.##ENCRYPTED_BY_pablukl0cker## Virus – Remove and Restore Files

by Berta Bilbao | November 14, 2017 | 0 Comments file-encryption, Jigsaw, Jigsaw ransomware

Threat Summary .##ENCRYPTED_BY_pablukl0cker## File Virus – Spread .##ENCRYPTED_BY_pablukl0cker## File Virus – Details .##ENCRYPTED_BY_pablukl0cker## File Virus – Encryption Process Remove Jigsaw Virus and Restore .##ENCRYPTED_BY_pablukl0cker## Files

This article will help you to remove the .##ENCRYPTED_BY_pablukl0cker## virus fully. Follow the ransomware removal instructions at the end of the article.

The .##ENCRYPTED_BY_pablukl0cker## File Virus is in actuality Jigsaw ransomware. The cryptovirus is back with a new ransom screen message and various new pictures. The malware is written with the code of the original malware. The virus has a list with over 120 file extensions that seeks to encrypt. All of the locked files will get the extension .##ENCRYPTED_BY_pablukl0cker## appended to them.

Threat Summary

Name	.##ENCRYPTED_BY_pablukl0cker## Virus
Type	Ransomware, Cryptovirus
Short Description	The ransomware will encrypt your files and display a screen with the ransom note, which has various themes, including the Anonymous group wearing Guy Fawkes masks.
Symptoms	The ransomware will encrypt files by placing the .##ENCRYPTED_BY_pablukl0cker## extension to all of them.
Distribution Method	Spam Emails, Email Attachments
Detection Tool	See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware Download Malware Removal Tool
User Experience	Join Our Forum to Discuss .##ENCRYPTED_BY_pablukl0cker## Virus.

.##ENCRYPTED_BY_pablukl0cker## File Virus – Spread

Jigsaw ransomware could infect computers using different methods for spreading that infection. Spam e-mails could be spreading its payload dropper. Those types of emails will try to convince you that something important is attached as a file to that e-mail. In actuality, the attachment will look like a legitimate document or one that is archived, but it is a file containing a malicious script. If you open that file, it will launch the payload for the ransomware. You can preview the analysis of one such file on the VirusTotal service:

Jigsaw ransomware might be using other methods for spreading, like putting the payload file dropper via social media and file-sharing sites. Freeware applications which roam the Internet could be presented as useful but also could hide the malicious files of this virus. Refrain from opening files after you download them, especially if they come from unverified sources, such as links and e-mails. First, you should scan these files with a security tool, and also make sure to check their sizes and signatures for anything that seems unusual. You should read the ransomware preventing tips topic in the forum.

.##ENCRYPTED_BY_pablukl0cker## File Virus – Details

The Jigsaw ransomware ransomware virus is back with this new variant. This time the theme is based on Anonymous, Death and Shrek as those were all found with this variant. That makes it somewhat different compared to the original Jigsaw ransomware virus.

These are the pictures associated with the current variant of Jigsaw ransomware:

When the Jigsaw virus is initialized, it could modify an existing entry in the Windows Registry or create a new one to achieve a higher level of persistence. That registry entry makes the malware to automatically execute with each launch of the Windows operating system.

Next, a window will pop-up on your screen that shows the following text (ransom):

HELLO VICTIM! ! ! ! !, I’m very sorry, but all your personal files have been encrypted. :(
All your documents, videos, pictures, music etc…
And after 72 hours all your encrypted files will be deleted permanently!
But, don’t worry! It will only happen if you don’t comply.
Every hour I select some of them to delete permanently,
therefore I won’t be able to access them, either.
Are you familiar with the concept of exponential growth? Let me help you out.
It starts out slowly then increases rapidly.
During the first 24 hour you will only lose a few files,
the second day a few hundred, the third day a few thousand, and so on.

If you turn off your computer or try to close me, when I start next time
you will get 1000 files deleted as a punishment.
Yes you will want me to start next time, since I am the only one that
is capable to decrypt your personal data for you.
If you have some question, contact us by email: pablukl0cker638yzhgr@2tor.com

The Jigsaw ransomware scares you that it will delete files from your computer every time you try to close it and that there is nothing else that you can do to prevent that. However, that is a lie. But you should NOT under any circumstances pay any ransom sum as the note is lying to you about the decryption as well – the virus remains decryptable. Supporting cybercriminals is a bad idea as that will only motivate them to do more criminal acts.

