PshCrypt ransomware virus. How to remove? (Uninstall guide)
Victims can decrypt files locked by PshCrypt ransomware for free
PshCrypt virus is a low-level ransomware program[1] that encrypts files and adds .psh file extensions after the original file extensions. Victims can already decrypt .psh files because malware researchers have analyzed the virus and discovered that the decryption key is HBGP. Entering this key in the “Serial Code” section on the blue screenlocker that appears on victim’s computer screen will unlock the computer and restore all files back to normal. The virus’ author asks to pay 0.05 Bitcoin to his Bitcoin wallet[2] and suggests that the first four characters of the transaction ID is the key required to unlock files. In fact, the virus author is lying, and all that you need to do is to enter the code we provided earlier and remove PshCrypt malware using anti-malware software like Reimage.
Questions about PshCrypt ransomware virus
All small details about this virus simply scream that it was developed by an inexperienced amateur who, in fact, has quite a childish mind and thinks that leaving stupid jokes about human’s private body parts in virus’ code is funny. There is no surprise that even the ransom note that appears on the screen contains obvious typing mistakes – instead of stating “Your files are encrypted!”, the screenlocker window says “Tours files are encrypted!” Some details in the virus’ source code suggest that the developer might be a French-speaking individual. However, there are no more relevant details about this ransomware. Our team simply recommends users to start taking actions regarding PshCrypt removal to make the computer safe to use again. Remember – even if the virus is poorly programmed, it is still dangerous to have it on the system, because it can serve as a vulnerable point that can allow other viruses to break in.
Select 'Safe Mode with Networking'
Select 'Enable Safe Mode with Networking'
Select 'Safe Mode with Command Prompt'
Select 'Enable Safe Mode with Command Prompt'
Enter 'cd restore' without quotes and press 'Enter'
Enter 'rstrui.exe' without quotes and press 'Enter'
When 'System Restore' window shows up, select 'Next'
Select your restore point and click 'Next'
Click 'Yes' and start system restore
How can I avoid ransomware viruses?
To avoid ransomware viruses, users should be interested in their distribution techniques[3], and at the moment the most popular ones are spam[4], malvertising, and exploit kits[5]. The last two are unlikely to be used in PshCrypt distribution campaigns, considering that the author of the ransomware has really poor coding skills and can clearly be called a “script kiddie.” Therefore, it seems that the virus author uses spam to attack users, so we suggest you to stay away from suspicious emails that come into your Inbox folder. It goes without saying that you should stay clear of Spam and Junk email folders as well. Even if the email sender promises to be working at a legitimate company, do not believe him/her. Check sender’s email and if it raises any suspicions to you, delete such letter right away. Be extremely careful with email messages that contain hyperlinks or strange attachments – these can instantly infect your PC with malware if you open them.
Best way to remove PshCrypt ransomware from the system
The best way to remove PshCrypt virus is to allow an anti-malware software do it for you. Such software can professionally check the entire computer system and identify dangerous files and Registry entries related to the malware. The reason why we recommend using anti-malware software and not an antivirus is that anti-malware application usually can detect a wider range of malicious programs including spyware. We suggest you start PshCrypt removal by reading these instructions we prepared.
Manual PshCrypt virus Removal Guide:
Remove PshCrypt using Safe Mode with Networking
To completely remove the ransomware, prepare your PC by restarting it into Safe Mode with Networking. Then, run an anti-malware software (make sure it is up-to-date) and let it clean the system from malicious files.
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Step 1: Reboot your computer to Safe Mode with Networking
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.
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Select Safe Mode with Networking 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.
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Once your computer becomes active, select Enable Safe Mode with Networking in Startup Settings window.
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Step 2: Remove PshCrypt
Log in to your infected account and start the browser. Download Reimage or other legitimate anti-spyware program. Update it before a full system scan and remove malicious files that belong to your ransomware and complete PshCrypt removal.
If your ransomware is blocking Safe Mode with Networking, try further method.
Remove PshCrypt using System Restore
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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.
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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.
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Once your computer becomes active, select Enable Safe Mode with Command Prompt in Startup Settings window.
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Step 2: Restore your system files and settings
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Once the Command Prompt window shows up, enter cd restore and click Enter.
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Now type rstrui.exe and press Enter again..
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When a new window shows up, click Next and select your restore point that is prior the infiltration of PshCrypt. After doing that, click Next.
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Now click Yes to start system restore.
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Once the Command Prompt window shows up, enter cd restore and click Enter.
Bonus: Recover your data
Guide which is presented above is supposed to help you remove PshCrypt from your computer. To recover your encrypted files, we recommend using a detailed guide prepared by 2-spyware.com security experts.You can decrypt files locked by Psh Crypt ransomware by entering a code that is given below.
If your files are encrypted by PshCrypt, you can use several methods to restore them:
Decrypt files for free
To decrypt files locked by PshCrypt, simply enter this code: HBGP.
Finally, you should always think about the protection of crypto-ransomwares. In order to protect your computer from PshCrypt and other ransomwares, use a reputable anti-spyware, such as Reimage, Plumbytes Anti-MalwareWebroot SecureAnywhere AntiVirus or Malwarebytes Anti Malware
About the author
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References
- ^ Patrick Allan. Ransomware Is Being Hidden Inside Attachments of Attachments. Lifehacker. Tips, Tricks and Downloads for Getting Things Done.
- ^ Sean Sullivan. Bitcoin Friction Is Ransomware’s Only Constraint. F-Secure. News from the Lab.
- ^ Ionut Arghire. RDP Tops Email for Ransomware Distribution: Report. SecurityWeek. Information Security News, IT Security News.
- ^ 'Resume' Spam Used to Spread CryptoWall 3.0 Ransomware. Trend Micro Blogs. Security News.
- ^ Paul Ducklin. Angler exploit kit rings in 2016 with CryptoWall ransomware. Naked Security. Computer Security News, Advice and Research.