the intended victim – home user vs. large entity (e.g., corporation, company, organization, etc.).
How did ransomware infect my computer?
Ransomware and other malware are predominantly proliferated using phishing and social engineering techniques. Common distribution methods include: drive-by (stealthy/deceptive) downloads, malicious attachments/links in spam (e.g., emails, DMs/PMs, social media posts, etc.), untrustworthy download sources (e.g., freeware and third-party sites, P2P sharing networks, etc.), online scams, illegal software activation tools ("cracks"), and fake updates.
Some malicious programs can even self-spread through local networks and removable storage devices (e.g., USB flash drives, external hard drives, etc.).
Malware can be disguised as or bundled with ordinary software/media. Virulent files come in various formats, e.g., executables (.exe, .run, etc.), archives (RAR, ZIP, etc.), documents (PDF, Microsoft Office, Microsoft OneNote, etc.), JavaScript, and so on. When a malicious file is executed, run, or otherwise opened – the infection chain is jumpstarted.
| Name | SchrodingerCat virus |
| Threat Type | Ransomware, Crypto Virus, Files locker |
| Encrypted Files Extension | .schrodingercat |
| Ransom Demanding Message | how_to_back_files.html |
| Ransom Amount | 0.15 BTC (Bitcoin cryptocurrency) |
| Free Decryptor Available? | No |
| Cyber Criminal Contact | Tox chat, yourdatahelp@seznam.cz |
| Detection Names | Avast (Win32:RansomX-gen [Ransom]), Combo Cleaner (Generic.Ransom.GlobeImposter.F1BBDE), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of Win32/Filecoder.FV), Kaspersky (Trojan-Ransom.Win32.Purgen.ahp), Microsoft (Ransom:Win32/Necne), Full List Of Detections (VirusTotal) |
| Symptoms | Cannot open files stored on your computer, previously functional files now have a different extension (for example, my.docx.locked). A ransom demand message is displayed on your desktop. Cyber criminals demand payment of a ransom (usually in bitcoins) to unlock your files. |
| Distribution methods | Infected email attachments (macros), torrent websites, malicious ads. |
| Damage | All files are encrypted and cannot be opened without paying a ransom. Additional password-stealing trojans and malware infections can be installed together with a ransomware infection. |
| Malware Removal (Windows) | To eliminate possible malware infections, scan your computer with legitimate antivirus software. Our security researchers recommend using Combo Cleaner. |
How to protect yourself from ransomware infections?
It is essential to exercise caution while browsing, as fraudulent and dangerous online content typically appears genuine and harmless. Incoming emails and other messages must be treated with care. Attachments or links found in suspicious mail must not be opened, as they can be malicious.
Additionally, all downloads must be performed from official and trustworthy channels. Another recommendation is to activate and update programs using functions/tools provided by legitimate developers, as those obtained from third-parties can contain malware.
It is paramount for device and user safety to have a dependable anti-virus installed and kept updated. Security software must be used to run regular system scans and to remove threats and issues. If your computer is already infected with SchrodingerCat, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate this ransomware.
Appearance of SchrodingerCat ransomware's ransom note "how_to_back_files.html" (GIF):
Text presented in this message:
YOUR PERSONAL ID
-
ENGLISH
YOUR CORPORATE NETWORK LOCKED!
ALL YOUR IMPORTANT DATA HAS BEEN ENCRYPTED.
TO RESTORE FILES YOU WILL NEED A DECRYPTOR!
To get the decryptor you should:
Pay for decrypt your network - 0.15 BTC
Buy BTC on one of these sites
hxxps://binance.com
hxxps://www.coinbase.com
Any site you trust
Bitcoin Wallet: 3Pvn*************MLA5
Our contacts:
email: yourdatahelp@seznam.cz
ToxID: CA04B61C320C50D12A2C1B95B5062474B5C00B995B588D0B3781DC052CBF9A354CD10F96C84D
You can download TOXChat here : hxxps://tox.chat/download.html
The message must contain your Personal ID! it is at top of this document.
HOW IT WORKS.
If you need a decrypter or return information, please contact us directly ! The guarantee of successful deals is only a direct contact! Don't shy... It's just business for us and we are always ready for polite and mutually beneficial communication.
What's problem with intermediaries?!
Very often intermediaries take money for themselves, it looks something like this: You turn to an intermediary for help, who promises you huge discounts and professional solutions to problems. Afterwards, intermediary contacts us to conduct a decrypt test, receives decrypted files, and then asks you to transfer money to a wallet not related to us. Having received money, intermediary assures client in every possible way that he did not receive decrypter or simply disappears with money. REMEMBER! - We only have wallet that is indicated in this html (first and last 4 characters) When transferring money to any other wallet, you are not transferring it to us.
deception using various Universal Decryptors for 30% of cost or at a fixed price has become very common. With beautiful pictures or enticing videos on YouTube, where they will show you how it works "Universal Software" - which in reality does not work, but is a Trojan for stealing bitcoin or another cryptolocker, before installing something like that - test it on an isolated network computer and you can see that it is useless. Globeimposter 2.0 namely, this is what you see on your network :) can't be deciphered by anything! Besides original key... only one who created Build has key!- this is us. Contact real professionals like - hxxps://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/, or any large anti-virus companies - - they can tell you all horror of situation.
