This article will aid you to remove .pennywise Ransomware. Follow the ransomware removal instructions provided at the end of the article.
.pennywise Ransomware is one that encrypts your data and demands money as a ransom to get it restored. Files will receive the .pennywise extension. The .pennywise Ransomware will leave ransomware instructions as a desktop wallpaper image. Keep on reading the article and see how you could try to potentially recover some of your locked files and data.
Threat Summary
| Name | .pennywise ransomware |
| Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
| Short Description | The ransomware encrypts files by placing the .pennywise before the affected files on your computer system and demands a ransom to be paid to allegedly recover them. |
| Symptoms | The ransomware will encrypt your files and leave a ransom note with payment instructions. |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments |
| Detection Tool |
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Malware Removal Tool
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User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss .pennywise ransomware. |
| Data Recovery Tool | Windows Data Recovery by Stellar Phoenix Notice! This product scans your drive sectors to recover lost files and it may not recover 100% of the encrypted files, but only few of them, depending on the situation and whether or not you have reformatted your drive. |
.pennywise Ransomware – Distribution Techniques
This is a new version of the Jigsaw ransomware family which has been found in live campaigns. The samples are low in number which doesn’t exactly give out the main tactic used by the criminals. One of the most popular ways is to send out email phishing messages which are used to coerce the victims into believing that they have received a legitimate message from a service, company or product that they use.
The criminals can additionally create fake websites that coerce the victims into thinking that they are accessing a legitimate site. Such sites can be search engines, download portals, product landing pages and etc. Malicious elements and site links can lead to the .pennywise ransomware infection.
The .pennywise ransomware infection code can also be embedded in payload carriers of which there are two main variants:
- Application Installers — The virus installation scripts can be made part of setup files of popular applications. The criminals will choose software that is frequently installed by end users — the original installers will be taken from the official legitimate sources and modify them accordingly.
- Documents — The same approach can be undertaken with documents across all popular types: spreadsheets, presentations, databases and text files. Their macros will be infected with the virus delivery script and the prompt to run them will be spawned after the files have been opened by the victims.
The virus infections can also be caused through the interaction with browser hijackers. They are dangerous virus infections that are masked as legitimate plugins made for the most popular web browsers, most commonly they can be found on the relevant repositories using fake user reviews and developer credentials. When installed they will change the default web browser settings in order to redirect the victims to a hacker-controlled page and also deploy the .pennywise ransomware.
.pennywise Ransomware – Detailed Analysis
Like other similar Jigsaw ransomware variants the .pennywise virus features a typical behavior pattern. It is very possible that this version is made by the criminal collective behind the distribution. The alternative solution is to make a custom order through the underground markets.
The Jigsaw family of threats is based on the modular platform of the base virus which allows the hackers to carry out various malicious tasks. Some of the most common ones include the following:
- Data Harvesting — The .pennywise ransomware engine can be used to scan the local drive contents for any information that seems useful to the attackers. In most cases this includes machine identification metrics which are used to create an unique ID signature that is applied to every individual computer. Its input values are taken from the list of installed hardware components, system settings and system environment values.
- Identity Theft — The same engine can be used to harvest the personal information about the victim users. It is programmed to scan data such as the following: name, address, interests, phone number and any stored account credentials.
- Security Software Bypass — The engine can be used to scan for the presence of any applications or services that can stop the .pennywise ransomware infection. This is done by searching for their processes and signatures, usual targets are anti-virus programs, firewalls, intrusion detection systems, virtual machine hosts and debug environments.
- Windows Registry Changes — The .pennnywise ransomware can access and modify the Windows Registry thus affecting both third-party applications and the system itself. This action can lead to very serious stability and performance issues, as well as the inability to launch certain options or applications.
- Automatic Start — The .pennywise ransomware engine can modify configuration files and boot options in order to start every time the computer is powered on.
A particularly dangerous action is when the active .pennywise ransomware infection is used to deploy other threats. Among them may be Trojan clients which are used to establish a connection with a hacker-controlled server. It allows the criminals to take over control of the infected machines, steal user data and also spy on the victims in real-time. Other Jigsaw related components can be added in future versions as well.
