A file with the .seto extension is a file that has been affected by Seto ransomware. This security threat is also known as crypto virus that use a hybrid encryption mode in order to lock users’ data. It’s not possible to open the files by simply changing the file extension. The personal files will be unlocked only if users pay for the special code key that will unlock these files.
Seto ransomware locks up almost of files, including common as:
.pptx, .ws, .rwl, .kdc, .flv, .mcmeta, .ff, .wmd, .ztmp, .doc, .rtf, .zabw, .dwg, .ltx, .bay, .desc, .mddata, .wpb, .wp, .xlsm, .bik, .arw, .wps, .r3d, .iwd, .wpa, .cas, .wdp, .xf, .xdl, .csv, .rgss3a, .xyw, .gho, .wbz, .x3f, .rar, .pdd, .txt, .xmmap, .wps, .xml, .odb, .pem, wallet, .xlsb, .xwp, .vtf, .ibank, .wire, .wmf, .webdoc, .3dm, .syncdb, .dng, .webp, .y, .xmind, .zif, .der, .xlsx, .ntl, .1, .wsd, .z, .zi, .lbf, .wma, .mrwref, .erf, .p7b, .kdb, .7z, .wpd, .icxs, .xar, .layout, .tor, .hkdb, .psk, .qic, .pkpass, .rim, .xlgc, .jpeg, .pdf, .apk, .odc, .srf, .wav, .x, .ai, .epk, .wpd, .menu, .wmv, .odt, .mpqge, .1st, .big, .mdf, .pef, .slm, .sum, .bar, .vfs0, .wbc, .wmv, .nrw, .qdf, .0, .pak, .z3d, .cdr, .cr2, .itdb, .m4a, .3fr, .lvl, .rofl, .hkx, .mp4, .cfr, .wcf, .sr2, .raw, .wpg, .raf, .xlsm, .mdb, .wm, .indd, .jpg, .x3d, .vcf, .docx, .dcr, .docm, .xpm, .vpp_pc, .dba, .hvpl, .wma, .dbf, .p12, .blob, .litemod, .pptm, .gdb, .xld, .xll, .ppt, .wsh, .jpe, .itl, .mov, .wsc, .cer, .xbdoc, .sb, .upk, .sie, .psd, .zip, .sav, .mef, .wp4, .xx, .dxg, .t13, .forge, .xy3, .zw, .wp5, .pfx, .rw2, .pst, .ncf, .wp7, .w3x, .css, .wbd, .snx, .wp6, .wn, .png, .xlk, .bsa, .yal, .mlx, .esm, .db0, .srw, .zip, .crt, .mdbackup, .xxx, .xls, .wgz, .wot, .ysp, .crw, .xlsx, .sql, .kf, .ods, .wri, .t12, .js, .wmo, .bkf, .sis, .wpw, .xyp, .fsh, .m3u, .2bp, .wbm, .sidn, .3ds, .odm, .xls, .yml, .arch00, .iwi, .vpk, .lrf, .das, .asset, .xdb, .wb2, .m2, .tax, .py, .wdb
After all the photos, documents and music are locked and inaccessible to the victim, the Seto ransomware will create a ransom note named ‘_readme.txt’ saying that if the victim want to get the files back, the victim have to pay for the private and/or decryption tool. The hackers are blackmailing victims that they may never get access to their personal files again if they do not make a timely payment.
ATTENTION!
Don’t worry, you can return all your files!
All your files like photos, databases, documents and other important are encrypted with strongest encryption and unique key.
The only method of recovering files is to purchase decrypt tool and unique key for you.
This software will decrypt all your encrypted files.
What guarantees you have?
You can send one of your encrypted file from your PC and we decrypt it for free.
But we can decrypt only 1 file for free. File must not contain valuable information.
You can get and look video overview decrypt tool:
https://we.tl/t-yKBR9rlo6R
or
https://gofile.io/?c=blfjRd
Price of private key and decrypt software is $980.
Discount 50% available if you contact us first 72 hours, that’s price for you is $490.
Please note that you’ll never restore your data without payment.
Check your e-mail “Spam” or “Junk” folder if you don’t get answer more than 6 hours.To get this software you need write on our e-mail:
gorentos@bitmessage.ch
Threat Summary
Name | Seto |
Type | File locker, Crypto virus, Crypto malware, Ransomware, Filecoder |
Encrypted files extension | .seto |
Ransom note | _readme.txt |
Contact | gorentos@bitmessage.ch |
Ransom amount | $980 in Bitcoins |
Symptoms | Encrypted files. Your documents, photos and music have a wrong suffix or extension (.seto), or don’t look right when you open them. Your file directories contain a ‘ransom note’ file that is usually a _readme.txt file. |
Distribution methods | Malicious spam (also known as ‘malspam’). Malicious downloads that happen without a user’s knowledge when they visit a compromised webpage. Social media, like web-based instant messaging programs. Torrent webpages. |
Removal | To remove Seto ransomware use the removal guide |
Decryption | To decrypt Seto ransomware use the steps |
If you came across this blog post, you were likely searching for a method on how to remove Seto ransomware virus, which does not involve paying the ransom. The goal of this article is to provide you with the necessary instructions that can help you understand how uninstall ransomware virus and restore photos, documents and music which have been encrypted.
