RansomwareRemoval Guide

PZDC Virus Removal Guide (+Decode .pzdc files)

PZDC – General Info

The PZDC stands for a ransomware-type infection. PZDC was elaborated particularly to encrypt all major file types. When the file is encrypted people are not able to use them. PZDC adds the “.pzdc” extension for each file encrypted by it. For example, the file “myphoto.jpg“, as soon as encrypted by PZDC, will be renamed into “myphoto.jpg.pzdc“. As quickly as the encryption is completed, PZDC places a special text file into every folder containing the encrypted data.

The message given by PZDC text file requesting the ransom is absolutely the like the statements given by other ransomware virus representatives. It literally mentions that the info is encrypted which the only way to restore it is to use a a special decryption key. Sadly, this is definitely true. The sort of cryptography mechanism applied by PZDC is still not appropriately examined. Still, it is definitely certain that each victim might be given the specific decryption key, which is completely unique. It is impossible to bring back the files without the key available.

Another trick of PZDC is that the victims cannot access to the key. The key is saved on a specific server run by the frauds related to PZDC ransomware. To get the key and recover the important information people need to pay the ransom.

However, irrespective of the asked for amount, people should keep away from paying the 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 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 PZDC ransomware and to recover the data data free of charge. Therefore, the only best decision is to recover the lost information from the available backup.

Virus Summary

NamePZDC Ransomware
File Extension.pzdc
TypeRansomware
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 pzdc extension to all the files modified by it.
Distribution MethodSpam Emails, Email Attachments
Removal Tool  GridinSoft Anti-Malware

Keep in mind that the internet is now overwhelmed with threats that look similar to PZDC ransomware. Destructive programs of such kind are generally elaborated to encrypt essential information and to set forth 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 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 simply not feasible. The only way to avoid the loss of your important information is to frequently create backups of your important information.

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

How did ransomware infect my system?

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

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

Typically PZDC virus may be presented as some legitimate software, for instance, in the pop-ups instructing users to execute some crucial software application updates. This is the typical technique used by online frauds to persuade people into downloading and installing PZDC infection manually, by ways of their direct participation in the installation process.

Additionally, the criminals might describe different email spam tactics to inject harmful codes into copmuter. So, they may refer to to sending unsolicited spam emails with tricky notices promoting users to download the attachments or click on certain download links, for example, the ones encouraging users to open some video, documents, tax reports or invoices.

Needless to mention, opening such documents or clicking on such dangerous links may significantly damage the PC. Fictitious Adobe Flash Player update alerts may result in PZDC virus injection. When it comes to the cracked applications, these illegally downloaded programs may likewise contain harmful codes resulting in PZDC secret installation. Finally, injection of PZDC may occur by means of Trojans that covertly get injected into the system and install harmful utilities without the user’s authorization.

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

Although there is no 100% guarantee to avoid your PC from getting infected, there are some pieces of guidance we want to show with you. To start with, be really cautious when you browse the web and specifically while downloading free programs. Stay away from opening suspicious email attachments, especially when the sender of the email is not familiar to you.

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

Obviously, downloading pirated software is illegal and may lead to important damage to be made for your system. Hence, stay away from downloading cracked software. You are also strongly encouraged to reconsider your existing security software and potentially switch to another security solution that can render much better services of protecting your system.

Below please find the quotation from the PZDC text file:

Hello dear friend! I want to share with you the success of our team. We have reached a new level in our skills and now we only encrypt databases and what looks like their backup copies. 
We no longer need photos, documents Word, Excel and other information. We collect money only from rich people. If at that moment you watched YouTube or PornHub on your home desktop and saw this message, don’t worry, we didn’t touch your files. Delete this file and do not open any more letters from unknown addresses with attachments. Sorry I didn't give a shit about your desktop.
________________________________________________________________

If you're the same successful manager ... Dude, you're out of luck))) There are stupid people in your team and you have to pay for their stupidity. We don't need bitcoins, we only accept monero. If you value your bases, let's negotiate. We are ready to send you a decoder for a symbolic sum of 100 Monero (XMR). To do this, you need to contact us through the Tor browser. You need to go to the site Runion http://lwplxqzvmgu43uff.onion/ and then on the tabs to find the box icon. So that you do not get lost tabs total 7: Manifest, Rules, Communication with the Administration, Runion Wiki and the box you need. In the recipient line, enter this address bbfd729a5a2f. Do not close the mailbox window or save the link which is highlighted in green in the line "access your messages via this link, save it and keep it secret". If you are ready for dialogue, be sure to save this public key.

-----BEGIN PGP PUBLIC KEY BLOCK-----

mQINBFyUjfsBEAC+wIFzIPHWA8eph8RJZkx6BjLXDrWY4PZd03tfMa8PM6IzlxeeELgX/jqUWJ1BKyPqW12+12hwpaK5ZO6gNalCZ2wLEq/Pt5y5t1VKhtNGrD65Q4mB/IjJDw/lG3HzyjDcs+0ehHX9THzkAuGAgLmarniFvi8hj8mz5GEgtUR***kn+my5XmcYeGXoKYLE29bNgsr2T=MC9N
-----END PGP PUBLIC KEY BLOCK----- 
According to this key, we can release your personal decoder specifically for you. Write and we will tell on which wallet you need to transfer Monero, where to buy it and which wallet for this is best to use. If all this is too difficult for you to contact your IT specialists, they understand this.

Screenshot of files with “.pzdc” extension added by the ransomware:PZDC Ransomware - encrypt files with .pzdc extension

Use GridinSoft Anti-Malware to remove PZDC 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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