.p3rf0rm4 Ransomware — How to Remove Virus Infections

by Martin Beltov | March 15, 2019 | 0 Comments .p3rf0rm4, .p3rf0rm4 extension, .p3rf0rm4 Ransomware, ransomware, removal guide, virus

This article will aid you to remove .p3rf0rm4 Ransomware. Follow the ransomware removal instructions provided at the end of the article.

.p3rf0rm4 Ransomware is one that encrypts your data and demands money as a ransom to get it restored. Files will receive the .p3rf0rm4 extension. The .p3rf0rm4 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	.p3rf0rm4 Ransomware
Type	Ransomware, Cryptovirus
Short Description	The ransomware encrypts files by placing the .p3rf0rm4 extension on the target 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	See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware Download Malware Removal Tool
User Experience	Join Our Forum to Discuss .p3rf0rm4 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.

.p3rf0rm4 Ransomware – Distribution Techniques

The captured samples associated with the .p3rf0rm4 ransomware appear to belong to the Paradise family of viruses. This is a relatively new group of ransomware that are popular with hackers as customization options are frequently offered on the dark underground networks. There is no information available about the hacker collective behind the attacks, it is assumed that they might be inexperienced due to the choice of using a customized variant of a well-known threat.

The hackers can spread the threat by sending out phishing email messages which are sent in a large volume to the intended recipients. They are designed in order to replicate the design and contents of legitimate and well-known company and services. Through interaction with them or by accessing the attached files the virus infection can be invoked.

Another popular mechanism is the creation of malicious sites that are presented to the visitors as safe download portals, search engines and product landing pages. They may use similar sounding domain names and self-signed security certificates in order to appear as more legitimate.

Many of the .p3rf0rm4 ransomware infections can be caused by the use of payload carriers which are one of the most popular methods used by hackers. They aim to present files of various types that are frequently used by users by carrying inside them the virus deployment code. There are two main types:

Software Setup Files — The virus engine can be placed in software installers. The hackers make them by taking the legitimate files from their official sources and modifying them to include the relevant code. Usually the target applications are system utilities, creativity programs, office and productivity tools and etc.
Infected Documents — Macros that lead to the ransomware infection can be placed in the most popular document formats: presentations, rich text documents, databases and spreadsheets. Whenever they are opened a prompt appears that will ask the users to enable the built-in commands, usually the quoted reason is that this is required in order to correctly view the contents of the files.

Many of them are also shared on file sharing networks like BitTorrent which are used by computer users to share both legitimate and pirate content.

Larger distribution is usually made possible by the use of browser hijackers — dangerous web browser plugins which are usually uploaded to their relevant repositories. They are often added with fake user reviews and developer credentials that promise greater enhancement of the programs. As soon as they are installed by the users the .p3rf0rm4 ransomware will be installed.

.p3rf0rm4 Ransomware – Detailed Analysis

The Paradise family of viruses of which the .p3rf0rm4 ransomware is part of is known to have a modular framework. This makes it possible for the engine to conduct various types of malware activities.

Many of them choose to begin the infection with a data harvesting module. It is primarily used to expose the identity of the victim users by looking for strings such as their name, address, interests and even any stored account credentials. The same mechanism can be applied in order to generate an unique ID which can be applied to every affected computer.

The collected information can be used by another module known as security bypass that can search and remove any programs and services that can block the .p3rf0rm4 ransomware from running. This is done by scanning the memory and hard disk contents for them: anti-virus programs, firewalls, intrusion detection systems, virtual machine hosts and etc.

As soon as the virus has ben deployed on the systems it will be able to cause a lot of system changes. Many of them are related to the Windows Registry where new values can be made and existing ones can be modified. This effectively leads to severe performance issues, data loss and unexpected errors. Viruses like this one can hook up to existing processes or create new ones, including ones with administrative privileges.

Additional threats can be deployed to the victims. One of the most common ones are the Trojans — they establish a persistent installation to a hacker-controlled server. As a consequence the hacker controllers will have the ability to take over control of the machines, steal user data and spy on the victims in real-time. Other components can be added at any time by the hackers by uploading the new modules and relaunching the attack campaigns.

.p3rf0rm4 Ransomware – Encryption Process

Like other popular malware samples the .p3rf0rm4 ransomware will launch the encryption engine once all prior modules have finished running. It will probably use a built-in list of target file type extensions which are to be processed by a strong cipher. An example list can include the following data types:

Backups
Databases
Archives
Images
Music
Videos

All affected files are renamed with the .p3rf0rm4 extension. A ransomware note will be produced in a text file called “Instructions with your files.txt”.

