How to remove PB Ransomware and recover files

Complete tips to delete PB Ransomware and decrypt data

PB Ransomware is a ransomware type infection from Dharma ransomware belonging. The malware is designed to encrypt stored files and then demand ransom payment for the decryption. In other words, the files affected by this virus have all stored files inaccessible and unusable and can’t be decrypted without using right decryption tool.

During the encryption process, the files are renamed with this pattern: original filename, unique ID assigned to the victim, crooks’ email address and .PB extension. For example, a file initialed named 1.jpg would become “1.jpg.id-C279F237.[[email protected]].PB” – after encryption. Once the files encryption process is complete, the ransomware creates/ displays a FILES ENCRYPTED.txt text file and a pop-up window.

The message within FILES ENCRYPTED.txt text file states that the victims’ data have been locked. It instructs users write an email to the crooks behind it to restore the files. The text presented in the pop-up window provides further detailed information. It clarifies about the files encryption. For the decryption, it urges users to pay a ransom in Bitcoin to the crooks behind it.  The size of the ransom fee is not mentioned in it, however, it is stated that this depends on how quickly the users establish the communication.

Prior to the payment, the victims are offered free decryption of up to one encrypted file that should not contain any valuable information and must not exceed 1MB of file size. The restoration of this file will be served as a proof that the crooks can be trusted. The ransom note ends with a warning to the users that if they rename the encrypted files and/or attempt to decrypt them using third party tools/ software –this will result into permanent data loss.

In most cases of ransomware infections, the decryption is impossible without the interference of the crooks behind it. It might be when the ransomware is at its initial stage or has certain bugs/ flaws in it. Whatever the case, it is highly not recommended you to contact/ pay to the crooks under any circumstances. These people will never provide you the decryption tool even if all their demands are met. Removing PB Ransomware is necessary to prevent it from further files encryption. However, it will not recover the already encrypted files.

The sole solution for the files recovery is to use existing backups. In case, no backups are available, you should once check if shadow copies exist. These automatically created backups from OS sometimes left untouched during ransomware attacks and files recovery process. Below the post, in the data recovery section you will find the complete guide if this option is available in this case and also complete guide how to recover files using it. Another data recovery option is to use data recovery tool from third party belonging.

How did PB Ransomware infiltrate in?

Ransomware and other malware are often presented as or bundled with regular software. Therefore, they are typically downloaded/ installed unintentionally. Malicious malware are commonly spread through dubious download channels such as unofficial and free file hosting sites, p2p networks, and other third party downloders. Illegal activation tools and fake software updaters are examples of this. Cracking tools infect systems by supposedly bypassing activation keys of paid software. Fake software updaters exploit bugs/ flaws of outdated software or cause system infection by directly download malware instead of providing updates.

Scam campaigns can also be used to spread malware as well. This term defines a large-scale operation during which thousands of spam emails are designed and delivered. The letters are presented as official, urgent, legitimate invoices, documents from legit companies, entities. The presented attachments often contain infectious files or links of such files in them. These files could be in any formats including archives, executables, and Microsoft Office and PDF documents, JavaScript and so on. When these files are executed, run or otherwise opened – the infection chain is triggered.

Text presented in PB Ransomware‘s pop-up window:

All your files have been encrypted!

All your files have been encrypted due to a security problem with your PC. If you want to restore them, write us to the e-mail [email protected]

Write this ID in the title of your message –

In case of no answer in 24 hours write us to theese e-mails:[email protected]

You have to pay for decryption in Bitcoins. The price depends on how fast you write to us. After payment we will send you the decryption tool that will decrypt all your files.

Free decryption as guarantee

Before paying you can send us up to 1 file for free decryption. The total size of files must be less than 1Mb (non archived), and files should not contain valuable information. (databases,backups, large excel sheets, etc.)

How to obtain Bitcoins

The easiest way to buy bitcoins is LocalBitcoins site. You have to register, click ‘Buy bitcoins’, and select the seller by payment method and price.

hxxps://localbitcoins.com/buy_bitcoins

Also you can find other places to buy Bitcoins and beginners guide here:

hxxp://www.coindesk.com/information/how-can-i-buy-bitcoins/

Attention!

Do not rename encrypted files.

Do not try to decrypt your data using third party software, it may cause permanent data loss.

Decryption of your files with the help of third parties may cause increased price (they add their fee to our) or you can become a victim of a scam.

Text presented in PB’s text file (“FILES ENCRYPTED.txt”):

all your data has been locked us

You want to return?

Write email [email protected] or [email protected]

How to prevent ransomware intrusion?

It is important to always download from official and verified sources. Additionally, all programs should have to be activated and updated using tools/functions from legit developers. To avoid system infection from spam email, it is advised against opening any suspect and irrelevant emails –especially any attachments and website links in them. It is paramount to have a reputable antivirus tool installed and updated. Also, this tool should have to be used for regular system scans and to remove any detected threats/ issues.

Antimalware Details And User Guide

Click Here For Windows

Click Here For Mac

Step 1: Remove PB Ransomware through “Safe Mode with Networking”

Step 2: Delete PB Ransomware using “System Restore”

Step 1: Remove PB Ransomware through “Safe Mode with Networking”

For Windows XP and Windows 7 users: Boot the PC in “Safe Mode”. Click on “Start” option and continuously press on F8 during the start process until the “Windows Advanced Option” menu appears on the screen. Choose “Safe Mode with Networking” from the list.

