What Is Pahad Virus?
Pahad virus is a ransomware infection that is very similar to a family of viruses, known as “STOP Ransomware”. It’s main goal is to enter your computer and encrypt the important photos, videos, images, documents and other files you often use, leaving .pahad extension. Removing it will not fix the files as this ransomware applies a heavy AES encryption cipher that “locks” the files. To reverse this process (decrypt the files) the cyber-criminals want the victim to pay a hefty ransom fee in BitCoin and they lay out their demands in a ransom note file, called _readme.txt.
Read this article if you want to learn. how to remove Pahad ransomware from your computer and try to get your files to work again.
Pahad Summary
Name | Pahad also likely known as Trojan.GenericKD.35978248, Trojan.Win32.Stop.j!c, Trojan.Ransom.Stop, Trojan.Ransom.Stop, A Variant Of Win32/Kryptik.HIMQ, Trojan-Ransom.Win32.Stop.qq – VirusTotal |
File Extension | .pahad |
Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
Short Description | The ransomware encrypts files on your computer system and demands ransom to be paid to allegedly recover them. |
Symptoms | This is allegedly a successor variant of .pahd virus, known as STOP ransomware will encrypt your files by appending the .pahad virus extension to them. |
Ransom Demanding Note | _readme.txt (if the virus is from the STOP Ransomware family) |
Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments, Torrent Files |
Detection Tool |
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Pahad Virus – How Does It Work?
Pahad is a ransomware infection, whose main goal is to encrypt files and extort you for a BitCoin payment. It is part of a large ransomware family and shares similar code with many other viruses, like.igvm, .fdcz and .enfp variants which appeared recently.
One way this virus can cause an infection on your computer is likely if you have downloaded some type of software online. If so, the files may imitate a program, usually executable or some other type of file you may be seeking, such as:
- Software activation executables.
- Cracks.
- Patches.
- Key generators (keygens).
Pahad virus may also cause an infection of your computer by being automatically sent to you by e-mail. Such e-mails very often imitate legitimate kinds of files, that may seem like they are important and you must open them immediately. Criminals constantly keep inventing newer and newer techniques to spread such files on your computer, like:
- Fake e-tickets.
- Document that is important.
- Receipts.
- Invoices.
Pahad virus may cause an infection without you even noticing it and its first action may be to drop its virus files likely in the following directories of Windows:
- %LocalLow%
- %Roaming%
- %AppData%
- %Local%
- %Temp%
If this virus is from the STOP Ransomware family, chances are it may situate a _readme.txt ransom note file. It has the following text:
Following the instructions on it and trusting these criminals is not recommended.
.pahad Files
This ransomware may use AES encryption to encode your files. It replaces data from the original files with data from the encryption mode it uses. The final result is a scrambled file with the.Pahad virus left after its name. Such files are very hard to recover unless you have a decryptor software, containing all the decryption keys.
The files that are encrypted by this ransomware are from the following kinds:
- Videos.
- Archive files.
- Databases
- Backups.
- Audio files.
- Documents.
- Image files.
Paying the ransom to the criminals who have infected your computer with this virus is not advisable as you have no way of knowing whether they will get your files to work again. Instead, we recommend that you backup the files and wait hopefully for a decryptor to be released for free by security experts and cryptography professionals.
Delete Pahad Virus and Try to Restore Data
In order to remove Pahad virus ransomware from your computer, we strongly recommend that you follow the instructions that have been posted beneath. They are designed to contain all the necessary steps it takes to get rid of this virus properly. Be advised that if you do not know how to locate and remove malware files yourself, a good idea is to follow the recommended advice by experts and scan your computer using anti-malware. Such professional software is created with the primary reason to help detect and delete any malware files that may have affected your device.
For the file recovery, we suggest that you see our suggested file restore methods at the bottom of this guide. They may not come with a 100% guarantee to get your files to work again, but with their help, you may be able to recover at least some of the data.
- Step 1
- Step 2
- Step 3
- Step 4
- Step 5
Step 1: Scan for Pahad virus with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall Pahad virus 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:
Step 3: Clean any registries, created by Pahad virus 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 Pahad virus there. This can happen by following the steps underneath:
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 Pahad virus
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by Pahad virus.
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 Pahad virus 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.
Pahad virus-FAQ
What is Pahad virus Ransomware?
Pahad virus 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 Pahad virus 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 Pahad virus Infect?
Via several ways.Pahad virus 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 Pahad virus 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 .Pahad virus files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .Pahad virus 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 .Pahad virus files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".Pahad virus" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .Pahad virus 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 Pahad virus 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 Pahad virus ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .Pahad virus 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 Pahad virus 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 Pahad virus Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Pahad virus 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 Pahad virus 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.
As a site that has been dedicated to providing free removal instructions for ransomware and malware since 2014, SensorsTechForum’s recommendation is to only pay attention to trustworthy sources.
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- Always check "About Us" web page.
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