'powerfulldecrypt File Extension' Ransomware

The 'powerfulldecrypt File Extension' Ransomware is a ransomware Trojan that is used to force computer users to pay large sums after their files are taken hostage. To take the victim's files hostage, the 'powerfulldecrypt File Extension' Ransomware encrypts the victim's files using a strong encryption method. The 'powerfulldecrypt File Extension' Ransomware then demands that the victim pays a ransom in exchange for the means to decrypt the affected files. Since threats like the 'powerfulldecrypt File Extension' Ransomware are among the most popular and devastating forms of threats, computer users should take appropriate precautions against the 'powerfulldecrypt File Extension' Ransomware and other ransomware variants.

The 'powerfulldecrypt File Extension' Ransomware Trojan is Really Powerful

The 'powerfulldecrypt File Extension' Ransomware is a variant of the SamSam Ransomware, also known as Samas Ransomware. The 'powerfulldecrypt File Extension' Ransomware receives its name because it identifies the files encrypted during its attack with the file extension 'powerfulldecrypt,' which is added to the end of each file name. The Samas family of ransomware includes various other threats carrying out identical attacks, which only vary in the type of ransom note used and the branding of the attack. The 'powerfulldecrypt File Extension' Ransomware was first observed on January 14, 2017. The most probable way in which the 'powerfulldecrypt File Extension' Ransomware is being distributed is through the use of corrupted phishing email messages that include file attachments that abuse macros to download and install the 'powerfulldecrypt File Extension' Ransomware onto the victim's computer.

How the 'powerfulldecrypt File Extension' Ransomware Infection Works

The 'powerfulldecrypt File Extension' Ransomware attack is not too sophisticated. When the 'powerfulldecrypt File Extension' Ransomware is first installed, it can make modifications to the victim's files without requiring administrative privileges. The 'powerfulldecrypt File Extension' Ransomware scans the affected computer's drives for files with certain file extensions, which are listed in the 'powerfulldecrypt File Extension' Ransomware's configuration. The 'powerfulldecrypt File Extension' Ransomware will search for file types that are commonly used, targeting image, video, music, archive, database and Office files. The 'powerfulldecrypt File Extension' Ransomware creates an index file in the Temp directory that contains a list of the files encrypted in the 'powerfulldecrypt File Extension' Ransomware attack. One unique aspect of the 'powerfulldecrypt File Extension' Ransomware, which makes it harder to deal with than typical ransomware Trojans is that the 'powerfulldecrypt File Extension' Ransomware generates a unique encryption key for each affected file, rather than creating a single key that is then encrypted using a different algorithm.

Dealing with the 'powerfulldecrypt File Extension' Ransomware

After encrypting the victim's files, the 'powerfulldecrypt File Extension' Ransomware delivers a ransom note that demands the payment of a ransom from the victim. The files encrypted by the 'powerfulldecrypt File Extension' Ransomware are simple to identify because of their new file extension and also because Windows will not be capable of loading previews or thumbnails, causing them to appear as blank icons on Windows Explorer. Although the people responsible for the 'powerfulldecrypt File Extension' Ransomware claim to deliver the decryption key with the payment of several hundred dollars, PC security researchers strongly advise against paying the ransom. These people rarely hold up their end of the bargain and, even if they do, paying the ransom allows con artists to continue carrying out attacks, and financing their activities.

The best practice for limiting the damage caused by threats like the 'powerfulldecrypt File Extension' Ransomware is prevention. PC security analysts strongly recommend that computer users backup all files using the cloud or an external memory device. Having backups of all files makes attacks like the 'powerfulldecrypt File Extension' Ransomware completely ineffective since computer users can ignore the ransom demands and simply restore their files from the backup. Having backups is also a good practice since it helps limit the damage from all possible disasters. Apart from file backups, you should have a reliable security application tool protecting your computer and handle unsolicited email attachments with caution.