This article will aid you to remove .PEDANT Ransomware. Follow the ransomware removal instructions provided at the end of the article.
.PEDANT Ransomware is one that encrypts your data and demands money as a ransom to get it restored. Files will receive the .PEDANT extension. The .PEDANT Ransomware will leave ransomware instructions in a ransomware note file. Keep on reading the article and see how you could try to potentially recover some of your locked files and data.
Threat Summary
| Name | .PEDANT ransomware |
| Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
| Short Description | The ransomware encrypts files by placing the .PEDANT extension on 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 |
See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware
Download
Malware Removal Tool
|
User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss .PEDANT 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. |
.PEDANT Ransomware – Distribution Techniques
The .PEDANT ransomware as a new variant of the Matrix ransomware family has been spotted in a small-sized attack campaign. The low number of captured samples does not give out whicfh is the primary method of distribution, we assume that any one of the popular ones can be used.
A popular tactic is the use of email SPAM messages which are widely used to confuse the recipients into thinking that they have received a legitimate notification from a well-known company or service. In most cases they will link to the virus files in the body contents, the alternative is to directly attach them to the emails.
An alternative is to create malicious web sites that attempt to replicate legitimate sites, download portals and other popular pages. They are made by using similar or the same design elements as the real ones. The .PEDANT ransomware files can be spread to the victims by being included in links and all kinds of content. Furthermore the threat can be spread via malicious ad networks that operate using banners, pop-ups, redirects and in-text links.
Often ransomware threats can be spread via payload carriers of which there are two main types:
- Infected Documents — The criminals can embed the installation code in macros that can be placed in all of the popular document types: presentations, spreadsheets, text documents and databases. Whenever they are opened a prompt will appear asking the victims to enable this content, the quoted reason is that this is required in order to correctly view the file.
- Malicious Application Installers — The criminals can create infected setup files of popular software. The hackers will typically choose applications which are regularly downloaded by end users: productivity and office solutions, creativity suites, system utilities and others. They are made by taking the legitimate files from their official sources and modifying them to include the relevant ransowmare code.
In other cases the .PEDANT ransomware files can be spread via browser hijackers which represent hacker-made extensions made for the most popular web browsers. They are mostly found on the relevant repositories using fake user reviews and developer credentials. Most of the hijackers promise new feature additions or performance optimizations. In reality when they are installed on the victim systems modifications to the default settings will occur — the home page, new tabs page and search engine. When this step has completed running the ransomware infection will follow.
.PEDANT Ransomware – Detailed Analysis
Like previous Matrix ransomware samples the .PEDANT ransomware can be configured to execute various malicious actions as devised in the attack campaign. Most of the Matrix ransomware files begiin the infections with a data retrieval module which can retrieve information from the computers that can be categorized into two main types:
- Personal Information — The engine can be programmed to look for strings that can directly reveal the identity of the victims. This can include data snippets such as their name, address, phone number and passwords. The extracted information can be used for a variety of crimes such as identity theft, blackmail and financial abuse.
- Computer Information — The other category of information that can be acquired includes data that is used to generate an ID that is assigned to each individual infected computer. The input values are processed by an algorithm that outputs this combination of alphanumeric symbols. The data that is required in most cases is the parts list of the installed hardware components, user settings and certain operating system environment values.
The collected information can then be processed by another module called security bypass which wil use the harvested data to locate if any security applications are installed — their real-time engines can be disabled or entirely removed. In most cases this will affect anti-virus software, firewalls, intrusion detection systems and virtual machine hosts. In some cases advanced versions can delete itself if this step fails.
If this step is completed the .PEDANT ransomware will proceed further with various system changes. Most of them will affect the Windows Registry. When the strings that are used by third-party applications are modified unexpected errors and shut downs can occur. Changes to any values that are part of the operating system services will lead to severe performance problems and the inability to use certain functions.
When configured the .PEDANT ransomware can additionally configure itself as a persistent installation which will run every time the computer boots. This is usually followed by a reconfiguration of important system settings which will disable access to the recovery boot menus. This will practically render most manual user recovery guides useless as they depend on them.
Other malicious actions that can be undertaken by the hackers is to remove important system data such as Restore Points, Backups and Shadow Volume Copies. In this case the victim users will need to resort to a combination of an anti-spyware utility and a data recovery program.
Matrix ransomware samples are built on a modular platform and they can be used to spread other malware threats as well. A popular option is the delivery of Trojans which are used to allow the criminal controllers to take over control of the infected machines, spy on the victims and steal user data.
Another malicious threat which can be deployed to the infected computers is the cryptocurrency miner. It will take advantage of the available system resources in order to compute complex mathematical tasks. They will place a heavy load on all important components: CPU, GPU, Memory and hard disk space. The tasks will be downloaded to the target computers in bulk and when one of them has completed running digital funds in the form of cryptocurrency will be directly wired to their digital wallets.
Future .PEDANT ransomware samples can include other malicious modules as well. This depends on the chosen targets, distribution strategy and goals.
.PEDANT Ransomware – Encryption Process
The .PEDANT 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 .PEDANT extension and a ransomware note will be created to coerce the victims into paying a decryption fee to the hackers. The file will be called “!PEDANT_INFO!.rtf”.
Remove .PEDANT Ransomware and Try to Restore Data
If your computer system got infected with the .PEDANT 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.
Follow Me:
- Step 1
- Step 2
- Step 3
- Step 4
- Step 5
Step 1: Scan for .PEDANT ransomware with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall .PEDANT 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 .PEDANT 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 .PEDANT 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 .PEDANT ransomware
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by .PEDANT 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 .PEDANT 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.
.PEDANT ransomware-FAQ
What is .PEDANT ransomware Ransomware?
.PEDANT 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 .PEDANT 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 .PEDANT ransomware Infect?
Via several ways..PEDANT 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 .PEDANT 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 ..PEDANT ransomware files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the ..PEDANT 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 ..PEDANT ransomware files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore "..PEDANT ransomware" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore ..PEDANT 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 .PEDANT 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 .PEDANT ransomware ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important ..PEDANT 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 .PEDANT 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 .PEDANT ransomware Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this .PEDANT 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 .PEDANT 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.
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.
- Verify Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter personal profiles.
Some tools of decrypt .pedant ramsonware??