How to remove Pwnd ransomware and decrypt “.pwnd” & “.key” files

What is Pwnd?

The one of the newest internet threats is called Pwnd ransomware. This virus doesn’t belong to any already known file-encryption ransomware family, however, this virus can easily become the one of the most widespread ones. It’s possible due to the ways the virus spreads. At the present moment hackers generally spread it by the means of email messages. In this case, hackers inject the code of the virus into a regular and harmless file. Then they send this file as if it’s an official document or something necessary to read. When the file is opened, the operating system also executes the code of the virus. Sometimes, hackers also create fake installers and promote them by the means of fake websites. In this case the installer and the site should copy originals in order to assure victims, that the file is safe to be installed. When Pwnd ransomware gets into the operating system, it modifies some registry keys and their values. Then Pwnd ransomware infects system processes and later encrypts the files. When the encryption process is finished, the files get new extensions. As it’s been discovered, there are two versions of this ransomware. The one of them adds “.pwnd” extension to the files, and the other adds “.key” extension. In the end, it drops ransom note, called “H0w_T0_Rec0very_Files.txt”. By the means of this note, hackers try to assure victims, that there is no other way, but to pay them. Unfortunately, the surest way to decrypt your data is to purchase the decryption tool, however, in the most cases hackers don’t respond to the messages after being paid. But still there is a way out. Due to these reasons we’ve prepared the detailed guide on how to remove Pwnd ransomware and decrypt “.pwnd” & “.key” files.



H0w_T0_Rec0very_Files.txt

Your network have been penetrated and encrypted with a strong algorythm
Backups were either removed or encrypted
No one can help you to recover the network except us
Do not share this link or email. Otherwise, we will have to delete the decryption keys
To get your files back you have to pay the decryption fee in BTC.
The price depends on the network size, number of employess and annual revenue.
Download TOR-Browser: hxxps://www.torproject.org/download/
Login ax3spapdymip4jpy.onion using your ID -
or
contact our support by email help0f0ry0u@protonmail.com
You'll receive instructions inside.
You should get in contact with us within 2 days after you noticed the encryption to have a good discount.
The decryption key will be stored for 1 month.
The price will be increased by 100% in two weeks
We also have gathered your sensitive data.
We would share it in case you refuse to pay
Do not rename or move encrypted files
Decryption using third party software is impossible.
Attempts to self-decrypting files will result in the loss of your data.

Article’s Guide

  1. How to remove Pwnd ransomware from your computer
  2. Automatically remove Pwnd ransomware
  3. Manually remove Pwnd ransomware
  4. How to decrypt “.pwnd” & “.key” files
  5. Automatically decrypt “.pwnd” & “.key” files
  6. Manually decrypt “.pwnd” & “.key” files
  7. How to prevent ransomware attacks
  8. Remove Pwnd ransomware and decrypt “.pwnd” & “.key” files with our help

How to remove Pwnd ransomware from your computer?

Every day ransomware viruses change as well as their folders, executable files and the processes, which they use. For this reason it’s difficult to detect the virus yourself. That’s why we’ve prepared the detailed guide for you on how to remove Pwnd ransomware from your computer!


Automatically remove Pwnd ransomware

We strongly recommend you to use automated solution, as it can scan all the hard drive, ongoing processes and registry keys. It will mitigate the risks of the wrong installation. It will remove Pwnd ransomware from your computer with all of its leftovers and register files. Moreover, it will protect your computer from future attacks.

Our choice is Norton 360 . Norton 360 scans your computer and detects various threats like Pwnd, then removes it with all of the related malicious files, folders and malicious registry keys. Moreover, it has a great variety of other features, like protection from specific ransomware attacks, safe box for your passwords and many other things!



Download Norton windows compatible


Manually remove Pwnd ransomware

This way is not recommended, as it requires strong skills. We don’t bear any responsibility for your actions. We also warn you that you can damage your operating system or data. However, it can be a suitable solution for you.


  1. Open the “Task Manager”
  2. Right click on the “Name” column, add the “Command line”
  3. Find a strange process, the folder of which probably is not suitable for it
  4. Go To the process folder and remove all files
  5. Go to the Registry and remove all keys related to the process
  6. Go to the AppData folder and remove all strange folders, that you can find

How to decrypt “.pwnd” & “.key” files?

