This article reveals more details on .PRCP files virus infection. It also provides a complete set of steps that help for the removal of all malicious files associated with the ransomware. In a special section “Restore files” you will find alternative data recovery approaches.
An infection with the so-called .PRCP files virus leads to ransom extortion due to valuable data encryption. Once its malicious files are activated on your system they pass through several infection stages that plague essential system settings and corrupt target files. Hackers attempt to blackmail you into paying a ransom fee for the decrypter they possess.
Threat Summary
| Name | .PRCP Files Virus |
| Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
| Short Description | A data locker ransomware that utilizes sophisticated cipher algorithm to transform the code of valuable files and then extorts a ransom payment for their decryption. |
| Symptoms | Your access to all files that contain the extension .PRCP in their names is restricted. They remain unusable until thier code is reverted back to normal state. |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments, Corrupted Software Installers, Indected Web Pages |
| Detection Tool |
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User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss .PRCP 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. |
.PRCP Files Virus – Distribution
For the activation of .PRCP files virus on your device, hackers attempt to trick you into downloading unnoticeably. So the distribution of its payload file could be realized with the help of various shady techniques. All these techniques aim to conceal the presence of this malicious code so that you are more prone to run it on your device.
The primary spread technique is believed to be the malwspam. Malspam which is the sort for emails that deliver malicious software enables hackers to pose as representatives of legitimate businesses, websites, services, and even governmental institutions. This trick aims to mislead you that you are going to interact with safe and legitimate content. However, in case that you neglect to do a check for any suspicious details and directly follow the instructions presented in by the text message you could unnoticeably run this ransomware on your device.
The text messages usually contain strong call-to-action that urges you to review the content of an attached file or a presented link as soon as possible.
.PRCP Files Virus – Overview
The .PRCP files virus is a data locker ransomware that as identified by security researchers belongs to the [wplinkpreview url=”https://sensorstechforum.com/remove-matrix-ransomware-restore-files/”]Matrix threat family.
When the payload file of .PRCP files virus manages to run on your system, it triggers a sequence of malicious activities that support the attack. At first, it is likely to initiate the creation of additional malicious files and objects that provide for the completion of all infection stages. There are several folders that may store ransomware files:
- %AppData%
- %Local%
- %LocalLow%
- %Roaming%
- %Temp%
- %Windows%
Beware, however, that it is not an easy task to locate all of these files as some of them may be set to mimic legitimate system files. And you need to be very careful in case that you choose a manual removal approach as the deletion of some legitimate system files may result in its total crash.
A sure trait that your system has been infected with .PRCP Matrix ransomware is the appearance of a file called #README_PRCP#.rtf in any folder. This file contains a ransom message left by hackers. Its purpose is to convince you that you should pay them a demanded ransom amount in order to restore .PRCP files. For the sake of your security, we recommend you to avoid their instructions and attempt to deal with the problem in a secure way.
.PRCP Files Virus – Encryption Process
Since .PRCP files virus is a strain of Matric ransomware family it is likely to apply a combination of two sophisticated cipher algorithms (AES-128 + RSA-2048) to encrypt target types of files.
During data encryption process the ransomware transforms parts of the original code of target files in order to restrict the access to their data and demand a ransom payment for their decryption. Unfortunately, you could find all your valuable files encrypted by this Matrix variant including but not limiting to your:
- Audio files
- Video files
- Document files
- Image files
- Backup files
- Banking credentials, etc
Following encryption, all corrupted files appear with the extension .PRCP appended to their names. Along with this extension, two more could be also appended to the names of corrupted files. An email address for contact with hackers and a sequence of several alphanumeric characters unique for every infected user.
Due to the fact that the code of renamed files is transformed, they could not be opened before their code is reverted back to its original state. One of the ways for decryption is the unique decryption key possessed by hackers. However, you should know that there are alternative methods that could help you in the attempts to restore data. Hackers’ promises are not to be believed. There is no guarantee that their decrypter is working properly. So they could trick you once again and steal your money.
Remove .PRCP Files Virus and Restore Data
The .PRCP files virus is a threat with highly complex code that plagues not only your files but your whole system. So you should clean and secure properly your infected system before you could use it regularly again. Below you could find a step-by-step removal guide that may be helpful in attempting to remove this ransomware. Choose the manual removal approach if you have previous experience with malware files. If you don’t feel comfortable with the manual steps select the automatic section from the guide. Steps there enable you to check the infected system for ransomware files and remove them with a few mouse clicks.
In order to keep your system safe from ransomware and other types of malware in future, you should consider the installation of a reliable anti-malware program. Additional security layer that could prevent the occurrence of ransomware attacks is [wplinkpreview url=”https://sensorstechforum.com/the-most-popular-free-anti-ransomware-tools/”]anti-ransomware tool.
If you want to understand how to fix encrypted files without paying the ransom read carefully all the details mentioned in the step “Restore files”. Beware that before the data recovery process you should back up all encrypted files to an external drive as this will prevent their irreversible loss.
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 .PRCP Files Virus with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall .PRCP 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 .PRCP 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 .PRCP 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 .PRCP Files Virus
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by .PRCP 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 .PRCP 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.
.PRCP Files Virus-FAQ
What is .PRCP Files Virus Ransomware?
.PRCP 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 .PRCP 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 .PRCP Files Virus Infect?
Via several ways..PRCP 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 .PRCP 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 ..PRCP Files Virus files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the ..PRCP 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 ..PRCP Files Virus files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore "..PRCP Files Virus" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore ..PRCP 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 .PRCP 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 .PRCP Files Virus ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important ..PRCP 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 .PRCP 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 .PRCP Files Virus Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this .PRCP 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 .PRCP 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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- Always check "About Us" web page.
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