Peet ransomware: what it is and how to remove it
Peet ransomware is the cryptovirus that belongs to Djvu ransomware family that recently become undecryptable again, especially the more recent versions with updated coding functions and proper RSA algorithm. The virus was detected by Michael Gillespie who is the main person updating the recent Emsisoft decryption tool for STOP Djvu.
Facts checked October 6, 2026. Removal steps tested on Windows 11 (26H2) and checked against Microsoft's and the browser makers' current documentation. Sections marked as our earlier report are the original text: they describe the threat as it was then and have not been reviewed since. The 2026 status, the removal steps and the questions are current.
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Peet ransomware: summary
| Distribution | Cracked software, cheat code packages, torrent files, and other infected content distributed online. Spam email attachments can also load ransomware payload if you don't pay enough attention to details and senders or the purpose of notification, in general[2] |
|---|---|
| Name | Peet ransomware |
| File marker | .peet appears on every encoded file when photos, documents or video, audio data becomes useless and locked |
| Family | Djvu/ STOP virus |
| Ransom note | _readme.txt is the file placed on the system in various folders, so the victim can know what to do next after the infection |
| Ransom amount | $980 or can be discounted to $490 if you contact the criminals in less than 72 hours |
| Removal | Scan the PC with security software to find and remove the malware and anything installed with it. Fortect scans Windows for malware and repairs the system files and settings it damaged. Remove it nowTo use the full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Fortect. The scan is free. |
Show 14 more facts
| Contact emails | restoredatahelp@firemail.cc, gorentos@bitmessage.ch |
|---|---|
| Decryptable? | Previous versions can possibly get decrypted using this software, but Peet ransomware victims can get help when offline IDs are used only. Try to contact Michael Gillespie if your personal ID ends with t1 |
| Detection names | No Microsoft detection name is known |
| Encrypted file extension | .peet |
| Decryptor | No free decryptor is known for this variant; check No More Ransom (nomoreransom.org) for updates |
| Damage | Not recorded in the old report |
| Type | File-encrypting ransomware |
| Symptoms | Files renamed with a new extension and a ransom note left in folders |
| Evidence | 4 write-ups by security sites; no sample analysed yet |
| Encrypted files | .peet |
| Attacker contacts | restoredatahelp@firemail.cc |
| Free decryptor | No free decryptor is known (checked 6 October 2026) |
| First seen | 14 November 2019 |
| Facts checked | 6 October 2026 |
- File extension:
.peet - Note file:
_readme.txt - Contact:
restoredatahelp@firemail.cc
From our report of Nov 2019 · not reviewed since
More from our earlier report on Peet ransomware
- The best option for Peet ransomware removal is anti-malware tools that can terminate the threat completely
- The threat affects system files and disables some crucial functions, so try to recover those parts of the machine and fix the damage by running on the PC
How Peet ransomware behaves
From our report of Nov 2019 · not reviewed since
Peet is the ransomware threat that is using sophisticated encryption methods to lock users' files with .peet extension
Peet ransomware is the cryptovirus that belongs to Djvu ransomware family that recently become undecryptable again, especially the more recent versions with updated coding functions and proper RSA algorithm.
The virus was detected by Michael Gillespie who is the main person updating the recent Emsisoft decryption tool for STOP Djvu. Unfortunately, only some variants can be decrypted at the moment.
Peet is still using the _readme.txt ransom note that is asking to $980 for decrypting the affected files. However, the discount is promised if the victim contacts hackers via either restoredatahelp@firemail.cc or gorentos@bitmessage.ch for the decryption service. Allegedly, the victim will have to pay "only" $490 for recovering files. We do NOT recommend paying and supporting their malicious business.
This is the version of notorious malware and can load additional payloads of trojans, info-stealing threats on the machine after the initial encryption process. Also, Peet focuses on file encryption but runs more damaging processes in the background that affects the virus termination and data recovery further.