Considering above, we reserve right to request KYC confirmation. For example, send us a message from your corporate email on behalf of Company Director or IT department. We know their original emails - since we carefully study network before work :) By contacting directly, you can count on a friendly conversation, a business-like approach... and possibly a good discount (discount depends on many circumstances, size of company,size of ransom, our checks of your accounting, phase of the Moon, etc.)
WHAT HAPPENS IF YOU DON'T PAY
In case of non-payment, we organize an auction on various sites in DarkNet and try to sell files leaked from your network to interested parties.
Next, we use mail + any other contacts of your clients, and notify them of what happened, perhaps they will be interested so that information does not get into public domain and will be ready to buy out information separately.
-If there are no willing to buy, we simply publish everything that we have in the public resources.
-------------------------------------
© 2024 Nacugunder Corporation | All Rights Reserved.
Video showing how to remove SchrodingerCat ransomware using Combo Cleaner:
SchrodingerCat ransomware removal:
Instant automatic malware removal:
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Video suggesting what steps should be taken in case of a ransomware infection:
Quick menu:
- What is SchrodingerCat virus?
- STEP 1. Reporting ransomware to authorities.
- STEP 2. Isolating the infected device.
- STEP 3. Identifying the ransomware infection.
- STEP 4. Searching for ransomware decryption tools.
- STEP 5. Restoring files with data recovery tools.
- STEP 6. Creating data backups.
If you are a victim of a ransomware attack we recommend reporting this incident to authorities. By providing information to law enforcement agencies you will help track cybercrime and potentially assist in the prosecution of the attackers. Here's a list of authorities where you should report a ransomware attack. For the complete list of local cybersecurity centers and information on why you should report ransomware attacks, read this article.
List of local authorities where ransomware attacks should be reported (choose one depending on your residence address):
USA - Internet Crime Complaint Centre IC3
United Kingdom - Action Fraud
Spain - Policía Nacional
France - Ministère de l'Intérieur
Germany - Polizei
Italy - Polizia di Stato
The Netherlands - Politie
Poland - Policja
Portugal - Polícia Judiciária
Isolating the infected device:
Some ransomware-type infections are designed to encrypt files within external storage devices, infect them, and even spread throughout the entire local network. For this reason, it is very important to isolate the infected device (computer) as soon as possible.
Step 1: Disconnect from the internet.
The easiest way to disconnect a computer from the internet is to unplug the Ethernet cable from the motherboard, however, some devices are connected via a wireless network and for some users (especially those who are not particularly tech-savvy), disconnecting cables may seem troublesome. Therefore, you can also disconnect the system manually via Control Panel:
Navigate to the "Control Panel", click the search bar in the upper-right corner of the screen, enter "Network and Sharing Center" and select search result: 
Click the "Change adapter settings" option in the upper-left corner of the window: 
Right-click on each connection point and select "Disable". Once disabled, the system will no longer be connected to the internet. To re-enable the connection points, simply right-click again and select "Enable". 
Step 2: Unplug all storage devices.
As mentioned above, ransomware might encrypt data and infiltrate all storage devices that are connected to the computer. For this reason, all external storage devices (flash drives, portable hard drives, etc.) should be disconnected immediately, however, we strongly advise you to eject each device before disconnecting to prevent data corruption:
Navigate to "My Computer", right-click on each connected device, and select "Eject": 
Step 3: Log-out of cloud storage accounts.
Some ransomware-type might be able to hijack software that handles data stored within "the Cloud". Therefore, the data could be corrupted/encrypted. For this reason, you should log-out of all cloud storage accounts within browsers and other related software. You should also consider temporarily uninstalling the cloud-management software until the infection is completely removed.
Identify the ransomware infection:
To properly handle an infection, one must first identify it. Some ransomware infections use ransom-demand messages as an introduction (see the WALDO ransomware text file below).
This, however, is rare. In most cases, ransomware infections deliver more direct messages simply stating that data is encrypted and that victims must pay some sort of ransom. Note that ransomware-type infections typically generate messages with different file names (for example, "_readme.txt", "READ-ME.txt", "DECRYPTION_INSTRUCTIONS.txt", "DECRYPT_FILES.html", etc.). Therefore, using the name of a ransom message may seem like a good way to identify the infection. The problem is that most of these names are generic and some infections use the same names, even though the delivered messages are different and the infections themselves are unrelated. Therefore, using the message filename alone can be ineffective and even lead to permanent data loss (for example, by attempting to decrypt data using tools designed for different ransomware infections, users are likely to end up permanently damaging files and decryption will no longer be possible even with the correct tool).
