Pahd – Ransomware
Pahd is a destructive software application working as common ransomware. Michael Gillespie, the widely known virus researcher, very first found this new name in the DJVU ransomware family.
Pahd was developed for the sole function to encrypt all popular file types. Logically, as soon as the file encryption is successfully achieved, the users are unable to get access to them. Pahd virus includes its own “.pahd” to all the encrypted files. For instance, the file “price_list.xls”, as soon as modified by Pahd, will be titled as “price_list.xls.pahd”. As soon as the file encryption is achieved, Pahd puts its own special text file (_readme.txt) into all the folders that save the encrypted files.
The alert specified by text file requesting for the random os really comparable to the notifications given by other ransomware threats belonging to the DJVU family. The caution essentially indicates that the files have been encrypted and the only option to get access to it is to use a distinct standalone key. Regretfully, this statement is absolutely true.
The approach to secure the files used by Pahd is not completely looked into. However, there is no doubt that each computer system owner may be provided an unique decryption key, which is absolutely unique. It is incredibly tough to recuperate the data without the suitable type in location.
“Don’t worry, you can return all your files!”, from _readme.txt message:
One more peculiarity of the Pahd infection is that the users are unable to get access to the key. The decrypting key is hosted on a special server under the total control by the crooks who have released the Pahd virus into the internet. In order to obtain the key and restore the essential data, the users are informed to connect with the scams by means of e-mail or by telegram and to pay the ransom in the quantity of $980.
The message also says that the people ought to get in touch with the Pahd authors within 72 hours upon the moment of the information file encryption. The alert suggests that by doing so individuals will get a 50% discount rate, for that reason, the ransom quantity drops down to $490.
Pahd encrypted your files, nevertheless, it may not be the only threat on your PC. Plus, the ransomware may be hidden deep in the system. To identify and erase the threat completely, we advise you to refer to the help of GridinSoft Anti-Malware .
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No matter what the amount of the ransom is, we highly encourage that you do not pay the ransom. There is no guarantee that these online scoundrels will keep their promises, so they may not care at all what the victims feel about the file encryption, even when the quantity of the ransom is received into their accounts. Hence, paying ransom typically does not lead to a successful healing. So, the users might just lose their money for absolutely nothing.
Likewise, we advise you not to get in touch with the frauds as they advise. Do not move cash into their wallets. There are no applications that might split the Pahd ransomware or bring back the data for free. For that reason, the only proper choice is to restore the information from possible backups (if readily available).
Virus Summary
| Name | Pahd Ransomware |
| File Extension | pahd |
| Type | Ransomware |
| Family | DJVU |
| Short Description | The ransomware encrypts all the data stored on your system and requires a ransom to be paid on your part supposedly to recover your important files. |
| Symptoms | File encryption by the ransomware is performed by means of the AES-256 algorithm (CFB mode) encryption algorithm. Once the encryption is completed, the ransomware adds its special .pahd extension to all the files modified by it. |
| Distribution Method | Adware bundles and software cracks |
| Similar Infections | Lokas, Besub, Nusar |
| Pahd Removal Tool | GridinSoft Anti-Malware |
| Pahd Decryption Tool | Emsisoft Djvu Decryptor |
Do not forget that the Web is now loaded with infections similar to the Pahd virus. For example, this particular danger is generally identical to Brusaf and other ransomware-type infections. These harmful utilities have actually been developed in order to encrypt the important information and express the demand for the users to pay the ransom. All these infections utilize the similar algorithm to produce the particular key for successful files decryption.
Unless the Pahd ransomware is still under the advancement process or has got some concealed bugs, it is not possible to restore the data by hand. Thus, the only working service to avoid the loss of your essential information is to routinely maintain updated backups of all your crucial documents.
Another crucial piece of recommendations is to keep the backups on unique storage not connected to your primary device. For instance, you may store it on the USB Flash Drive, or some external drive, or by using the cloud data storage services. Keeping the backups on your regular drive is extremely risky, considering that the backup may also be encrypted by the Pahd virus.
Leaks for the Pahd ransomware attack.