Peet ransomware can change preferences, disable functions, programs and delete files neede for file recovery like Shadow Volume Copies. You can enter the Safe Mode with Networking while you scan the machine with an anti-malware tool and achieve the full system cleaning this way. You can restore the system to a previous state entirely. The most important thing is to restrain from paying entirely.
Peet ransomware delivers a convincing ransom-demanding message, but you should ignore those claims. There is no guarantee that creators will recover your files after the payment. They can load another script on your device via email instead.
Peet ransomware ransom note _readme.txt shows the following:
Make sure to react as soon as possible once you receive this message, so Peet ransomware can be terminated before any significant damage, and your files may get recovered without much difficulty. When the virus changes important parts and disables functions, you may not get any luck with ShadowExplorer, and other system features helping with file restoring.
Also, remember that when you attach an external device it can also get encrypted or damaged when traces of the cryptovirus remain on the system. Clean the computer fully before doing anything else.
Unfortunately, Peet is no longer decryptable. Criminals behind this cryptocurrency malware have changed their encryption method and employed powerful methods. In addition to that, almost all of the recent versions use online ID keys instead of offline ID keys, so, once files get affected, in most cases they cannot be recovered.
However, researchers note that it takes a long time for malware experts to come up with such difficult tools that can decrypt and restore encrypted data. The best solution for your data is backups or third party software because experts have nothing to offer at this point or if ever.
From our report of Nov 2019 · not reviewed since
Peet ransomware encryption functionality and possibilities to get your files back
Djvu family is known for a few years now, and researchers have determined that some of the versions use offline IDs, and some rely on online IDs.
This functionality makes a huge difference for victims.
Offline IDs generally end in t1 and can be identified easily. This also means that ransomware can't connect to command and control servers while encrypting files, so built-in encryption keys and IDs get used. Everyone that gets infected by the same Djvu ransomware variant has the same ID too, so files can be decrypted using one key.
When it comes to online IDs that Peet is using, the C&C server connection allows the virus to generate random keys, and each victim that gets infected needs to get that particular decryption key to recover files completely. Since you cannot use keys from other computers, Peet ransomware removal and decryption become merely impossible.
Older versions in this family (those in distribution until the end of August 2019), were the ones that supported offline IDs for almost all of the variants. This fact made it easily decryptable, so almost all of the victims got their files recovered. STOPDecrypter tool was based on this functionality.
New versions use a more secure and sophisticated RSA encryption method and online IDs. So when it comes to some offline IDs, they can be used for decryption, but in few cases only. Other ones that include online IDs, like Peet ransomware virus, cannot be decrypted because even researchers have nothing to offer for the decryption and file recovery.
Some of the malware experts claim that decryption for these more recent versions of Djvu, including the last ones like .lokf, .mosk, .toec, might not be possible for a long time if ever.
It depends on law enforcement and their ability to catch criminals operating this virus. Whether databases get exposed and all the keys surface the public, victims can get their files decrypted. However, this is less likely to happen because ransomware creators most often remain unidentified.
It is better to remove Peet ransomware from the machine, store those malware files, encrypted data, and wait for some time, but clean the machine to have a normal working device again.
You should rely on anti-malware tools and terminate the virus, then you can employ a system tool like to fix possible damage or corrupted system files. NoVirus.uk team recommends double-checking every process when it comes to cryptovirus or extortion-based malware like this.
From our report of Nov 2019 · not reviewed since
Ransomware comes on the system with the help of safe-looking files
Most of the infections categorized as ransomware use infected files as a vector for virus distribution.
It is easy to spread around because various types of files circulate the web. Email attachments get malicious scrip planted on documents, PDFs, executables, so once the notification is received and the file opened malware runs on the PC. You only need to enable the content suggested on the document, and the virus can access all of your files.
Software applications that utilize weak points of the machine can also be used to spread infection. Such files get injected into pirated software packages and torrent sites, so when you think you get cheats, key generators, license activators, or video game cracks, you get malicious payload.
