Ventsislav has been covering the latest malware, software and newest tech developments at SensorsTechForum for 3 years now. He started out as a network administrator. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for discovery of new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management and then Network Administration, he found his passion within cybersecrurity and is a strong believer in basic education of every user towards online safety.
Ventsislav has been covering the latest malware, software and newest tech developments at SensorsTechForum for 3 years now. He started out as a network administrator. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for discovery of new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management and then Network Administration, he found his passion within cybersecrurity and is a strong believer in basic education of every user towards online safety.
Ventsislav has been covering the latest malware, software and newest tech developments at SensorsTechForum for 3 years now. He started out as a network administrator. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for discovery of new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management and then Network Administration, he found his passion within cybersecrurity and is a strong believer in basic education of every user towards online safety.
Note! Your computer might be affected by .PICO Ransomware v1.0 and other threats.
Threats such as .PICO Ransomware v1.0 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
Ventsislav has been covering the latest malware, software and newest tech developments at SensorsTechForum for 3 years now. He started out as a network administrator. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for discovery of new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management and then Network Administration, he found his passion within cybersecrurity and is a strong believer in basic education of every user towards online safety.
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 .PICO Ransomware v1.0
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:
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: [email protected] 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:
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.
Note! Your computer system may be affected by .PICO Ransomware v1.0 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 .PICO Ransomware v1.0. 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 .PICO Ransomware v1.0 follow these steps:
1. Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove .PICO Ransomware v1.0 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 .PICO Ransomware v1.0 on your PC
Find files created by .PICO Ransomware v1.0
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.
IMPORTANT! Before starting the Automatic Removal below, 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.
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 .PICO Ransomware v1.0 with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool and back up your data
1. Install SpyHunter to scan for .PICO Ransomware v1.0 and remove them.2. Scan with SpyHunter, Detect and Remove .PICO Ransomware v1.0. 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 .PICO Ransomware v1.0
Try to Restore Files Encrypted by .PICO Ransomware v1.0
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 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:
Ventsislav has been covering the latest malware, software and newest tech developments at SensorsTechForum for 3 years now. He started out as a network administrator. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for discovery of new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management and then Network Administration, he found his passion within cybersecrurity and is a strong believer in basic education of every user towards online safety.
Ventsislav has been covering the latest malware, software and newest tech developments at SensorsTechForum for 3 years now. He started out as a network administrator. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for discovery of new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management and then Network Administration, he found his passion within cybersecrurity and is a strong believer in basic education of every user towards online safety.
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.
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 .PICO Ransomware v1.0 and remove them.
Back up your data to secure it from malware in the future.
