Pewcrypt Ransomware – Prevention Guide and Removal Tool

What is Pewcrypt Ransomware?

The cybersecurity investigators dubbed the new variant as Pewcrypt Ransomware which evades the user’s system secretly and encrypts the stored files by placing .PewCrypt extension and deletes system’s backup with the help of sophisticated cipher algorithm.

Pewcrypt ransomware is a vicious file-encrypting malware that is not created for money extortion purposes, unlike most of the other Crypto-viruses are.

In this case, however, cyber-attackers encourage victims to subscribe to one of the most popular YouTubers Pewdiepie in order to surpass the sub count of the Indian channel T-series that uploads Bollywood movie trailers.

Allegedly, the hacker claims that once the subscription count reaches 100 million the decryption tool will be released, and victims will be able to restore files for free.

If your computer has just become a victim of such an attack, you’re maybe speculating how to deal with it and how to save your personal files, work documents, backup files, archives, images, videos, and many more.

However, since you are on this page, you are already a step ahead and have a chance to remove pewcrypt ransomware before it causes more harm to the PC especially to your valuable data.

Is Pewcrypt Ransomware Dangerous?

Pewcrypt ransomware is categorized as dangerous malware because the infection can have severe outcomes, and capable to infect almost all Windows OS version like Windows XP, Windows7, Windows8, Windows8.1 and Windows 10.

Pewcrypt virus belongs to one of the worst computer threat which is designed to modify predefined browser settings and manipulate various functionalities to run a built-in encryption module and corrupt every single data stored on the hard drive and locks down the entire system.

Instead of directly locking files, the Pewcrypt ransomware marks all the encrypted files with nasty .PewCrypt extension.

Whenever a user attempts to open a compromised file, it displays a ransom message informing victims that their data is encrypted with advanced AES-256 cryptography techniques.

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However, while in most cases hackers use malicious actions to extract huge ransom money by phishing innocent users, these crypto viruses do not ask for that. Instead, they want victims to subscribe to Pewdiepie.

Further, cyber crooks via these infections steal information like IP address, URL's Search, browser history, and financial information, which can lead to serious privacy violations as hackers use this data for their malicious purposes.

Thus, it is important to use a successful robust pewcrypt ransomware removal tool such as Malware Crusher which will help you to delete pewcrypt ransomware or other malicious programs, saving you the struggle and time of hunting down various malicious files.

Pewcrypt Ransomware – Distribution Techniques 

Currently, ransomware attack campaigns targeting computer users worldwide. Pewcrypt ransomware distributes itself using various techniques.

Pewcrypt ransomware might make entries in the Windows Registry to achieve persistence, and could launch or repress processes in a Windows environment. Such malicious entries are typically designed in a way to start the virus spontaneously every time the Windows boots up. 

Here are some distribution approaches which hackers use to inject malicious content in the targeted system:

• Social Clickjacking: Authors of such programs use online media such as Social Network and tempting ad banners to provoke the users to click on the ads, i.e., Update your Driver or win an iPhone.
• Spam emails: A number of malicious programs can get into your system through malicious junk attachments, and download links present the body of the mail. These unsolicited emails usually appear to be from a reputed corporation, i.e., Banks and insurance companies.
• Bundling: The major parts of harmful infections are installed through freeware programs, and in this case, the user is also responsible for authorizing the installation of such malicious software without reading the terms and conditions completely. 
• Torrents & P2P File Sharing: Torrents and files shared on P2P networks have a high probability of being a carrier to such ransomware infections.
• Pornographic Websites: Pornographic websites are major sources of these malicious ransomware programs.

How to Prevent Pewcrypt Ransomware and Recover Encrypted Files

We strongly suggest you follow the removal guide to eliminate the ransomware threats that may also help you in the removal process of other malicious content. The guide is divided into two parts:

• Unlock Computer In Safe Mode
• Restore System

Temporarily Disable Pewcrypt Ransomware in Safe Mode using Command Prompt 

1.      Steps to be followed to enter the safe mode Win XP/Vista/7

• Click start > then shut down > then restart.
• While the computer is booting up at the very first screen start tapping F8 until you see the advanced boot options.

• In the advanced boot option’s, you need to select safe mode with Command prompt from the list of given options.

2.      Steps to be followed to enter safe mode in Win 8/10

• On the windows login screen, you need to press the power option.
• Now, press and hold the shift key on the keyboard, and then click Restart.

• Now, among the list of options you need to select Troubleshoot, and then advanced options, then start-up settings and finally press restart.
• Once your computer restarts and gives you the list of start-up options you need to select Enable Safe Mode with Command prompt. 

3.      Restore System

• Once you see the command prompt windows, type in cd restore and hit enter on the keyboard.
• Now, type rstrui.exe and hit Enter again.
• Then you would see new windows, click on next over there and select a restore point that is before the date of infection.

• Then, click next followed by yes.

At present, your computer is in a state that has its file and data backed up at a safe restore point. We also suggest you make a copy of backed up data into some external hard drive.

It is now time, to reinstall your Windows via an external source such as pen drive, CD or DVD.

While installing Windows, allocates disk space to C, D and E drive. If asked to restore any files, select the restore point and get the backed up data into the new operating system.

Your system format is complete; also your data is backed up. Now you must create a strong firewall against such intrusions and prevent them in the future.

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Nowadays, cyber attackers have learned to make their malware more adaptable, resilient and more damaging. Common antivirus software cannot protect you from all cyber threats at the same time.

Though, we need to comprehensively upgrade our cyber defense systems and processes to more effectively guard against cybersecurity risks, as well as to respond in a timely and robust manner to prevent any intrusion in the future.

Note* - We recommend ITL Total Security and Malware crusher, among the best reputed anti-malware software which will help you to block ransomware, viruses, adware and other malware on your PC.

They are fully loaded with many useful features like Web Protection, Real-Time Protection, live updates, Invalid Registry Cleaner, and many more to protect your system from damage and keep you safe always.

Tips to Prevent virus and malware from Infecting Your System: