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.
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.
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.
Note! Your computer might be affected by PPTX and other threats.
Threats such as PPTX 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
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.
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.
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:
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 Decryptor
To 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.
Note! Your computer system may be affected by PPTX 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 PPTX. 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 PPTX follow these steps:
1. Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove PPTX 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 PPTX on your PC
Find files created by PPTX
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 PPTX with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool and back up your data
1. Install SpyHunter to scan for PPTX and remove them.2. Scan with SpyHunter, Detect and Remove PPTX. 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 PPTX
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 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:
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.
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.
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 PPTX and remove them.
Back up your data to secure it from malware in the future.
