Remove Picocode Virus (+Decrypt .picocode#8523 files)

Picocode – Ransomware

The Picocode mean a ransomware-type infection. Picocode was elaborated particularly to encrypt all major file types. Once the file is encrypted people are unable to use them. Picocode adds the “.picocode#8523” extension for each file encrypted by it. For example, the file “myphoto.jpg“, when encrypted by Picocode, will be renamed into “myphoto.jpg.picocode#8523“. As soon as the encryption is completed, Picocode places a special text file into every folder containing the encrypted data.

The message given by Picocode text file requesting for the ransom is definitely the same as the statements given by other ransomware representatives. It actually mentions that the info is encrypted which the only way to restore it is to use a a distinct decryption key. Sadly, this is definitely true. The sort of cryptography mechanism applied by Picocode is still not correctly examined. Still, it is definitely specific that each victim may be given the specific decryption key, which is completely unique. It is impossible to bring back the files without the key available.

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

Nonetheless, regardless of the requested quantity, people must stay away from paying the ransom virus. Cyber frauds are unfair, so they tend to completely disregard what their victims feel about the issue, even when the payment reaches their pockets. This is why paying the ransom typically does not give any positive outcome and people just lose their money for absolutely nothing.

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

Virus Summary

Name	Picocode Ransomware
File Extension	.picocode
Type	Ransomware
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 and RSA encryption algorithms. Once the encryption is completed, the ransomware adds its special picocode#8523 extension to all the files modified by it.
Distribution Method	Spam Emails, Email Attachments
Removal Tool	GridinSoft Anti-Malware

Remember that the web is now overwhelmed with threats that look similar to Picocode ransomware. Harmful programs of such kind are typically elaborated to encrypt important information 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 comparable algorithm to produce the unique decryption key for files decryption.

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

Bear in mind that even if you create such backups, they should be put into a special storage utility not connect to your main PC. You may use the Memory Stick or external hard disk 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 location.

How did ransomware infect my computer?

There are numerous methods used by online scams to distribute Picocode ransomware. Despite the fact that it doubts how exactly Picocode injects your computer, there are some leaks through which it may penetrate the system:

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

Typically Picocode virus may exist as some legitimate software application, for example, in the pop-ups advising users to implement some essential software application updates. This is the common technique used by online frauds to persuade people into downloading and installing Picocode infection manually, by means of their direct participation in the installation process.

In addition, the criminals may refer to different email spam strategies to inject malicious codes into systems. So, they may describe to sending unsolicited spam emails with tricky notices promoting users to download the attachments or click on certain download links, for example, the ones motivating users to open some photos, documents, tax reports or invoices.

Needless to mention, opening such documents or clicking on such dangerous links may seriously damage the PC. Fictitious Adobe Flash Player update alerts may result in Picocode ransom injection. When it comes to the cracked applications, these illegally downloaded programs may also consist of destructive codes leading to Picocode secret installation. Lastly, injection of Picocode may take place by methods of Trojans that privately get injected into the system and install malicious tools without the user’s approval.

Is there any method to avoid the injection of Picocode ransom virus?

Despite the fact that there is no 100% guarantee to prevent your system from getting infected, there are some pieces of recommendations we want to show with you. Firstly, be extremely careful when you browse the web and specifically while downloading complimentary 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 consist of other unwanted utilities in the package, so they may be malicious. Make sure that your current antivirus software and your entire OS is always appropriately updated.

Of course, downloading pirated software is prohibited and may result in necessary damage to be produced your PC. For this reason, stay away from downloading cracked software. You are likewise highly recommended to reconsider your existing security software and potentially switch to another security solution that can render much better services of defending your Windows.

Screenshot of files with “.picocode#8523” extension added by the ransomware:

Use GridinSoft Anti-Malware to remove Picocode 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.

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.