Ventsislav has been covering the latest malware, software and newest tech developments at SensorsTechForum for 3 years now. He started out as a network administrator. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for discovery of new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management and then Network Administration, he found his passion within cybersecrurity and is a strong believer in basic education of every user towards online safety.
Ventsislav has been covering the latest malware, software and newest tech developments at SensorsTechForum for 3 years now. He started out as a network administrator. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for discovery of new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management and then Network Administration, he found his passion within cybersecrurity and is a strong believer in basic education of every user towards online safety.
Ventsislav has been covering the latest malware, software and newest tech developments at SensorsTechForum for 3 years now. He started out as a network administrator. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for discovery of new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management and then Network Administration, he found his passion within cybersecrurity and is a strong believer in basic education of every user towards online safety.
Note! Your computer might be affected by .crypted_pony and other threats.
Threats such as .crypted_pony 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
Ventsislav has been covering the latest malware, software and newest tech developments at SensorsTechForum for 3 years now. He started out as a network administrator. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for discovery of new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management and then Network Administration, he found his passion within cybersecrurity and is a strong believer in basic education of every user towards online safety.
This blog post aims to explain what is the .crypted_pony_test_build_xxx_xxx_xxx_xxx_xxx file extension and how you can remove the Crypted_pony ransomware virus from your computer effectively.
A new version of what appears to be Pony ransomware has been detected in the widl. The virus appears to use an immensely long file extension which it adds upon file encrytpion – .crypted_pony_test_build_xxx_xxx_xxx_xxx_xxx. The virus also adds a long-named ransom note too, called IF_YOU_WANT_TO_GET_ALL_YOUR_FILES_BACK_PLEASE_READ_THIS.HTML.. The ransom note contains a ransom message that aims to convince victims to pay ransom in order to get their files to work once again. If your computer has been infected by the .crypted_pony_test_build_xxx_xxx_xxx_xxx_xxx files version of Pony ransomware, we suggest that you read the article underneath.
Threat Summary
Name
.crypted_pony
Type
Ransomware, Cryptovirus
Short Description
Aimed at encrypting the files and rendering them unusable until the victim pays ransom.
Symptoms
Files are encrypted and cannot be opened and a ransom note, called IF_YOU_WANT_TO_GET_ALL_YOUR_FILES_BACK_PLEASE_READ_THIS.HTML is dropped.
Distribution Method
Spam Emails, Email Attachments, Executable files
Detection Tool
See If Your System Has Been Affected by .crypted_pony
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.
Pony Ransomware – Distribution Methods
The main methods by which Pony ransomware could be spread onto the victim computers is believed to be conducted via e-mails that contain e-mail attachments embedded in them, usually pretending to be:
Receipts.
Invoices.
Pictures.
Banking documents.
Power point presentations.
In addition to e-mails, the Pony .crypted_pony_test_build_xxx_xxx_xxx_xxx_xxx ransomware variant may be spread via multiple different types of methods, including uploading the malicious files of this malware on websites, where they pose as:
Cracks of software.
License activators for programs.
Key generators for various types of software.
Portable program variants.
Beware, since the crooks behind this malware go through great extent to conceal the files from your antivirus software, making it very difficult to avoid detection.
.crypted_pony Files Virus – More Information
Once your computer has been compromised by the .crypted_pony_test_build_xxx_xxx_xxx_xxx_xxx file ransomware, the first thing that you should be able to see is the ransom note of the virus, which appears like the following:
Once the .crypted_pony files virus compromised your computer’s defences, the malware may drop it’s payload, which may be located in the following Windows directories:
%AppData%
%Local%
%LocalLow%
%Roaming%
%Temp%
In addition to this, the .crypted_pony virus may also interfere with the Run and RunOnce registry keys of Windows, located in the following directories:
In addition to this, the .crypted_pony ransomware may also delete the shadow copies on the computers, compromised by it by obtaining administrative privileges and running the following commands in Windows Command Prompt as an administrator:
Besides this, Pony ransomware may also be type of the Pony Loader(https://sensorstechforum.com/macro-based-bartalex-malware-spreads-pony-loader-and-dyre-trojan/) threat, which is known to collect information from the infected computers and also perform mining activities and cryptocurrency theft from infected machines. And since it may have Trojan components, the Pony ransomware may perform the following actities:
Obtain administrator permissions.
Obtain language and regional settings.
Steal files.
Obtain read and write permissions.
Obtain system and network information from your computer.
Pony Ransomware – Encryption Process
The encryption process of pony ransomware is done with the aid of an advanced encryption mode, which renders files no longer able to be used until they are decrypted. The files that are eligible for encryption by the .crypted_pony ransomware are believed to be the following:
Image file types.
Document file types.
Adobe Photoshop file types.
Video file types.
Audio file types.
Archive file types.
Other often used files.
Once the encryption commences, the ransomware may leave the files looking like the following:
Remove Pony Ransomware and Try Restoring Your Files
If you want to make sure that this ransomware virus is completely gone from your computer, we would suggest that you follow the removal instructions that are underneath this article. They have been created to help you delete all traces of Pony Ransomware either manually or automatically from your computer. According to security experts, the most recommended removal strategy against the .crypted_pony ransomware is to remove it by scanning your computer with an advanced malware removal software, since it will check each part of your PC for the malicious objects of this ransomware and remove them fully, plus ensure future protection as well.
In addition to this, if you want to try and recover files, encrypted by the .crypted_pony ransomware virus, we would strongly recommend that you try the file recovery instructions underneath this article. They have been created with the main goal to help you to try and restore files, encrypted by this ransomware virus, but they may not be 100% effective to recover all of the encrypted files.
Note! Your computer system may be affected by .crypted_pony 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 .crypted_pony. 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 .crypted_pony follow these steps:
1. Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove .crypted_pony 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 .crypted_pony on your PC
Find files created by .crypted_pony
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 .crypted_pony with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool and back up your data
1. Install SpyHunter to scan for .crypted_pony and remove them.2. Scan with SpyHunter, Detect and Remove .crypted_pony. 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 .crypted_pony
Try to Restore Files Encrypted by .crypted_pony
Ransomware infections and .crypted_pony 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:
Ventsislav has been covering the latest malware, software and newest tech developments at SensorsTechForum for 3 years now. He started out as a network administrator. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for discovery of new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management and then Network Administration, he found his passion within cybersecrurity and is a strong believer in basic education of every user towards online safety.
Ventsislav has been covering the latest malware, software and newest tech developments at SensorsTechForum for 3 years now. He started out as a network administrator. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for discovery of new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management and then Network Administration, he found his passion within cybersecrurity and is a strong believer in basic education of every user towards online safety.
This blog post aims to explain what is the .crypted_pony_test_build_xxx_xxx_xxx_xxx_xxx file extension and how you can remove the Crypted_pony ransomware virus from your computer effectively.
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 .crypted_pony and remove them.
Back up your data to secure it from malware in the future.
