Djvu VirusRansomwareRemoval Guide

Pezi Virus Removal Guide (+Decrypt .pezi files)

Pezi – General Info

Pezi is a malicious software application working as common ransomware. Michael Gillespie, the widely known virus researcher, first found this new name in the DJVU ransomware family.

Pezi was created for the sole purpose to encrypt all popular file types. Logically, as quickly as the file encryption is successfully accomplished, the users are not able to get access to them. Pezi virus includes its own “.pezi” to all the encrypted files. For example, the file “price_list.xls”, when modified by Pezi, will be titled as “price_list.xls.pezi”. As soon as the encryption is achieved, Pezi puts its own unique text file (_readme.txt) into all the folders that save the encrypted files.

The alert stated by text file requesting for the random os really comparable to the notifications offered by other ransomware risks belonging to the DJVU family. The warning essentially indicates that the information has been secured and the only service to get access to it is to use an unique standalone key. Regretfully, this statement is absolutely true.

The approach to encrypt the files utilized by Pezi is not entirely looked into. However, there is no doubt that each computer system owner might be provided a special decryption key, which is definitely distinct. It is incredibly tough to recover the data without the suitable type in location.

“Don’t worry, you can return all your files!”, from text file message:

message from Pezi virus

One more peculiarity of the Pezi virus 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 scoundrels who have released the Pezi virus into the world wide web. In order to acquire the key and bring back the essential information, the users are informed to contact the frauds via e-mail or by telegram and to pay the ransom in the amount of $980.

The message likewise says that the people need to call the Pezi authors within 72 hours upon the minute of the information file encryption. The alert shows that by doing so individuals will obtain a 50% discount, therefore, the ransom quantity drops down to $490.

No matter what the amount of the ransom is, we strongly recommend that you do not pay the ransom. There is no assurance that these online criminals will keep their pledges, so they might not care at all what the victims feel about the encryption, even when the quantity of the ransom is received into their accounts. For this reason, paying ransom often does not lead to an effective healing. So, the users may simply lose their money for absolutely nothing.

Similarly, we prompt you not to get in touch with the scams as they advise. Do not transfer money into their wallets. There are no applications that could crack the Pezi ransomware or restore the data at no charge. Therefore, the only correct decision is to bring back the information from possible backups (if available).

Virus Summary

NamePezi Ransomware
File Extensionpezi
TypeRansomware
FamilyDJVU
Short DescriptionThe 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.
SymptomsFile 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 .pezi extension to all the files modified by it.
Distribution MethodAdware bundles and software cracks
Similar InfectionsCovm, Koti, Mzlq
Removal Tool   GridinSoft Anti-Malware

Do not forget that the Internet is now loaded with infections comparable to the Pezi virus. For example, this particular threat is generally similar to Brusaf and other ransomware-type infections. These destructive utilities have actually been developed in order to secure the essential information and reveal the need for the users to pay the ransom. All these infections utilize the similar algorithm to create the specific key for effective information decryption.

Unless the Pezi ransomware is still under the development procedure or has got some hidden bugs, it is not possible to restore the data manually. Therefore, the only working service to prevent the loss of your important data is to routinely keep up-to-date backups of all your essential documents.

Another important piece of recommendations is to keep the backups on special storage not connected to your main PC. For example, you may keep it on the USB Flash Drive, or some external disk drive, or by using the cloud data storage services. Keeping the backups on your regular drive is extremely dangerous, because the backup may also be secured by the Pezi .

Leakages for the Pezi ransomware attack.

Pezi uses numerous paths to infiltrate the susceptible computer systems. It is not specific what particular method was utilized in your case, however, the intrusion may take place through the following channels:

  • bundling with third-party programs, mainly free software;
  • spam e-mails from the unknown senders;
  • sites providing free hosting;
  • P2P (peer-to-peer) torrent software.

There are times when the Pezi might disguise itself as some genuine application, for example, through the misleading notifies requiring setup of some software update. This is the most typical trick used by the frauds to inject the Pezi ransomware files into the system. By doing this users partially take part in its installation, without clearly understanding the risk.

Furthermore, the frauds might send out unsolicited spam email with difficult alerts motivating the people to open suspicious accessories or click some download links, for example, those motivating individuals to open particular photos, text files, tax documents and other info.

No doubt, opening these files or clicking the destructive links may essentially harm the system. Fake Media Player upgrade notices may lead to the Pezi ransomware seepage. Likewise, downloading the broken software may furthermore consist of the ransomware installer. The last but not the least, installation of Pezi might take place through some Trojan horses that might be installed stealthily into the system and without the user’s direct authorization or even authorization.

Preventing the Pezi ransomware attack.

Naturally, there is no outright guarantee that your computer will be constantly free of any malware attacks, however, we wish to share some helpful suggestions with you to make it safer. Make sure to pay extremely attention while browsing the web and particularly while getting cost-free programs. Do not open any suspicious e-mail accessories, specifically if the sender is not known to you.

Do not forget that certain freeware installer may also consist of some other extra apps in the bundle. These extra applications may be extremely damaging. It is of utmost importance to keep your anti-virus software and your operating system in basic to be always effectively updated.

It is quite logical that downloading pirated programs is unlawful, however, furthermore, such unapproved apps use may also bring severe damage to your system. Thus, do not download any split programs. Plus, the fact that your present anti-virus did not safeguard the system from the Pezi ransomware is an excellent reason for you to reconsider your options and change to another program that can render the securing functions on a much better level.

Below please find the quotation from the Pezi 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 “.pezi” extension added by the virus:”

Pezi Ransomware - encrypt files with .pezi extension

Use GridinSoft Anti-Malware to remove Pezi ransomware from your computer

1.Download GridinSoft Anti-Malware.

You can get GridinSoft Anti-Malware by clicking the button below:

  GridinSoft Anti-Malware

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.
GridinSoft Anti-Malware
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.
GridinSoft Anti-Malware Setup

3. Press Install button for run GridinSoft Anti-Malware.

GridinSoft Anti-Malware Install

3.Once installed, GridinSoft Anti-Malware will automatically run.

GridinSoft Anti-Malware  Start

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.
GridinSoft Anti-Malware Scan

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.
GridinSoft Anti-Malware Scan Result

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Daniel Zimmermann

Daniel Zimmermann has been writing on security and malware subjects for many years and has been working in the security industry for over 10 years. Daniel was educated at the Saarland University in Saarbrücken, Germany and currently lives in New York.

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