Another way to identify a ransomware infection is to check the file extension, which is appended to each encrypted file. Ransomware infections are often named by the extensions they append (see files encrypted by Qewe ransomware below).
This method is only effective, however, when the appended extension is unique - many ransomware infections append a generic extension (for example, ".encrypted", ".enc", ".crypted", ".locked", etc.). In these cases, identifying ransomware by its appended extension becomes impossible.
One of the easiest and quickest ways to identify a ransomware infection is to use the ID Ransomware website. This service supports most existing ransomware infections. Victims simply upload a ransom message and/or one encrypted file (we advise you to upload both if possible).
The ransomware will be identified within seconds and you will be provided with various details, such as the name of the malware family to which the infection belongs, whether it is decryptable, and so on.
Example 1 (Qewe [Stop/Djvu] ransomware):
Example 2 (.iso [Phobos] ransomware):
If your data happens to be encrypted by ransomware that is not supported by ID Ransomware, you can always try searching the internet by using certain keywords (for example, a ransom message title, file extension, provided contact emails, crypto wallet addresses, etc.).
Search for ransomware decryption tools:
Encryption algorithms used by most ransomware-type infections are extremely sophisticated and, if the encryption is performed properly, only the developer is capable of restoring data. This is because decryption requires a specific key, which is generated during the encryption. Restoring data without the key is impossible. In most cases, cybercriminals store keys on a remote server, rather than using the infected machine as a host. Dharma (CrySis), Phobos, and other families of high-end ransomware infections are virtually flawless, and thus restoring data encrypted without the developers' involvement is simply impossible. Despite this, there are dozens of ransomware-type infections that are poorly developed and contain a number of flaws (for example, the use of identical encryption/decryption keys for each victim, keys stored locally, etc.). Therefore, always check for available decryption tools for any ransomware that infiltrates your computer.
Finding the correct decryption tool on the internet can be very frustrating. For this reason, we recommend that you use the No More Ransom Project and this is where identifying the ransomware infection is useful. The No More Ransom Project website contains a "Decryption Tools" section with a search bar. Enter the name of the identified ransomware, and all available decryptors (if there are any) will be listed.
Restore files with data recovery tools:
Depending on the situation (quality of ransomware infection, type of encryption algorithm used, etc.), restoring data with certain third-party tools might be possible. Therefore, we advise you to use the Recuva tool developed by CCleaner. This tool supports over a thousand data types (graphics, video, audio, documents, etc.) and it is very intuitive (little knowledge is necessary to recover data). In addition, the recovery feature is completely free.
Step 1: Perform a scan.
Run the Recuva application and follow the wizard. You will be prompted with several windows allowing you to choose what file types to look for, which locations should be scanned, etc. All you need to do is select the options you're looking for and start the scan. We advise you to enable the "Deep Scan" before starting, otherwise, the application's scanning capabilities will be restricted.
Wait for Recuva to complete the scan. The scanning duration depends on the volume of files (both in quantity and size) that you are scanning (for example, several hundred gigabytes could take over an hour to scan). Therefore, be patient during the scanning process. We also advise against modifying or deleting existing files, since this might interfere with the scan. If you add additional data (for example, downloading files/content) while scanning, this will prolong the process:
Step 2: Recover data.
Once the process is complete, select the folders/files you wish to restore and simply click "Recover". Note that some free space on your storage drive is necessary to restore data:
Create data backups:
Proper file management and creating backups is essential for data security. Therefore, always be very careful and think ahead.
Partition management: We recommend that you store your data in multiple partitions and avoid storing important files within the partition that contains the entire operating system. If you fall into a situation whereby you cannot boot the system and are forced to format the disk on which the operating system is installed (in most cases, this is where malware infections hide), you will lose all data stored within that drive. This is the advantage of having multiple partitions: if you have the entire storage device assigned to a single partition, you will be forced to delete everything, however, creating multiple partitions and allocating the data properly allows you to prevent such problems. You can easily format a single partition without affecting the others - therefore, one will be cleaned and the others will remain untouched, and your data will be saved. Managing partitions is quite simple and you can find all the necessary information on Microsoft's documentation web page.
Data backups: One of the most reliable backup methods is to use an external storage device and keep it unplugged. Copy your data to an external hard drive, flash (thumb) drive, SSD, HDD, or any other storage device, unplug it and store it in a dry place away from the sun and extreme temperatures. This method is, however, quite inefficient, since data backups and updates need to be made regularly. You can also use a cloud service or remote server. Here, an internet connection is required and there is always the chance of a security breach, although it's a really rare occasion.
