Gergana has completed a bachelor degree in Marketing from the University of National and World Economy. She has been with the STF team for three years, researching malware and reporting on the latest infections. She believes that in times of constantly evolving dependency of network connected technologies, people should spread the word not the war.
Gergana has completed a bachelor degree in Marketing from the University of National and World Economy. She has been with the STF team for three years, researching malware and reporting on the latest infections. She believes that in times of constantly evolving dependency of network connected technologies, people should spread the word not the war.
Gergana has completed a bachelor degree in Marketing from the University of National and World Economy. She has been with the STF team for three years, researching malware and reporting on the latest infections. She believes that in times of constantly evolving dependency of network connected technologies, people should spread the word not the war.
Note! Your computer might be affected by PGPSnippet and other threats.
Threats such as PGPSnippet may be persistent on your system. They tend to re-appear if not fully deleted. A malware removal tool like SpyHunter will help you to remove malicious programs, saving you the time and the struggle of tracking down numerous malicious files. SpyHunter’s scanner is free but the paid version is needed to remove the malware threats. Read SpyHunter’s EULA and Privacy Policy
Gergana has completed a bachelor degree in Marketing from the University of National and World Economy. She has been with the STF team for three years, researching malware and reporting on the latest infections. She believes that in times of constantly evolving dependency of network connected technologies, people should spread the word not the war.
This article provides information about a version of PGPSnippet data locker ransomware released in active attack campaigns. The threat encrypts important files and demands a ransom payment. By reaching the end of the article, you will know how to remove it and how to restore encrypted files.
PGPSnippet is known to be a ransomware that encrypts files stored on infected hosts and demands a ransom payment for decryption solution. It appends the specific extension [email protected] to the names of all encrypted files. All [email protected] files remain unusable until their code is returned to its original state. Following encryption, the ransomware displays a ransom note that extorts a ransom payment from victims.
Threat Summary
Name
PGPSnippet
Type
Ransomware, Cryptovirus
Short Description
A data locker ransomware that utilizes strond cihper algorithm to encrypt files on stored on the infected computer. Then it demands a ransom for decryption solution.
Symptoms
Important files are locked and renamed with [email protected] extension. They remain unusable until a ransom is paid.
Distribution Method
Spam Emails, Email Attachments
Detection Tool
See If Your System Has Been Affected by PGPSnippet
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.
PGPSnippet Ransomware – Distribution
ThePGPSnippet ransomware infects computer systems with the help of its payload. It may have landed on your computer after you visited a compromised web page. Such pages are usually set to drop the ransomware payload directly on the devices of all visitors. Their URLs can be spread via various advertising campaigns, posted on social media channels or send in email spam messages.
Email spam messages are also commonly used by cyber criminals who attempt to trick you into infecting your device with their ransomware code. The malicious payload could have sneaked into the system by being embedded in file attachments like archives, documents, images, text files, PDFs and other. Beware and practice caution before you download and open files from recently received emails even when they seem legitimate. Hackers often pose as representatives of well-known companies, services, websites and even governmental institutions.
So next time when you need to open a dubious file on your PC be advised to consider the use of a free online extractor as it will reveal whether the uploaded file contains malicious elements or not.
PGPSnippet Ransomware – Infection Analysis
PGPSnippet is known to be a ransomware that encrypts files stored on infected hosts and demands a ransom payment for decryption solution. For the purpose, it needs to plague the system and remain undetected until the end of the attack.
Infection process begins once its payload file is running on the system. At first, it is likely to create additional malicious files or drop needed ones from its command and control server. These files help the ransomware to take over legitimate processes and use their functionalities in order to plague essential system settings and remain undetected by active security measures.
PGPSnippet has the ability to self-delete its own files after the completion of the attack. It is likely that only a few malicious files will remain on the system so they can trigger the ransomware on each system start. This feature enables the threat to infect all newly created files that match the target files set in a built-in list.
The automatic execution of malicious files is possible by exploiting the functionalities of specific registry keys stored in the Registry Editor. Usually, Run and RunOnce sub-keys are among the affected by ransomware threats. This could be explained by the fact that these two keys store information about all essential programs that should start on each system load. So by adding its malicious values under these keys PGPSnippet ([email protected]) ransomware ensures its persistent presence on the system.
At the last infection stage PGPSnippet crypto virus drops a file that contains ransom message crafted by hackers. The message is stored in a file named !!!README_DECRYPT!!!.txt and all what it reads is:
ATTENTION ! All your documents and other files ENCRYPTED !!! TO RESTORE YOUR FILES YOU MUST TO PAY: 1 by Bitcoin to this address: 11zc6pm11fQiWXDAG7urFTeBUu9UGe*** You can open an wallet here: https://electrum.org/#download https://blockchain.info https://localbitcoins.com/ https://paxful.com/en https://www.bestchanee.com/ Send the file on the way “WIN + R >> %APPDATA%” file name hosts.txt to our e-mail after paymentat this email address: [email protected] We will confirm payment and send to you decrypt key + instruction Remember: you have a 72 hours and if you not paid, that price will up ATTENTION : all your attempts to decrypt your PC without our software and key can lead to irreversible destruction of your files !