Keep away from shady freeware distributors, promotional content, torrent sites, pirated software, and other deceptive sites. You should always note how reliable the source is and pay close attention to emails you receive on a daily basis. Keep the system virus-free with proper AV tools running from time to time.
The Peet ransomware note
ATTENTION!
Don't worry, you can return all your files!
All your files like photos, databases, documents 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 you have?
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 get and look video overview decrypt tool:
https://we.tl/t-514KtsAKtH
Price of private key and decrypt software is $980.
Discount 50% available if you contact us first 72 hours, that's price for you is $490.
Please note that you'll never restore your data without payment.
Check your e-mail "Spam" or "Junk" folder if you don't get answer more than 6 hours.
To get this software you need write on our e-mail:
restoredatahelp@firemail.cc
Reserve e-mail address to contact us:
gorentos@bitmessage.ch
Our Telegram account:
@datarestore
Your personal ID:
How to remove Peet ransomware
Tools you'll need
All of these are free except where noted. Download them on a clean device if the infected PC is offline.
- A USB stick: to keep the ransom note, two or three encrypted files and screenshots off the infected PC.
- Microsoft Defender Offline: built into Windows 11 and Windows 10; scans before Windows starts, so running malware cannot hide.
- Microsoft Safety Scanner: a second, portable scanner with current signatures; each download works for 10 days.
- ID Ransomware: identifies the family from the note and one encrypted file and says whether a decryptor exists.
- No More Ransom: the free decryptors from police and security companies; check it again every few months.
- Fortect (optional): scans Windows for malware and repairs the system files and settings it damaged. The free scan is in the box above.
How to remove Peet ransomware and get your files back
Work in this order.
Disconnecting comes first, removal comes before any restore, and nothing here asks you to contact the attackers.
Step 1: Disconnect the PC and unplug backup drives
Unplug the network cable or turn off Wi-Fi, and disconnect USB drives, external disks and network shares, so Peet ransomware cannot reach more files. Pause OneDrive, Google Drive or Dropbox sync, because synced folders upload the encrypted copies over the good ones.
Leave the PC on but offline while you read the next steps, since a restart can let the ransomware run again. This applies to Windows 11 and Windows 10 alike.
Windows 11: turn off Wi-Fi to take the PC offline. Full procedure with screenshots: Ransomware: first steps, finding a decryptor and recovering files
Step 2: Save the ransom note and confirm the family
Your files now end in
.peetand the instructions are in_readme.txt. Save both to a USB stick, a copy of the note and two small encrypted files, before anything else.On another device, check them with ID Ransomware or Crypto Sheriff: the family name decides which decryptor, if any, can help. Keep the note's ID and contact line for your report.
Windows 11: the ransom note and encrypted files to copy for identification. Full procedure with screenshots: Ransomware: first steps, finding a decryptor and recovering files
Step 3: Check for a free decryptor
Our last check found that for Peet ransomware, no free decryptor is known (checked 6 October 2026). Look again yourself in the No More Ransom list and the free decryptor pages of Emsisoft, Avast and Kaspersky, which add new families every year.
A decryptor needs the ransomware gone first, or it encrypts the files again. Keep at least one copy of the encrypted files on an external drive, even if no tool works yet.
Full procedure with screenshots: Ransomware: first steps, finding a decryptor and recovering files
Step 4: Remove the ransomware before you restore or decrypt
Removing Peet ransomware does not bring the files back, but it has to come first. Start with Defender's Full scan, then the offline scan from the same Scan options page, which checks the disk before Windows loads.
If the scan cannot start, use Safe Mode with Networking. Delete the ransom notes only after you have saved a copy, because removal tools sometimes leave them behind on Windows 11 and Windows 10.
