Skip to content
  • Active
  • Severity: High
  • Ransomware
  • Windows
  • Verified · Dec 2018

How to remove PewDiePie ransomware

A step-by-step removal guide for affected devices. Follow the verified procedure below — most readers complete it in under 10 minutes.

Lucia Danes · Virus researcher

PewDiePie ransomware – a screenlocker which was created to threaten users

PewDiePie virus

PewDiePie ransomware is a file locking cyber threat which, according to Malware Hunter Team, belongs to ShellLocker ransomware family. Some cybersecurity researchers have been speculating that this malware was created like a joke or for supporting the well-known Youtuber PewDiePie[1] who is known for the biggest number of subscribers and only a new channel named TSeries is one step below this social persona.[2] These speculations appeared because, once infected with PewDiePie virus, the victim receives a note urging him/her to subscribe to PewDiePie's channel. It looks like the ransomware uses the .hwuwhdw appendix to lock files and the only way to recover them is by clicking on the link given below. You can notice this cyber threat from the PewDiePie.exe process running in the system. Even though this type of activity might seem harmless, you should avoid any contact with the crooks and do not click on any dubious links as the criminals might try to convince you to pay them a particular amount of money.

Name  PewDiePie 
Type Ransomware
Related to ShellLocker
Purpose To threaten users and convince them to click on a specific link where you can subscribe to PewDiePie on Youtube
Appendix .hwuwhdw
Ransom note No particular price is urged, the victims are asked to click on a specific link only to subscribe to Youtuber's channel
Main File PewDiePie.exe
Removal Use a tool such as FortectIntego to detect all rogue components, and complete the virus removal automatically

When infected with ransomware, victims receive this type of message:

You Have Been Fucked By PewDiePie RansomWare.

You have 2 days to help PewDiePie win the battle against
TSeries by subscribing.
The only thing you have to do is to follow the link given
below.

As you can see, the cybercriminals give two days to click on the below-given hyperlink. Even though no ransom price is urged, you should avoid doing anything the crooks say, otherwise, you might put yourself into some trouble. If you have spotted some encrypted files and there is no rush for unlocking them, you should remove PewDiePie virus and take a look at some data recovery tips that you can find below this article. Make sure to choose the most suitable method.

Cryptolockers, such as PewDiePie ransomware, are known for using unique encryption[3] algorithms to lock up important documents that are stored on the infected PC. Crooks often use AES, RSA, or SHA keys which allow to block files and turn them unusable. These codes can be hard to identify as the algorithm differs each time. However, this definitely does not mean that you have to rush and do everything the crooks say in order to restore your files back.

Perform the PewDiePie ransomware removal by using automatical tools only. Manual elimination is not a wise option for this case as the file locking virus might hide various components, files, and run rogue processes in the system that can be missed by the user's eye. Furthermore, our cybersecurity experts recommend using a reliable computer tool such as FortectIntego to detect all malware-laden content that might be secretly hidden anywhere in your computer system.

Note that it is strongly recommended to get rid of PewDiePie ransomware ASAP. According to computer specialists from Virusai.lt,[4] such viruses might have various damaging abilities. Ransomware might modify the Registry by injecting dubious entries, it can leave malware-related content in the system which might cause even more harm. Furthermore, some cryptolockers are even capable of avoiding antivirus detection or injecting other malware forms.

PewDiePie ransomware

Ransomware infections can spread thru phishing emails or P2P sites

If you have been infected with a ransomware virus, there are a few possible ways from where this cyber threat might have come from. It is known that various free file sharing and software downloading websites can distribute such malware. For example, Torrents, eMule, The Pirates Bay, and other third-party sources might be the source of ransomware viruses. We suggest avoiding these types of websites, better download software only from original pages and hyperlinks.

Moreover, file locking viruses can come from phishing email messages. In order to avoid such secret installation, you should always:

  • Check the sender. If it comes from an unrecognizable one, do not even consider opening the message or its rogue attachments. 
  • Check the email for grammar mistakes. If it contains many, there is a big possibility that such letter was sent for illegal purposes as official organizations write their emails with no mistakes included.
  • Think if you were expecting to receive anything lately. If not, consider deleting the email letter and all its attachments permanently in order to avoid possible damaging activities.

Get rid of PewDiePie ransomware

If you have been infected with this dangerous-looking cyber threat, you should consider removing it. Perform the PewDiePie ransomware removal by using reputable tools only. Furthermore, we suggest downloading and installing computer software such as FortectIntego, SpyHunterCombo Cleaner, or MalwarebytesMalwarebytes. These programs will scan the entire system and search for all malware-laden content that might be intruding the computing work or damaging the system.

Furthermore, it is recommendable to boot your computer to Safe Mode with Networking or use the System Restore feature to disable all harmful activities. After you remove PewDiePie virus, make sure you perform some system backups to check if all rogue content has vanished successfully. Furthermore, you can try recovering locked files by performing some data recovery methods which you can reach below.

Be the first to comment

Spyware news
Privacy preferences

We use cookies to improve your experience and analyze traffic. Some cookies enable embedded content like videos and social posts. Choose what you allow — you can change this anytime.