How to remove Sarbloh ransomware (and recover encrypted files)

Sarbloh ransomware encodes stored data to demand ransom fee

Ransomware is a type of computer-infection that prevents users from accessing to their files or the entire systems unless they pay demanded sum. The malware encrypts stored files to block the users’ access to them. The files encrypted by Sarbloh ransomware will receive a unique extension – .sarbloh. As an instance, a file 1.jpg would appear something similar to 1.jpg.sarbloh, 2.jpg as 2.jpg.sarbloh and so on.

Like other ransomware viruses, Sarbloh creates a ransom note after that. The ransom demanding message is displayed under a pop-up window. Also, a file named README_SARBLOH.txt file is dropped under each folder containing encrypted files. In typically, such a note provides users the alleged instruction how to restore the encrypted files by paying, contacting to the crooks involved in the ransomware attack.

The case with Sarbloh ransomware virus that its ransom note does not include payment information or any contact address. So, we can assume that the malware is at its initiate stage and its developers will come up with its upgraded version in near future. However, even though there is a contact / payment detail, you require just deny following the ransom payment instructions. The crooks are not reliable – they often disappear, once the payment is received, leaving the victims without their files.

Unfortunately, the official decryption tool for Sarbloh ransomware has not yet to be developed. Thus, the data recovery process will be difficult for you, especially when you have backup available. However, you should not lose hope as there is still an alternative available – refer our data recovery section below the post. There you will be guided how you can recover the files using Volume Shadow Copies or data recovery tools on your system. Before that, make sure you remove Sarbloh ransomware from the system so as to avoid its interference.

Full text presented in pop-up window and .txt file displayed by Sarbloh ransomware:

YOUR FILES ARE GONE!!!

THEY WILL NOT BE RECOVERABLE UNTIL THE DEMANDS OF THE FARMERS HAVE BEEN MET

WHAT HAPPENED TO THEM?

Using military grade EnCryPtiOn all the files on your system have been made useless.

India, Sikhs have long been the face against the oppression placed upon them.

Each time we have resisted.

Today you come for the very throats of Hindu, Sikh, and Muslim farmers by trying to take their livelihood.

You will not succeed in your sinister ways.

The two-sided sword of the Khalsa is at any moments notice. Tyaar bar tyaar.

Wherever our blood is spilled, the tree of Sikhi uproots from there.

If your intentions for the farmer’s are pure and

you wish to help them, this is not the way.

Halemi Raj, Sikh Raj, was not this way.

If the laws are not repealed. Your fate is no

different to what the Khalsa did to Sirhind.

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa, Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh

Khalsa Cyber Fauj

How did ransomware infiltrate my computer?

Ransomware type viruses are most commonly distributed via using untrustworthy downloading channels, mal-spam campaigns, fake software updaters, Trojans and cracking tools. Unofficial websites, free download pages, third party downloaders, free file hosting sites, p2p networks like torrent, eMule and etc are some examples of untrustworthy downloading channels. Crooks use such sources to distribute malicious files as legit and wait till someone will download and open them.

Mal-spam campaigns are used to send spam emails by thousands. The letters contain infectious files or links for such files as attachments, if clicked -the malicious malware download/ installation process is triggered. Fake software updaters cause system infections by exploiting bugs, flaws of installed software that are outdated or simply by installing malware instead of updates, fixes of installed software. Trojans are malicious apps especially designed to cause chain infections. Cracking tools are illegal programs that are supposed to bypass activation key of licensed software. However, very often they are bundled with malware.

Threat Summary

Name: Sarbloh ransomware

Threat Type: Ransomware

Extension use:   .sarbloh

Ransom demanding note:  README_SARBLOH.txt and pop-up window

Symptoms: Cannot open the files stored on the device, previous functional files now have a different extension. A ransom demand message is displayed on the desktop. Cyber criminals demand payment of a ransom to for unlocking the files

Additional information: This malware is designed to show a fake Windows Update Window and modify the Windows hosts file in order to prevent users from accessing security websites online

Distribution methods: Infected email attachments (macros), torrent websites, malicious ads, unofficial activation and updating tools

Damage: All files are encrypted and cannot be opened without paying a ransom. Additional password stealing Trojan or other malware infections can be installed together with a ransomware infection

Malware removal: Use some reputable antivirus tool or follow manual malware removal guide provided below the post to remove Sarbloh ransomware from the device

Files recovery: Existing backup is the safe and secure option to get the files back in the original accessible condition. Other data recovery options include Volume Shadow Copy or data recovery tools -check the data removal section below the post for the step by step guide for performing them

How to prevent ransomware infection?

Do not open any attachments or website links presented on any emails whose senders’ addresses seem suspicious, irrelevant and unknown. Very often, such emails are designed to trick people into installing malware on their systems. Downloading files, programs from official, trustworthy websites and through direct links. Avoid all other untrustworthy sources mentioned in the previous paragraph. Do not use any third party/ unofficial installers as well. For any software update/ activation, use implemented functions or tools that the official developers provide. Never use any cracking tools or third party updates. They are often bundled with malware and also using such tools is not a legit process to activate/ update installed software. And finally, have a reputable antivirus tool

Antimalware Details And User Guide

Click Here For Windows

Click Here For Mac

Step 1: Remove Sarbloh ransomware through “Safe Mode with Networking”

Step 2: Delete Sarbloh ransomware using “System Restore”

Step 1: Remove Sarbloh ransomware through “Safe Mode with Networking”

For Windows XP and Windows 7 users: Boot the PC in “Safe Mode”. Click on “Start” option and continuously press on F8 during the start process until the “Windows Advanced Option” menu appears on the screen. Choose “Safe Mode with Networking” from the list.