Beware that the ransom payment does not guarantee the decryption of [email protected] files as hackers may not have a working decryption solution. Furthermore, they may skip sending any decryption key even when the transaction is made.
The good news for all of you whose important files are corrupted by this new iteration of PGPSnippet ransomware is that its code has been cracked by the security researcher Michael Gillespie.
PGPSnippet Ransomware – Encryption Process
The latest version of PGPSnippet ransomware is associated with the specific [email protected] extension. This threat is primarily designed to scan the system for predefined types of files in order to enccrypt them and restrict the access to the infromation they store. So in case of infection it is likely that the following files will remain encrypted until an efficient recovery solution reverts them back to the original state:
Audio files
Video files
Document files
Image files
Text files
Backup files
Banking credentials, etc
After encryption, all these have the extension [email protected] appended at the end of their names.
Following encryption, PGPSnippet crypto virus can erase all Shadow Volume Copies created by the Windows operating system. This happens after the command below is entered in the Command Prompt tool:
→vssadmin.exe delete shadows /all /Quiet
As a result one of the possible ways for data restore is eliminated. Happily, there are other available methods that may help you to restore some files back to their normal state. Keep reading to find some of them.
The removal of PGPSnippet ransomware demands a bit of technical experience and ability to recognize traits of malware files. And there is no doubt that you should remove this nasty threat from the infected PC as soon as you detect it. Otherwise, it may send its infection payload to all devices connected to the same network. Below you could find how to remove all malicious files and objects associated with the ransomware step by step. Beware that ransomware has highly complex code that could plague not only your files but your whole system. So as recommended by security researchers you need to utilize an advanced anti-malware tool for its complete removal. Such tool will keep your system protected against severe threats like PGPSnippet and other kinds of malware that endanger your online security.
After you remove the ransomware make sure to check the “Restore Files” step listed in the guide below to find alternative ways for [email protected] files recovery. But before you take any further actions, don’t forget to back up all encrypted files to an external drive in order to prevent their irreversible loss.
Note! Your computer system may be affected by PGPSnippet and other threats. Scan Your PC with SpyHunter SpyHunter is a powerful malware removal tool designed to help users with in-depth system security analysis, detection and removal of threats such as PGPSnippet. Keep in mind, that SpyHunter’s scanner is only for malware detection. If SpyHunter detects malware on your PC, you will need to purchase SpyHunter’s malware removal tool to remove the malware threats. Read our SpyHunter 5 review. Click on the corresponding links to check SpyHunter’s EULA, Privacy Policy and Threat Assessment Criteria.
To remove PGPSnippet follow these steps:
1. Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove PGPSnippet files and objects
OFFER
Manual Removal Usually Takes Time and You Risk Damaging Your Files If Not Careful!
We Recommend To Scan Your PC with SpyHunter
Keep in mind, that SpyHunter’s scanner is only for malware detection. If SpyHunter detects malware on your PC, you will need to purchase SpyHunter’s malware removal tool to remove the malware threats. Read our SpyHunter 5 review. Click on the corresponding links to check SpyHunter’s EULA, Privacy Policy and Threat Assessment Criteria
Boot Your PC Into Safe Mode
1. For Windows XP, Vista and 7. 2. For Windows 8, 8.1 and 10. Fix registry entries created by malware and PUPs on your PC.
For Windows XP, Vista and 7 systems:
1. Remove all CDs and DVDs, and then Restart your PC from the “Start” menu. 2. Select one of the two options provided below:
– For PCs with a single operating system: Press “F8” repeatedly after the first boot screen shows up during the restart of your computer. In case the Windows logo appears on the screen, you have to repeat the same task again.
– For PCs with multiple operating systems: Тhe arrow keys will help you select the operating system you prefer to start in Safe Mode. Press “F8” just as described for a single operating system.
3. As the “Advanced Boot Options” screen appears, select the Safe Mode option you want using the arrow keys. As you make your selection, press “Enter“.
4. Log on to your computer using your administrator account
While your computer is in Safe Mode, the words “Safe Mode” will appear in all four corners of your screen.
Step 1: Open up the Start Menu.
Step 2: Click on the Power button (for Windows 8 it is the little arrow next to the “Shut Down” button) and whilst holding down “Shift” click on Restart.
Step 3: After reboot, a blue menu with options will appear. From them you should choose Troubleshoot.
Step 4: You will see the Troubleshoot menu. From this menu choose Advanced Options.
Step 5: After the Advanced Options menu appears, click on Startup Settings.
Step 6: From the Startup Settings menu, click on Restart.
Step 7: A menu will appear upon reboot. You can choose any of the three Safe Mode options by pressing its corresponding number and the machine will restart.
Some malicious scripts may modify the registry entries on your computer to change different settings. This is why cleaning your Windows Registry Database is recommended. Since the tutorial on how to do this is a bit long and tampering with registries could damage your computer if not done properly you should refer and follow our instructive article about fixing registry entries, especially if you are unexperienced in that area.