.pennywise Ransomware – Encryption Process
The .pennywise Ransomware encrypts user data with a strong cipher according to a built-in list of target data extensions. In most cases it will target the most popular ones:
- Archives
- Backups
- Documents
- Images
- Videos
- Music
The victim files will be renamed with the .pennywise extension and a lockscreen displayed to coerce the victims into paying a decryption fee to the hackers. The test samples can be unlocked with the following key: PsTqQNhR77oKJXvBWE3YZc.
Remove .pennywise Ransomwareand Try to Restore Data
If your computer system got infected with the .pennywise ransomware virus, you should have a bit of experience in removing malware. You should get rid of this ransomware as quickly as possible before it can have the chance to spread further and infect other computers. You should remove the ransomware and follow the step-by-step instructions guide provided below.
Martin Beltov
Martin graduated with a degree in Publishing from Sofia University. As a cyber security enthusiast he enjoys writing about the latest threats and mechanisms of intrusion.
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Step 1: Scan for .pennywise ransomware with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall .pennywise ransomware and related malware from Windows
Here is a method in few easy steps that should be able to uninstall most programs. No matter if you are using Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista or XP, those steps will get the job done. Dragging the program or its folder to the recycle bin can be a very bad decision. If you do that, bits and pieces of the program are left behind, and that can lead to unstable work of your PC, errors with the file type associations and other unpleasant activities. The proper way to get a program off your computer is to Uninstall it. To do that:
Follow the instructions above and you will successfully delete most unwanted and malicious programs.
Step 3: Clean any registries, created by .pennywise ransomware on your computer.
The usually targeted registries of Windows machines are the following:
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
You can access them by opening the Windows registry editor and deleting any values, created by .pennywise ransomware there. This can happen by following the steps underneath:
Tip: To find a virus-created value, you can right-click on it and click "Modify" to see which file it is set to run. If this is the virus file location, remove the value.
Before starting "Step 4", please boot back into Normal mode, in case you are currently in Safe Mode.
This will enable you to install and use SpyHunter 5 successfully.
Step 4: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove .pennywise ransomware
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by .pennywise ransomware.
Method 1: Use STOP Decrypter by Emsisoft.
Not all variants of this ransomware can be decrypted for free, but we have added the decryptor used by researchers that is often updated with the variants which become eventually decrypted. You can try and decrypt your files using the instructions below, but if they do not work, then unfortunately your variant of the ransomware virus is not decryptable.
Follow the instructions below to use the Emsisoft decrypter and decrypt your files for free. You can download the Emsisoft decryption tool linked here and then follow the steps provided below:
1 Right-click on the decrypter and click on Run as Administrator as shown below:
2. Agree with the license terms:
3. Click on "Add Folder" and then add the folders where you want files decrypted as shown underneath:
4. Click on "Decrypt" and wait for your files to be decoded.
Note: Credit for the decryptor goes to Emsisoft researchers who have made the breakthrough with this virus.
Method 2: Use data recovery software
Ransomware infections and .pennywise ransomware aim to encrypt your files using an encryption algorithm which may be very difficult to decrypt. This is why we have suggested a data recovery method that may help you go around direct decryption and try to restore your files. Bear in mind that this method may not be 100% effective but may also help you a little or a lot in different situations.
Simply click on the link and on the website menus on the top, choose Data Recovery - Data Recovery Wizard for Windows or Mac (depending on your OS), and then download and run the tool.
.pennywise ransomware-FAQ
What is .pennywise ransomware Ransomware?
.pennywise ransomware is a ransomware infection - the malicious software that enters your computer silently and blocks either access to the computer itself or encrypt your files.
Many ransomware viruses use sophisticated encryption algorithms to make your files inaccessible. The goal of ransomware infections is to demand that you pay a ransom payment to get access to your files back.
What Does .pennywise ransomware Ransomware Do?
Ransomware in general is a malicious software that is designed to block access to your computer or files until a ransom is paid.
Ransomware viruses can also damage your system, corrupt data and delete files, resulting in the permanent loss of important files.
How Does .pennywise ransomware Infect?
Via several ways..pennywise ransomware Ransomware infects computers by being sent via phishing emails, containing virus attachment. This attachment is usually masked as an important document, like an invoice, bank document or even a plane ticket and it looks very convincing to users.
