SnowPicnic Ransomware

SnowPicnic Ransomware is another file-encrypting application that locks user’s files and displays a ransom note. By continue reading this article, you can learn more about the threat, for example, how it works and how it might be spread. However, from what we have discovered during our tests, we doubt the malicious application is being distributed yet. Nonetheless, it is possible it could get updated and might start spreading. Naturally, if the threat gets updated, it is possible it could work a bit differently. Keep in mind that the removal instructions available at the end of the article will only work for deleting this version of SnowPicnic Ransomware. Meaning, in case you encounter a different variant of this malicious application, it might be best to remove it with a reliable antimalware tool.

If SnowPicnic Ransomware was being spread we think it could get in through unreliable files downloaded from the Internet, such as email attachments received with Spam, software installers downloaded from suspicious file-sharing websites, etc. While protecting a computer from disguised threats might not look like an easy task, it is quite possible. All you have to do is scan all data obtained from untrustworthy sources with a reliable antimalware tool or just keep away from it. A lot of users receive threats because they are too careless or because they rush into opening suspicious data, so it is best to take your time and never let your guard down while surfing the Internet. Of course, it might not be enough if you encounter more vicious threats, which is why we highly recommend eliminating all your computer’s weaknesses, such as weak passwords, outdated software, and so on.

What happens if SnowPicnic Ransomware enters your system? Our researchers did not notice the malware attempting to create any new files or copy its launcher somewhere else. On the other hand, the samples we were able to test did not work as they were supposed to, so we cannot be entirely sure the malicious application does not need creating any files. If it does not, we believe it should start encrypting targeted files right away. While researching it, we found out the threat does not care about data belonging to the computer’s operating system or other program files. In other words, SnowPicnic Ransomware ought to encipher files like pictures, photos, videos, various documents, and so on. The files it targets ought to receive a specific additional extension (.snowpicnic), for example, document.docx.snowpicnic. Therefore, victims can recognize enciphered data not just by trying and failing to open it, but also by checking whether it has the mentioned second extension or not.

Next SnowPicnic Ransomware’s step is to inform a user about its existence and explain what has happened to his files. The malicious application does so by creating files titled Read.TXT and Read.HTML. The file’s dropped by our tested samples did not contain a large message. Instead, they offered a short explanation and demands that make no sense. The explanation stated that the victim’s files were encrypted with a robust encryption system. As for the hackers’ requirements, the note claimed they wish to receive 0 Bitcoins, which is the main reason why we believe it is doubtful the malware is being spread. Mostly, ransomware applications are designed for money extortion, so if the threat was being spread, we think it should display a ransom note that would ask for an actual ransom.

No matter what you see on the ransom note, we do not recommend doing what it says if you do not want to risk being scammed. Cybercriminals should not be trusted as they cannot give any guarantees no matter what they say. Usually, hackers promise to decrypt enciphered data or to deliver decryption tools so victims could decrypt their files on their own. Instead of risking savings, we advise users to check if they have any backup copies they could use to restore encrypted files. Of course, it is safer to do so only when the malicious application gets erased. To remove SnowPicnic Ransomware manually, you should check the instructions available below, although we cannot guarantee they will work for everyone. Thus, it might be safer to use a reliable antimalware tool of your choice.

Erase SnowPicnic Ransomware

1. Click Ctrl+Alt+Delete.
2. Choose Task Manager and select Processes.
3. Find a process belonging to the threat.
4. Mark it and click End Task.
5. Exit Task Manager.
6. Click Win+E.
7. Find these paths:
   %TEMP%
   %USERPROFILE%\Downloads
   %USERPROFILE%\Desktop
8. See if the malicious application’s launcher (suspicious recently downloaded file) is still there.
9. Right-click the installer and press Delete.
10. Then right-click files called Read.TXT and Read.HTML and select Delete to erase them.
11. Exit File Explorer.
12. Empty your Recycle Bin.
13. Restart the computer.