2. Find files created by PGPSnippet on your PC
Find files created by PGPSnippet
1. For Windows 8, 8.1 and 10. 2. For Windows XP, Vista, and 7.
For Newer Windows Operating Systems
Step 1:
On your keyboard press + R and write explorer.exe in the Run text box and then click on the Ok button.
Step 2:
Click on your PC from the quick access bar. This is usually an icon with a monitor and its name is either “My Computer”, “My PC” or “This PC” or whatever you have named it.
Step 3:
Navigate to the search box in the top-right of your PC’s screen and type “fileextension:” and after which type the file extension. If you are looking for malicious executables, an example may be “fileextension:exe”. After doing that, leave a space and type the file name you believe the malware has created. Here is how it may appear if your file has been found:
N.B. We recommend to wait for the green loading bar in the navination box to fill up in case the PC is looking for the file and hasn’t found it yet.
For Older Windows Operating Systems
In older Windows OS’s the conventional approach should be the effective one:
Step 1:
Click on the Start Menu icon (usually on your bottom-left) and then choose the Search preference.
Step 2:
After the search window appears, choose More Advanced Options from the search assistant box. Another way is by clicking on All Files and Folders.
Step 3:
After that type the name of the file you are looking for and click on the Search button. This might take some time after which results will appear. If you have found the malicious file, you may copy or open its location by right-clicking on it.
Now you should be able to discover any file on Windows as long as it is on your hard drive and is not concealed via special software.
Use SpyHunter to scan for malware and unwanted programs
3. Scan for malware and unwanted programs with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Scan your PC and Remove PGPSnippet with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool and back up your data
1. Install SpyHunter to scan for PGPSnippet and remove them.2. Scan with SpyHunter, Detect and Remove PGPSnippet. Back up your data to secure it from malware in the future.
Step 1: Click on the “Download” button to proceed to SpyHunter’s download page.
It is recommended to run a scan before purchasing the full version of the software to make sure that the current version of the malware can be detected by SpyHunter. Click on the corresponding links to check SpyHunter’s EULA, Privacy Policy and Threat Assessment Criteria.
Step 2: Guide yourself by the download instructions provided for each browser.
Step 3: After you have installed SpyHunter, wait for it to update automatically.
Step 1: After the update process has finished, click on the ‘Malware/PC Scan’ tab. A new window will appear. Click on ‘Start Scan’.
Step 2: After SpyHunter has finished scanning your PC for any files of the associated threat and found them, you can try to get them removed automatically and permanently by clicking on the ‘Next’ button.
Step 3: If any threats have been removed, it is highly recommended to restart your PC.
Back up your data to secure it against attacks in the future
IMPORTANT! Before reading the Windows backup instructions, we highly recommend to back up your data with a cloud backup solution and insure your files against any type of loss, even from the most severe threats. We recommend you to read more about it and to download SOS Online Backup.
4. Try to Restore files encrypted by PGPSnippet
Try to Restore Files Encrypted by PGPSnippet
Ransomware infections and PGPSnippet aim to encrypt your files using an encryption algorithm which may be very difficult to decrypt. This is why we have suggested several alternative methods that may help you go around direct decryption and try to restore your files. Bear in mind that these methods may not be 100% effective but may also help you a little or a lot in different situations.
Method 1: Scanning your drive’s sectors by using Data Recovery software. Another method for restoring your files is by trying to bring back your files via data recovery software. Here are some suggestions for preferred data recovery software solutions:
Method 2: Trying Kaspersky and EmsiSoft’s decryptors. If the first method does not work, we suggest trying to use decryptors for other ransomware viruses, in case your virus is a variant of them. The two primary developers of decryptors are Kaspersky and EmsiSoft, links to which we have provided below:
To restore your data in case you have backup set up, it is important to check for Volume Shadow Copies, if ransomware has not deleted them, in Windows using the below software:
Method 4: Finding the decryption key while the cryptovirus sends it over a network via a sniffing tool.
Another way to decrypt the files is by using a Network Sniffer to get the encryption key, while files are encrypted on your system. A Network Sniffer is a program and/or device monitoring data traveling over a network, such as its internet traffic and internet packets. If you have a sniffer set before the attack happened you might get information about the decryption key. See how-to instructions below:
Gergana has completed a bachelor degree in Marketing from the University of National and World Economy. She has been with the STF team for three years, researching malware and reporting on the latest infections. She believes that in times of constantly evolving dependency of network connected technologies, people should spread the word not the war.
Gergana has completed a bachelor degree in Marketing from the University of National and World Economy. She has been with the STF team for three years, researching malware and reporting on the latest infections. She believes that in times of constantly evolving dependency of network connected technologies, people should spread the word not the war.
1. For Windows XP, Vista and 7.
2. For Windows 8, 8.1 and 10.
Fix registry entries created by malware and PUPs on your PC.
1. Install SpyHunter to scan for PGPSnippet and remove them.
Back up your data to secure it from malware in the future.