Another way you may become a victim of .pennywise ransomware is if you download a fake installer, crack or patch from a low reputation website or if you click on a virus link. Many users report getting a ransomware infection by downloading torrents.
How to Open ..pennywise ransomware files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the ..pennywise ransomware files are encrypted. You can only open them once they are decrypted using a specific decryption key for the particular algorithm.
What to Do If a Decryptor Does Not Work?
Do not panic, and backup the files. If a decryptor did not decrypt your ..pennywise ransomware files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore "..pennywise ransomware" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore ..pennywise ransomware files.
These methods are in no way 100% guaranteed that you will be able to get your files back. But if you have a backup, your chances of success are much greater.
How To Get Rid of .pennywise ransomware Virus?
The safest way and the most efficient one for the removal of this ransomware infection is the use a professional anti-malware program.
It will scan for and locate .pennywise ransomware ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important ..pennywise ransomware files.
Can I Report Ransomware to Authorities?
In case your computer got infected with a ransomware infection, you can report it to the local Police departments. It can help authorities worldwide track and determine the perpetrators behind the virus that has infected your computer.
Below, we have prepared a list with government websites, where you can file a report in case you are a victim of a cybercrime:
Cyber-security authorities, responsible for handling ransomware attack reports in different regions all over the world:
Germany - Offizielles Portal der deutschen Polizei
United States - IC3 Internet Crime Complaint Centre
United Kingdom - Action Fraud Police
France - Ministère de l'Intérieur
Italy - Polizia Di Stato
Spain - Policía Nacional
Netherlands - Politie
Poland - Policja
Portugal - Polícia Judiciária
Greece - Cyber Crime Unit (Hellenic Police)
India - Mumbai Police - CyberCrime Investigation Cell
Australia - Australian High Tech Crime Center
Reports may be responded to in different timeframes, depending on your local authorities.
Can You Stop Ransomware from Encrypting Your Files?
Yes, you can prevent ransomware. The best way to do this is to ensure your computer system is updated with the latest security patches, use a reputable anti-malware program and firewall, backup your important files frequently, and avoid clicking on malicious links or downloading unknown files.
Can .pennywise ransomware Ransomware Steal Your Data?
Yes, in most cases ransomware will steal your information. It is a form of malware that steals data from a user's computer, encrypts it, and then demands a ransom in order to decrypt it.
In many cases, the malware authors or attackers will threaten to delete the data or publish it online unless the ransom is paid.
Can Ransomware Infect WiFi?
Yes, ransomware can infect WiFi networks, as malicious actors can use it to gain control of the network, steal confidential data, and lock out users. If a ransomware attack is successful, it could lead to a loss of service and/or data, and in some cases, financial losses.
Should I Pay Ransomware?
No, you should not pay ransomware extortionists. Paying them only encourages criminals and does not guarantee that the files or data will be restored. The better approach is to have a secure backup of important data and be vigilant about security in the first place.
What Happens If I Don't Pay Ransom?
If you don't pay the ransom, the hackers may still have access to your computer, data, or files and may continue to threaten to expose or delete them, or even use them to commit cybercrimes. In some cases, they may even continue to demand additional ransom payments.
Can a Ransomware Attack Be Detected?
Yes, ransomware can be detected. Anti-malware software and other advanced security tools can detect ransomware and alert the user when it is present on a machine.
It is important to stay up-to-date on the latest security measures and to keep security software updated to ensure ransomware can be detected and prevented.
Do Ransomware Criminals Get Caught?
Yes, ransomware criminals do get caught. Law enforcement agencies, such as the FBI, Interpol and others have been successful in tracking down and prosecuting ransomware criminals in the US and other countries. As ransomware threats continue to increase, so does the enforcement activity.
About the .pennywise ransomware Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this .pennywise ransomware how-to removal guide included, is the outcome of extensive research, hard work and our team’s devotion to help you remove the specific malware and restore your encrypted files.
How did we conduct the research on this ransomware?
Our research is based on an independent investigation. We are in contact with independent security researchers, and as such, we receive daily updates on the latest malware and ransomware definitions.
Furthermore, the research behind the .pennywise ransomware ransomware threat is backed with VirusTotal and the NoMoreRansom project.
To better understand the ransomware threat, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.
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