.PPTX ransomware is a file locking virus that belongs to GlobeImposter family
.PPTX Ransomware - a file locking cyber threat which belongs to the GlobeImposter ransomware family.
.PPTX ransomware is a file locking virus that comes from GlobeImposter ransomware family. The malware can get injected into the machine after users open malicious spam email attachments, visit dangerous sites, use weak passwords for RDP, or fail to patch the installed software on time. PPTX file extension virus uses several encryption[1] algorithms to lock up personal files and generates a unique key that is sent to a remote server controlled by hackers. To receive the access to data, victims are asked to pay $780 in Bitcoin, and all the information on how to do that is provided in READ_ME.txt ransom note that is dropped into every folder on the PC. PPTX virus authors double the price of ransom after two days; users are faced with the dilemma of whether on not to pay, as the ransomware is not decryptable yet.
Spam email attachments, dangerous websites, weak RDP, exploits, etc.
Extension added
.PPTX
Ransom message
READ_ME.txt
Price
$780
Removal
Get rid of the virus permanently. Furthermore, use FortectIntego to detect all damaged objects
PPTX virus uses unique ciphers such as AES or RSA to lock important documents on the infected computer. However, ciphers used can differ from system to system. Due to this fact, both encryption and decryption keys are very hard to identify even for highly-experienced computer specialists.
The ransom note that hackers produced reads as follows:
Your files are Encrypted! For data recovery needs decryptor. How to buy decryptor:
1. Download “Tor Browser” from https://www.torproject.org/ and install it.
2. Open this link In the “Tor Browser”
http://huhighwfn4jihtlz.onion/sdlsgdewwbhr
Note! This link is available via “Tor Browser” only.
———————————————————— Free decryption as guarantee. Before paying you can send us 2 file for free decryption.
While many users become devastated about .PPTX virus attack, there is no need to pay cybercriminals. Even though files are hard to decrypt, crooks often scam users by promising a decryption tool in exchange for money. However, once the ransom is transferred the criminals might not respond and send no decryptor.
Do not try to perform test decryption either, because crooks might send you an executable which could harm your PC even more. Instead, we recommend completing the .PPTX ransomware removal instead of paying the demanded price. Furthermore, you can try a tool such as FortectIntego to fix all the damage done by the ransomware.
Another valid reason to remove .PPTX ransomware is that some dangerous computer viruses, including ransomware, can make your computer system vulnerable to other infections. Avoid this type of possibility and get rid of the ransomware virus before it further damages your computer system. After the PPTX virus is removed, you can attempt to recover data using third-party tools, as explained below this article.
Furthermore, we recommend taking care of important data in the future. If you want to make relevant documents reachable only for the owner, that means you, consider storing copies of valuable files on an external device such as USB flash drive or a cloud server. If you choose to use the USB device, make sure that you keep it unplugged from the computer when it is out of usage, and your data will be protected.
.PPTX virus - ransomware which adds the .PPTX appendix to each locked file.
Avoid ransomware attacks by suppressing your curiosity – do not open spam emails!
According to computer technology experts from Virusai.lt[2], spam messages and their rogue attachments are the most common ransomware distribution source. If you ever notice that you have received a phishing email[3] which came from a questionable sender and the letter itself includes lots of grammar mistakes, you should get rid of such message and especially DO NOT open any attachments clipped to it.
Furthermore, dangerous computer infections can be spread via third-party websites. These pages include P2P networks[4] such as Torrents, eMule, and others. Stay away from these secondary web pages if it is possible. If not, consider purchasing a reliable computer protection tool. Antivirus software will protect your computer automatically, scan your system, and alert if something rogue is trying to get into the PC.
Remove .pptx file extension virus with the help of security software
If you have spotted files with the .PPTX appendix or have seen the READ_ME.txt ransom message, there are no doubts that ransomware has targeted your computer system. Due to this, you have to take actions instantly and remove .PPTX virus ASAP. To complete the process safely and effectively, our experts' team recommends downloading and installing reputable anti-malware tool. Moreover, you can install PC repair software such as FortectIntego – it can pick up all the damage done to your machine, and bring it back to working state.