.##ENCRYPTED_BY_pablukl0cker## File Virus – Encryption Process

The list is with a little over than 125 file extensions that will become encrypted. The full list is the following:

→.3dm, .3g2, .3gp, .7zip, .aaf, .accdb, .aep, .aepx, .aet, .ai, .aif, .as, .as3, .asf, .asp, .asx, .avi, .bmp, .c, .class, .cpp, .cs, .csv, .dat, .db, .dbf, .doc, .docb, .docm, .docx, .dot, .dotm, .dotx, .dwg, .dxf, .efx, .eps, .fla, .flv, .gif, .h, .idml, .iff, .indb, .indd, .indl, .indt, .inx, .jar, .java, .jpeg, .jpg, .js, .m3u, .m3u8, .m4u, .max, .mdb, .mid, .mkv, .mov, .mp3, .mp4, .mpa, .mpeg, .mpg, .msg, .pdb, .pdf, .php, .plb, .pmd, .png, .pot, .potm, .potx, .ppam, .ppj, .pps, .ppsm, .ppsx, .ppt, .pptm, .pptx, .prel, .prproj, .ps, .psd, .py, .ra, .rar, .raw, .rb, .rtf, .sdf, .sdf, .ses, .sldm, .sldx, .sql, .svg, .swf, .tif, .txt, .vcf, .vob, .wav, .wma, .wmv, .wpd, .wps, .xla, .xlam, .xll, .xlm, .xls, .xlsb, .xlsm, .xlsx, .xlt, .xltm, .xltx, .xlw, .xml, .xqx, .xqx, .zip

The list with file extensions for encryption could have been updated with more than that. The encrypted files will have the .##ENCRYPTED_BY_pablukl0cker## extension appended to all of them, after their file name. The extension .Beep might still be appended in some variants of the ransomware a bit older than the current one.

The Jigsaw ransomware is very likely to erase all Shadow Volume Copies from the Windows operating system, in order to make the encryption process more viable. The command for that is the following:

→vssadmin.exe delete shadows /all /Quiet

A decryption tool developed by the malware researcher Michael Gillespie is available for you to try out. Since this variant is new, the decrypter might not work yet, but you should definitely consider running it. You can find it in the bottom of the article.

Remove Jigsaw Virus and Restore .##ENCRYPTED_BY_pablukl0cker## Files

If your computer got infected with the Jigsaw 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.

Berta Bilbao

Berta is a dedicated malware researcher, dreaming for a more secure cyber space. Her fascination with IT security began a few years ago when a malware locked her out of her own computer.

Guide 1: How to Remove .##ENCRYPTED_BY_pablukl0cker## Virus from Windows.
Guide 2: Get rid of .##ENCRYPTED_BY_pablukl0cker## Virus on Mac OS X.
Guide 3: Remove .##ENCRYPTED_BY_pablukl0cker## Virus in Google Chrome.

Guide 4: Erase .##ENCRYPTED_BY_pablukl0cker## Virus from Mozilla Firefox.
Guide 5: Uninstall .##ENCRYPTED_BY_pablukl0cker## Virus from Microsoft Edge.
Guide 6: Remove .##ENCRYPTED_BY_pablukl0cker## Virus from Safari.
Guide 7: Eliminate .##ENCRYPTED_BY_pablukl0cker## Virus from Internet Explorer.
Guide 8: Disable .##ENCRYPTED_BY_pablukl0cker## Virus Push Notifications in Your Browsers.

Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer Stop Push Pop-ups

How to Remove .##ENCRYPTED_BY_pablukl0cker## Virus from Windows.

Step 1: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove .##ENCRYPTED_BY_pablukl0cker## Virus

OFFER

Manual Removal Usually Takes Time and You Risk Damaging Your Files If Not Careful!

We Recommend To Scan Your PC with SpyHunter

Keep in mind, that SpyHunter’s scanner is only for malware detection. If SpyHunter detects malware on your PC, you will need to purchase SpyHunter's malware removal tool to remove the malware threats. Read our SpyHunter 5 review. Click on the corresponding links to check SpyHunter's EULA, Privacy Policy and Threat Assessment Criteria

1. Hold Windows key() + R

2. The "Run" Window will appear. In it, type "msconfig" and click OK.

3. Go to the "Boot" tab. There select "Safe Boot" and then click "Apply" and "OK".

Tip: Make sure to reverse those changes by unticking Safe Boot after that, because your system will always boot in Safe Boot from now on.

