An infection with the dangerous .pumax ransomware virus ransomware virus leads to serious security issues. With our removal guide victims can try to restore and protect their computers.
Manual Removal Guide
Files Recovery Approaches
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Distribution of .pumax ransomware virus Ransomware Virus
.pumax ransomware virus virus is a new data locker ransomware that has been released in active attack campaigns against computer users worldwide. The threat could be utilizing common tactics of distribution to infect computer systems.
One of the easiest ways for the criminals to spread the payload of .pumax ransomware virus ransomware is by attaching it to email messages that are later released in active attack campaigns. The method allows hackers to send the virus to large lists of potential victims. The attachments to malicious email spam messages usually have Word documents or other types of files which users open without hesitation. Once opened on a target host these compromised files trigger the ransomware payload and infect the device with .pumax ransomware virus crypto virus. Another infection tactic related to emails is hyperlink inserted in the content of the messages. The links are usually labeled as leading to a familiar website or a file of user interest.
Computer criminals behind this new ransomware can be using malicious sites or download portals to distribute malware of different kinds, including .pumax ransomware virus virus. A popular option is the use of infected documents which may be of different types ‒ spreadsheets, rich text documents, presentations and databases. They are modified to initiate the virus once the built-in scripts are run. Usually when the files are opened a notification will ask the users to run the macros (scripts). If this is done the infection follows.
The hacker-controlled sites are specialist portals that have been created either manually or automatically by the criminals behind .pumax ransomware virus virus. They can either directly distribute the threat by initiating various scripts or automated operations or link to such instances. Redirects are usually caused by email interaction, ad networks or other browsing activity. However one of the main sources is the availability of browser hijackers. They are malicious add-ons made for the most popular web browsers ‒ Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome, Internet Explorer, Opera, Microsoft Edge and Safari. Once installed they not only infect the users with the malware but also redirect the victims to a hacker-controlled site. Depending on the configuration the browser hijackers can also steal sensitive information such as any stored passwords, account credentials, history, bookmarks, form data and settings.
Impact of .pumax ransomware virus Ransomware Virus
As identified by security researchers the crypto virus associated with the extension .pumax belongs to STOP ransomware family. In case of infection with this ransomware essential system settings will remain altered until you fix them. In addition, you won’t be able open valuable files for which hackers force you to pay a ransom.
In order to reach the main stage of its infection which is data encryption, .pumax ransomware establishes a bunch of malicious files on your machine. One way to achieve this is by creating these files directly on the system. Another approach is by dropping them after accessing its command and control server. Unfortunately, when the code of the ransomware is designed to access your network it could easily spread its infection payload across all devices connected to the same network. That’s why it is recommendable to consider its complete removal from the infected device as soon as possible. The guide at the end of this article will help you to isolate the infection from the network and prevent further compromises.
Soon after the establishment of all malicious files on the system .pumax ransomware starts their execution in a predefined order. Their code is designed to interfere with essential system settings that enable the ransomware to utilize its built-in cipher module and encrypt target files. The Registry Editor is likely to be among the affected system components. It’s a hierarchical database that stores information on how and when certain files and processes should be loaded in order that the system could operate smoothly. Eventually some of the keys there have functionalities that perfectly match ransomware’s goals.
These keys are Run and RunOnce. Since the key Run manages the automatic execution of all essential system files, objects and processes on each system start, it is often plagued by ransomware infections. When the ransomware adds its malicious values under this key, it becomes able to infect the system each time you turn it on. So when you reach the removal process make sure to check all registries for any present malicious values.
After system changes, .pumax virus loads its built-in encryption module to corrupt predefined types of files. The list of corrupted data could include all of the following:
- Backups
- Databases
- Archives
- Videos
- Music
- Images
When a file is encrypted by this ransomware it appears such as it is broken. In addition, its name contains the specific extension .pumax.
