RansomwareRemoval Guide

Remove PB Virus (.[projectblack@criptext.com].PB Files Ransomware) – Dharma Ransomware

PB Virus Ransomware

The PB stands for a ransomware-type infection. The virus comes from the Dharma ransomware family. PB was elaborated particularly to encrypt all major file types. When the file is encrypted people are unable to use them. PB adds the “.[projectblack@criptext.com].PB” extension for each file encrypted by it. For example, the file “myphoto.jpg“, as soon as encrypted by PB, will be renamed into “myphoto.jpg.[projectblack@criptext.com].PB“. As soon as the encryption is finished, PB places a special text file into every folder containing the encrypted data.

The message given by PB text file asking for the ransom is absolutely the like the statements given by other ransomware representatives belonging to the Dharma type. It literally points out that the info is encrypted which the only way to restore it is to use a an unique decryption key. Unfortunately, this is definitely true. The kind of cryptography mechanism used by PB is still not correctly examined. Still, it is definitely specific that each victim may be given the specific decryption key, which is absolutely distinct. It is difficult to bring back the files without the key available.

Another trick of PB is that the victims cannot get to the key. The key is kept on a particular server run by the frauds related to PB ransomware. To get the key and recover the important information people have to pay the ransom.

However, regardless of the requested amount, people should keep away from paying the ransom. Cyber frauds are not fair, so they tend to totally disregard what their victims feel about the problem, even when the payment reaches their pockets. This is why paying the ransom usually does not provide any positive outcome and people simply waste their money for absolutely nothing.

We highly recommend that you do not contact these crooks and definitely do not transfer money into their accounts. It is said to admit that there are no utilities able to crack PB ransomware and to recover the data data for free. Hence, the only best decision is to recover the lost information from the available backup.

Virus Summary

NamePB Ransomware
File Extension.[projectblack@criptext.com].PB
TypeRansomware
FamilyDharma
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 and RSA encryption algorithms. Once the encryption is completed, the ransomware adds its special [projectblack@criptext.com].PB extension to all the files modified by it.
Distribution MethodSpam Emails, Email Attachments
Removal Tool   GridinSoft Anti-Malware

Bear in mind that the web is now overwhelmed with threats that look similar to PB ransomware. Malicious programs of such kind are usually elaborated to encrypt important data and to state the need prior to the user to pay the ransom. The peculiarity of all such ransomware threats is that all apply a similar algorithm to produce the special decryption key for information decryption.

Thus, as long as the ransomware is still being developed or has some hidden bugs, manually recovering the information is simply not feasible. The only method to prevent the loss of your essential information is to regularly create backups of your important information.

Keep in mind that even if you create such backups, they must be placed into a special storage utility not connect to your main PC. You may use the Memory Stick or external disk drive for this purpose, or refer to the help of the cloud storage. If you save your backup files on your common system they may be encrypted along with other files, so it’s definitely not a good storage place.

How did ransomware infect my PC?

There are several ways used by online frauds to distribute PB ransom virus. Despite the fact that it is uncertain how precisely PB injects your PC, there are some leaks through which it may infiltrate the system:

  • integration with third-party software, especially freeware;
  • spam e-mails from unidentified senders;
  • websites rendering free hosting services;
  • pirated peer-to-peer (P2P) downloads.

Frequently PB ransomware might be presented as some legitimate software application, for instance, in the pop-ups instructing users to implement some essential software updates. This is the typical technique used by online scams to persuade people into downloading and installing PB infection manually, by means of their direct participation in the installation process.

In addition, the criminals might describe various email spam techniques to inject malicious codes into Windows PC. So, they may refer to to sending unsolicited spam emails with tricky notifications promoting users to download the attachments or click on certain download links, for example, the ones encouraging users to open some video, files, tax reports or invoices.

Needless to mention, opening such files or clicking on such dangerous links may severely harm the system. Fictitious Adobe Flash Player update alerts may result in PB virus injection. When it comes to the cracked software, these illegally downloaded programs may likewise include destructive codes leading to PB secret installation. Lastly, injection of PB may take place by means of Trojans that secretly get injected into the system and install destructive tools without the user’s permission.

Is there any way to prevent the injection of PB ransom virus?

Despite the fact that there is no 100% guarantee to avoid your system from getting infected, there are some pieces of suggestions we want to show with you. First off, be very cautious when you browse the web and particularly while downloading totally free programs. Keep away from opening suspicious email attachments, especially when the sender of the email is not familiar to you.

Keep in mind that some freeware installers may contain other unwanted utilities in the package, so they may be harmful. Make sure that your current antivirus software and your entire OS is always duly updated.

Obviously, downloading pirated software is unlawful and may lead to essential damage to be made for your system. For this reason, stay away from downloading cracked software. You are likewise strongly recommended to reconsider your existing security software and potentially change to another security solution that can render much better services of defending your Windows.

Below please find the quotation from the PB text file:

All your files have been encrypted!

All your files have been encrypted due to a security problem with your PC. If you want to restore them, write us to the e-mail projectblack@criptext.com
Write this ID in the title of your message -
In case of no answer in 24 hours write us to theese e-mails:projectb@onionmail.org
You have to pay for decryption in Bitcoins. The price depends on how fast you write to us. After payment we will send you the decryption tool that will decrypt all your files.

Free decryption as guarantee
Before paying you can send us up to 1 file for free decryption. The total size of files must be less than 1Mb (non archived), and files should not contain valuable information. (databases,backups, large excel sheets, etc.)

How to obtain Bitcoins
The easiest way to buy bitcoins is LocalBitcoins site. You have to register, click \'Buy bitcoins\', and select the seller by payment method and price.
hxxps://localbitcoins.com/buy_bitcoins
Also you can find other places to buy Bitcoins and beginners guide here:
hxxp://www.coindesk.com/information/how-can-i-buy-bitcoins/

Attention!
Do not rename encrypted files.
Do not try to decrypt your data using third party software, it may cause permanent data loss.
Decryption of your files with the help of third parties may cause increased price (they add their fee to our) or you can become a victim of a scam.
===================================
all your data has been locked us
You want to return?
Write email projectblack@criptext.com or projectb@onionmail.org 

Screenshot of files with “.[projectblack@criptext.com].PB” extension added by the ransomware:
PB Ransomware - encrypt files with .[projectblack@criptext.com].PB extension

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

1.Download GridinSoft Anti-Malware.

You can download 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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