4. When prompted, click on "Restart" to go into Safe Mode.

5. You can recognise Safe Mode by the words written on the corners of your screen.

Step 2: Uninstall .##ENCRYPTED_BY_pablukl0cker## Virus and related software 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:

1. Hold the Windows Logo Button and "R" on your keyboard. A Pop-up window will appear.

2. In the field type in "appwiz.cpl" and press ENTER.

3. This will open a window with all the programs installed on the PC. Select the program that you want to remove, and press "Uninstall"

Follow the instructions above and you will successfully uninstall most programs.

Step 3: Clean any registries, created by .##ENCRYPTED_BY_pablukl0cker## 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 .##ENCRYPTED_BY_pablukl0cker## Virus there. This can happen by following the steps underneath:

1. Open the Run Window again, type "regedit" and click OK.

2. When you open it, you can freely navigate to the Run and RunOnce keys, whose locations are shown above.

3. You can remove the value of the virus by right-clicking on it and removing it.

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.

IMPORTANT!
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: Scan for .##ENCRYPTED_BY_pablukl0cker## Virus with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool

1. Click on the "Download" button to proceed to SpyHunter's download page.

Download

Malware Removal Tool

It is recommended to run a scan before purchasing the full version of the software to make sure that the current version of the malware can be detected by SpyHunter. Click on the corresponding links to check SpyHunter's EULA, Privacy Policy and Threat Assessment Criteria.

2. After you have installed SpyHunter, wait for it to update automatically.

3. After the update process has finished, click on the 'Malware/PC Scan' tab. A new window will appear. Click on 'Start Scan'.

4. After SpyHunter has finished scanning your PC for any files of the associated threat and found them, you can try to get them removed automatically and permanently by clicking on the 'Next' button.

If any threats have been removed, it is highly recommended to restart your PC.

Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer Stop Push Pop-ups

Get rid of .##ENCRYPTED_BY_pablukl0cker## Virus from Mac OS X.

Step 1: Uninstall .##ENCRYPTED_BY_pablukl0cker## Virus and remove related files and objects

OFFER

Manual Removal Usually Takes Time and You Risk Damaging Your Files If Not Careful!

We Recommend To Scan Your Mac with SpyHunter for Mac

Keep in mind, that SpyHunter for Mac needs to purchased to remove the malware threats. Click on the corresponding links to check SpyHunter’s EULA and Privacy Policy

1. Hit the ⇧+⌘+U keys to open Utilities. Another way is to click on “Go” and then click “Utilities”, like the image below shows:

2. Find Activity Monitor and double-click it:

3. In the Activity Monitor look for any suspicious processes, belonging or related to .##ENCRYPTED_BY_pablukl0cker## Virus:

Tip: To quit a process completely, choose the “Force Quit” option.

4. Click on the "Go" button again, but this time select Applications. Another way is with the ⇧+⌘+A buttons.

5. In the Applications menu, look for any suspicious app or an app with a name, similar or identical to .##ENCRYPTED_BY_pablukl0cker## Virus. If you find it, right-click on the app and select “Move to Trash”.

6: Select Accounts, after which click on the Login Items preference. Your Mac will then show you a list of items that start automatically when you log in. Look for any suspicious apps identical or similar to .##ENCRYPTED_BY_pablukl0cker## Virus. Check the app you want to stop from running automatically and then select on the Minus (“-“) icon to hide it.

7: Remove any left-over files that might be related to this threat manually by following the sub-steps below:

Go to Finder.
In the search bar type the name of the app that you want to remove.
Above the search bar change the two drop down menus to “System Files” and “Are Included” so that you can see all of the files associated with the application you want to remove. Bear in mind that some of the files may not be related to the app so be very careful which files you delete.
If all of the files are related, hold the ⌘+A buttons to select them and then drive them to “Trash”.