Once you’ve removed the virus, you are probably thinking how to decrypt “.pwnd” & “.key” files or at least restore them. Let’s take a look at possible ways of decrypting your data.

Restore .pwnd & .key files with Stellar Data Recovery

If you decided to recover your files, we strongly advise you to use only high-quality software, otherwise your data can be corrupted. Our choice is Stellar Data Recovery. This software has proven to be very appreciated by customers, who have faced ransomware problems!


Data Recovery

  1. Download and install Stellar Data Recovery
  2. Select drives and folders with your files, then click Scan.
  3. Choose all the files in a folder, then press on Restore button.
  4. Manage export location.


Download Stellar Data Recovery

The download is an evaluation version for recovering files. To unlock all features and tools, purchase is required ($49.99-299). By clicking the button you agree to EULA and Privacy Policy. Downloading will start automatically.



Other solutions

The services we’ve mentioned in this part also guarantee users, that the encrypted data is unlikely to become damaged. But you should understand, that there is still a risk to corrupt your files.

Decrypt .pwnd & .key files with Emsisoft decryptor

This software includes information about more than 100 viruses of STOP(DJVU) family and others. All that you need are two files or some luck. You can freely use it as it distributes free of charge. If it doesn’t work for you, you can use another method.

Decrypt .pwnd & .key files with Kaspersky decryptors

Nowadays Kaspresky is one of the world’s leading suppliers of antivirus programs. Recently they started to provide decryption services, that can be very useful in your case. Click here and you will be redirected to the decryption page.

Decrypt .pwnd & .key files with Dr. Web decryptors

Dr. Web is one of the oldest companies, which provide antivirus protection. Their decryption system is rather new, but it can help you. Click here and you will be redirected to the decryption page.


Decrypt .pwnd & .key files manually

If above mentioned solutions didn’t help to decrypt .pwnd & .key files, still, there is no need to invest in the malicious scheme by paying a ransom. You are able to recover files manually.
You can try to use one of these methods in order to restore your encrypted data manually.

Restore .pwnd & .key files with Windows Previous Versions

This feature is working on Windows Vista (not Home version), Windows 7, Windows 8 and Windows 10. Windows keeps copies of files and folders which you can use to restore data on your computer. In order to restore data from Windows Backup, take the following steps:

  1. Open My Computer and search for the folders you want to restore;
  2. Right-click on the folder and choose Restore previous versions option;
  3. The option will show you the list of all the previous copies of the folder;
  4. Select restore date and the option you need: Open, Copy and Restore.

Restore .pwnd & .key files with System Restore

You can always try to use System Restore in order to roll back your system to its condition before infection infiltration. All the Windows versions include this option.

  1. Type restore in the Search tool;
  2. Click on the result;
  3. Choose restore point before the infection infiltration;
  4. Follow the on-screen instructions.

How to prevent ransomware attacks?

If you have successfully removed Pwnd, you know probably think about the ways how to protect your data from future attacks. The best way is to create backups of your data. We recommend you to use only high-quality products. Our choice here is Stellar Data Recovery. This soft can easily create highly-qualified backups, has a user friendly interface and moreover, it can help you to restore your files! Then you should take under strict control all your internet connections. Some of the ransomware viruses connect to various internet services and can even infect computers that are connected to the same local network. That’s why it’s important to use a strong firewall, that can easily restrict any connection. The best choice is GlassWire. This program has a user friendly interface and it becomes very easy to prevent any ransomware or hacker attack.


Download GlassWire windows compatible

To unlock all features and tools, purchase is required ($49.99-$299). By clicking the button you agree to EULA and Privacy Policy.

If you want to learn out more details about the ways how to prevent ransomware attacks, read our detailed article!



Write us an email

If your case is an unusual one, feel free to write us an email. Fill the form below and wait for our response! We will answer you as soon as possible. The files we need to inspect your case are: executable files of the virus, if it’s possible; examples of the encrypted files; screenshots of your task manager; ransom note; background screen.




CONCLUSION: nowadays, these solutions are the all possible ways to remove Pwnd ransomware and decrypt .pwnd & .key files. The best solution to remove it nowadays is the Norton 360 . Their specialists improve the scan system and update the databases every day. It helps not only to remove existing problems, but also protects computers from future attacks.

Download Norton windows compatible

Was this tutorial helpful?
[Total: 0 Average: 0]

Leave a Comment

Time limit is exhausted. Please reload CAPTCHA.