How to remove Pdff ransomware

.Pdff file virus is ransomware virus which requires using pdfhelp@firemail.cc email address to contact its creators

Pdff ransomware is a cryptovirus that was first spotted on January the 10th affecting Middle East computer users. The malware is a variant of STOP ransomware and Djvu ransomware viruses which have been using AES^[1] encryption algorithm to lock up data by appending .pdff file extension to each of the affected files. For example, a picture.jpg is turned into picture.jpg.pdff, and becomes inaccessible. .Pdff files virus then drops a ransom note _openme.txt  into each of the affected folders which explains victims that they have to contact crooks via pdfhelp@india.com or pdfhelp@firemail.cc and pay ransom in Bitcoin in order to retrieve the decryptor that is stored on a remote server by hackers. Allegedly, criminals offer 50% discount if the user contacts them within the first 72 hours. Unfortunately, the ransomware is not decryptable yet, and users will have to use alternative methods when trying to recover their data.

Ransomware is one of the most dangerous virus types. After users remove Pdff ransomware, the locked data will not be reverted to normal, and access to files will still be denied. To recover data, victims need a unique key that is stored on a Command & Control^[2] server that is controlled by virus authors.

The _openme.txt note states the following:

—————– ALL YOUR FILES ARE ENCRYPTED ———————
Don't worry, you can return all your files!
All your files documents, photos, databases and other important are encrypted with strongest encryption and unique key. The only method of recovering files is to purchase decrypt tool and unique key for you. This software will decrypt all your encrypted files.
What guarantees do we give to you?
You can send one of your encrypted file from your PC and we decrypt it for free. But we can decrypt only 1 file for free. File must not contain valuable information. You can download video overview decrypt tool:
hxxps://www.sendspace.com/file/1sg7f3
Don't try to use third-party decrypt tools because it will destroy your files. Discount 50% available if you contact us first 72 hours.
—————————————————————————————

It is very typical of cybercriminals to promise the decryptor after the payment and even offer test decryption in order to convince users that file recovery is possible. However, Pdff ransomware authors cannot be trusted, as they can simply take the money and never grant the access to your files. Additionally, paying hackers only increases their motivation of expanding their campaigns and infecting more people.

Thus, do not contact bad actors and do not pay the ransom. The first thing you should do is taking care of .Pdff virus removal. You can find all the instructions below. After that is complete, you can either use backups or third-party tools to recover your files. Additionally, we recommend you scan your machine with FortectIntego in order to fix virus damage and revert system changes made by malware.

Spam email attachments might carry the dangerous payload of ransomware

Users usually take cybersecurity lightly and never think that the virus might affect them. In the meantime, some less computer savvy individuals might not even know what ransomware infection is. Thus, it is important to understand the main distribution methods of crypto viruses to protect yourself. Experts^[3] suggest following these practices when browsing the internet:

• Do not casually open attachments like .doc, .txt, .pdf, .html, and similar formats, especially if the email author aggressively pursues you to. Also, be aware that malicious links can lead to infected sites where malware can be injected automatically;
• Use powerful security software and internet scanner. These tools can prevent most of ransomware viruses from entering the PC and encrypting files;
• Prepare backups on a regular basis;
• Use strong passwords for RDP and other accounts;
• Avoid visiting high-risk sites like porn, gambling, file-sharing, and similar;
• Scan executable files with anti-malware software before opening them

Eliminate Pdff ransomware and only then proceed with the file recovery procedure

Remember, you need to remove Pdff ransomware before you try to recover your data, or it will be encrypted again. To do that, you need to install reputable security software that is capable of detecting this particular malware. Be aware that AV vendors use different databases, so not all of them can identify Pdff virus.

Please follow our guide below for complete Pdff ransomware removal. Once complete, you can connect your backup device or copy files from a virtual server such as OneDrive, Dropbox, Google Drive and similar. If you do not have backups ready, there is not much chance to recover your files until security researchers release the official decryptor. However, you can try third-party recovery software that may be able to decipher at least some of the data.