What is a .SALMA file?
A .SALMA file is a type of file that has been locked by a specific kind of harmful computer program known as Salma ransomware. This means that the original file, whether it was a photo, video, document, or any other type of file, has been encrypted, or locked, so you can't open or use it in the usual way. The encryption used is very strong, involving two methods called AES-256 and RSA-1024, making it nearly impossible to unlock the file without the specific key the attackers hold.
When a file is affected by this ransomware, its name is changed by adding ".salma" at the end. For example, if you had a picture named "vacation.jpg," after the ransomware encrypts it, the name would change to "vacation.jpg.salma." This change signifies that the file is no longer accessible in its original form.
Unfortunately, you cannot simply rename the file to remove the ".salma" extension to regain access. The encryption is complex and requires a specific decryption key to unlock, which the attackers claim to provide upon payment of a ransom. However, paying the ransom is risky and not recommended, as it does not guarantee the recovery of your files and encourages criminal activity.
The only program suggested for attempting to recover files affected by Salma ransomware is System Restore, which might help return your computer to a previous state before the infection occurred. However, this does not decrypt the files but could potentially remove the ransomware itself from your system.
The Salma ransomware typically gets onto computers through deceptive means, such as downloading and running a program that looks legitimate but is actually a trojan horse, or by opening malicious email attachments. To protect yourself from such threats, it's crucial to be cautious about what you download and open, especially if it comes from an unknown or untrusted source.
Once the ransomware infects your computer, it encrypts various types of files and leaves a ransom note in a .TXT file format in every folder that contains the encrypted files. This note explains that your files have been encrypted and demands payment to recover them.
In summary, a .SALMA file is a clear sign that your computer has been infected by Salma ransomware, making your files inaccessible. The best defense against such attacks is to maintain regular backups of your important files and to exercise caution when downloading files or opening email attachments from unknown sources.
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