Now, a windows homescreen appears on the desktop and work-station is now working on “Safe mode with networking”.

For Windows 8 Users: Go to the “Start Screen”. In the search results select settings, type “Advanced”. In the “General PC Settings” option, choose “Advanced startup” option. Again, click on the “Restart Now” option. The work-station boots to “Advanced Startup Option Menu”. Press on “Troubleshoot” and then “Advanced options” button.  In the “Advanced Option Screen”, press on “Startup Settings”. Again, click on “Restart” button. The work-station will now restart in to the “Startup Setting” screen. Next is to press F5 to boot in Safe Mode in Networking.

For Windows 10 Users: Press on Windows logo and on the “Power” icon. In the newly opened menu, choose “Restart” while continuously holding “Shift” button on the keyboard. In the new open “Choose an option” window, click on “Troubleshoot” and then on the “Advanced Options”. Select “Startup Settings” and press on “Restart”. In the next window, click on “F5” button on the key-board.

Step 2: Delete PB Ransomware using “System Restore”

Log-in to the account infected with PB Ransomware. Open the browser and download a legitimate anti-malware tool. Do a full System scanning. Remove all the malicious detected entries.

In case if you cannot start the PC in “Safe Mode with Networking”, Try using “System Restore”

• During the “Startup”, continuously press on F8 key until the “Advanced Option” menu appears. From the list, choose “Safe Mode with Command Prompt” and then press “Enter”

• In the new opened command prompt, enter “cd restore” and then press “Enter”.

• Type: rstrui.exe and Press “ENTER”

• Click “Next” on the new windows

• Choose any of the “Restore Points” and click on “Next”. (This step will restore the work-station to its earlier time and date prior to PB Ransomware infiltration in the PC.

• In the newly opened windows, press on “Yes”.

Once your PC gets restored to its previous date and time, download the recommended anti-malware tool and perform a deep scanning in order to remove PB Ransomware files if they left in the work-station.

In order to restore the each (separate) file by this ransomware, use “Windows Previous Version” feature. This method is effective when “System Restore Function” is enabled in the work-station.

Important Note: Some variants of PB Ransomware delete the “Shadow Volume Copies” as well hence this feature may not work all the time and is applicable for selective computers only.

How to Restore Individual Encrypted File:

In order to restore a single file, right click on it and go to “Properties”. Select “Previous Version” tab. Select a “Restore Point” and click on “Restore” option.

In order to access the files encrypted by PB Ransomware, you can also try using “Shadow Explorer”. In order to get more information on this application, press here.

Important: Data Encryption Ransomware are highly dangerous and it is always better that you take precautions to avoid its attack on your work-station. It is advised to use a powerful anti-malware tool in order to get protection in real-time. With this help of “SpyHunter”, “group policy objects” are implanted in the registries in order to block harmful infections like PB Ransomware.

Also, In Windows 10, you get a very unique feature called “Fall Creators Update” that offer “Controlled Folder Access” feature in order to block any kind of encryption to the files. With the help of this feature, any files stored in the locations such as “Documents”, “Pictures”, “Music”, “Videos”, “Favorites” and “Desktop” folders are safe by default.

It is very important that you install this “Windows 10 Fall Creators Update” in your PC to protect your important files and data from ransomware encryption. The more information on how to get this update and add an additional protection form rnasomware attack has been discussed here.

How to Recover the Files Encrypted by PB Ransomware?

Till now, you would have understood that what had happed to your personal files that got encrypted and how you can remove the scripts and payloads associated with PB Ransomware in order to protect your personal files that has not been damaged or encrypted until now. In order to retrieve the locked files, the depth information related to “System Restore” and “Shadow Volume Copies” has already been discussed earlier. However, in case if you are still unable to access the encrypted files then you can try using a data recovery tool.

Use of Data Recovery Tool

This step is for all those victims who have already tries all the above mentioned process but didn’t find any solution. Also it is important that you are able to access the PC and can install any software. The data recovery tool works on the basis of System scanning and recovery algorithm. It searches the System partitions in order to locate the original files which were deleted, corrupted or damaged by the malware. Remember that you must not re-install the Windows OS otherwise the “previous” copies will get deleted permanently. You have to clean the work-station at first and remove PB Ransomware infection. Leave the locked files as it is and follow the steps mentioned below.

Step1: Download the software in the work-station by clicking on the “Download” button below.

Step2: Execute the installer by clicking on downloaded files.

Step3: A license agreement page appears on the screen. Click on “Accept” to agree with its terms and use. Follow the on-screen instruction as mentioned and click on “Finish” button.

Step4: Once the installation gets completed, the program gets executed automatically. In the newly opened interface, select the file types that you want to recover and click on “Next”.

Step5: You can select the “Drives” on which you want the software to run and execute the recovery process. Next is to click on the “Scan” button.

Step6: Based on drive you select for scanning, the restore process begins. The whole process may take time depending on the volume of the selected drive and number of files. Once the process gets completed, a data explorer appears on the screen with preview of that data that is to be recovered. Select the files that you want to restore.

Step7. Next is to locate the location where you want to saver the recovered files.