RansomwareRemoval Guide

Remove PPHL Virus (.[pvphlp@tutanota.com].PPHL Files Ransomware) – Dharma Ransomware

PPHL – Ransomware

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

The message given by PPHL text file requesting for the ransom is absolutely the like the statements given by other ransomware representatives belonging to the Dharma family. It literally discusses that the info is encrypted and that the only way to restore it is to use a a special decryption key. Sadly, this is absolutely true. The sort of cryptography mechanism applied by PPHL is still not correctly examined. Still, it is definitely particular that each victim might be given the specific decryption key, which is totally distinct. It is impossible to restore the files without the key available.

Another technique of PPHL is that the victims cannot get to the key. The key is stored on a particular server run by the frauds associated with PPHL ransomware. To get the key and recover the important info people need to pay the ransom.

Nonetheless, regardless of the asked for amount, people must stay away from paying the ransom virus. Cyber frauds are unfair, so they tend to completely ignore what their victims feel about the problem, even when the payment reaches their pockets. This is why paying the ransom normally does not give any positive result and people simply waste their money for nothing.

We highly encourage 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 PPHL ransomware and to recover the data data totally free. Hence, the only best decision is to recover the lost data from the available backup.

Virus Summary

NamePPHL Ransomware
File Extension.[pvphlp@tutanota.com].PPHL
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 [pvphlp@tutanota.com].PPHL extension to all the files modified by it.
Distribution MethodSpam Emails, Email Attachments
Similar InfectionsNull, Gns, Felix
Removal Tool   GridinSoft Anti-Malware

Bear in mind that the internet is now overwhelmed with threats that look similar to PPHL ransomware. It is similar Null and many other ransomware-type threats. Destructive programs of such kind are generally elaborated to encrypt crucial 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 create the special decryption key for information decryption.

Hence, as long as the ransomware is still being developed or has some hidden bugs, by hand recovering the information is just not feasible. The only way to prevent the loss of your crucial information 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 USB Flash Drive 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 together with other files, so it’s certainly not a good storage location.

How did ransomware infect my system?

There are several ways used by online scams to distribute PPHL ransomware. Even though it is uncertain how precisely PPHL injects your PC, 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;
  • sites rendering free hosting services;
  • pirated peer-to-peer (P2P) downloads.

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

Furthermore, the criminals may refer to different e-mail spam strategies to inject malicious codes into Windows PC. So, they may refer to to sending unsolicited spam e-mails with tricky notifications promoting users to download the attachments or click on certain download links, for example, the ones encouraging users to open some receipts, documents, tax reports or invoices.

Needless to mention, opening such files or clicking on such dangerous links may severely harm the PC. Fictitious Adobe Flash Player update alerts may result in PPHL virus injection. When it comes to the cracked applications, these illegally downloaded programs may likewise consist of harmful codes causing PPHL secret installation. Finally, injection of PPHL may take place by ways of Trojans that secretly get injected into the system and install destructive utilities without the user’s approval.

Is there any way to avoid the injection of PPHL ransomware?

Even though there is no 100% guarantee to avoid your PC from getting infected, there are some pieces of guidance we want to share with with you. First of all, be really cautious when you browse the web and particularly while downloading free apps. Stay away from opening suspicious email attachments, especially when the sender of the email is not familiar to you.

Remember that some freeware installers may include other unwanted utilities in the bundle, so they may be malicious. Ensure that your current antivirus software and your entire OS is always appropriately updated.

Obviously, downloading pirated software is unlawful and may lead to necessary damage to be made for your PC. For this reason, stay away from downloading cracked software. You are also strongly advised to reconsider your existing security software and potentially switch to another security solution that can render far better services of defending your PC.

Below please find the quotation from the PPHL text file:

Pop-up window:
YOUR FILES ARE ENCRYPTED
Don\'t worry,you can return all your files!
If you want to restore them, follow this link:email pvphlp@tutanota.com YOUR ID -
If you have not been answered via the link within 12 hours, write to us by e-mail:pvphlp@airmail.cc
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.
============================================
FILES ENCRYPTED.txt:
all your data has been locked us
You want to return?
write email pvphlp@tutanota.com or pvphlp@airmail.cc 

Screenshot of files with “.[pvphlp@tutanota.com].PPHL” extension added by the ransomware:
PPHL Ransomware - encrypt files with .[pvphlp@tutanota.com].PPHL extension

Use GridinSoft Anti-Malware to remove PPHL 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

Sending
User Review
0 (0 votes)
Comments Rating 0 (0 reviews)

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.

Related Articles

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Sending

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Back to top button