Remove .p3rf0rm4 Ransomware and Try to Restore Data

If your computer system got infected with the .p3rf0rm4 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.

How to Remove .p3rf0rm4 Ransomware from Windows.

Step 1: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove .p3rf0rm4 Ransomware

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 .p3rf0rm4 Ransomware 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 .p3rf0rm4 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 .p3rf0rm4 Ransomware 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 .p3rf0rm4 Ransomware 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.

Step 5 (Optional): Try to Restore Files Encrypted by .p3rf0rm4 Ransomware.

Ransomware infections and .p3rf0rm4 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.

1. Download the reccomended Data Recovery software by clicking on the link underneath:

EaseUS Data Recovery Software

Simply click on the link and on the website menus on top, choose Data Recovery - Data Recovery Wizard for Windows or Mac (depending on your OS), and then download and run the tool.

Windows Mac OS X

Get rid of .p3rf0rm4 Ransomware from Mac OS X.

Step 1: Uninstall .p3rf0rm4 Ransomware 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 .p3rf0rm4 Ransomware:

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 .p3rf0rm4 Ransomware. 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 .p3rf0rm4 Ransomware. 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 .p3rf0rm4 Ransomware 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 .p3rf0rm4 Ransomware. 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 malware from your Mac

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

Download

Combo Cleaner

Step 3 (Optional): Try to Restore Files Encrypted by .p3rf0rm4 Ransomware on your Mac.

Ransomware for Mac .p3rf0rm4 Ransomware aims to encode all your files using an encryption algorithm which may be very difficult to decode, unless you pay money.

This is why we have suggested a data recovery method that may help you go around direct decryption and try to restore your files, but only in some cases. Bear in mind that this method may not be 100% effective but may also help you a little or a lot in different situations.

1. Download the recommended Data Recovery Mac app by clicking on the link underneath:

Stellar Data Recovery Technician Version

.p3rf0rm4 Ransomware FAQ

What is .p3rf0rm4 Ransomware ransomware and how does it work?

.p3rf0rm4 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 algorithm how 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.

How does .p3rf0rm4 Ransomware ransomware infect my computer?

Via several ways..p3rf0rm4 Ransomware Ransomware infects computers by being sent via phishing e-mails, 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.

After you download and execute this attachment, a drive-by download occurs and your computer is infected with the ransomware virus.

Another way, you may become a victim of .p3rf0rm4 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 ..p3rf0rm4 Ransomware files?

You can't. At this point the ..p3rf0rm4 Ransomware files are encrypted. You can only open them once they are decrypted.

Decryptor did not decrypt my data. What now?

Do not panic and backup the files. If a decryptor did not decrypt your ..p3rf0rm4 Ransomware files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.

One way to restore files, encrypted by .p3rf0rm4 Ransomware ransomware is to use a decryptor for it. But since it's a new virus, advised that the decryption keys for it may not be out yet and available to the public. We will update this article and keep you posted as soon as this decryptor is released.

How Do I restore "..p3rf0rm4 Ransomware" files (Other Methods)?

Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore ..p3rf0rm4 Ransomware files.

These methods are in no way 100% guarantee that you will be able to get your files back. But if you have a backup, your chances of success are much greater.

How do I get rid of .p3rf0rm4 Ransomware ransomware virus?

The safest way and the most efficient one for the removal of this ransomware infection is the use a professional anti malware software. It will scan for and locate .p3rf0rm4 Ransomware ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important ..p3rf0rm4 Ransomware files.

Also, keep in mind that viruses like .p3rf0rm4 Ransomware ransomware also install Trojans and keyloggers that can steal your passwords and accounts. Scanning your computer with an anti-malware software will make sure that all of these virus components are removed and your computer is protected in the future.

What to Do If nothing works?

There is still a lot you can do. If none of the above methods seem to work for you, then try these methods:

Try to find a safe computer from where you can can login on your own line accounts like One Drive, iDrive, Google Drive and so on.
Try to contact your friends, relatives and other people so that they can check if they have some of your important photos or documents just in case you sent them.
Also, check if some of the files that were encrypted it can be re-downloaded from the web.
Another clever way to get back some of your files is to find another old computer, a flash drive or even a CD or a DVD where you may have saved your older documents. You might be surprised what will turn up.
You can also go to your email account to check if you can send any attachments to other people. Usually what is sent the email is saved on your account and you can re-download it. But most importantly, make sure that this is done from a safe computer and make sure to remove the virus first.

More tips you can find on our forums, where you can also asks any questions about your ransomware problem.