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 .digiworldhack@tutanota.com to the names of all encrypted files. All .digiworldhack@tutanota.com 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 .digiworldhack@tutanota.com 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 malware
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Malware Removal Tool
|
User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss PGPSnippet. |
| 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. |
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 (.digiworldhack@tutanota.com) 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: digiworldhack@tutanota.com
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 .digiworldhack@tutanota.com 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 .digiworldhack@tutanota.com 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 .digiworldhack@tutanota.com 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.
Remove PGPSnippet Ransomware and Restore .digiworldhack@tutanota.com Files
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 .digiworldhack@tutanota.com 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.
Gergana Ivanova
Highly motivated writer with 5+ years of experience writing for ransomware, malware, adware, PUPs, and other cybersecurity-related issues. As a writer, I strive to create content that is based on thorough technical research. I find joy in the process of creating articles that are easy to understand, informative, and useful. Follow me on Twitter (@IRGergana) for the latest in the field of computer, mobile, and online 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.
About the PGPSnippet Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this PGPSnippet 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 PGPSnippet 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.
References
1. How to Recognize Spam Emails with Ransomware
2. How Does Ransomware Encryption Work?
3. How to Decrypt Ransomware Files
4. Ransomware Getting Greedier and Bigger, Attacks Increase by 40%
5. 1 in 5 Americans Victim of Ransomware
How to Remove PGPSnippet from Windows.
Step 1: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove PGPSnippet
1. Hold Windows Key + R.
2. The "Run" Window will appear. In it, type "msconfig" and click OK.
3. Go to the "Boot" tab. There select "Safe Boot" and then click "Apply" and "OK".
4. When prompted, click on "Restart" to go into Safe Mode.
5. You can recognise Safe Mode by the words written on the corners of your screen.
Step 2: Uninstall PGPSnippet 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:
1. Hold the Windows Logo Button and "R" on your keyboard. A Pop-up window will appear.
2. In the field type in "appwiz.cpl" and press ENTER.
3. This will open a window with all the programs installed on the PC. Select the program that you want to remove, and press "Uninstall"
Follow the instructions above and you will successfully uninstall most programs.
Step 3: Clean any registries, created by PGPSnippet 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 PGPSnippet there. This can happen by following the steps underneath:
1. Open the Run Window again, type "regedit" and click OK.
2. When you open it, you can freely navigate to the Run and RunOnce keys, whose locations are shown above.
3. You can remove the value of the virus by right-clicking on it and removing it.
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 PGPSnippet with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
1. Click on the "Download" button to proceed to SpyHunter's download page.
2. After you have installed SpyHunter, wait for it to update automatically.
3. After the update process has finished, click on the 'Malware/PC Scan' tab. A new window will appear. Click on 'Start Scan'.
4. 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.
Video Guide for Automatic and Fast Removal
Step 5 (Optional): 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 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.
1. Download the recommended Data Recovery software by clicking on the link underneath:
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.
Step 6: How to Restore Files Encrypted by Ransomware (Video Guide)
Get rid of PGPSnippet from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall PGPSnippet 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:
2. Find Activity Monitor and double-click it:
3. In the Activity Monitor look for any suspicious processes, belonging or related to PGPSnippet:
4. Click on the "Go" button again, but this time select Applications. Another way is with the ⇧+⌘+A buttons.
5. In the Applications menu, look for any suspicious app or an app with a name, similar or identical to PGPSnippet. If you find it, right-click on the app and select “Move to Trash
”.
6. Select Accounts, after which click on the Login Items preference.
Your Mac will then show you a list of items that start automatically when you log in. Look for any suspicious apps identical or similar to PGPSnippet. Check the app you want to stop from running automatically and then select on the Minus (“-“) icon to hide it.
7. Remove any left-over files that might be related to this threat manually by following the sub-steps below:
- 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 PGPSnippet 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:
1: Click on "Go" and Then "Go to Folder" as shown underneath:
2: Type in "/Library/LauchAgents/" and click Ok:
3: Delete all of the virus files that have similar or the same name as PGPSnippet. If you believe there is no such file, do not delete anything.
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 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 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.
1. Download the recommended Data Recovery software by clicking on the link underneath:
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.
PGPSnippet FAQ
What is PGPSnippet ransomware and how does it work?
PGPSnippet 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 PGPSnippet ransomware infect my computer?
Via several ways.PGPSnippet 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 PGPSnippet 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 .PGPSnippet files?
You can't. At this point the .PGPSnippet 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 .PGPSnippet files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
One way to restore files, encrypted by PGPSnippet 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 ".PGPSnippet" files (Other Methods)?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .PGPSnippet 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 PGPSnippet 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 PGPSnippet ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .PGPSnippet files.
Also, keep in mind that viruses like PGPSnippet 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.