This article has been created with the purpose to guide you on how to remove Decryption Assistant ransomware and restore .pwned encrypted files.
A ransomware infection, known as Decryption Assistant virus has been reported to be spread in the wild since the second half of May, 2017. The virus uses AES encryption algorithm after it infects Windows-based systems and then encrypts the files on the compromised computers, making them no longer able to be opened. After this has been done, the .pwned ransomware infection leaves behind a ransom note, name “Decryption Assistant” in which it has instructions on how to pay a hefty Bitcoin fee in order to decrypt the files. In case you have become a victim of this infection, however, recommendations are to read this article thoroughly.
Threat Summary
| Name | .pwned Virus |
| Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
| Short Description | Encrypts documents, music, videos and other important files on the computers it infects. Demands a hefty payoff in Bitcoin for decryption. |
| Symptoms | Slow computer, freezes during the encryption, changed wallpaper, opened file with ransom instructions, named “Decryption Assistant”. Encrypted files are added the .pwned file extension. |
| 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 .pwned Virus. |
| 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. |
How Does .pwned Ransomware Infect
In order for this ransomware infection to slip into your computer, .pwned ransomware aims to infect the computer with a loader also known as the infection file. Such loader usually aims to drop the infected files of the ransomware while remaining obfuscated.
Such malicious file may be pretending to be a legitimate e-mail attachment or uploaded file online. The e-mails that may be distributing the .pwned file virus may have deceitful messages embedded within them. The files may be pretending to be:
- Invoices.
- Fake flash player updates.
- Fake key generators.
- License activators.
- Updates for software such as Flash Player or other program that is often used.
Once the victim opens the malicious file, the inevitable happens and the virus begins it’s activity on the compromised computer.
.pwned Ransomware – More Information
Once the .pwned file virus has infected your computer, the malware drops it’s malicious files. One of them has the name
FlashPlayerUpdate.exe and besides it other files may be also dropped In the following locations:
- %Downloads%\HANSA\
- %Desktop%
- %SystemDrive%\chicken\
- %AppData%
- %Roaming%
- %Local%
- %LocalLow%
After the malicious files of the .pwned ransomware are already dropped, the virus may assume administrative privileges by executing a malicious script. From there, Decryption Assistant ransomware may begin to modify the Windows Registry editor, more specifically, the following registry sub-keys:
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
As soon as the registry entries are modified by the user, the ransomware may be capable to run on system start and encrypt the files, before any security software loads up.
In addition to this, the .pwned file infection may further delete the shadow volume copies on the infected computer. This is achievable without the user noticing. The following commands trigger the deletion:
vssadmin.exe delete shadows /all /quiet
bcdedit.exe /set {default} recoveryenabled no
bcdedit.exe /set {default} bootstatuspolicy ignoreallfailures
This is done with the purpose of reducing the chances of restoring the files encrypted with the .pwned file extension.
.pwned File Ransomware – Encryption Process
The primary purpose if Decryption Assistant ransomware is to encode the important files of it’s victims. The virus is pre-programmed to scan for specific file types and if the file extensions match to the ones it is created to encrypt, .pwned virus enciphers them. Among the targeted file extensions are believed to be the following:
“PNG .PSD .PSPIMAGE .TGA .THM .TIF .TIFF .YUV .AI .EPS .PS .SVG .INDD .PCT .PDF .XLR .XLS .XLSX .ACCDB .DB .DBF .MDB .PDB .SQL .APK .APP .BAT .CGI .COM .EXE .GADGET .JAR .PIF .WSF .DEM .GAM .NES .ROM .SAV CAD Files .DWG .DXF GIS Files .GPX .KML .KMZ .ASP .ASPX .CER .CFM .CSR .CSS .HTM .HTML .JS .JSP .PHP .RSS .XHTML. DOC .DOCX .LOG .MSG .ODT .PAGES .RTF .TEX .TXT .WPD .WPS .CSV .DAT .GED .KEY .KEYCHAIN .PPS .PPT .PPTX ..INI .PRF Encoded Files .HQX .MIM .UUE .7Z .CBR .DEB .GZ .PKG .RAR .RPM .SITX .TAR.GZ .ZIP .ZIPX .BIN .CUE .DMG .ISO .MDF .TOAST .VCD SDF .TAR .TAX2014 .TAX2015 .VCF .XML Audio Files .AIF .IFF .M3U .M4A .MID .MP3 .MPA .WAV .WMA Video Files .3G2 .3GP .ASF .AVI .FLV .M4V .MOV .MP4 .MPG .RM .SRT .SWF .VOB .WMV 3D .3DM .3DS .MAX .OBJ R.BMP .DDS .GIF .JPG ..CRX .PLUGIN .FNT .FON .OTF .TTF .CAB .CPL .CUR .DESKTHEMEPACK .DLL .DMP .DRV .ICNS .ICO .LNK .SYS .CFG”Source:fileinfo.com
After the encryption process by the Decryption Assistant ransomware is complete the files can no longer be opened. This is because blocks of data of those files is replaced with data from the encryption algorithm AES, also known as advanced encryption standard. The files may appear like the following if they are encrypted by this ransomware:
The .pwned ransomware also does not forget to notify the victim of the situation:
“YOUR OPERATING SYSTEM AND DATA HAS BEEN COMPROMISED
All important data including your personal pictures, music, videos, documents and many more has been encrypted. The data cannot be recovered unless a fee has been paid to decrypt them.
The private decryption key for the data has been stored on our server and will be sent to this computer once the payment is sent. Any attempt to removing this software will lead an immediate destruction to the private key.
To obtain your decryption key, you will first need a bitcoin wallet to send us the payment. You can start the process by clicking {Decrypt Files} which will start the payment process.
We advise you immediately buy the bitcoins before the countdown timer drops to zero which will immediately destroy your private key.
Remove .pwned Ransomware and Restore Your Files
Before actually removing the .pwned file virus from you computer, we recommend that you backup your files beforehand.
After this, you can proceed with the removal by following the removal instructions below. For maximum effectiveness of the removal and future protection of your files, security expers always advise to take advantage of an anti-malware program to remove .pwned ransomware.
At this point, there is no known decryption for the .pwned ransomware infection. However, some of the files encrypted by this ransomware can still be restored with alternative methods, like the ones we posted in step “2. Restore files encrypted by .pwned Virus” below. They are not 100% guaranteed to work, however there is a good chance you may restore a big portion of your files by using 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 .pwned Virus with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall .pwned 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:
Follow the instructions above and you will successfully delete most unwanted and malicious programs.
Step 3: Clean any registries, created by .pwned 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 .pwned Virus 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 .pwned Virus
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by .pwned 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 .pwned 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.
.pwned Virus-FAQ
What is .pwned Virus Ransomware?
.pwned 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 .pwned 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 .pwned Virus Infect?
Via several ways..pwned 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 .pwned 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 ..pwned Virus files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the ..pwned 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 ..pwned Virus files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore "..pwned Virus" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore ..pwned 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 .pwned 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 .pwned Virus ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important ..pwned 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 .pwned 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 .pwned Virus Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this .pwned 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 .pwned 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.
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.