This article will aid you in removing the PPTX ransomware virus fully. Follow the ransomware removal instructions given at the end.
The .PPTX virus is the name of ransomware which is a variant of Globe Imposter. The extension it places to all files after encryption is .PPTX. After encryption, a ransom note shows up with instructions on how to pay the ransom and supposedly recover your files. Keep on reading and find out what ways you could try to potentially restore your data.
Threat Summary
| Name | PPTX |
| Type | Ransomware |
| Short Description | The ransomware encrypts files on your computer system and it shows a ransom note afterward. |
| Symptoms | This ransomware virus will encrypt your files and place the .PPTX extension on each one of them. |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments |
| Detection Tool | See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware Download Malware Removal Tool | User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss PPTX. |
| 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. |
.PPTX Virus (GlobeImposter) – Delivery
.PPTX Files ransomware might spread its infection via different ways. The payload file which executes the malicious script for this ransomware, that in turn infects your computer machine, is circling around the Internet. Samples of this ransomware have been found by a few different malware researchers. Below, you can see the payload file of the cryptovirus being detected by the VirusTotal service:
The .PPTX Files ransomware might be using other ways to deliver the payload file, such as social media and file-sharing sites. Freeware applications found on the Web could be promoted as helpful but also could hide the malicious script for this virus. Before opening any files after you have downloaded them, you should instead scan them with a security program. Especially if they come from suspicious places, such as emails or links. Also, don’t forget to check the size and signatures of such files for anything that seems out of place. You should read the ransomware prevention tips given in the forum.
.PPTX Files Virus (GlobeImposter) – Insight
The .PPTX ransomware virus is a cryptovirus, which has recently been discovered by malware researchers. When the .PPTX files virus encrypts your files, it will put the .PPTX extension to every file and display a ransom note with payment instructions. The virus is a GlobeImposter variant.
The .PPTX Files ransomware can be set to make new registry entries in the Windows Registry to achieve a higher level of persistence. Such entries are usually designed in a way that will start the virus automatically with every launch of the Windows Operating System, such as the example shown here:
→“HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run”
The ransom message is placed inside a file called READ_ME.txt. This is how it looks:
The ransom note states the following:
Your files are Encrypted!
For data recovery needs decryptor.
How to buy decryptor:1. Download “Tor Browser” from https://www.torproject.org/ and install it.
2. Open this link In the “Tor Browser”
http://huhighwfn4jihtlz.onion/sdlsgdewwbhr
Note! This link is available via “Tor Browser” only.
————————————————————
Free decryption as guarantee.
Before paying you can send us 2 file for free decryption.
————————————————————
You unique ID
–
You should NOT under any circumstances pay or write to these crooks. Nobody can give you a guarantee that you will get your files decrypted upon payment, plus in that way you will support the criminals and probably motivate them to keep making ransomware viruses.
The payment page is hosted on the TOR network as displayed here:
It states the following:
1. Payment 2. After Payment 3. Free Decrypt 4. Support
Buy DecryptorTo buy the decryptor, you must pay the cost of: 0.122 Bitcoin ($ 777)
You have 2 days for payment
time left :after finishing offer, decryptor cost will be 0.244 Bitcoin
You can buy bitcoin on one of these sites:
blockchain.info
localbitcoins.com
google.com
send 0.122 bicoin on the Bitcoin address: 3Q99zEkCQW35qakHdu35ukaUmWeqpMNNNx
after payment click HERE
Free decryption as guarantee.
Before paying you can send us 1 file for free decryption.
click HERE
The bitcoin address used is the following:
- 3Q99zEkCQW35qakHdu35ukaUmWeqpMNNNx
The money demanded in Bitcoin amounts to around 670 US dollars. Regardless, you should still wait for a decryptor.
.PPTX Files Virus (GlobeImposter) – Encryption
There is no official list with file extensions that the .PPTX Files ransomware seeks to encrypt and the article will be updated if such a list is discovered. However, all files which get encrypted will receive the .PPTX extension appended to them. The encryption algorithm which is used for the virus is currently unknown.
The ransomware could encrypt files, which are from the following file types:
- Audio
- Video
- Database
- Document
- Picture
The .PPTX Files cryptovirus is reported by malware analysts to erase the Shadow Volume Copies from the Windows Operating System by executing the following command:
→vssadmin.exe delete shadows /all /Quiet
The execution of the above-stated command makes the encryption process more viable, as one of the main ways for file recovery is eliminated. Continue reading to find out what methods you can try out to potentially restore some of your files.
Remove .PPTX Files Virus (GlobeImposter)
If your computer got infected with the .PPTX Files virus, you should have a bit of experience in removing malware. You should get rid of this ransomware as quickly as possible before it can have the chance to spread further and infect other computers. You should remove the ransomware and follow the step-by-step instructions guide provided below.
Tsetso Mihailov
Tsetso Mihailov is a tech-geek and loves everything that is tech-related, while observing the latest news surrounding technologies. He has worked in IT before, as a system administrator and a computer repair technician. Dealing with malware since his teens, he is determined to spread word about the latest threats revolving around computer 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.
How to Remove PPTX from Windows.
Step 1: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove PPTX
Step 2: Uninstall PPTX 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:
Follow the instructions above and you will successfully uninstall most programs.Step 3: Clean any registries, created by PPTX 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 PPTX 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: Scan for PPTX with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 5 (Optional): Try to Restore Files Encrypted by PPTX.
Ransomware infections and PPTX 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 top, choose Data Recovery - Data Recovery Wizard for Windows or Mac (depending on your OS), and then download and run the tool.
Get rid of PPTX from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall PPTX 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:
- 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 PPTX 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:
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 PPTX.
Ransomware infections and PPTX 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 top, choose Data Recovery - Data Recovery Wizard for Windows or Mac (depending on your OS), and then download and run the tool.
PPTX FAQ
What is PPTX ransomware and how does it work?
PPTX 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 PPTX ransomware infect my computer?
Via several ways.PPTX 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 PPTX 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 .PPTX files?
You can't. At this point the .PPTX 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 .PPTX files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
One way to restore files, encrypted by PPTX 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 ".PPTX" files (Other Methods)?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .PPTX 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 PPTX 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 PPTX ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .PPTX files.
Also, keep in mind that viruses like PPTX 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.