Pahd uses numerous paths to infiltrate the vulnerable computers. It is not certain what specific approach was utilized in your case, however, the invasion might take place by means of the following channels:
- bundling with third-party programs, primarily free apps;
- spam e-mails from the unidentified senders;
- websites offering complimentary hosting;
- P2P (peer-to-peer) torrent software.
There are times when the Pahd virus may camouflage itself as some authentic application, for example, through the misleading alerts requiring setup of some software update. This is the most common technique used by the frauds to inject the Pahd infection files into the system. In this manner users partially take part in its installation, without clearly understanding the risk.
Furthermore, the frauds might send unsolicited spam email with challenging alerts encouraging the people to open dubious attachments or click on some download links, for instance, those encouraging individuals to open certain photos, text files, tax documents and other information.
No doubt, opening these files or clicking the destructive links might essentially damage the system. Fake Adobe Flash Player upgrade notices may result in the Pahd ransomware infiltration. Similarly, downloading the split software application might in addition contain the ransomware installer. The last but not the least, installation of Pahd may take place through some Trojan horses that might be set up stealthily into the system and without the user’s direct permission and even consent.
Avoiding the Pahd virus injection.
Of course, there is no absolute guarantee that your computer will be constantly free of any malware attacks, however, we want to share some helpful pointers with you to make it much safer. Make sure to pay very very close attention while searching the web and especially while downloading cost-free programs. Do not open any dubious email accessories, particularly if the sender is not known to you.
Do not forget that specific freeware installer may also consist of some other additional apps in the package. These extra applications may be extremely destructive. It is of utmost importance to keep your anti-virus software and your operating system in basic to be always correctly updated.
It is quite sensible that downloading cracked programs is unlawful, however, furthermore, such unapproved apps use may likewise bring serious damage to your computer. For this reason, do not download any broken programs. Plus, the fact that your current anti-virus did not protect the system from the Pahd ransomware is a good factor for you to reconsider your choices and change to another program that can render the securing functions on a far better level.
Below please find the quotation from the Pahd text file:
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-2P5WrE5b9f 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: restorealldata@firemail.cc Reserve e-mail address to contact us: gorentos@bitmessage.ch Our Telegram account: @datarestore
Screenshot of files with “.pahd” extension added by the virus:”
Use GridinSoft Anti-Malware to remove Pahd ransomware from your computer
1.Download GridinSoft Anti-Malware.
You can download GridinSoft Anti-Malware by clicking the button below:
2. Double-click on the setup file.
When setup file has finished downloading, double-click on the setup-antimalware-ag.exe file to install GridinSoft Anti-Malware on your computer.
An User Account Control asking you about to allow GridinSoft Anti-Malware to make changes to your device. So, you should click “Yes” to continue with the installation.
3. Press Install button for run GridinSoft Anti-Malware.
3.Once installed, GridinSoft Anti-Malware will automatically run.
4. Wait for the GridinSoft Anti-Malware scan to complete.
GridinSoft Anti-Malware will automatically start scanning your computer for Win Speedup 2018 and other malicious programs. This process can take a 20-30 minutes, so we suggest you periodically check on the status of the scan process.
5. Click on “Clean Now”.
When the scan has completed, you will see the list of infections that GridinSoft Anti-Malware has detected. To remove them click on the “Clean Now” button in right corner.
Use Emsisoft Decryptor for restore pahd files
You can get Emsisoft Decryptor by clicking the button below:
- Run the decryptor as an administrator. The license terms will show up, which you have to agree to by clicking the “Yes” button.
- Once the license terms are accepted, the primary decryptor user interface opens.
- By default, the decryptor will pre-populate the locations to decrypt with the currently connected drives and network drives. Additional locations can be added using the Add” button.
- Decryptors typically offer various options depending on the particular malware family. The available options are located in the Options tab and can be enabled or disabled there. You can find a detailed list of the available Options below.
- After you have added all the locations you want to decrypt to the list, click the “Decrypt” button to start the decryption process. The screen will switch to a status view, informing you about the current process and decryption status of your files
- The decryptor will inform you once the decryption process is finished. If you require the report for your personal records, you can save it by clicking the “Save log” button. You can also copy it straight to your clipboard to paste it into emails or forum posts if you are asked to.
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