We recommend using Microsoft OneDrive for backing up your files. OneDrive lets you store your personal files and data in the cloud, sync files across computers and mobile devices, allowing you to access and edit your files from all of your Windows devices. OneDrive lets you save, share and preview files, access download history, move, delete, and rename files, as well as create new folders, and much more.
You can back up your most important folders and files on your PC (your Desktop, Documents, and Pictures folders). Some of OneDrive’s more notable features include file versioning, which keeps older versions of files for up to 30 days. OneDrive features a recycling bin in which all of your deleted files are stored for a limited time. Deleted files are not counted as part of the user’s allocation.
The service is built using HTML5 technologies and allows you to upload files up to 300 MB via drag and drop into the web browser or up to 10 GB via the OneDrive desktop application. With OneDrive, you can download entire folders as a single ZIP file with up to 10,000 files, although it can’t exceed 15 GB per single download.
OneDrive comes with 5 GB of free storage out of the box, with an additional 100 GB, 1 TB, and 6 TB storage options available for a subscription-based fee. You can get one of these storage plans by either purchasing additional storage separately or with Office 365 subscription.
Creating a data backup:
The backup process is the same for all file types and folders. Here’s how you can back up your files using Microsoft OneDrive
Step 1: Choose the files/folders you want to backup.
Click the OneDrive cloud icon to open the OneDrive menu. While in this menu, you can customize your file backup settings.
Click Help & Settings and then select Settings from the drop-down menu.
Go to the Backup tab and click Manage backup.
In this menu, you can choose to backup the Desktop and all of the files on it, and Documents and Pictures folders, again, with all of the files in them. Click Start backup.
Now, when you add a file or folder in the Desktop and Documents and Pictures folders, they will be automatically backed up on OneDrive.
To add folders and files, not in the locations shown above, you have to add them manually.
Open File Explorer and navigate to the location of the folder/file you want to backup. Select the item, right-click it, and click Copy.
Then, navigate to OneDrive, right-click anywhere in the window and click Paste. Alternatively, you can just drag and drop a file into OneDrive. OneDrive will automatically create a backup of the folder/file.
All of the files added to the OneDrive folder are backed up in the cloud automatically. The green circle with the checkmark in it indicates that the file is available both locally and on OneDrive and that the file version is the same on both. The blue cloud icon indicates that the file has not been synced and is available only on OneDrive. The sync icon indicates that the file is currently syncing.
To access files only located on OneDrive online, go to the Help & Settings drop-down menu and select View online.
Step 2: Restore corrupted files.
OneDrive makes sure that the files stay in sync, so the version of the file on the computer is the same version on the cloud. However, if ransomware has encrypted your files, you can take advantage of OneDrive’s Version history feature that will allow you to restore the file versions prior to encryption.
Microsoft 365 has a ransomware detection feature that notifies you when your OneDrive files have been attacked and guide you through the process of restoring your files. It must be noted, however, that if you don’t have a paid Microsoft 365 subscription, you only get one detection and file recovery for free.
If your OneDrive files get deleted, corrupted, or infected by malware, you can restore your entire OneDrive to a previous state. Here’s how you can restore your entire OneDrive:
1. If you're signed in with a personal account, click the Settings cog at the top of the page. Then, click Options and select Restore your OneDrive.
If you're signed in with a work or school account, click the Settings cog at the top of the page. Then, click Restore your OneDrive.
2. On the Restore your OneDrive page, select a date from the drop-down list. Note that if you're restoring your files after automatic ransomware detection, a restore date will be selected for you.
3. After configuring all of the file restoration options, click Restore to undo all the activities you selected.
The best way to avoid damage from ransomware infections is to maintain regular up-to-date backups.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How was my computer hacked and how did hackers encrypt my files?
It is often the case that victims themselves open ransomware executables, as they are typically presented as legitimate/regular content. This and other types of malware are primarily distributed via spam emails/messages, drive-by downloads, online scams, dubious download channels (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting websites, P2P sharing networks, etc.), illegal program activation tools ("cracks"), and fake updates.
How to open ".schrodingercat" files?
Continued file usage necessitates decryption. In other words, ransomware-encrypted files cannot be opened/used unless they are decrypted.
Where should I look for free decryption tools for SchrodingerCat ransomware?
If you have experienced a ransomware infection, we advise looking up 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 offer services of this kind. Restoring encrypted data is rarely possible without the attackers' interference. Therefore, third-parties offering paid decryption are often scams or aim to act as middlemen between victims and criminals.
Will Combo Cleaner help me remove SchrodingerCat ransomware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan devices and eliminate active ransomware infections. Keep in mind that while using an anti-virus program is the first step in ransomware recovery – security software is incapable of restoring encrypted data.
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