How to remove PyL33T ransomware virus

PyL33T ransomware developed in Python, still in development process

We added PyL33T virus to ransomware^[1] category. It is a malicious program created in Python^[2] language; we do not see such variants very frequently. Although the virus is just in the development process at the moment, we feel the need to inform computer users about it and warn them to beware of it. The ransomware uses deception methods to enter the computer system, and once it reaches it, it starts scanning the PC for files that have certain file extensions. It has a target list of extensions, and once it finds a file of a particular kind, PyL33T ransomware encrypts it to make the file inaccessible for the computer user. When encrypting a file, PyL33T malware uses a public encryption key and adds .d4nk file extension after corrupting the file. As far as we know, the virus uses AES (CBC mode)^[3] encryption method. The list of PyL33T target file extensions is provided below.

.doc, .docx, .ppt, .pub, .pdf, .xlxs, .mp3, .mov, .mp4, .docm, .oma, .html, .jpg, .JPEG, .php, .sql, .7z, .css, .raw, .odb, .odc, .pptx, .dba, .sql, .wallet, .kbdx.

Virus researchers noticed a couple of updated versions of d4nk ransomware on the Internet already, which means that its developers are actively working on this ransomware project. It goes without saying that these malicious actors are going to use the ransomware as an extortion tool and demand a ransom in exchange for data decryption service. To secure your PC from this virus or a different ransomware kind attack, create a data backup^[4], install a decent anti-malware software (such as FortectIntego or SpyHunterCombo Cleaner), and try to stay away from Internet hazards – we provide more information about ransomware distribution ways in the next paragraph. In case you got infected with this particular ransomware, remove PyL33T using professional malware removal programs instead of trying to delete the virus on your own. You can find detailed PyL33T removal manual right below this article.

How can I prevent ransomware attacks?

Ransomware reaches its targets due to tricks it uses to convince them to install it. Typically, ransomware creators make malicious codes and insert them into Word files, and such documents ask the victim to allow Macros^[5] in order to read their content. Sadly, as soon as the victim activates Macros, the malicious code connects to a certain server and downloads the ransomware from there. In some cases, ransomware is distributed on a larger scale using exploit kits, infected ad networks, Trojans, and other techniques. It can be hard to protect your PC from all Internet dangers, so we strongly suggest using tools created by people who work on this matter and fight against malware on a daily basis.

How can I remove PyL33T virus and decrypt my files?

We have good and bad news for you. First of all, the good thing is that you can remove PyL33T virus rather easily – just use a powerful malware remover. The bad news is that it can be very hard, or nearly impossible to restore your files. Of course, you can reverse the damage in less than an hour if you have a data backup; unhappily, many people do not have backups. In such case, you should try data recovery methods we described right below these PyL33T removal guidelines.