Windows 11: Windows Security > Virus & threat protection > Scan options. Full procedure with screenshots: Run a Microsoft Defender Offline scan
Step 5: Look for shadow copies of the files
Windows keeps shadow copies for restore points and backups, and some ransomware fails to delete them.
vssadmin list shadowsin an administrator Command Prompt tells you at once whether any exist.If they do, right-click the folder that held your files, open Properties > Previous Versions, select a version from before the attack, and click Open to check it before you Restore or copy the files out. Windows 11 and Windows 10 both have the tab.
Windows 11: vssadmin list shadows shows whether shadow copies exist. Full procedure with screenshots: Ransomware: first steps, finding a decryptor and recovering files
Step 6: Restore the files from a backup or recover deleted originals
A backup made before the attack is the surest way back. Connect it only once the PC is clean, then restore from File History, Windows Backup, OneDrive's Restore your OneDrive or your own external copies.
Without a backup, try file recovery: the originals that Peet ransomware deleted may still be on the disk until something overwrites them. Install nothing new on the drive you want to recover from on the Windows 11 or Windows 10 PC.
Full procedure with screenshots: Recover deleted files (Recycle Bin, backups, OneDrive) On uGetFix
Instructions for each browser and system
The detailed steps for every browser and system this guide covers. Open the one you use.
Manual removal using Safe Mode
Important! →
Manual removal guide might be too complicated for regular computer users. It requires advanced IT knowledge to be performed correctly (if vital system files are removed or damaged, it might result in full Windows compromise), and it also might take hours to complete. Therefore, we highly advise using the automatic method provided above instead.
Step 1. Access Safe Mode with Networking
Manual malware removal should be best performed in the Safe Mode environment.
Windows 7 / Vista / XP
- Click Start > Shutdown > Restart > OK.
- When your computer becomes active, start pressing F8 button (if that does not work, try F2, F12, Del, etc. - it all depends on your motherboard model) multiple times until you see the Advanced Boot Options window.
- Select Safe Mode with Networking from the list.
Windows 10 / Windows 8
- Right-click on Start button and select Settings.
- Scroll down to pick Update & Security.
- On the left side of the window, pick Recovery.
- Now scroll down to find Advanced Startup section.
- Click Restart now.
- Select Troubleshoot.
- Go to Advanced options.
- Select Startup Settings.
- Press Restart.
- Now press 5 or click 5) Enable Safe Mode with Networking.
Step 2. Shut down suspicious processes
Windows Task Manager is a useful tool that shows all the processes running in the background. If malware is running a process, you need to shut it down:
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc on your keyboard to open Windows Task Manager.
- Click on More details.
- Scroll down to Background processes section, and look for anything suspicious.
- Right-click and select Open file location.
- Go back to the process, right-click and pick End Task.
- Delete the contents of the malicious folder.
Step 3. Check program Startup
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc on your keyboard to open Windows Task Manager.
- Go to Startup tab.
- Right-click on the suspicious program and pick Disable.
Step 4. Delete virus files
Malware-related files can be found in various places within your computer. Here are instructions that could help you find them:
- Type in Disk Cleanup in Windows search and press Enter.
- Select the drive you want to clean (C: is your main drive by default and is likely to be the one that has malicious files in).
- Scroll through the Files to delete list and select the following:
Temporary Internet Files
Downloads
Recycle Bin
Temporary files - Pick Clean up system files.
- You can also look for other malicious files hidden in the following folders (type these entries in Windows Search and press Enter):
%AppData%
%LocalAppData%
%ProgramData%
%WinDir%
After you are finished, reboot the PC in normal mode.
From our report of Nov 2019 · not reviewed since
Peet ransomware elimination requires professional tools designed to fight malware
To remove Peet ransomware completely from the system, you need to have patience and employ a proper tool that experts can recommend as safe and trustworthy.
Anti-malware tools can run a full check on the system and get rid of the malware, associated files or injected payloads.
However, when you get rid of the Peet ransomware virus using such a program that doesn't mean your files get restored. Antivirus programs are created to terminate malware, malicious files, dangerous applications, not to decrypt or repair the damage. For that, you need other tools or your file backups that can replace affected data.
