In this article, you will find more information about .plomb files virus as well as a step-by-step guide on how to remove malicious files from the infected system and how to potentially recover files encrypted by this ransomware.
Infection with the so-called .plomb files virus leads to heavily modified system settings and encrypted files. Once encoded the files appear with a long sequence of strange extensions in their names. The last extension that could be seen is .plomb. The main purpose of this threat is to blackmail its victims into paying a ransom fee for .plomb files recovery. If you are a victim of this ransomware make sure to read thoroughly this article.
Threat Summary
Name | .plomb Files Virus |
Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
Short Description | A data locker ransomware that encodes files with strong cipher algorithm and demands a ransom for their decryption. |
Symptoms | Important files are locked and renamed with .plomb extension. Ransom message extorts a ransom fee for decryption tool. |
Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments |
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 .plomb 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. |
.plomb Files Virus – Distribution
The main spread channel used by hackers is likely to be malspam. Emails that are part of such campaigns usually attempt to trick you into running malicious software on your device. For the purpose hackers often configure the emails to pose as representatives of legitimate institutions, businesses and services.
Most of the times they misuse the names of well-known brands such as PayPal, DHL, FedEx, and Amazon. By applying this trick hackers aim to make you more prone to follow the instructions presented in the text message and eventually infect your device with their nasty threat.
They usually inject the ransomware activator in the code of a file attachment or in the source code of any web page. Both elements could be shown in the email. What we recommend you to do every time you have a doubt whether an email element is harmful or secure is checking its security status. The free help offered by some online scanners like VirusTotal and ZipeZip could save you a lot of troubles.
.plomb Files Virus – Overview
The .plomb files virus is nasty ransomware that is designed to infect computer systems in an attempt to reach valuable files, encode them and then demand a ransom for their recovery.
For the completion of all attack stages, .plomb ransomware needs to establish a bunch of malicious files. On one hand, it could initiate their direct creation on the system. On the other hand, .plomb could connect to a remote server and drop the files on the infected device. For the storage of these files, the threat could misuse the following system folders:
- %AppData%
- %Local%
- %LocalLow%
- %Roaming%
- %Temp%
Once the ransomware is done with this stage, it starts executing malicious files and objects in an order that is strictly defined in its code. By doing this, it becomes able to contaminate the settings of some essential system components.
Affected are likely to be some keys stored by the Window Registry database. So make sure to check all registries for malicious entries especially the sub-keys Run and RunOnce. Since these two keys are capable of loading all files and objects they store, .plomb ransomware could misuse their functionalities to gain persistence on the affected system.
At the end of the attack when all previous attack stages are completed, this cryptovirus like almost every other cryptovirus, drops a file that contains a ransom note. When this ransom note is opened it informs you about the presence of the nasty .plomb threat, notifies you about data corruption and attempts to blackmail you into paying a ransom fee to hackers.
Since you could never be sure that hackers will be good enough to contact you and send you an efficient decryptor, we recommend you to refrain from paying the ransom. There is always a chance that security experts will be able to crack the code of this threat and eventually release a free decryption tool for .plomb files. Meanwhile, you could attempt to restore some encrypted files with the help of alternative data recovery methods. But first, ensure that no malicious files are running on your system.
.plomb Files Virus – Encryption Process
To complete this stage, .plomb files virus needs to be sure that no active security measures will be able to detect its presence on the system. So this stage takes place in the middle of the attack. Once it begins, the ransomware activates a built-in encryption module. This module is designed to scan predefined system drives for target files and corrupt their original code by applying a sophisticated cipher algorithm.
At the end of this process, all files that are commonly used for the storage of important data may be encoded and marked with the extension .plomb
- Audio files
- Video files
- Document files
- Image files
- Backup files
- Banking credentials, etc
Remove .plomb Files Virus and Attempt to Restore Data
The so-called .plomb files virus is a threat with highly complex code designed to corrupt both system settings and valuable data. So the only way to use your infected system in a secure manner again is to remove all malicious files and objects created by the ransomware. For the purpose, you could use our removal guide that reveals how to clean and secure your system step by step. In addition, in the guide, you will find several alternative data recovery approaches that may be helpful in attempting to restore files encrypted by .plomb ransomware. We remind you to back up all encrypted files to an external drive before the recovery process.
- Step 1
- Step 2
- Step 3
- Step 4
- Step 5
Step 1: Scan for .plomb Files Virus with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall .plomb 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:
Step 3: Clean any registries, created by .plomb 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 .plomb Files 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 .plomb Files Virus
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by .plomb 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 .plomb 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.
.plomb Files Virus-FAQ
What is .plomb Files Virus Ransomware?
.plomb 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 .plomb 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 .plomb Files Virus Infect?
Via several ways..plomb 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 .plomb 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 ..plomb Files Virus files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the ..plomb 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 ..plomb Files Virus files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore "..plomb Files Virus" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore ..plomb 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 .plomb 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 .plomb Files Virus ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important ..plomb 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 .plomb 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 .plomb Files Virus Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this .plomb 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 .plomb 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.
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.
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