PwndLocker ransomware – a now decryptable malware that targets enterprise networks and asks for exceedingly high ransoms
PwndLocker ransomware[1] is the cryptovirus that locks files for the purpose of maximizing odds of ransom extortion. The malware strain is relatively new – it first entered the scene at the end of December 2019, targeting the city, business, and corporation networks and asking for ransoms that exceed 75 BTC in some cases ($170,000 – $660,000). The ransom payments also depend on the size of the organization or municipality. In one of such attacks – on Lasalle County in Illinois – the authors of the PwndLocker virus asked for 50 BTC for the decryptor, which is not going to be paid.[2] Luckily, security researcher Fabian Wosar from Emsisoft discovered a flaw that could help victims of PwndLocker to recover their data without paying huge extortion sums.[3]
PwndLocker ransomware virus starts with the encryption process as any other malware of this kind – it encrypts documents, databases, and other data with a secure algorithm AES, and appends a marker to each of the files (.pwnd or .key). To explain the situation, threat actors provide a ransom note H0w_T0_Rec0very_Files.txt – it asks victims to connect to the support panel via the Tor network or contact the attackers via the provided email. Allegedly, the PwndLocker ransomware decryptor is deleted after a month, and the ransom size doubles after two weeks. To make matters worse, cybercriminals threaten to publish highly sensitive company information if case the demands are not met – a new terrifying trend among ransomware makers that was started by a gang behind Maze ransomware.[4]
| Name | PwndLocker ransomware |
|---|---|
| Type | Cryptovirus |
| File marker | .pwnd and .key are known extensions that this threat uses for marking affected files on the infected systems |
| Ransom amount | PwndLocker ransomware is known to ask for exceptionally high ransoms ($170,000 – $660,000 in BTC). The sum usually depends on the size of the organization |
| Ransom note | H0w_T0_Rec0very_Files.txt is the file that appears after encryption to inform victims about the attack. Also, an additional message from virus developers appears on the desktop and as a program window that offers to pay and unlock files this way |
| Encryption method | Malware uses a symmetric algorithm AES[5] to lock files on the network |
| Distribution | Because the threat targets corporations, it is highly likely that it is distributed via unprotected RDP connections, targeted phishing emails, exploits, and similar methods |
| File recovery | Users can now recover the encrypted data for free – as long as they can retrieve an executable that is used to infect the network (unfortunately, it is not always possible). Once it is retrieved, victims can contact Emsisoft for help |
| Elimination | PwndLocker ransomware removal requires more attention from security experts when the large network is affected. The best way to clean the system from cush cryptovirus is anti-malware tools based on malware detection[6] |
| Repair | You need to consider the ransomware as one of the more dangerous threats, so PC repair tools like FortectIntego are needed to fix virus damage that can affect your machine even when the virus itself is terminated |
Bitcoin is the preferred cryptocurrency that PwndLocker ransomware developers would like to get from their victims so in the ransom note file H0w_T0_Rec0very_Files.txt criminals listed places where you can create the wallet and exchange dollar or another currency in the most popular crypto.
According to the ransom message, when you access the particular account that criminals provide you, you can contact them and receive further payment instructions. You need to follow the steps in PwndLocker ransom note in two days or less, as the following note states:
Your network have been penetrated and encrypted with a strong algorythm
Backups were either removed or encrypted
No one can help you to recover the network except us
Do not share this link or email, otherwise, we will have to delete the decryption keys
To get your files back you have to pay the decryption fee in BTC.
The price depends on the network size, number of employess and annual revenue.
Download TOR-Browser: https://www.torproject.org/download/
Login ***** using your ID ***
or
contact our support by email ***
You'll receive instructions inside.
You should get in contact with us within 2 days after you noticed the encryption to have a good discount.
The decryption key will be stored for 1 month.
The price will be increased by 100% in two weeks
We also have gathered your sensitive data.
We would share it in case you refuse to pay
Do not rename or move encrypted files
Decryption using third party software is impossible.
Attempts to self-decrypting files will result in the loss of your data.
You shouldn't consider paying criminals and remove PwndLocker ransomware from the system instead. Nevertheless, it is also important to backup the encrypted data, as threat termination might permanently damage it. While there is a new tool from Emsisoft available that could help you recovery your fails , its recovery from backups is the best way to avoid the devastating consequences of PwndLocker virus infection.