Registry repair, patching system files can get difficult, so system tools help you with that. Then you can be calm and restore files yourself.
[GI=method-1]Reboot the machine, so your AV tool can work properly for Peet ransomware removal
[GI=method-2]You may benefit from the System Restore feature that allows the machine to recover the OS to the previous state when the infection was not present
Windows Previous Versions can restore those malware-affected files for you
When System Restore gets enabled, Windows Previous Version can recover your data
ShadowExplorer - a tool for Peet ransomware encrypted files
However, when cryptovirus affects Shadow Volume Copies, you cannot use ShadoExplorer for data restoring
Decryption for some versions of this family is possible
Peet ransomware, ins not decryptable, in most cases, due to sophisticated encryption methods. However, here is the information about the STOP virus family and all the decryption possibilities for previous versions.
Report it and recover your files
Report it
Report the attack even if you do not expect the files back: insurers and banks ask for the report number, and police use the contacts in the note to link cases.
- United States
- FBI IC3 · FTC ReportFraud
- United Kingdom
- Report Fraud (formerly Action Fraud) · NCSC
- Australia
- ReportCyber (ASD)
- EU countries
- Europol: national reporting sites
Give the victim ID, the note and the date the files were encrypted. A business that holds personal data may also have to notify its data protection authority, in the EU within 72 hours.
Backups: the 3-2-1 rule
Keep three copies of files that matter, on two kinds of storage, with one copy offline or off-site.
A disk that stays plugged in is reached by malware like Peet ransomware together with the PC; one you connect only for the backup is not.
On Windows 11, File History keeps versions on an external drive, and OneDrive keeps earlier versions of synced files. Before restoring anything, make sure the PC no longer shows files that end in .peet and no longer open.
Setting it up step by step: 3-2-1 backups on Windows 11 and 10.
Choose a proper web browser and improve your safety with a VPN tool
Online spying has got momentum in recent years and people are getting more and more interested in how to protect their privacy online.
One of the basic means to add a layer of security - choose the most private and secure web browser. Although web browsers can't grant full privacy protection and security, some of them are much better at sandboxing, HTTPS upgrading, active content blocking, tracking blocking, phishing protection, and similar privacy-oriented features.
However, if you want true anonymity, we suggest you employ a powerful VPN - it can encrypt all the traffic that comes and goes out of your computer, preventing tracking completely.
Lost your files? Use data recovery software
While some files located on any computer are replaceable or useless, others can be extremely valuable.
Family photos, work documents, school projects - these are types of files that we don't want to lose. Unfortunately, there are many ways how unexpected data loss can occur:
- power cuts
- Blue Screen of Death errors
- hardware failures
- crypto-malware attack
- even accidental deletion
To ensure that all the files remain intact, you should prepare regular data backups. You can choose cloud-based or physical copies you could restore from later in case of a disaster. If your backups were lost as well or you never bothered to prepare any, can be your only hope to retrieve your invaluable files.
Questions about Peet ransomware
Is there a decryptor for .peet files?
That depends on the family behind the .peet extension, which this guide cannot confirm yet from the reports alone. Check No More Ransom and ID Ransomware with your ransom note and one encrypted file; they list families with free tools.
If none exists today, keep the encrypted files and a copy of the note on a separate drive, because decryptors are sometimes published months later after flaws are found or servers are seized. Never buy a decryptor from a website that is not the security company that made it.
Should I pay the ransom in _readme.txt?
Not before you have tried everything else. Identify the family from _readme.txt and one encrypted file, check No More Ransom for a free decryptor, and look for clean copies in OneDrive, backups and Previous Versions.
Paying funds further attacks, may be illegal if the group is sanctioned, and is no promise of a working key: many victims get partial or broken decryption. If you consider paying for business-critical data, involve the police and a professional incident responder first, and never pay through intermediaries who promise their own decryption.
How do I open .peet files?