All of the above mentioned unpleasant consequences enable .pumax ransomware to extort a ransom payment from its victims. How the extortion happens is via a ransom note. This note is contained in a file named !readme.txt. It appears on screen at the end of the attack. Here is what it reads:
==================================!ATTENTION PLEASE!===========================================
Your databases, files, photos, documents and other important files are encrypted and have the extension: .puma
The only method of recovering files is to purchase an decrypt software and unique private key.
After purchase you will start decrypt software, enter your unique private key and it will decrypt all your data.
Only we can give you this key and only we can recover your files.
You need to contact us by e-mail [email protected] send us your personal ID and wait for further instructions.
For you to be sure, that we can decrypt your files – you can send us a 1-3 any not very big encrypted files and we will send you back it in a original form FREE.
Discount 50% avaliable if you contact us first 72 hours.===============================================================================================
E-mail address to contact us:
[email protected]Reserve e-mail address to contact us:
[email protected]Your personal id:
005o5bktzfnQPPaYUUeyIu0BoWHLdzBVSNF5Y7YCYdR
Beware that ransom payment does not guarantee the recovery of your .pumax files. So be advised to check the guide below for tested alternative data recovery approaches.
Remove .pumax ransomware virus Ransomware Virus and Restore PC
Please note that paying the requested ransom fee to cyber criminals does not really solve your problem with .pumax ransomware virus crypto virus. In fact, you only encourage hackers to continue spreading ransomware of this kind. Instead, you must remove the threat immediately, and only then look for optional ways to recover your data.
WARNING! Manual removal of .pumax ransomware virus ransomware virus requires being familiar with system files and registries. Removing important data accidentally can lead to permanent system damage. If you don’t feel comfortable with manual instructions, download a powerful anti-malware tool that will scan your system for malware and clean it safely for you.
DOWNLOAD SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool.pumax ransomware virus Ransomware Virus – Manual Removal Steps
Start the PC in Safe Mode with Network
This will isolate all files and objects created by the ransomware so they will be removed efficiently. The steps below are applicable to all Windows versions.
1. Hit the WIN Key + R
2. A Run window will appear. In it, write msconfig and then press Enter
3. A Configuration box shall appear. In it Choose the tab named Boot
4. Mark Safe Boot option and then go to Network under it to tick it too
5. Apply -> OK
Show Hidden Files
Some ransomware threats are designed to hide their malicious files in the Windows so all files stored on the system should be visible.
1. Open My Computer/This PC
2. Windows 7
- – Click on Organize button
– Select Folder and search options
– Select the View tab
– Go under Hidden files and folders and mark Show hidden files and folders option
3. Windows 8/ 10
- – Open View tab
– Mark Hidden items option
4. Click Apply and then OK button
Enter Windows Task Manager and Stop Malicious Processes
1. Hit the following key combination: CTRL+SHIFT+ESC
2. Get over to Processes
3. When you find suspicious process right click on it and select Open File Location
4. Go back to Task Manager and end the malicious process. Right click on it again and choose End Process
5. Next, you should go folder where the malicious file is located and delete it
Repair Windows Registry
1. Again type simultaneously the WIN Key + R key combination
2. In the box, write regedit and hit Enter
3. Type the CTRL+ F and then write the malicious name in the search type field to locate the malicious executable
4. In case you have discovered registry keys and values related to the name, you should delete them, but be careful not to delete legitimate keys
Click for more information about Windows Registry and further repair help
Recover Encrypted Files
WARNING! All files and objects associated with .pumax ransomware virus ransomware virus should be removed from the infected PC before any data recovery attempts. Otherwise the virus may encrypt restored files. Furthermore, a backup of all encrypted files stored on external media is highly recommendable.
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1. Use present backups
2. Use professional data recovery software
Stellar Phoenix Data Recovery – a specialist tool that can restore partitions, data, documents, photos, and 300 more file types lost during various types of incidents and corruption.
3. Using System Restore Point
- – Hit WIN Key
– Select “Open System Restore” and follow the steps
4. Restore your personal files using File History
- – Hit WIN Key
– Type restore your files in the search box
– Select Restore your files with File History
– Choose a folder or type the name of the file in the search bar
– Hit the “Restore” button