Now, a windows homescreen appears on the desktop and work-station is now working on “Safe mode with networking”.

For Windows 8 Users: Go to the “Start Screen”. In the search results select settings, type “Advanced”. In the “General PC Settings” option, choose “Advanced startup” option. Again, click on the “Restart Now” option. The work-station boots to “Advanced Startup Option Menu”. Press on “Troubleshoot” and then “Advanced options” button.  In the “Advanced Option Screen”, press on “Startup Settings”. Again, click on “Restart” button. The work-station will now restart in to the “Startup Setting” screen. Next is to press F5 to boot in Safe Mode in Networking.

For Windows 10 Users: Press on Windows logo and on the “Power” icon. In the newly opened menu, choose “Restart” while continuously holding “Shift” button on the keyboard. In the new open “Choose an option” window, click on “Troubleshoot” and then on the “Advanced Options”. Select “Startup Settings” and press on “Restart”. In the next window, click on “F5” button on the key-board.

Step 2: Delete Sarbloh ransomware using “System Restore”

Log-in to the account infected with Sarbloh ransomware. Open the browser and download a legitimate anti-malware tool. Do a full System scanning. Remove all the malicious detected entries.

In case if you cannot start the PC in “Safe Mode with Networking”, Try using “System Restore”

• During the “Startup”, continuously press on F8 key until the “Advanced Option” menu appears. From the list, choose “Safe Mode with Command Prompt” and then press “Enter”

• In the new opened command prompt, enter “cd restore” and then press “Enter”.

• Type: rstrui.exe and Press “ENTER”

• Click “Next” on the new windows

• Choose any of the “Restore Points” and click on “Next”. (This step will restore the work-station to its earlier time and date prior to Sarbloh ransomware infiltration in the PC.

• In the newly opened windows, press on “Yes”.

Once your PC gets restored to its previous date and time, download the recommended anti-malware tool and perform a deep scanning in order to remove Sarbloh ransomware files if they left in the work-station.

In order to restore the each (separate) file by this ransomware, use “Windows Previous Version” feature. This method is effective when “System Restore Function” is enabled in the work-station.

Important Note: Some variants of Sarbloh ransomware delete the “Shadow Volume Copies” as well hence this feature may not work all the time and is applicable for selective computers only.

How to Restore Individual Encrypted File:

In order to restore a single file, right click on it and go to “Properties”. Select “Previous Version” tab. Select a “Restore Point” and click on “Restore” option.

In order to access the files encrypted by Sarbloh ransomware, you can also try using “Shadow Explorer”. In order to get more information on this application, press here.

Important: Data Encryption Ransomware are highly dangerous and it is always better that you take precautions to avoid its attack on your work-station. It is advised to use a powerful anti-malware tool in order to get protection in real-time. With this help of “SpyHunter”, “group policy objects” are implanted in the registries in order to block harmful infections like Sarbloh ransomware.

Also, In Windows 10, you get a very unique feature called “Fall Creators Update” that offer “Controlled Folder Access” feature in order to block any kind of encryption to the files. With the help of this feature, any files stored in the locations such as “Documents”, “Pictures”, “Music”, “Videos”, “Favorites” and “Desktop” folders are safe by default.

It is very important that you install this “Windows 10 Fall Creators Update” in your PC to protect your important files and data from ransomware encryption. The more information on how to get this update and add an additional protection form rnasomware attack has been discussed here.

How to Recover the Files Encrypted by Sarbloh ransomware?

Till now, you would have understood that what had happed to your personal files that got encrypted and how you can remove the scripts and payloads associated with Sarbloh ransomware in order to protect your personal files that has not been damaged or encrypted until now. In order to retrieve the locked files, the depth information related to “System Restore” and “Shadow Volume Copies” has already been discussed earlier. However, in case if you are still unable to access the encrypted files then you can try using a data recovery tool.

Use of Data Recovery Tool

This step is for all those victims who have already tries all the above mentioned process but didn’t find any solution. Also it is important that you are able to access the PC and can install any software. The data recovery tool works on the basis of System scanning and recovery algorithm. It searches the System partitions in order to locate the original files which were deleted, corrupted or damaged by the malware. Remember that you must not re-install the Windows OS otherwise the “previous” copies will get deleted permanently. You have to clean the work-station at first and remove Sarbloh ransomware infection. Leave the locked files as it is and follow the steps mentioned below.

Step1: Download the software in the work-station by clicking on the “Download” button below.

Step2: Execute the installer by clicking on downloaded files.

Step3: A license agreement page appears on the screen. Click on “Accept” to agree with its terms and use. Follow the on-screen instruction as mentioned and click on “Finish” button.

Step4: Once the installation gets completed, the program gets executed automatically. In the newly opened interface, select the file types that you want to recover and click on “Next”.

Step5: You can select the “Drives” on which you want the software to run and execute the recovery process. Next is to click on the “Scan” button.

Step6: Based on drive you select for scanning, the restore process begins. The whole process may take time depending on the volume of the selected drive and number of files. Once the process gets completed, a data explorer appears on the screen with preview of that data that is to be recovered. Select the files that you want to restore.

Step7. Next is to locate the location where you want to saver the recovered files.