This article has been created in order to explain what is the Pico Ransomware virus and how to remove it plus how to restore files, encrypted with the added .PICO file extension.
A new ransomware virus, going by the name Pico Ransomware was recently detected by security researchers S!Ri. The malware is likely a variant of Thanatos ransomware and it’s main goal is to encrypt the files on your computer and then add the .PICO file extension to the files, encrypted by it. The virus then drops a ransom note file, called README.txt. The virus aims to ask victims to pay 100$ in BitCoin or Ethereum. If your PC has been infected by this ransomware, we strongly suggest that you read this article as it aims to help you to remove this virus and possibly restore your data.
Threat Summary
| Name | .PICO Ransomware v1.0 |
| Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
| Short Description | Aims to encrypt the files and then ask victims to pay $100 in Ethereum or BitCoin to get them to work. |
| Symptoms | Files are appended the .PICO file extension. The virus drops a ransom note, called README.txt |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments, Executable files |
| Detection Tool |
See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware
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Malware Removal Tool
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User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss .PICO Ransomware v1.0. |
| 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. |
.PICO Ransomware – How Does It Spread
The primary method of propagation used by the .PICO fles virus is believed to be infection by spammed e-mail attachments. These may come as the following fake documents:
- Invoices.
- Receipts.
- Order invoices.
- Some type of important statements from banks.
- Suspicious account activity reports.
In addition to this, the e-mail also aims to convince victims that the file is of utmost importance so that they open it. The file itself may range from an executable to a Microsoft Word file that infects computers via malicious macros in the same chronology as the infection activities shown below:
In addition to via e-mail, the .PICO ransomware virus may also infect computers via other methods as well, like being uploaded on websites and pretend to be a file that the user is looking to download. Most often, viruses, like .PICO ransomware may pretend to be:
- Patches.
- Cracks.
- Keygens.
- Setups.
- Suspicious account activity reports.
- Activators.
- Hack tools.
.PICO Ransomware – Malicious Activity
Once it has been installed on your computer, the .PICO virus creates the following folders and file directly on the Desktop:
→ %Desktop%\Ransomware\ThanatosSouce\Release\Ransomware.pdb
This does suggest that the virus has taken the source code of Thanatos ransomware, which came out back in February this year. The virus also drops the README.txt ransom note, which looks like the following:
Your files was encrypted. To decrypt your files,
follow next steps:Pico Ransomware v1.0
1. Send $100 to one of these wallets:
BTC: {ADDRESS HERE}
ETH: {ADDRESS HERE}2. Send your TXID and your MachineID to mail
E-Mail: de.picocode@gmail.com
Machine ID: {ID HERE}—————————————————
Do not waste your time, files can only be
decrypted by our decode tool.
Another activity which is performed by the .PICO ransomware virus on the victim’s computer is that it may modify the Windows Registry Editor so that it runs the “Microsoft Update System Web-Helper” and “README.txt” automatically. The registry keys are located in the following sub-keys:
→ HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run “Microsoft Update System Web-Helper” = “C:\Windows\System32\notepad.exe %UserProfile%\Desktop\README.txt”
Judging by the similarities in the ransom notes, the .PICO ransomware is likely a variant made by a skid who likely purchased it in the deep web.
In addition to those activities, the .PICO ransomware may also delete the backed up files in Windows by executing the following commands as an administrator in Command Prompt:
→ sc stop VVS
sc stop wscsvc
sc stop WinDefend
sc stop wuauserv
sc stop BITS
sc stop ERSvc
sc stop WerSvc
cmd.exe /C bcdedit /set {default} recoveryenabled No
cmd.exe /C bcdedit /set {default} bootstatuspolicy ignoreallfailures
C:\Windows\System32\cmd.exe” /C vssadmin.exe Delete Shadows /All /Quiet
Furthermore, the .PICO ransomware may also have the same information stealing modules in it that it uses to steal data from the infected computers, such as:
- Passwords and logins.
- IP addresses and System Language and region.
- Antivirus programs installed on your PC.
The main goal of .PICO is to encrypt the files on your computer, leaving them no longer able to be opened. But we did not manage to locate any decryption key that is encrypted on a victim machine, so paying the ransom may not get your files back.
.PICO Ransomware – Encryption Process
To encrypt the files on your PC, PICO ransomware may look for them based on their file extensions. The virus may scan for the following types of files:
- Images.
- Videos.
- Archives.
- Documents.
- Audio files.
- Backup files.
- Database files.
Once the malware has detected the files, they are immediately encrypted, containing the .PICO file extension:
Remove .PICO Ransomware and Restore Files
In order to remove this ransomware virus from your computer, we strongly suggest that you follow the removal instructions underneath this article. They have been divided in manual and automatic removal methods. The most effective method of removing the .PICO file ransomware from your computer is to do it automatically with an advanced anti-malware program, as most experts would recommend to you. Such tool is fully capable of automatically getting rid of the .PICO ransomware’s malicious files and then ensure that your PC remains protected against possible infections in the future as well.
If you want to restore files, encrypted by this variant of .PICO ransowmare, we would recommend that you try out the alternative methods for file recovery down below. They may not be 100% effective to recover all your files, but with their aid you may be able to restore some of them.
Ventsislav Krastev
Ventsislav is a cybersecurity expert at SensorsTechForum since 2015. He has been researching, covering, helping victims with the latest malware infections plus testing and reviewing software and the newest tech developments. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for learning new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management, Network Administration and Computer Administration of System Applications, he found his true calling within the cybersecrurity industry and is a strong believer in the education of every user towards online safety and security.
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Step 1: Scan for .PICO Ransomware v1.0 with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall .PICO Ransomware v1.0 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 .PICO Ransomware v1.0 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 .PICO Ransomware v1.0 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 .PICO Ransomware v1.0
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by .PICO Ransomware v1.0.
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 .PICO Ransomware v1.0 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.
.PICO Ransomware v1.0-FAQ
What is .PICO Ransomware v1.0 Ransomware?
.PICO Ransomware v1.0 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 .PICO Ransomware v1.0 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 .PICO Ransomware v1.0 Infect?
Via several ways..PICO Ransomware v1.0 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 .PICO Ransomware v1.0 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 ..PICO Ransomware v1.0 files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the ..PICO Ransomware v1.0 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 ..PICO Ransomware v1.0 files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore "..PICO Ransomware v1.0" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore ..PICO Ransomware v1.0 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 .PICO Ransomware v1.0 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 .PICO Ransomware v1.0 ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important ..PICO Ransomware v1.0 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 .PICO Ransomware v1.0 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 .PICO Ransomware v1.0 Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this .PICO Ransomware v1.0 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 .PICO Ransomware v1.0 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.