How to remove Pizhon ransomware

Pizhon virus – cryptovirus that encrypts users' files and holds them hostage until ransom is paid

Pizhon virus is a new ransomware that encrypts non-system files and demands a ransom for decryption. Computer data is appended with an extension “.pizhon,” and can no longer be accessed. After the infection, users' pictures, video/audio files, documents, etc. would appear as, e.g., “a.pdf.pizhon” instead of “a.pdf”. This encryption renders the files useless because they become inaccessible. A new file called !!!README!!!.txt demanding a ransom for decryption is created in all affected folders (you can see the whole note below this paragraph).

The whole ransom note is written in Russian and presents five steps to get users' files back. First, you'd have to download the Tor browser and create an email using that software. You'd then have to write the perpetrators an email using your unique prescribed user ID and wait for further instructions. The developers of Pizhon virus would then most likely send the victims a bitcoin wallet and a specific amount of bitcoins that would be required to unlock the files. 

As always, there's absolutely no guarantee that after the payment is completed, the promised decryption tool or key will ever be given. It's strongly recommended never to meet criminals' demands. Users should always have a reliable anti-malware software. To remove Pizhon ransomware, use a tool like SpyHunterCombo Cleaner or MalwarebytesMalwarebytes. These apps also prevent viruses such as this ransomware from infecting users' machines.

Infection on the computer starts as soon as an infected file dwintl_x64.exe file (file type – WIN32 EXE) ends up in the system via malicious email attachment, torrent, fake software updaters, or any other mischievous way. Although the names of these infectious files might differ.

Apart from having a dependable anti-malware software, people should always have backups in separate, different locations, e.g., USB drives, offline servers, cloud, etc. In case of infection that encrypts non-system computer data. After Pizhon virus removal of the virus and a quick system check and tune-up done using FortectIntego, users can restore the data from backups.

Ransom note reads:

Вся Ваша информация на этом компьютере была зашифрована.
Для расшифровки Вам нужно выполнить несложные действия:
————————————————————
1. Скачайте по ссылке тор-браузер, установите его:
 hxxps://www.torproject.org/download/download-easy.html
2. Откройте тор-браузер, перейдите по адресу и зарегистрируйте себе e-mail:
 hxxp://torbox36ijlcevujx7mjb4oiusvwgvmue7jfn2cvutwa6kl6to3uyqad.onion/signup-en.php
3. Войдите в почтовый ящик:
 hxxp://torbox36ijlcevujx7mjb4oiusvwgvmue7jfn2cvutwa6kl6to3uyqad.onion/wm/
4. Напишите письмо на e-mail:
 e-mail: pizhon@torbox3uiot6wchz.onion
 Укажите в письме Ваш код для разблокировки: unique ID
5. Ждите ответ.
————————————————————
Учтите, что письма с обычных email – мы не получим, кроме тех, которые есть в этом списке:
 hxp://torbox36ijlcevujx7mjb4oiusvwgvmue7jfn2cvutwa6kl6to3uyqad.onion/relay-en.php
————————————————————

Methods that ransomware uses to spread

There are various methods that cybercriminals use to spread their developed malware. Most common are:

• Spam emails
• Torrent websites
• Illegal activation tools
• Fake installation/updater tools

These are just a few ways that users' might infect their computers. We've all received some sort of spam mail in our lives. The smart thing to do is not to open any of it. But perpetrators find ways to fool users into thinking that they received an email from their banks, companies, or other senders that the victims would trust. Usually, the virus is waiting to be downloaded as an attachment. As soon as the unaware user opens the attachment – infection is started.

Torrent websites are full of numerous downloads, and you never know what exactly you're getting. Whilst downloading an illegal activation tool (aka “crack”) or a fake installer, the soon to be victim might download some malware. These threats are hidden everywhere, so if possible, use only a dependable installer downloaded from the developers of the apps, update software using genuine software, and stay attentive to what emails you're opening.

Recommended Pizhon virus removal tools and system fix

After the ransomware gets into your device, it is strongly recommended to immediately delete it before it has done any other damage to your system. To remove Pizhon ransomware we recommend using a trustworthy anti-malware  software like SpyHunterCombo Cleaner and MalwarebytesMalwarebytes as it not only will erase the virus, but also protect from these kinds of threats in the future. 

Elimination of the virus won't decrypt your files. Unfortunately, there's no third-party tool at the time that could unlock what the virus has done. But we strongly recommend never agree with the cybercriminals' demands. Instead of the promised decryption tool, they might infect your system even more and cause extensive damage. Use a powerful and dependable anti-malware software and always keep backups of your sensitive data.

After Pizhon virus removal is complete, we recommend using FortectIntego to find and restore the harm done to your system files. This kind of ransomware not only encrypts users' data but also alters Windows Registry, which could result in abnormal system behavior.