PshCrypt ransomware / virus (Removal Instructions) - Quick Decryption Solution
PshCrypt virus Removal Guide
What is PshCrypt ransomware virus?
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 ReimageIntego.
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.
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.
Getting rid of PshCrypt virus. Follow these steps
Manual removal using Safe Mode
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.
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 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.
-
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 ReimageIntego, SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner or Malwarebytes
How to prevent from getting ransomware
Do not let government spy on you
The government has many issues in regards to tracking users' data and spying on citizens, so you should take this into consideration and learn more about shady information gathering practices. Avoid any unwanted government tracking or spying by going totally anonymous on the internet.
You can choose a different location when you go online and access any material you want without particular content restrictions. You can easily enjoy internet connection without any risks of being hacked by using Private Internet Access VPN.
Control the information that can be accessed by government any other unwanted party and surf online without being spied on. Even if you are not involved in illegal activities or trust your selection of services, platforms, be suspicious for your own security and take precautionary measures by using the VPN service.
Backup files for the later use, in case of the malware attack
Computer users can suffer from data losses due to cyber infections or their own faulty doings. Ransomware can encrypt and hold files hostage, while unforeseen power cuts might cause a loss of important documents. If you have proper up-to-date backups, you can easily recover after such an incident and get back to work. It is also equally important to update backups on a regular basis so that the newest information remains intact – you can set this process to be performed automatically.
When you have the previous version of every important document or project you can avoid frustration and breakdowns. It comes in handy when malware strikes out of nowhere. Use Data Recovery Pro for the data restoration process.
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- ^ 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.