What Is Pass Virus?
Pass virus is the name of a ransomware infection that belongs to the STOP/DJVU family of viruses. This infection comes after a previous variant of it was released, carrying the .paas extension. Its main purpose is to enter your computer and encrypt the files in it, asking you to pay a hefty ransom fee to get them to work again. The virus leaves the files with a changed core structure and adds the .pass file extension after their original one. It also drops a ransom note file, called _readme.txt which contains instructions on how victims can pay the ransom in BitCoin if they want to use your files once again.
Read this article to learn more about Pass virus and how you can remove it from your computer effectively.
Pass Virus Summary
Name | Pass virus also 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 | .pass |
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 variant of STOP ransomware will encrypt your files by appending the .paas virus extension to them. |
Ransom Demanding Note | _readme.txt |
Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments, Torrent Files |
Detection Tool |
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Pass Virus – How Does It Work?
Pass virus is a STOP Ransomware variant. This is a large and notorious malware family of threats and this variant one of hundreds. Only recently we have seen couple of variants, which use the.igvm, .fdcz and .enfp extensions.
The main objective of Pass virus is to infect your computer and encrypt your files. To do that, it may use different infection methods. One of them is if you download the virus file by seeing it on a different type of websites that may mask the infection file to appear like the original program you may be looking to download. These files most often end up being:
- Key generators (keygens).
- Cracks.
- Software activation executables.
- Patches.
Pass virus may also infect your computer via e-mail. What this malware may do is get sent to your computer as an e-mail that may carry the infection as an attachment. These attachments often seem like they are very important documents, for example:
- Invoices.
- Fake online tickets.
- Receipts.
- Documents.
Once the file is downloaded and activated, the Pass virus virus may begin to cause an infection on your computer by connecting to a remote host and dropping its malicious files in the following directories:
- %LocalLow%
- %Temp%
- %AppData%
- %Local%
- %Roaming%
Among the files that are dropped on your computer is the ransom note file of this threat. It is called _readme.txt may appear like the following:
.Pass virus Files
This ransomware, just like other variants of the family likely uses AES encryption, also known as Advanced Encryption Standard. This encryption is used with the primary purpose to change blocks of data from the original file with data from the encrypted one. The outcome of this is those files can no longer be opened and a decryption key is generated, known only to the criminals who have infected your computer.
The following files are likely scanned for and encrypted using this strategy:
- Databases
- Backups.
- Documents.
- Image files.
- Videos.
- Archive files.
- Audio files.
Once the files are encrypted, the virus leaves them with the .pass file extension added after their names, for example:
Image.png.pass
Paying the ransom and tampering with the files is not reccomended. Instead, we suggest you to back them up and keep reading this article to see alternative ways to try and get the files to work.
Delete Pass Virus and Try to Restore Data
In order to remove Pass ransomware, we strongly recommend that you follow the removal instructions we have laid out beneath. They have been made with the main objective to help you detect and delete the virus from your computer. For the best outcome, security experts always advise that you scan your computer with advanced anti-malware software. This tool will automatically detect and remove all malicious files that may be related to this malware.
Be advised that if you want to get the files to work again, a good advice is to try the alternative steps for file recovery that we have set up beneath this article. They may not be a direct solution to recover the files, but they could help, at least until a free decryptor is hopefully released for the .pass files in the future.
- Step 1
- Step 2
- Step 3
- Step 4
- Step 5
Step 1: Scan for Pass virus with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall Pass 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 Pass 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 Pass 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 Pass virus
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by Pass 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 Pass 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.
Pass virus-FAQ
What is Pass virus Ransomware?
Pass 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 Pass 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 Pass virus Infect?
Via several ways.Pass 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 Pass 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 .Pass virus files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .Pass 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 .Pass virus files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".Pass virus" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .Pass 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 Pass 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 Pass virus ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .Pass 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 Pass 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 Pass virus Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Pass 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 Pass 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.
- Make sure that real people are behind the site and not fake names and profiles.
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