PWNDLocker seeks to encrypt data on computers of businesses and local governmentsThe ransomware exclusion listRansomware SummaryThe ransom note demands BitcoinsDecrypt PWNDLOCKER filesThe file-encrypting malware distribution vectorsRemove PWNDLocker ransomware virus now
PwndLocker ransomware uses net stop command to disable Windows services and security software before encrypting all personal and work files on the infected network. It disables Microsoft SQL server, MySQL, Acronis, Veeam, Exchange, Backup Exec, Oracle, IIS, Zoolz, also McAfee, Sophos, Malwarebytes and Kaspersky services. Next, the virus attempts to close open programs such as web browsers, document editor programs, backup programs and database servers. Finally, the virus deletes Volume Shadow Copies to prevent the victim from restoring corrupted files easily. Now that the system is cleared from interfering processes and all means of data recovery are gone, PwndLocker begins encrypting files on victim’s computer, such as PDF or Word documents, databases, images, spreadsheets.
The ransomware exclusion list
The ransomware bypasses the following folders while encrypting the data: $Recycle.Bin, Windows, System Volume Information, PerfLogs, Common Files, DVD Maker, Internet Explorer, Kaspersky Lab, Kaspersky Lab Setup Files, WindowsPowerShell, Microsoft, Microsoft.NET, Mozilla Firefox, MSBuild, Windows Defender, Windows Mail, Windows Media Player, Windows NT, Windows Photo Viewer, Windows Portable Devices, Windows Sidebar, WindowsApps, All Users, Uninstall Information, Microsoft, Adobe, Microsoft_Corporation, Packages, Temp The ransomware keeps web browsers so that the victim could access the Internet and download the suggested Tor browser, which is required to access the ransom payment website. PwndLocker also excludes the following extensions to keep the computer system intact. .bac, .bak, .bat, .cmd, .dsk,.exe, .dll, .lnk, .ico, .ini, .msi, .chm, .hlf, .lng, .inf, .ttf, .vhd, .wbc, .bkf, .set, .sys, .win
Ransomware Summary
The ransom note demands Bitcoins
The ransomware saves H0w_T0_Rec0very_Files.txt note on Desktop and all other affected folders. It contains a message from the virus’ developers. The note suggests that the computer network has been penetrated and encrypted with strong algorithm. Backups were removed or encrypted, therefore no one can help to recover files except the criminals. As suggested by the note, PWNDLOCKER ransom price depends on the network size, number of employees and annual revenue. The ransom note suggests not to publish the payment website link or contact emails included in the message, otherwise the attackers will delete the decryption keys for the victim. Ransomware developers also inform that the decryption key will be stored for one month, and the ransom price will double after two weeks. If the victim refuses to pay, the attackers suggest publishing collected “sensitive data” about the victim. The ransom-payment website, called Info page, greets the victim with a “Hello, you are a victim of ransomware” headline. The victim can ask the website “support” to test the decryption on 1 or 2 files. IMPORTANT. If you have been affected by this malicious software, please locate the ransomware executable using the instructions given below and send it to Emsisoft FIRST. Then you can remove PWNDLOCKER ransomware virus using free instructions provided below this article.
Decrypt PWNDLOCKER files
Thanks to Emsisoft’s Fabian Wosar, a flaw was found in the ransomware’s source code, giving the researcher an opportunity to use it for PWNDLocker decryption creation. Victims affected by this ransomware can decrypt .pwnd or .key extension files after recovering the executable file used by the virus. To do this, you can use regular data recovery tools such as Shadow Explorer or others. The executable can be recovered from %Temp%, C:/User or %AppData% folders. Once you recover the executable file, you should get in touch with Emsisoft and send them the executable.
The file-encrypting malware distribution vectors
PWNDLocker ransomware may use several different attack vectors, such as malicious email spam, infected downloads, or compromised RDP. When it comes to targeted attacks against companies, deceptive emails containing malicious attachments or links is the most common attack vector. Therefore, it is believed that this ransomware spreads with the help of it. To avoid such attacks, be extremely careful and never open any attachments or click on links included in a suspicion-raising emails. In addition, try to keep data backups unplugged from the computer or their network. In case of a ransomware attack, such backups remain unaffected.
Remove PWNDLocker ransomware virus now
One of the easiest ways to remove PWNDLocker ransomware virus is to prepare a safe environment for its removal first, then use a trustworthy antivirus or anti-malware tool. To learn how to boot your PC in Safe Mode, use the guidelines prepared by our experts below. IMPORTANT. Make sure you extract the ransomware executable and send it to Emsisoft before running an automatic malware removal tool. Otherwise, it might delete this file forever. Once you complete all the steps, PWNDLocker removal will be done safely. OUR GEEKS RECOMMEND Our team recommends a two-step rescue plan to remove ransomware and other remaining malware from your computer, plus repair caused virus damage to the system: GeeksAdvice.com editors select recommended products based on their effectiveness. We may earn a commission from affiliate links, at no additional cost to you. Learn more. Get INTEGO ANTIVIRUS for Windows to remove ransomware, Trojans, adware and other spyware and malware variants and protect your PC and network drives 24/7. This VB100-certified security software uses state-of-art technology to provide protection against ransomware, Zero-Day attacks and advanced threats, Intego Web Shield blocks dangerous websites, phishing attacks, malicious downloads and installation of potentially unwanted programs. Use INTEGO Antivirus to remove detected threats from your computer. Read full review here. RESTORO provides a free scan that helps to identify hardware, security and stability issues and presents a comprehensive report which can help you to locate and fix detected issues manually. It is a great PC repair software to use after you remove malware with professional antivirus. The full version of software will fix detected issues and repair virus damage caused to your Windows OS files automatically. RESTORO uses AVIRA scanning engine to detect existing spyware and malware. If any are found, the software will eliminate them. Read full review here.
Alternative software recommendations
Malwarebytes Anti-Malware
Method 1. Enter Safe Mode with Networking
Before you try to remove the virus, you must start your computer in Safe Mode with Networking. Below, we provide the easiest ways to boot PC in the said mode, but you can find additional ones in this in-depth tutorial on our website – How to Start Windows in Safe Mode. Also, see a video tutorial on how to do it: Instructions for Windows XP/Vista/7 users Instructions for Windows 8/8.1/10 users Now, you can search for and remove PWNDLocker Ransomware files. It is very hard to identify files and registry keys that belong to the ransomware virus, Besides, malware creators tend to rename and change them repeatedly. Therefore, the easiest way to uninstall such type of a computer virus is to use a reliable malware removal program. In addition, we suggest trying a combination of INTEGO Antivirus (removes malware and protects your PC in real-time) and RESTORO (repairs virus damage to Windows OS files).
Method 2. Use System Restore
In order to use System Restore, you must have a system restore point, created either manually or automatically. Instructions for Windows XP/Vista/7 users Instructions for Windows 8/8.1/10 users After restoring the system, we recommend scanning the system with antivirus or anti-malware software. In most cases, there won’t be any malware remains, but it never hurts to double-check. In addition, we highly recommend checking ransomware prevention guidelines provided by our experts in order to protect your PC against similar viruses in the future. Removing spyware and malware is one step towards cybersecurity. To protect yourself against ever-evolving threats, we strongly recommend purchasing a Premium version of Malwarebytes Anti-Malware, which provides security based on artificial intelligence and machine learning. Includes ransomware protection. See pricing options and protect yourself now.
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