Written by Tomas Meskauskas on 30 April 2020 ▼ REMOVE IT NOW Get free scan and check if your computer is infected.To use all features, you have to purchase a license for Malwarebytes.14 days free trial available.Pigzqbqnvbu ransomware removal instructions What is Pigzqbqnvbu? Discovered by GrujaRS , Pigzqbqnvbu is a malicious program that is part of the Snatch ransomware family.This malware encrypts data in order to demand a ransom for the decryption tools/software.During the encryption process, all compromised files are appended with the ” .pigzqbqnvbu ” extension.
For example, a file like ” 1.jpg ” would appear as ” 1.jpg.pigzqbqnvbu ” – following encryption.After this process is complete, a ransom-demanding message – ” HOW TO RESTORE YOUR FILES.TXT ” is dropped into every affected folder.The ransom note (“HOW TO RESTORE YOUR FILES.TXT”) states that all of the victims’ data has been encrypted, however it is possible to recover it.To decrypt the files, users are instructed to establish contact with the cyber criminals behind the ransomware attack, via email.The message recommends to write from ProtonMail or Tutanota emails, as public mail clients like Gmail can block letters from accounts under control of the criminals.The subject/title of users’ emails are to be either the extension of encrypted files or name of the victims’ companies.
Decryption may be tested free of charge, by sending up to three encrypted files via mail.These test files cannot be larger than 1MB (non-archived) and they must not contain valuable information (e.g.databases, backups, large Excel spreadsheets, etc.).The note warns users not to rename the compromised files, as that may render them undecryptable.
It is also alerts them that turning off or restarting NES (network-attached storage) equipment will lead to permanent data loss.In many cases of ransomware infections, without interference of the cyber criminals responsible – decryption is impossible.
it might be, if the malware is still in development and/or has bugs (flaws).Whatever the case, it is expressly advised against meeting the ransom demands.
Since often, despite paying – victims do not receive the necessary decryption tools.
Therefore, not only do their experience financial loss but their files remain encrypted – essentially, worthless.To prevent Pigzqbqnvbu from further encryptions, it must be removed from the operating system.Unfortunately, removal will not restore already affected data.The sole viable solution is recovering it from a backup, if one was made prior to the infection and was stored in a different location.Screenshot of a message encouraging users to pay a ransom to decrypt their compromised data: xHIlEgqxx , Geminis , Shootlock are a few examples of other ransomware-type programs.They are designed to encrypt files and demand payment for the decryption.The two main differences between them include: the cryptographic algorithm they use ( symmetric or asymmetric ) and size of the ransom.
The latter vary from three to four digit sums (in USD).Cyber criminals tend to prefer digital currencies (e.g.cryptocurrencies, pre-paid vouchers, etc.), due to transactions of them being difficult/impossible to trace.To avoid data loss, it is strongly advised to keep backups in remote servers and/or unplugged storage devices (ideally, in several separate locations).
How did ransomware infect my computer? The most common ransomware and other malware distribution methods are through trojans, spam campaigns, illegal activation tools (“cracks”), illegitimate updates and untrustworthy download channels.Trojans are a type of malware, which can cause chain infections (i.e.download/install additional malicious programs).
Spam campaign is a term that defines deceptive emails sent on a mass scale.
These scam letters are commonly presented as “official”, “important”, “urgent” and so on.They contain virulent files, as attachments or download links.Malicious files can be in various formats (e.g.PDF and Microsoft Office documents, executable and archive files, JavaScript, etc.) and when they are executed, run or otherwise opened – it triggers the infections processes.
Software “cracking” tools can download/install malware instead of activated licensed product.Fake updaters infect systems by abusing flaws of outdated products and/or by simply installing malicious programs, rather than the promised updates.
Malware can be unknowingly downloaded form dubious sources, like: unofficial and free file-hosting (freeware) sites, P2P sharing networks (BitTorrent, Gnutella, eMule, etc.) and other third party downloaders.Threat Summary:.
