Remove PwndLocker Virus (+Decrypt .key files)

PwndLocker Virus – Details

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

The message given by PwndLocker text file asking for the ransom is absolutely the same as the statements given by other ransomware virus representatives. It actually points out that the information is encrypted which the only way to bring back it is to use a a special decryption key. Regretfully, this is absolutely true. The type of cryptography mechanism used by PwndLocker is still not properly examined. Still, it is definitely certain that each victim may be given the specific decryption key, which is totally distinct. It is difficult to restore the files without the key available.

Another trick of PwndLocker is that the victims cannot access to the key. The key is stored on a particular server run by the frauds connected with PwndLocker ransomware. To get the key and recover the important info people have to pay the ransom.

Nevertheless, regardless of the asked for quantity, people should stay away from paying the ransom. Cyber frauds are not fair, so they tend to entirely ignore what their victims feel about the issue, even when the payment reaches their pockets. This is why paying the ransom normally does not provide any positive outcome and people simply waste their money for nothing.

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

Virus Summary

Name	PwndLocker Ransomware
File Extension	.key
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 key extension to all the files modified by it.
Distribution Method	Spam Emails, Email Attachments
Removal Tool	GridinSoft Anti-Malware

Remember that the internet is now overwhelmed with threats that look comparable to PwndLocker ransomware. Destructive programs of such kind are usually elaborated to encrypt important data and to set forth the demand prior to the user to pay the ransom. The peculiarity of all such ransomware threats is that all apply a comparable algorithm to generate the distinct decryption key for data decryption.

Therefore, as long as the ransomware is still being developed or has some hidden bugs, by hand recovering the information is simply not feasible. The only method to avoid the loss of your essential 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 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 in addition to other files, so it’s certainly not a good storage place.

How did ransomware infect my computer?

There are a number of methods used by online frauds to distribute PwndLocker ransom virus. Although it doubts how precisely PwndLocker injects your system, there are some leaks through which it may penetrate the system:

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

Often PwndLocker ransomware might be presented as some genuine software application, for example, in the pop-ups instructing users to carry out some important software updates. This is the common trick used by online scams to persuade people into downloading and installing PwndLocker infection manually, by ways of their direct participation in the installation process.

Furthermore, the criminals might describe numerous email spam methods to inject harmful codes into 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 photos, documents, tax reports or invoices.

Needless to mention, opening such documents or clicking on such dangerous links may badly harm the system. Fictitious Adobe Flash Player upgrade informs may result in PwndLocker virus injection. As for the cracked applications, these illegally downloaded programs may also consist of harmful codes causing PwndLocker secret installation. Finally, injection of PwndLocker may happen by means of Trojans that secretly get injected into the system and install harmful tools without the user’s approval.

Is there any method to avoid the injection of PwndLocker ransomware?

Even though there is no 100% guarantee to prevent your PC from getting infected, there are some pieces of advice we want to show with you. Firstly, be extremely mindful when you browse the web and particularly 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 include other unwanted utilities in the bundle, so they may be malicious. Make sure that your current antivirus and your entire operating system is always duly updated.

Of course, downloading pirated software is prohibited and may lead to essential damage to be made for your system. Thus, stay away from downloading cracked software. You are likewise highly encouraged to reconsider your existing security software and perhaps change to another security solution that can render much better services of protecting your computer.

Below please find the quotation from the PwndLocker text file:

Your network have been penetrated and encrypted with a strong algorythm
Backups were either removed or encrypted
No one can help you to recover the network except us
Do not share this link or email, otherwise, we will have to delete the decryption keys
To get your files back you have to pay the decryption fee in BTC.
The price depends on the network size, number of employess and annual revenue.
Download TOR-Browser: https://www.torproject.org/download/
Login ***** using your ID ***
or 
contact our support by email ***
You\'ll receive instructions inside.
You should get in contact with us within 2 days after you noticed the encryption to have a good discount.
The decryption key will be stored for 1 month.
The price will be increased by 100% in two weeks
We also have gathered your sensitive data.
We would share it in case you refuse to pay 
Do not rename or move encrypted files
Decryption using third party software is impossible.
Attempts to self-decrypting files will result in the loss of your data.

Screenshot of files with “.key” extension added by the ransomware:

Use GridinSoft Anti-Malware to remove PwndLocker 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.