Besides locking data, PwndLocker is also known to cause several substantial changes to the Windows machines that get infected. Upon infiltration, the malware will proceed with the following system changes:
- Kills a variety of processes by running a taskkill.exe command (MS Office documents, web browsers, etc.);
- Disables Windows services related to BackupExec, Oracle, Microsoft SQL Server, and many others;
- Deletes Shadow Volume Copies by applying “vssadmin.exe delete shadows /all /quiet” command to prevent data recovery;
- Turns off anti-malware software that protects networks from malware intrusion, etc.
After the system is prepared for the encryption process, PwndLocker ransomware will target the most commonly-used file types, although it will skip data located in some of the folders (such as Windows NT, Recycle Bin, All Users, Microsoft, WindowsApps, etc.).
Since PwndLocker ransomware removal can get difficult due to termination of security software, although this step can usually be bypassed when entering Safe Mode with Networking – below we provide the instructions on how to access it.
PwndLocker ransomware is not the threat that only focuses on locking images, documents, video, audio files, or databases. It deletes various files and adds programs or damages existing data to make the machine more affected and malware persistent. Unfortunately, when malware hits enterprises, anti-malware tools may not be enough for the whole network, so you should rely on IT specialists who can manage the cybersecurity for you.
However, as for everyday computer users that have encountered PwndLocker ransomware on their machines, you should get a program like FortectIntego that could repair damaged registry entries or affected OS files for you.
PwndLocker decryptor is now available
Files can hold crucial information, especially when it comes to businesses and organisations. Besides, databases and documents also sometimes hold sensitive information of clients, putting their privacy and security at risk. In other words, infection of PwndLocker ransomware could be devastating to any company so much so that it would sometimes close its doors forever.
Luckily, there are security experts and ransomware hunters who are constantly working with new samples and create decryption tools that could help victims to recover data for free. Thanks to these efforts, PwndLocker ransomware is now decryptable, although there are a few “buts” for this to be successful.
Security expert Fabian Wosar discovered a flaw within PwndLocker virus' code. However, there is no a regular decryption tool that could be run on the system so far – users need to send a message to Wosar which also includes an executable file that was used to infect the network. Unfortunately, this file is usually deleted after the encryption process of data is complete.
Nevertheless, you may use ShadowExplorer or similar tools to recover the required file. When looking for it, you should check locations that it is usually stored at, including the following folders:
- %AppData%
- %Temp%
- C:\User
Ransomware targets the ones who can pay quickly
Malware in this cryptovirus category can spread using various methods. In most cases, stealthy techniques get employed for such distribution campaigns, especially when a virus targets large businesses and companies. Various organizations receive emails on a daily basis, and when the network connects many employees and users it becomes extremely dangerous to open the questionable file or an email itself.
Malicious macros, in most cases, get injected on Microsoft files like Word, Excel documents, PDF files. Once you receive the email with the attached file, you should consider the legitimacy of the sender and the notification itself before you go for the attachment.
Opening such a document leads to the form of enabling additional content – macros or direct payload drop. This is the way that malware gets on the machine or the whole system of machines. Trojans, malware, worms, and other viruses can get on the device this way and spread ransomware as a secondary payload.
Also, file with direct cryptovirus can get installed after you click the Enable or Allow button. Avoid any emails from shipping companies, shopping sites, and similar services, when you are not expecting to get any information from them.
Terminate all parts of the PwndLocker ransomware virus by scanning the system fully
Before you for the PwndLocker ransomware removal, you need to consider all the options. It is possible that researchers could develop the decryption tool after a while or when the vulnerability of encryption gets exposed. Base on such things, you can try to keep some virus-related files and encrypted data on external devices for later use.
However, you still need to remove PwndLocker ransomware from the system if you want to use the machine ever again. Any traces of the encryption-based threat can trigger secondary file locking and other malicious activities on the device, so it is not advised to use a computer that still has some sort of malware on it.
PwndLocker ransomware virus can get detected by many anti-malware tools, so choose SpyHunterCombo Cleaner or MalwarebytesMalwarebytes and run it on the machine. Once the scan is done, you should receive the list of malicious files, indicated files, and similar issues. Then, then the best step is to follow suggestions and delete all possible intruders and malware.
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