In case you cannot remove .##ENCRYPTED_BY_pablukl0cker## Virus via Step 1 above:

In case you cannot find the virus files and objects in your Applications or other places we have shown above, you can manually look for them in the Libraries of your Mac. But before doing this, please read the disclaimer below:

Disclaimer! If you are about to tamper with Library files on Mac, be sure to know the name of the virus file, because if you delete the wrong file, it may cause irreversible damage to your MacOS. Continue on your own responsibility!

1: Click on "Go" and Then "Go to Folder" as shown underneath:

2: Type in "/Library/LauchAgents/" and click Ok:

3: Delete all of the virus files that have similar or the same name as .##ENCRYPTED_BY_pablukl0cker## Virus. If you believe there is no such file, do not delete anything.

You can repeat the same procedure with the following other Library directories:

→ ~/Library/LaunchAgents
/Library/LaunchDaemons

Tip: ~ is there on purpose, because it leads to more LaunchAgents.

Step 2: Scan for and remove .##ENCRYPTED_BY_pablukl0cker## Virus files from your Mac

When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as .##ENCRYPTED_BY_pablukl0cker## Virus, the recommended way of eliminating the threat is by using an anti-malware program. SpyHunter for Mac offers advanced security features along with other modules that will improve your Mac’s security and protect it in the future.

Click the button below below to download SpyHunter for Mac and scan for .##ENCRYPTED_BY_pablukl0cker## Virus:

Download

SpyHunter for Mac

Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer Stop Push Pop-ups

Remove .##ENCRYPTED_BY_pablukl0cker## Virus from Google Chrome.

Step 1: Start Google Chrome and open the drop menu

Step 2: Move the cursor over "Tools" and then from the extended menu choose "Extensions"

Step 3: From the opened "Extensions" menu locate the unwanted extension and click on its "Remove" button.

Step 4: After the extension is removed, restart Google Chrome by closing it from the red "X" button at the top right corner and start it again.

Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer Stop Push Pop-ups

Erase .##ENCRYPTED_BY_pablukl0cker## Virus from Mozilla Firefox.

Step 1: Start Mozilla Firefox. Open the menu window

Step 2: Select the "Add-ons" icon from the menu.

Step 3: Select the unwanted extension and click "Remove"

Step 4: After the extension is removed, restart Mozilla Firefox by closing it from the red "X" button at the top right corner and start it again.

Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer Stop Push Pop-ups

Uninstall .##ENCRYPTED_BY_pablukl0cker## Virus from Microsoft Edge.

Step 1: Start Edge browser.

Step 2: Open the drop menu by clicking on the icon at the top right corner.

Step 3: From the drop menu select "Extensions".

Step 4: Choose the suspected malicious extension you want to remove and then click on the gear icon.

Step 5: Remove the malicious extension by scrolling down and then clicking on Uninstall.

Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer Stop Push Pop-ups

Remove .##ENCRYPTED_BY_pablukl0cker## Virus from Safari.

Step 1: Start the Safari app.

Step 2: After hovering your mouse cursor to the top of the screen, click on the Safari text to open its drop down menu.

Step 3: From the menu, click on "Preferences".

Step 4: After that, select the 'Extensions' Tab.

Step 5: Click once on the extension you want to remove.

Step 6: Click 'Uninstall'.

A pop-up window will appear asking for confirmation to uninstall the extension. Select 'Uninstall' again, and the .##ENCRYPTED_BY_pablukl0cker## Virus will be removed.

How to Reset Safari
IMPORTANT: Before resetting Safari make sure you back up all your saved passwords within the browser in case you forget them.

Start Safari and then click on the gear leaver icon.

Click the Reset Safari button and you will reset the browser.

Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer Stop Push Pop-ups

Eliminate .##ENCRYPTED_BY_pablukl0cker## Virus from Internet Explorer.

Step 1: Start Internet Explorer.

Step 2: Click on the gear icon labeled 'Tools' to open the drop menu and select 'Manage Add-ons'

Step 3: In the 'Manage Add-ons' window.

Step 4: Select the extension you want to remove and then click 'Disable'. A pop-up window will appear to inform you that you are about to disable the selected extension, and some more add-ons might be disabled as well. Leave all the boxes checked, and click 'Disable'.

Step 5: After the unwanted extension has been removed, restart Internet Explorer by closing it from the red 'X' button located at the top right corner and start it again.