Quick links
- How to remove Seto ransomware virus
- How to decrypt .seto files
- How to restore .seto files
- How to protect your machine from Seto ransomware virus?
- To sum up
How to remove Seto ransomware virus
Before you run the procedure of restoring personal files which has been encrypted, make sure Seto ransomware is not running. Firstly, you need to uninstall this ransomware permanently. Happily, there are several malicious software removal utilities that will effectively detect and uninstall Seto crypto virus and other crypto virus malware from your system.
Remove Seto virus with Zemana Free
Zemana AntiMalware (ZAM) is a program which is used for crypto virus, malware, trojans, adware, worms, spyware and other security threats removal. The program is one of the most efficient anti malware utilities. It helps in crypto malware removal and and defends all other types of malware. One of the biggest advantages of using Zemana is that is easy to use and is free. Also, it constantly keeps updating its virus/malware signatures DB. Let’s see how to install and check your PC with Zemana Anti Malware in order to delete Seto from your personal computer.
Visit the page linked below to download the latest version of Zemana Free for Windows. Save it on your Desktop.
164025 downloads
Author: Zemana Ltd
Category: Security tools
Update: July 16, 2019
Once the download is complete, close all windows on your machine. Further, start the install file called Zemana.AntiMalware.Setup. If the “User Account Control” prompt pops up similar to the one below, click the “Yes” button.
It will display the “Setup wizard” that will allow you install Zemana Anti Malware (ZAM) on the computer. Follow the prompts and do not make any changes to default settings.
Once installation is done successfully, Zemana will automatically run and you may see its main window as displayed on the image below.
Next, press the “Scan” button . Zemana AntiMalware utility will begin scanning the whole system to find out Seto ransomware virus, other kinds of potential threats like malicious software and trojans. This procedure may take some time, so please be patient. When a malware, adware or PUPs are detected, the number of the security threats will change accordingly.
When Zemana Free is done scanning your machine, Zemana Anti-Malware (ZAM) will open a scan report. Next, you need to press “Next” button.
The Zemana Free will remove Seto ransomware related folders,files and registry keys and add items to the Quarantine. When the cleaning process is finished, you may be prompted to restart your PC.
Automatically remove Seto ransomware virus with MalwareBytes
If you’re having problems with the Seto ransomware removal, then download MalwareBytes Anti Malware (MBAM). It’s free for home use, and scans for and removes various unwanted programs that attacks your computer or degrades computer performance. MalwareBytes AntiMalware can uninstall trojans, worms as well as other malicious software, including ransomware and trojans.
Click the link below to download the latest version of MalwareBytes Anti-Malware (MBAM) for MS Windows. Save it to your Desktop.
326378 downloads
Author: Malwarebytes
Category: Security tools
Update: April 15, 2020
Once the download is complete, close all windows on your personal computer. Further, open the file named mb3-setup. If the “User Account Control” prompt pops up as displayed on the image below, press the “Yes” button.
It will show the “Setup wizard” which will assist you install MalwareBytes Free on the system. Follow the prompts and do not make any changes to default settings.
Once install is done successfully, click Finish button. Then MalwareBytes will automatically run and you can see its main window like below.
Next, click the “Scan Now” button for checking your personal computer for the Seto crypto malware, other kinds of potential threats like malicious software and trojans. A system scan can take anywhere from 5 to 30 minutes, depending on your PC system. When a threat is detected, the number of the security threats will change accordingly.
As the scanning ends, the results are displayed in the scan report. Next, you need to click “Quarantine Selected” button.
The MalwareBytes will remove Seto ransomware and other security threats and add items to the Quarantine. When the process is done, you may be prompted to restart your PC. We suggest you look at the following video, which completely explains the procedure of using the MalwareBytes to remove browser hijacker infections, adware software and other malware.
If the problem with Seto virus is still remained
KVRT is a free removal tool that can be downloaded and run to delete crypto malware, adware software, worms, trojans and other threats from your personal computer. You may use this utility to detect threats even if you have an antivirus or any other security program.
Download Kaspersky virus removal tool (KVRT) on your MS Windows Desktop by clicking on the following link.
129054 downloads
Author: Kaspersky® lab
Category: Security tools
Update: March 5, 2018
Once downloading is finished, double-click on the Kaspersky virus removal tool icon. Once initialization procedure is done, you will see the Kaspersky virus removal tool screen as on the image below.
Click Change Parameters and set a check near all your drives. Click OK to close the Parameters window. Next click Start scan button . KVRT utility will start scanning the whole computer to find out Seto ransomware virus and other known infections. This task can take some time, so please be patient. While the KVRT tool is checking, you may see how many objects it has identified as being affected by malicious software.
