This article is made to show you just how to get rid of Pashka Virus as well as how to try and also obtain your data to function.
Ransomware infections like the Pashka virus are very dangerous to computers as they will render many files inaccessible and can also install other malware threats to the compromised machines. Depending on the severity of the attack campaign it can be devastating to whole networks of computers.
Pashka Virus File
Pashka Virus is a newly discovered virus sample which does not appear to originate from any of the well-known malware families. As such it can grow to a really dangerous ransomware sample, at the moment only a very limited number of samples have been detected. As soon as the virus is delivered to the computers it will start a series of malicious actions and then activate the ransomware engine.
Threat Summary
| Name | Pashka Virus |
| File Extension | .pashka |
| Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
| What Is It | A dangerous cryptovirus that holds your files hostage until you pay the criminals behind it ransom. |
| Symptoms | Files become unopenable, receive the .pashka extension and the victim sees the ransom note of the virus. |
| Ransom Note File Name | HELP_ME_RECOVER_MY_FILES.txt |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments, Executable Files, Hacked Websites |
| Removal | To effectively remove active Pashka Virus virus infections, we recommend that you use an advanced anti-malware tool. Download
Malware Removal Tool
|
User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss Pashka Virus. |
| 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. |
Pashka Virus – Description
The Pashka virus is a dangerous malicious threat which appears to be launched by an unknown hacking group. So far the captured samples are very few in number which shows that it might be possible that it is still under active development. The fact that no link between it and other famous malware has been found shows that it is very probable that the hacking group has designed the malware by themselves.
At the moment there is no much information available about the main distribution methods. Given the fact that not a lot of samples have been found “in the wild” we assume that the widespread attacks have not started yet. This does not reveal the main tactics that may be used by the hacking group however we anticipate that the most popular ones are to be used. This includes the sending out of phishing emails and hosting fake content that will lead to the .pashka virus delivery on hacker-controlled websites.
Their main goal is to trick the recipients into thinking that they have received a legitimate notification or message and interact with the shown contents — they may be persuaded into opening a link or running an attached file. The files themselves are usually either infected documents (across popular file formats and with rich macros) or app installers of often downloaded programs.
These files can also easily be uploaded to various file-sharing networks such as BitTorrent where both legitimate and pirate files are commonly uploaded. When advanced infections are planned the criminals can also use other means, including the creation of redirects in ad campaigns and browser hijackers — dangerous plugins made for the most popular web browsers which are usually uploaded to commonly accessed download portals and repositories.
We anticipate that the hackers will want to embed the most common malware components which are the following:
- Data Retrieval — The engine can be used to hijack information from the computers that can include both a profile generated out of the installed hardware components or personal information about the victim users.
- Automatic Start — The virus sample can be programmed to automatically launch as soon as the computer is powered on.
- Additional Virus Installation — It is very possible that the Pashka virus can be used to install other threats such as Trojans, miners and hijackers.
- Windows Registry Changes — Malware of this type can also modify the existing values placed in the Windows Registry so that the information used by applications and the operating system is changed. This will lead to issues such as performance problems, data loss and removal of sensitive data.
In the end the Pashka virus will start its ransomware engine. It will process user data according to a built-in list of target file type extensions. Most commonly the ones accessed the most by users will be affected: documents, multimedia files, backups, archives and etc. The users will know that their data has been the victim of a threat by looking out for any files with .pashka extension. An associated ransom note will be placed in a file called HELP_ME_RECOVER_MY_FILES.txt which includes the following text:
Atention! all your important files were encrypted!
to get your files back send 0.03 Bitcoins and contact us with proof of payment and your Unique Identifier Key.
We will send you a decryption tool with your personal decryption password.
Where can you buy Bitcoins:
https://www.coinbase.com
https://localbitcoins.com
Contact: unlockransomware@protonmail.com.
Bitcoin wallet to make the transfer to is:
3LtZ1DRUTupWFdxkgyTyMDa2AYEcNio4Pu3LtZ1DRUTupWFdxkgyTyMDa2AYEcNio4Pu
Unique Identifier Key (must be sent to us together with proof of payment):
—————————————————————————————–
gI8qDdI4GUgivJyIfwGjnM4e6RApVok9ZzvrSKaYl2Ta1ZVA/DCT32***
—————————————————————————————–
Pashka Virus Removal Steps
To remove Pashka Virus ransomware effectively from your computer, we suggest that you adhere to the removal steps that are uploaded below this write-up. They have actually been created with the main point to help victims erase the virus step by step. In addition to this, they additionally include some documents recuperation approaches that are not an option, yet can assist you obtain data Pashka. Be recommended that for maximum effectiveness, it is strongly recommended to remove Pashka Virus by downloading and install and running a check of your computer system by utilizing an innovative malware elimination software. Such program will certainly assure that every one of the virus documents and also objects, produced by Pashka Virus are identified and also permanently gone from your computer.
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 Pashka Virus with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall Pashka 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:
Follow the instructions above and you will successfully delete most unwanted and malicious programs.
Step 3: Clean any registries, created by Pashka 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 Pashka Virus 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 Pashka Virus
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by Pashka 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 Pashka 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.
Pashka Virus-FAQ
What is Pashka Virus Ransomware?
Pashka 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 Pashka 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 Pashka Virus Infect?
Via several ways.Pashka 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 Pashka 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 .Pashka Virus files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .Pashka 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 .Pashka Virus files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".Pashka Virus" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .Pashka 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 Pashka 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 Pashka Virus ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .Pashka 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 Pashka 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 Pashka Virus Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Pashka 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 Pashka 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.
How to recognize trustworthy sources:
- Always check "About Us" web page.
- Profile of the content creator.
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