Do you know what STOP Ransomware (.peet variation) is?
Your operating system is much more vulnerable than you think, and STOP Ransomware (.peet variation) is ready to prove it. You might think that you are being safe and cautious, but just because your system appears to be secure and malware-free one moment does not mean that things cannot go out of order the next. The bottom line is that if your system is not protected by reliable security software, it cannot stand a chance of defending itself against malware, and it can be spread in various clandestine ways.
For example, did you know that the majority of file-encrypting ransomware infections spread via seemingly harmless spam emails? These emails might introduce you to what looks like documents or photos, but opening them can lead to the execution of malware. Did you find that you need to remove STOP Ransomware (.peet variation) after opening a strange spam email attachment? Regardless of how this threat got in, you need to delete it as soon as possible.
STOP Ransomware (.peet variation) is also known as Peet Ransomware, and it is practically identical to Btos Ransomware, Topi Ransomware, MOOL Ransomware, and all other infections that were created after STOP Ransomware. The only unique thing about these threats is that they add unique extensions to the files they create, and Peet Ransomware, adds the “.peet” extension. Unfortunately, you cannot restore the files by deleting this extension or renaming the file. If your files were encrypted, that means that the data was changed, which is why you can no longer read them as per usual.
STOP Ransomware (.peet variation) screenshot
Scroll down for full removal instructions
This is no mistake. The attackers behind STOP Ransomware (.peet variation) encrypted your files so that their ridiculous demands could hold some weight. The demands are always introduced using a file named “_readme.txt,” and it should be placed close to the encrypted files so that you would notice and open it. As always, the message inside informs that the victims of this malware need to purchase a decryption tool and a unique key to restore their files. Well, even if the tool and the key exist, paying for them is a bad idea.
First of all, the ransom for the decryptor is pretty high ($490 or $980, depending on when you pay). Second, to learn how to pay this ransom, you are meant to contact the attackers via email (at gorentos@bitmessage.ch or restorefiles@firemail.cc), which is extremely risky because that might open up a pathway for cybercriminals to scam you in the future. Finally, even if you contact the attackers and pay the ransom, you are unlikely to get your files back because cybercriminals do not keep their promises.
The good news is that a free decryptor (STOP Decryptor) was built by researchers, and it might be able to restore the files corrupted by STOP Ransomware (.peet variation). If that does not work, you might still be able to replace the files with backups stored outside the computer. Speaking of backups, always create copies of personal files and store them in a safe place! Whether you choose to restore or replace files, you need to delete Peet Ransomware first. Since manual removal is not exactly straightforward, we strongly recommend installing anti-malware software. It will clean and secure your system at the same time.
Remove STOP Ransomware (.peet variation)
- Delete the .exe file that launched the infection.
- Move to the %HOMEDRIVE% (C:\) directory.
- Delete the file named _readme.txt and also a folder named SystemID.
- Move to the %LOCALAPPDATA% directory.
- Delete the {random name made up of letters and numbers} folder.
- Empty Recycle Bin and then perform a full system scan to check for leftovers.
In non-techie terms:
If you do not secure your operating system efficiently, STOP Ransomware (.peet variation) might slither in before you know it. This malware encrypts files and then demands money in return for a tool and a key that are supposed to help you with the recovery of files. Unfortunately, the attackers cannot be trusted, and if you pay the ransom, you are unlikely to get anything in return for it. Without a doubt, we suggest keeping your money to yourself. In fact, you might want to invest a small portion of it in your virtual security. Install a trusted anti-malware program, and it will automatically delete STOP Ransomware (.peet variation) and secure your system. Once you remove Peet Ransomware, you can try restoring your files with the help of a free decryptor, or you can use your own backups to replace the corrupted files.