Once that process is complete, Kaspersky virus removal tool will display a list of all threats detected by the scan like below.
In order to remove all items, simply click on Continue to start a cleaning procedure.
How to decrypt .seto files
As mentioned earlier, the ransom payment is the only way to decrypt .seto files, unfortunately. After the victim transfers the specified amount of money (usually $490 or $980 in Bitcoins) to the fraudsters, they provide a private key to decrypt the locked data.
Never pay the ransom! However, it should be noted that the transferred amount of money to developers of the Seto ransomware is not yet a guarantee that the user will receive a special code to unlock the encrypted personal files. Very often, after receiving the ransom, cybercriminals impose new requirements for the transfer of an even larger amount of money. It is impossible to predict unambiguously what will be the actions of online criminals who made the Seto ransomware virus, but it is safe to say that these actions are immoral and illegal.
Of course, it can not be considered that the only correct way out of the situation when your PC is infected with Seto ransomware virus, will be the payment of ransom, as this only leads to the prosperity of illegal actions of scammers. The smart thing to do is to try to recover the affected files from the backup or wait for the release of the Seto decryption utility to unlock them. You can also try to restore photos, documents and music using free applications listed below.
How to restore .seto files
In some cases, you can restore files encrypted by Seto ransomware. Try both methods. Important to understand that we cannot guarantee that you will be able to restore all encrypted documents, photos and music.
Restore .seto files with ShadowExplorer
In order to recover .seto files encrypted by ransomware virus from Shadow Volume Copies you can use a tool named ShadowExplorer. We suggest to use this solution as it is easier to find and restore the previous versions of the encrypted files you need in an easy-to-use interface.
Please go to the link below to download ShadowExplorer. Save it on your Desktop.
438652 downloads
Author: ShadowExplorer.com
Category: Security tools
Update: September 15, 2019
Once the download is complete, open a directory in which you saved it. Right click to ShadowExplorer-0.9-portable and select Extract all. Follow the prompts. Next please open the ShadowExplorerPortable folder like below.
Double click ShadowExplorerPortable to start it. You will see the a window as shown on the image below.
In top left corner, select a Drive where encrypted photos, documents and music are stored and a latest restore point such as the one below (1 – drive, 2 – restore point).
On right panel look for a file that you want to recover, right click to it and select Export like below.
Run PhotoRec to restore .seto files
Before a file is encrypted, the Seto ransomware makes a copy of this file, encrypts it, and then deletes the original file. This can allow you to recover your photos, documents and music using file restore applications like PhotoRec.
Download PhotoRec on your MS Windows Desktop from the link below.
After the downloading process is done, open a directory in which you saved it. Right click to testdisk-7.0.win and select Extract all. Follow the prompts. Next please open the testdisk-7.0 folder as shown below.
Double click on qphotorec_win to run PhotoRec for Microsoft Windows. It’ll open a screen as displayed in the figure below.
Select a drive to recover as shown below.
You will see a list of available partitions. Select a partition that holds encrypted documents, photos and music as on the image below.
Press File Formats button and specify file types to restore. You can to enable or disable the restore of certain file types. When this is done, press OK button.
Next, click Browse button to select where restored documents, photos and music should be written, then click Search.
Count of recovered files is updated in real time. All restored personal files are written in a folder that you have selected on the previous step. You can to access the files even if the restore process is not finished.
When the restore is done, press on Quit button. Next, open the directory where restored documents, photos and music are stored. You will see a contents as displayed in the figure below.
All recovered photos, documents and music are written in recup_dir.1, recup_dir.2 … sub-directories. If you are searching for a specific file, then you can to sort your restored files by extension and/or date/time.
How to protect your machine from Seto ransomware virus?
Most antivirus programs already have built-in protection system against the ransomware. Therefore, if your machine does not have an antivirus program, make sure you install it. As an extra protection, use the HitmanPro.Alert.
Use HitmanPro.Alert to protect your system from Seto ransomware
All-in-all, HitmanPro.Alert is a fantastic utility to protect your PC system from any ransomware. If ransomware is detected, then HitmanPro.Alert automatically neutralizes malware and restores the encrypted files. HitmanPro.Alert is compatible with all versions of Microsoft Windows operating system from MS Windows XP to Windows 10.
Please go to the link below to download the latest version of HitmanPro.Alert for Microsoft Windows. Save it on your Desktop.
When the download is complete, open the file location. You will see an icon like below.
Double click the HitmanPro.Alert desktop icon. After the tool is started, you will be displayed a window where you can choose a level of protection, as displayed in the following example.
Now press the Install button to activate the protection.
To sum up
Now your system should be clean of the Seto ransomware virus. Uninstall MalwareBytes Free and KVRT. We recommend that you keep Zemana Anti-Malware (to periodically scan your computer for new malicious software). Make sure that you have all the Critical Updates recommended for MS Windows operating system. Without regular updates you WILL NOT be protected when new ransomware, malicious apps and adware are released.
If you are still having problems while trying to remove Seto ransomware from your PC system, then ask for help here.