After you perform the .PPTX ransomware removal, there is one more important thing you need to do – file decryption. As we already mentioned, the PPTX virus is not decryptable. However, make use of our guide below and try file recovery applications.
Compatible with Microsoft Windows
Compatible with macOS
What to do if failed?
If you failed to fix virus damage using Fortect Intego, submit a question to our support team and provide as much details as possible.
Fortect Intego has a free limited scanner. Fortect Intego offers more through scan when you purchase its full version. When free scanner detects issues, you can fix them using free manual repairs or you can decide to purchase the full version in order to fix them automatically.
Turn on Safe Mode with Networking and disable the ransomware virus:
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.
Remove .PPTX Ransomware using System Restore
Use the System Restore feature to deactivate the cyber threat:
Step 1: Reboot your computer to Safe Mode with Command Prompt Windows 7 / Vista / XP
Click Start→Shutdown→Restart→OK.
When your computer becomes active, start pressing F8 multiple times until you see the Advanced Boot Options window.
Select Command Prompt from the list
Windows 10 / Windows 8
Press the Power button at the Windows login screen. Now press and hold Shift, which is on your keyboard, and click Restart..
Now select Troubleshoot→Advanced options→Startup Settings and finally press Restart.
Once your computer becomes active, select Enable Safe Mode with Command Prompt in Startup Settings window.
Step 2: Restore your system files and settings
Once the Command Prompt window shows up, enter cd restore and click Enter.
Now type rstrui.exe and press Enter again..
When a new window shows up, click Next and select your restore point that is prior the infiltration of .PPTX Ransomware. After doing that, click Next.
Now click Yes to start system restore.
Once you restore your system to a previous date, download and scan your computer with FortectIntego and make sure that .PPTX Ransomware removal is performed successfully.
Bonus: Recover your data
Guide which is presented above is supposed to help you remove .PPTX Ransomware from your computer. To recover your encrypted files, we recommend using a detailed guide prepared by 2-spyware.com security experts.
If you have spotted .PPTX files and wondering how to bring them back to their starter positions, consider trying our below-given data recovery methods.
If your files are encrypted by .PPTX Ransomware, you can use several methods to restore them:
Follow a Shadow Explorer Setup Wizard and install this application on your computer;
Launch the program and go through the drop down menu on the top left corner to select the disk of your encrypted data. Check what folders are there;
Right-click on the folder you want to restore and select “Export”. You can also select where you want it to be stored.
Experts are currently working on the .PPTX virus decryptor.
Finally, you should always think about the protection of crypto-ransomwares. In order to protect your computer from .PPTX Ransomware and other ransomwares, use a reputable anti-spyware, such as FortectIntego, SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner or Malwarebytes
How to prevent from getting ransomware
Protect your privacy – employ a VPN
There are several ways how to make your online time more private – you can access an incognito tab. However, there is no secret that even in this mode, you are tracked for advertising purposes. There is a way to add an extra layer of protection and create a completely anonymous web browsing practice with the help of Private Internet Access VPN. This software reroutes traffic through different servers, thus leaving your IP address and geolocation in disguise. Besides, it is based on a strict no-log policy, meaning that no data will be recorded, leaked, and available for both first and third parties. The combination of a secure web browser and Private Internet Access VPN will let you browse the Internet without a feeling of being spied or targeted by criminals.
No backups? No problem. Use a data recovery tool
If you wonder how data loss can occur, you should not look any further for answers – human errors, malware attacks, hardware failures, power cuts, natural disasters, or even simple negligence. In some cases, lost files are extremely important, and many straight out panic when such an unfortunate course of events happen. Due to this, you should always ensure that you prepare proper data backups on a regular basis.
If you were caught by surprise and did not have any backups to restore your files from, not everything is lost. Data Recovery Pro is one of the leading file recovery solutions you can find on the market – it is likely to restore even lost emails or data located on an external device.
Alice Woods
- Likes to teach users about virus prevention
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