PornBlackMailer virus - How to remove

PornBlackMailer ransomware virus was detected at the end of January, 2018. While it is categorized as crypto-malware, it does not actually use encryption algorithms to encode digital data. Hackers have designed this infection as a highly intrusive malware, using scareware strategies.

PornBlackMailer crypto-virus is distributed through websites, featuring pornographic content. It aims to blackmail people for their indecent behavior. However, the hackers take it to next level since they accuse people of spreading child pornography which is a serious crime (Child pornography law). Similar threats are made by creators of Matrix ransomware.

PornBlackMailer virus accuses victims of spreading child pornography but does not encrypt files

Crooks intimidate a victim by stating that they have collected various types of information about the user, have taken compromising screenshots of active desktop, and have gathered other types of data. The first victim of PornBlackMailer virus wrote about his/her experience on Reddit, stating that the malicious file was called Xvideos. After being launched, the file generated the READ_ME.txt file with the frightening accusations and demands.

Hackers actually used to frequently make similar threats with ransomware viruses: “Cyber Command of Oregon”, “Cyber Command of Washington”, or the “FBI Department of Defense”. Victims were also threatened by the fact that information about them is going to be sent to law agencies (Ransomware makes child porn menaces in broken English).

If victims do not pay the required ransoms during the given time (24 hours), PornBlackMailer virus explains that the collected compromising data will be automatically forwarded to law enforcement agencies like CIA or FBI. However, these threats are usually nothing but a sham, unless users have actually been involved in distribution of child pornography (which we hope you are not).

Actually, PornBlackMailer virus will collect information about your geo-location and will also take 4 screenshots of your desktop. After this, malware will change the desktop background to feature a frightening image.

Hackers insists that 0.01 BTC would be sent to three indicated bitcoin wallets. This amount of bitcoins currently equals $76.94, but people actually have to triple the price since the ransom is supposed to be sent to three wallets. Considering that people would be avoiding jail time, a sacrifice of approximately $231 dollars might not seem that bad. But the threatening message is rogue and people should not waste their money.

Also, PornBlackMailer virus is actively-distributed since new payloads are detected on a regular basis. Therefore, it is important that you would be careful online. We would suggest to restrain yourself from visiting websites with pornographic content in general. This is not the first time when websites like Pornhub have been involved with bad news.

More about the distribution and removal of the PornBlackMailer ransomware

PornBlackMailer virus is said to spread thru porn websites. This is just another reminder that this type of websites should be avoided. It is very common for advertisements in these domains to be malware-laden. On the other hand, spam campaigns can also deliver payloads of crypto-malware. Therefore, you should not randomly download files you receive in your email account.

Since PornBlackMailer malware does not encrypt data, there is no need to discuss possible decryption strategies. However, we still take advantage of every opportunity to spread awareness. Please back up your data in order to secure them,

In order to get rid of this virus, you will probably have to run a scan with an anti-malware tool. You could also attempt to complete a manual removal, but it might be difficult for some people with no experience in malware removal. Therefore, selecting an anti-malware tool will not only help you get rid of this nasty PornBlackMailer virus, but will also protect you from future infections. For this important job, we recommend trying Spyhunter. This appreciated tool will not disappoint people with its high-quality features and easy-to-use interface.

How to recover PornBlackMailer virus encrypted files and remove the virus

Step 1. Restore system into last known good state using system restore

1. Reboot your computer to Safe Mode with Command Prompt:

for Windows 7 / Vista/ XP

• Start → Shutdown → Restart → OK.
• Press F8 key repeatedly until Advanced Boot Options window appears.
• Choose Safe Mode with Command Prompt.

for Windows 8 / 10

• Press Power at Windows login screen. Then press and hold Shift key and click Restart.
• Choose Troubleshoot → Advanced Options → Startup Settings and click Restart.
• When it loads, select Enable Safe Mode with Command Prompt from the list of Startup Settings.

 

2.Restore System files and settings.

• When Command Prompt mode loads, enter cd restore and press Enter.
• Then enter rstrui.exe and press Enter again.
• Click “Next” in the windows that appeared.
• Select one of the Restore Points that are available before PornBlackMailer virus has infiltrated to your system and then click “Next”.
• To start System restore click “Yes”.

 

Step 2. Complete removal of PornBlackMailer virus

After restoring your system, it is recommended to scan your computer with an anti-malware program, like Spyhunter and remove all malicious files related to PornBlackMailer virus . You can check other tools here.  

Step 3. Restore PornBlackMailer virus affected files using Shadow Volume Copies

If you do not use System Restore option on your operating system, there is a chance to use shadow copy snapshots. They store copies of your files that point of time when the system restore snapshot was created. Usually PornBlackMailer virus tries to delete all possible Shadow Volume Copies, so this methods may not work on all computers. However, it may fail to do so. Shadow Volume Copies are only available with Windows XP Service Pack 2, Windows Vista, Windows 7, and Windows 8. There are two ways to retrieve your files via Shadow Volume Copy. You can do it using native Windows Previous Versions or via Shadow Explorer. a) Native Windows Previous Versions Right-click on an encrypted file and select Properties → Previous versions tab. Now you will see all available copies of that particular file and the time when it was stored in a Shadow Volume Copy. Choose the version of the file you want to retrieve and click Copy if you want to save it to some directory of your own, or Restore if you want to replace existing, encrypted file. If you want to see the content of file first, just click Open.

b) Shadow Explorer It is a program that can be found online for free. You can download either a full or a portable version of Shadow Explorer. Open the program. On the left top corner select the drive where the file you are looking for is a stored. You will see all folders on that drive. To retrieve a whole folder, right-click on it and select “Export”. Then choose where you want it to be stored.

Step 4. Use Data Recovery programs to recover PornBlackMailer virus encrypted files

There are several data recovery programs that might recover encrypted files as well. This does not work in all cases but you can try this:

• We suggest using another PC and connect the infected hard drive as slave. It is still possible to do this on infected PC though.
• Download a data recovery program.
• Install and scan for recently deleted files.

Note: In many cases it is impossible to restore data files affected by modern ransomware. Thus I recommend using decent cloud backup software as precaution. We recommend checking out Carbonite, BackBlaze, CrashPlan or Mozy Home.