This article will aid you to remove .pdff Ransomware. Follow the ransomware removal instructions provided at the end of the article.
.pdff Ransomware is one that encrypts your data and demands money as a ransom to get it restored. Files will receive the .pdff extension. The .pdff 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 | pdff ransomware |
| Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
| Short Description | The ransomware encrypts files by placing the .pdff before the affected 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 |
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Malware Removal Tool
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User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss pdff 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. |
.pdff Ransomware – Update January 2019
There is a decrypter tool released for STOP ransomware’s .pdff Ransomware variant. The tool was initially released for the .puma, .pumax, .pumas versions of the cryptovirus. Michael Gillespie has updated it to also support .djvu, .djvuq, .djvur, .djvut, .djvuu, .pdff, .tfude, .tfudeq, .tro, .udjvu, .tfudet. You can download the tool via the Decryption Tool link here. The tool requires a pair of an original file and its encrypted version.
.pdff Ransomware – Distribution Techniques
The .pdff virus is a newly found ransomware which has been identified in a small attack campaign. It appears that the captured samples associated with it are testing releases. Due to the fact that the number of deployed viruses is relatively low the analysts cannot determine which would be the main delivery methods when the final version is ready.
One of the main sources of ransomware attacks is the coordination of email phishing SPAM campaigns. They are designed to appear as being sent by legitimate services or companies that the victims know and trust. Most of them even feature hijacked design elements such as images and layouts to make them more believable. The actual .pdff ransomware files are directly attached to the email messages or they can be linked in the body contents. Another method that can be used by the hackers behind the malware is to construct malicious web sites that imitate legitimate and safe portals and download sites, as well as software landing pages.
The .pdff ransomware can also be found across all content found on file-sharing networks like BitTorrent where pirate and legitimate data is distributed.
Victims can get infected by acquiring payload carriers of which there are two main types:
- Malicious Documents — The hackers behind the .pdff ransomware can produce documents containing the necessary commands with all popular formats: spreadsheets, presentations, text documents and databases. When they are opened by the victim users a notification prompt will be spawned asking them to enable the macros, usually the reasons quoted are to “correctly view the document”.
- Application Installers — The criminals can take the legitimate setup files of popular applications and modify them with the virus installation code similar to the documents. Usually packages that are chosen include the following: system utilities, creativity suites, productivity applications and office tools, as well as computer games.
Larger infections can be caused by malicious web browser plugins, alternatively known as hijackers. They are mostly found on the relevant repositories with fake developer credentials and user reviews. When they are installed changes to the browser settings will be made as well in order to redirect the victims to a certain hacker-controlled page: the default home page, search engine and new tabs page.
.pdff Ransomware – Detailed Analysis
The security analysis of the .pdff ransomware is not yet available however the preliminary information about it shows that it must be related to the recent .djvu virus releases.
.djvu Files Virus – How to Remove It
As these infections are still in an early release they do not contain any modules besides the encryption component. We expect that future versions of it might base themselves on advanced ransomware and thus have a much larger set of attack capabilities. Some of the essential ones are the following:
- Data Harvesting — The .pdff ransomware engine can be programmed to scan the memory and hard drive contents for information that may be useful to the attackers. Usually this consists of a report of the installed hardware components, user configuration and Windows registry values. In certain cases they can also be programmed to steal user data that can directly expose the identities of the victims: name, address, phone number, location, interests and even any stored passwords.
- Security Bypass — The collected information about the compromised computers allows the engine to identify if any security software or services that can interfere with the virus operations is installed. Their real-time engines can be bypassed or completely removed.
- Process Hookup — Many of the malicious engines can hook up to already running programs and services, this is done in order to acquire information about the users activities.
- Windows Registry Modifications — The .pdff ransomware may impose Windows Registry modifications both to the operating system and the third-party installed applications. In both cases this can lead to severe performance issues and system stability along with the inability to launch certain tasks or, services or applications.
- Persistent Installation — The .pdff virus can be installed in such a way that makes recovery very difficult through manipulation of boot options, system configuration files and Windows Registry values. Whenever the computer is started the infection will be triggered. Another factor is that most manual user removal guides will be rendered ineffective as the virus can block access to the relevant recovery menus.
- Trojan Connection — In certain cases the hackers can embed a Trojan module which is able to establish a secure connection to a hacker-controlled server. It would allow the hackers to overtake control of the infected machines, spy on the victim users and steal user data before it is encrypted.
Many viruses like the .pdff ransomware have the ability to infect the computers with other malware. Possibilities include cryptocurrency miners, hijackers and redirects.
.pdff Ransomware – Encryption Process
The .pdff ransomware encrypts user data with a strong cipher according to a built-in list of target data extensions. In most cases it will target the most popular ones:
- Archives
- Backups
- Documents
- Images
- Videos
- Music
The victim files will be renamed with the .pdff extension and a ransomware note added to coerce the victims into paying a decryption fee to the hackers.
Remove .pdff Ransomwareand Try to Restore Data
If your computer system got infected with the .pdff 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.
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Step 1: Scan for pdff ransomware with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall pdff ransomware 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 pdff 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 pdff ransomware 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 pdff ransomware
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by pdff ransomware.
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 pdff 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.
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.
pdff ransomware-FAQ
What is pdff ransomware Ransomware?
pdff 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 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 pdff ransomware 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 pdff ransomware Infect?
Via several ways.pdff ransomware 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 pdff 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 .pdff ransomware files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .pdff ransomware 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 .pdff ransomware files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".pdff ransomware" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .pdff ransomware 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 pdff ransomware 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 pdff ransomware ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .pdff ransomware 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 pdff ransomware 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 pdff ransomware Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this pdff ransomware 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 pdff ransomware 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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Hello, how are you? unfortunately I got this pdff virus
I’m desperate, help me?
i has try stop decrypter tool, but i got log “No key for ID: 4bv7VViMdi9daNlbKoU2ls0g8SnsfMMkXirSdKFr”…please help me…