What is Plam Virus Infection?
Another variation of the widely known STOP ransomware infections family has resurfaced carrying the name Plam virus. The idea of these infections is to encode the data on your computer system and hold your files hostage until you pay ransom money in the form of BitCoin to get them to work once again.
After your files are encrypted and appended the .plam suffix, this infection drops a note file, called _readme.txt that has demands made in it write to the criminals via email. As quickly as you do that, they ask you to pay a lot of money in BitCoin. They also provide a deadline for the payment to be made if you wish to see the files once more.
Read this write-up if you intend to know exactly how you can eliminate the Plam infection and how you can try and likely recover your important information.
Plam Summary
Name | Plam ransomware also known as Trojan.GenericKD.35978248, Trojan.Win32.Stop.j!c, Trojan.Ransom.Stop, Trojanransom.Stop, A Variant Of Win32/Kryptik.HIMQ, Trojan-Ransom.Win32.Stop.qq |
File Extension | .plam |
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 STOP ransomware will encrypt your files by appending the .YAYA extension to them. |
Ransom Demanding Note | _readme.txt |
Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments |
Detection Tool |
See If Your Windows Has Been Affected by Plam virus
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Malware Removal Tool
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User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss Plam virus. |
Plam Virus – Furhter Information
Plam virus may enter your computer in a variety of means, the primary one of which could be having the infection files uploaded online. The Plam infection can be added on a number of suspicious websites, where it might pose as a totally authentic type of installer, program, patch, mobile app, crack, or key generator. The bottom line is for the victims to be fooled into downloading and executing these infection files, which, when run take advantage of security holes in your Windows in order to make undetected infection.
Just like other STOP/DJVU viruses, like Igdm Infection and Nobu Virus, when Plam is added to your computer system, it may instantly hide its visibility using a so-called “crypter” allowing it to hide from antiviruses and start to encode your data.
Not only this, but Plam ransomware leaves behind a ransom note. This note intends to frighten you that there is a risk for you to never ever see your documents, pictures, or other files once again if you do not pay these cyber criminals ransom money in BitCoin.
The note is called _readme.txt and has the following message:
.plam Files
The files, encrypted by Plam virus carry the .plam File extension and appear like the following:
If you happen to be a victim of the Plam version of DJVU, we strongly encourage you to not pay any type of ransom. Also, backup each of the .plam encoded files to make sure that you can restore them free of cost later on when researchers release a decryptor. For this particular infection, a decryptor takes about a week to be published by security specialists. It can likely your data back for free, depending on the decryption key strength.
Remove Plam Virus and Try to Restore Files
If you want Plam infection ransomware completely gone, we recommend looking into the instructions underneath this article. They have been written to help you in the removal process of the virus. If you can not get rid of all Plam infection files, do not despair, since you can eliminate them automatically.
According to cybersecurity professionals, one of the most suggested automatic removal methods is downloading and scanning your Windows OS by using anti-malware software. This program will successfully make sure that all Plam infection files are gone and shield your computer in the future as well.
If you want to try and restore data encrypted by the Plam infection, we suggest that you take a look at the alternative recovery steps below. They might not be 100% effective. However, with their help, you could be able to get back a portion of the files or even all, depending on your back-ups and good luck.
- Step 1
- Step 2
- Step 3
- Step 4
- Step 5
Step 1: Scan for Plam virus with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall Plam virus 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:
Step 3: Clean any registries, created by Plam virus 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 Plam virus there. This can happen by following the steps underneath:
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 Plam virus
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by Plam virus.
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 Plam virus 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.
Plam virus-FAQ
What is Plam virus Ransomware?
Plam virus 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 Plam virus 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 Plam virus Infect?
Via several ways.Plam virus 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 Plam virus 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 .Plam virus files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .Plam virus 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 .Plam virus files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".Plam virus" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .Plam virus 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 Plam virus 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 Plam virus ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .Plam virus 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 Plam virus 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 Plam virus Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Plam virus 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 Plam virus 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.
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