New ransomware from GlobeImposter series is circling around the web. Successor of [wplinkpreview url=”https://sensorstechforum.com/tiger4444-files-virus-remove/”] .Tiger4444, [wplinkpreview url=”https://sensorstechforum.com/rat4444-files-virus-remove/”] .Rat4444 and several other strains that are reported to use extensions with the same digital pattern, the .Pig4444 files virus aims to plague commonly used computer systems and corrupt personal files stored on the drives. In fact, the main goal of this nasty threat is to blackmail victims into paying a ransom fee to the cyber criminals who launch the attacks.
In the unfortunate event that you are a victim of .Pig4444 crypto virus it is recommendable to avoid any negotiations with cyber criminals and consider the help of secure weapons of choice.
Threat Summary
| Name | .Pig4444 Files Virus |
| Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
| Short Description | Severe malware that is designed to encrypt valualbe files stored on compromised computers so that it can then extort ransom fee from victims. |
| Symptoms | Files are encrypted and renamed with the extension .Pig4444 Ransom message extorts a payment for files recovery. |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments |
| Detection Tool |
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User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss .Pig4444 Files 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. |
.Pig4444 Files Virus (GlobeImposter Ransomware) – How Did I Get It and What Does It Do?
GlobeImposter ransomware has new variant and it is called .Pig4444 files virus. The threat is named after an associated extension which it uses for marking corrupted files. For files corruption, .Pig4444 ransomware activates a special cipher module. This module is designed to scan all drives for commonly used types of files so that it can then transform their code. Since the transformation is realized by the usage of a sophisticated algorithm, all corrupted files remain unusable until their code is reverted back to its original state.
The ransomware could encrypt files, which are from the following file types:
- Audio files
- Video files
- Document files
- Image files
- Backup files
- Banking credentials, etc
Unfortunately, .Pig4444 files virus is a threat that corrupts not only valuable files but many essential system settings as well. Before, this ransomware could reach the data encryption stage, it passes through several attack stages. During these stages, .Pig4444 executes a bunch of malicious files which it establishes on the system.
First the ransomware aims to evade detection. In the event it succeeds, it becomes able to access certain system components and modify their settings. One of these components is likely to be the Registry Editor. Since it is a hierarchical database that stores specific commands that control the regular functioning of system resources and installed applications, ransomware like .Pig4444 are often set to add malicious values in it in order to misuse its functionalities. By doing this, .Pig4444 files virus could start loading every time you turn on the infected PC.
For its final infection stage, .Pig4444 ransomware drops a file called HOW TO BACK YOUR FILES.txt and loads it on the screen. The file contains a specially crafted ransom message that attempts to extort a ransom fee for files’ decryptor. Here is a copy of its content:
YOUR FILES ARE ENCRYPTED !!!
TO DECRYPT, FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS:
To recover data you need decrypt tool.
To get the decrypt tool you should:
1.In the letter include your personal ID! Send me this ID in your first email to me!
2.We can give you free test for decrypt few files (NOT VALUE) ans assign the price for decryption all files!
3.After we send you instruction how to pay for decrypt tool and after payment you will receive a decryption tool!
4.We can decrypt few files in quality the evidence that we have the decoder.
DO NOT TRY TO DO SOMETHING WITH YOUR FILES BY YOURSELF YOU WILL BRAKE YOUR DATA !!! ONLY WE ARE CAN HELP YOU! CONTACT US:
China.helper@aol.com
China.helper@india.com
ATTENTION !!! THIS IS YOUR PERSONAL ID WICH YOU HAVE TO SEND IN FIRST LETTER:
Be advised to refrain from paying hackers the ransom as this action does not guarantee the recovery of your encrypted files. Since the code of their threat may be full of bugs, their decrypter may not be able to recover .Pig4444 files.
Currently, .Pig4444 files virus is released in active attack campaigns against online users worldwide. Popular techniques such as malspam, freeware installers, and corrupted hosts may be used for its spread. Malspam is the technique that is believed to be preferred by hackers. It is realized via massive spam email campaigns. The email messages that are part of such campaigns usually attempt to trick you into downloading the malicious software by presenting it as an important document in a file attachment, a clickable link/button or another interactive element.
Remove .Pig4444 Files Virus and Restore Data
The so-called .Pig4444 files virus is a threat with highly complex code that heavily damages both essential system settings and valuable data. So the only way to use your infected system securely again is to remove all malicious files and objects created by the ransomware. For the purpose, you could follow our step-by-step removal guide.
In the event that you want to attempt to restore .Pig4444 files with the help of alternative data recovery methods, do check step four – Try to Restore files encrypted by .Pig4444 Files Virus. We remind you to back up all encrypted files to an external drive before the recovery process.
Gergana Ivanova
Highly motivated writer with 5+ years of experience writing for ransomware, malware, adware, PUPs, and other cybersecurity-related issues. As a writer, I strive to create content that is based on thorough technical research. I find joy in the process of creating articles that are easy to understand, informative, and useful. Follow me on Twitter (@IRGergana) for the latest in the field of computer, mobile, and online security.
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Step 1: Scan for .Pig4444 Files Virus with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall .Pig4444 Files 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 .Pig4444 Files 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 .Pig4444 Files 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 .Pig4444 Files Virus
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by .Pig4444 Files 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 .Pig4444 Files 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.
.Pig4444 Files Virus-FAQ
What is .Pig4444 Files Virus Ransomware?
.Pig4444 Files 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 .Pig4444 Files 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 .Pig4444 Files Virus Infect?
Via several ways..Pig4444 Files 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 .Pig4444 Files 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 ..Pig4444 Files Virus files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the ..Pig4444 Files 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 ..Pig4444 Files Virus files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore "..Pig4444 Files Virus" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore ..Pig4444 Files 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 .Pig4444 Files 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 .Pig4444 Files Virus ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important ..Pig4444 Files 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 .Pig4444 Files 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 .Pig4444 Files Virus Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this .Pig4444 Files 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 .Pig4444 Files 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.
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