You cannot open them by renaming or by choosing another program. The .peet ending shows that Peet ransomware encrypted the content, and only the matching key can reverse it. Renaming a file back to .docx or .jpg changes nothing except the icon, and it can confuse a future decryptor, so leave the names as they are.
To get the content back, use a backup, an unencrypted copy elsewhere, or a decryptor listed on No More Ransom if one exists for Peet ransomware. Store the encrypted files on an external disk until then.
Did Peet ransomware steal my files or passwords?
We do not know yet. Nothing published so far shows data theft by Peet ransomware, but the only confirmed sign is files that end in .peet and no longer open, which says nothing about what happened before. Many current ransomware attacks copy files or run a password stealer first, so it is wise to act as if they did.
From a clean device, change the passwords that were saved in the browsers on this PC, starting with e-mail and banking, sign out of all sessions and turn on two-step verification. Watch bank statements and account activity for the next few weeks.
How did Peet ransomware get on my computer?
The way Peet ransomware spreads has not been documented yet, so look at your own recent activity. On home PCs, ransomware most often comes with cracked programs, game cheats, key generators and fake updates, or with an e-mail attachment that was opened. On business networks, attackers usually log in through Remote Desktop with a stolen or guessed password.
Think back to what was downloaded or installed in the days before files that end in .peet and no longer open, and check the Downloads folder and Installed apps sorted by date. Keep anything suspicious for your report, but do not run it again.
Can a data-recovery company decrypt my files for a fee?
Only if a decryptor already exists or the company pays the attackers for you. Some "ransomware recovery" services advertise that they can decrypt families with no known flaw; in practice they negotiate with the attackers and add their own fee. Others use the same free tools listed on No More Ransom.
Before you hire anyone, ask in writing how they will recover the files, whether they will contact the attackers and what happens if they fail. A legitimate service answers clearly. If a free decryptor exists for your family, you can run it yourself.
Is Peet ransomware the same as other ransomware with a similar name?
Not necessarily. Ransomware names come from the file extension, the note or a word in the code, so unrelated families often end up with similar names, and one family can appear under several names. The difference matters: a decryptor or advice for one family does not fit another and can damage files.
Compare the ending added to your files and the exact name of the note with the summary table at the top of this guide, then upload the note and one encrypted file to ID Ransomware from a clean device. If the result names another family, follow the guide for that family instead.
Should I open _readme.txt?
Reading it is fine if you open it in Notepad. A plain text _readme.txt cannot harm the PC. Be careful with notes in HTA or HTML format: double-clicking those runs them in a window that can contain scripts, so right-click and choose Open with > Notepad instead.
The note tells you the contact addresses, the claimed amount and the deadline. Do not visit links or write to the addresses from this PC. Use the note to identify the family and check for a free decryptor first.
My files got .peet overnight. What happened?
Ransomware often runs at night or when the PC is idle, so the encryption finishes before anyone notices. It usually entered earlier through a cracked program, a fake installer, an e-mail attachment or remote desktop with a weak password.
The .peet extension marks every file it reached. Start by disconnecting the PC from the network, then identify the family from the ransom note and one encrypted file, check for a decryptor, and look for copies in backups and OneDrive before you consider anything else.
Will Fortect remove Peet ransomware?
Fortect scans Windows for malware and unwanted programs and repairs the system files and settings they change, and its free scan shows what it finds on your PC before you decide anything.
For Peet ransomware, follow the plan above as well: the browser steps take back permissions and settings that no scanner treats as a threat, and uninstalling the program that brought it removes the source.
Run Microsoft Defender's full scan and, if anything was found, its offline scan as a second opinion. If the symptoms are gone after the plan and both scans are clean, there is nothing more to do.
Sources
- Wikipedia: RSA public key cryptosystem (read October 6, 2026)
- Microsoft: Macro malware (read October 6, 2026)
- CISA: StopRansomware (read October 6, 2026)
- No More Ransom (read October 6, 2026)
- FTC: How to recognize, remove and avoid malware (read October 6, 2026)