Geek's Advice

PEET ransomware hits to encrypt your files for good

PEET ransomware is a file-encrypting computer virus that focuses on restricting access to victim’s personal data. It is the 182nd version of STOP/DJVU malware which is made to lock files with RSA cryptography algorithm, add .peet file extensions to them and leave ransom-demanding notes in _readme.txt files in data folders. The note contains a message from the cybercriminals who demand paying a ransom worth $490 or $980 in Bitcoin. The attackers suggest contacting them via salesrestoresoftware@firemail.cc or salesrestoresoftware@gmail.com.

PEET virus attacks Windows operating systems, disables active firewalls, deletes Volume Shadow Copies and installs Azorult Trojan on the PC system or network. In other words, it prepares an environment to operate silently and also removes any means of data recovery for the victim.

Next, it scans the whole computer system (with several exception rules) to detect target file extension including .doc, .jpg, .avi, .xml, .mp4 and others. The ransomware encrypts them with a complex algorithm using either online or offline key (depending on whether it manages to establish a connection with its server).

You can determine whether your files were locked with the offline key by looking at the personal ID left in the _readme.txt file. If it ends with t1, you might have a chance to recover some files in the future. Victims whose files were corrupted using online key have no hope now or in the near future.

See an example of an offline ID below:

Your personal ID:
0273HfghKy12nGO5B7fewTPmpErj3m2FccWnHvCkaQ24Peft1

.peet file extension virus informs the victim that data recovery is possible if the specified ransom will be paid. The price of the ransom depends on how quick the victim manages to obtain Bitcoins and transfer them to the criminals. If done in 72 hours, the ransom price is $490. Later on, the price increases to $980. The attackers even suggest decrypting one .peet file for free to prove that they actually have tools for data decryption.

Threat Summary

Name	PEET ransomware virus
Threat Type	Ransomware (STOP/DJVU Family)
Ransom	$490-$980
Encryption Used	RSA-2048
Decryption	Not possible. Recover files using a backup or wait for the offline key
Distribution	Infected malicious downloads – typically software keygens and cracks
Additional information	Installs Azorult Trojan (password-stealing virus)
Removal	Remove using antivirus software

Impossible to recover data without backups

If your files cannot be opened and you can see the aforementioned extensions on them, it means that you have become a victim of STOP DJVU ransomware attack. No matter how important your files were, there is no way to recover them at the moment except from a backup. If you didn’t create it previously, your data is lost. Despite that, we still recommend you to backup encrypted data and wait for the best. You can check for updates on this article about STOP Decryptor from Emsisoft.

The most important thing to do after a ransomware attack is to delete the malware from the system. Therefore, we advise you to remove PEET ransomware virus along with Azorult Trojan using the instructions we provide. You can find them down below. Consider using a trustworthy antivirus software to complete this task properly.

Known ransomware distribution methods

PEET ransomware, just like other DJVU variants (TOEC, MOSK, LOKF, NESA) is typically hidden in malicious downloads such as software cracks. You can also find this virus in software license keygen downloads. It is clear why hackers tend to bundle their malware along these downloads – they are extremely popular and easy bait for victims.

In other words, if you have fallen victim to his ransomware, it means that you have downloaded a not so legal file from the Internet. Please remember that it isn’t safe nor legal to do that. As you can see, all your files were lost due to an attempt to save money.

Other ransomware families such as PHOBOS are known to be distributed via hacked RDP ports, infected websites targeting software vulnerabilities, or malicious spam. You can read more about ways to prevent these types of attacks in this guide.

The best way to remove PEET ransomware from your computer

You should remove PEET ransomware virus very carefully. In the best scenario, you should do it with an updated antivirus which is capable of identifying this version and Azorult Trojan to delete them altogether. What is more, you should run your antivirus in Safe Mode as explained below.

The next step after PEET virus removal is changing all the passwords that you have saved in your browser. Chances are, the Azorult Trojan could have stolen them (which is its purpose). Finally, try to find your data backup. Plug it into your computer ONLY after a successful malware removal.

TIP: If your data wasn’t that important and you do not want to use an antivirus to delete malware, you can also format hard drive and reinstall Windows.

OUR GEEKS RECOMMEND

Our team recommends a two-step rescue plan to remove ransomware and other remaining malware from your computer, plus repair caused virus damage to the system:

GeeksAdvice.com editors select recommended products based on their effectiveness. We may earn a commission from affiliate links, at no additional cost to you. Learn more.

Alternative software recommendations

Malwarebytes Anti-Malware

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System Mechanic Ultimate Defense

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