Pezi virus has deemed your files unopenable? Learn about Pezi virus threat in this post to see how you can get rid of it fully and restore your files to normal. You can see instructions for the removal of Pezi virus at the end.
What is Pezi Virus
PeziRansomware is deemed extremely destructive as victims with infected computers cannot open most of their files. Coming from the STOP ransomware family, the virus is known to be corrupting computer machines by making files on them inaccessible. As Pezi Virus Ransomware is an encrypting type of virus, it will put a cipher on your files. File restoration might be possible, but read to see what options you have.
.Pezi Virus
Pezi virus is a virus with a military-class encryption. The algorithm that locks the files could take ages to decrypt. You will know if you have the virus as it shows a ransom note after encryption is complete. Pezi virus is known as .pezi file virus among many victims and its the newest counterpart of the STOP ransomware virus family. Encrypted files will receive .pezi at the end of their names as an extension. That extension is added as a secondary in most cases. The Pezi variant leaves a ransom text, giving instructions to people on how to potentially recover their data by paying.
.pezi File Extension
STOP ransomware creators demand a big sum of money in exchange for getting back your files. .pezi virus file threat could create entries in the Windows Registry to achieve persistence, and might modify Windows data. Every file which is locked will get exactly the .Pezi extension at the back of its name. Documents, banking data, backups, audio and video files will receive the same extension which will confuse the operating system of the user with this non-legitimate extension.
Pezi Virus Summary
| Name | Pezi |
| File Extension | .pezi |
| Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
| Short Description | The ransomware encrypts files on your computer system and demands a ransom to be paid to allegedly recover them. |
| Symptoms | The ransomware will encrypt your files by appending the extension .pezi to them making them inaccessible. Ransom fee wanted as payment. |
| Ransom Demanding Note | _readme.txt |
| 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 Pezi. |
| Data Recovery Tool | Windows Data Recovery by Stellar 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. |
Pezi Ransomware – More Details
Pezi Files Virus could infect via different strategies. Most common method for spreading a payload file is via torrent sites and platforms for file download. Free apps and tools found on the Web can be described as useful but open the malicious script for this STOP ransomware instead.
As the latest STOP ransomware variant, the Pezi virus is as aggressive as its predecessors. It infects system files and tries to remain to the system even after an OS reinstallation.
.Pezi files virus will encrypt your data and files and then display a message with instructions in a file placed within folders that have locked files. Hackers want you to pay a ransom fee for the restoration of your files as written inside the ransom demanding message. Newer STOP ransomware variants are almost impossible to be decrypted and files stay locked, especially if they are encrypted with an ONLINE key. In other words, the key is stored Online, and not on your computer machine, so a decryptor cannot find it to work properly. Pezi files ransomware could make entries in the Windows Registry for persistence, and could control Windows processes.
As soon as it infects you computer, Pezi virus may do the following:
- Obtain your usernames and passcodes.
- Check if its ran on another computer or a virtual drive and if so, shuts itself down.
- Obtains your location.
- Obtains your IP address.
- Gets personal information.
When encryption is done the .Pezi files virus will place a ransom message along files across your computer. You can see the contents in the _readme.txt file.
The ransom note inside the text file, states the following:
ATTENTION!
Don’t worry, you can return all your files!
All your files like photos, databases, documents and other important are encrypted with strongest encryption and unique key.
The only method of recovering files is to purchase decrypt tool and unique key for you.
This software will decrypt all your encrypted files.
What guarantees you have?
You can send one of your encrypted file from your PC and we decrypt it for free.
But we can decrypt only 1 file for free. File must not contain valuable information.
You can get and look video overview decrypt tool:
https://we.tl/t-PHmSJZS9ey
Price of private key and decrypt software is $980.
Discount 50% available if you contact us first 72 hours, that’s price for you is $490.
Please note that you’ll never restore your data without payment.
Check your e-mail “Spam” or “Junk” folder if you don’t get answer more than 6 hours.To get this software you need write on our e-mail:
helpmanager@mail.chReserve e-mail address to contact us:
restoremanager@firemail.ccYour personal ID:
No matter what happens, avoid paying the ransom. Your .Pezi files may not get recovered, and nobody could give you a guarantee that the decryptor will work at all.
Cybercriminals have made the ransomware to encrypt files and add the .Pezi extension to all of them without exception. All file types like documents, archived rars, backup files, pictures, videos and audio files will be encrypted by the Pezi virus variant.
The ransomware is also set to erase all the Shadow Volume Copies from the Windows operating system with the following command:
→vssadmin.exe delete shadows /all /Quiet
If your computer is infected with this ransomware and your files are locked, read down here to see how you could potentially restore your files. Be aware that if your files are locked with the ONLINE key, as most newer variants, there is no hope for decryption soon. That should not discourage you to try as most variants are made decryptable by now.
Pezi Virus Removal
In case your computer system got infected with .Pezi File Virus, you should be experienced in removing malware manually. You should get rid of this ransomware as fast as possible before it can have the opportunity to spread further and infect more machines. You should remove the ransomware and follow the instructions guide provided with easy-to-follow steps below.
Tsetso Mihailov
Tsetso Mihailov is a tech-geek and loves everything that is tech-related, while observing the latest news surrounding technologies. He has worked in IT before, as a system administrator and a computer repair technician. Dealing with malware since his teens, he is determined to spread word about the latest threats revolving around computer security.
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Attention! SensorsTechForum strongly recommends that all malware victims should look for assistance only by reputable sources. Many guides out there claim to offer free recovery and decryption for files encrypted by ransomware viruses. Be advised that some of them may only be after your money.
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.
How to Remove Pezi from Windows.
Step 1: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove Pezi
Step 2: Uninstall Pezi 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:
Follow the instructions above and you will successfully uninstall most programs.
Step 3: Clean any registries, created by Pezi 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 Pezi 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: Scan for Pezi with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 5 (Optional): Try to Restore Files Encrypted by Pezi.
Ransomware infections and Pezi 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 top, choose Data Recovery - Data Recovery Wizard for Windows or Mac (depending on your OS), and then download and run the tool.
Get rid of Pezi from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall Pezi and remove related files and objects
1. Hit the ⇧+⌘+U keys to open Utilities. Another way is to click on “Go” and then click “Utilities”, like the image below shows:
- 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 Pezi 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:
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 3 (Optional): Try to Restore Files Encrypted by Pezi.
Ransomware infections and Pezi 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 top, choose Data Recovery - Data Recovery Wizard for Windows or Mac (depending on your OS), and then download and run the tool.
Pezi FAQ
What is Pezi ransomware and how does it work?
Pezi 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 Pezi ransomware infect my computer?
Via several ways.Pezi 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 Pezi 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 .Pezi files?
You can't. At this point the .Pezi 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 .Pezi files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
One way to restore files, encrypted by Pezi 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 ".Pezi" files (Other Methods)?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .Pezi 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 Pezi 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 Pezi ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .Pezi files.
Also, keep in mind that viruses like Pezi 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.
How to 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.
bonsoir,
j’ai pris un virus qui a rendu tous mes fichiers illisibles. il marque une extension .pezi
comment le réparer svp?
merci
You can download and use the free Emsisoft Decryptor for STOP ransomware as Pezi is a strain of this threat. Note that, if your PC has been infected by a strain that locks files with an Online key, this tool won’t decrypt .pezi files. The best alternative to paying a ransom to hackers is to save encrypted files as they are and wait for a solution.