Peet ransomware

Peet is the ransomware threat that is using sophisticated encryption methods to lock users’ files with .peet extension

Peet ransomware is the cryptovirus that belongs to Djvu ransomware family that recently become undecryptable again, especially the more recent versions with updated coding functions and proper RSA algorithm.^[1] The virus was detected by Michael Gillespie who is the main person updating the recent Emsisoft decryption tool for STOP Djvu. Unfortunately, only some variants can be decrypted at the moment. 

Peet is still using the _readme.txt ransom note that is asking to $980 for decrypting the affected files. However, the discount is promised if the victim contacts hackers via either [email protected] or [email protected] for the decryption service. Allegedly, the victim will have to pay “only” $490 for recovering files. We do NOT recommend paying and supporting their malicious business.

This is the version of notorious malware and can load additional payloads of trojans, info-stealing threats on the machine after the initial encryption process. Also, Peet focuses on file encryption but runs more damaging processes in the background that affects the virus termination and data recovery further.

Peet ransomware can change preferences, disable functions, programs and delete files neede for file recovery like Shadow Volume Copies. You can enter the Safe Mode with Networking while you scan the machine with an anti-malware tool and achieve the full system cleaning this way. You can restore the system to a previous state entirely. The most important thing is to restrain from paying entirely.

Peet ransomware delivers a convincing ransom-demanding message, but you should ignore those claims. There is no guarantee that creators will recover your files after the payment. They can load another script on your device via email instead.

Peet ransomware ransom note _readme.txt shows the following:

ATTENTION!

Don’t worry, you can return all your files!
All your files like photos, databases, documents and other important are encrypted with strongest encryption and unique key.
The only method of recovering files is to purchase decrypt tool and unique key for you.
This software will decrypt all your encrypted files.
What guarantees you have?
You can send one of your encrypted file from your PC and we decrypt it for free.
But we can decrypt only 1 file for free. File must not contain valuable information.
You can get and look video overview decrypt tool:
https://we.tl/t-514KtsAKtH
Price of private key and decrypt software is $980.
Discount 50% available if you contact us first 72 hours, that’s price for you is $490.
Please note that you’ll never restore your data without payment.
Check your e-mail “Spam” or “Junk” folder if you don’t get answer more than 6 hours.

To get this software you need write on our e-mail:
[email protected]
Reserve e-mail address to contact us:
[email protected]

Our Telegram account:
@datarestore

Your personal ID:

Make sure to react as soon as possible once you receive this message, so Peet ransomware can be terminated before any significant damage, and your files may get recovered without much difficulty. When the virus changes important parts and disables functions, you may not get any luck with ShadowExplorer, and other system features helping with file restoring. Also, remember that when you attach an external device it can also get encrypted or damaged when traces of the cryptovirus remain on the system. Clean the computer fully before doing anything else.

Unfortunately, Peet is no longer decryptable. Criminals behind this cryptocurrency malware have changed their encryption method and employed powerful methods. In addition to that, almost all of the recent versions use online ID keys instead of offline ID keys, so, once files get affected, in most cases they cannot be recovered. However, researchers note that it takes a long time for malware experts to come up with such difficult tools that can decrypt and restore encrypted data. The best solution for your data is backups or third party software because experts have nothing to offer at this point or if ever.

Peet ransomware is the cryptovirus that belongs to Djvu ransomware family. Malware in this family changes the file marker with each strain, in this cases, .peet gets at the end of every encrypted file.

Peet ransomware encryption functionality and possibilities to get your files back

Djvu family is known for a few years now, and researchers have determined that some of the versions use offline IDs, and some rely on online IDs. This functionality makes a huge difference for victims.

Offline IDs generally end in t1 and can be identified easily. This also means that ransomware can’t connect to command and control servers while encrypting files, so built-in encryption keys and IDs get used. Everyone that gets infected by the same Djvu ransomware variant has the same ID too, so files can be decrypted using one key. 

When it comes to online IDs that Peet is using, the C&C server connection allows the virus to generate random keys, and each victim that gets infected needs to get that particular decryption key to recover files completely. Since you cannot use keys from other computers, Peet ransomware removal and decryption become merely impossible.

Older versions in this family (those in distribution until the end of August 2019), were the ones that supported offline IDs for almost all of the variants. This fact made it easily decryptable, so almost all of the victims got their files recovered. STOPDecrypter tool was based on this functionality. 

New versions use a more secure and sophisticated RSA encryption method and online IDs. So when it comes to some offline IDs, they can be used for decryption, but in few cases only. Other ones that include online IDs, like Peet ransomware virus, cannot be decrypted because even researchers have nothing to offer for the decryption and file recovery. 

Some of the malware experts claim that decryption for these more recent versions of Djvu, including the last ones like .lokf, .mosk, .toec, might not be possible for a long time if ever. It depends on law enforcement and their ability to catch criminals operating this virus. Whether databases get exposed and all the keys surface the public, victims can get their files decrypted. However, this is less likely to happen because ransomware creators most often remain unidentified.

It is better to remove Peet ransomware from the machine, store those malware files, encrypted data, and wait for some time, but clean the machine to have a normal working device again. You should rely on anti-malware tools and terminate the virus, then you can employ a system tool like Reimage Reimage Cleaner to fix possible damage or corrupted system files. NoVirus.uk^[3] team recommends double-checking every process when it comes to cryptovirus or extortion-based malware like this.

Peet ransomware is the virus that can connect to C&C servers when encrypting data, so the victims’ ID. For newer versions, this means that there is nothing that can be done to recover files.

Ransomware comes on the system with the help of safe-looking files 

Most of the infections categorized as ransomware use infected files as a vector for virus distribution. It is easy to spread around because various types of files circulate the web. Email attachments get malicious scrip planted on documents, PDFs, executables, so once the notification is received and the file opened malware runs on the PC. You only need to enable the content suggested on the document, and the virus can access all of your files.

Software applications that utilize weak points of the machine can also be used to spread infection. Such files get injected into pirated software packages and torrent sites, so when you think you get cheats, key generators, license activators, or video game cracks, you get malicious payload.

Keep away from shady freeware distributors, promotional content, torrent sites, pirated software, and other deceptive sites. You should always note how reliable the source is and pay close attention to emails you receive on a daily basis. Keep the system virus-free with proper AV tools running from time to time.

Peet ransomware elimination requires professional tools designed to fight malware

To remove Peet ransomware completely from the system, you need to have patience and employ a proper tool that experts can recommend as safe and trustworthy. Anti-malware tools can run a full check on the system and get rid of the malware, associated files or injected payloads.

However, when you get rid of the Peet ransomware virus using such a program that doesn’t mean your files get restored. Antivirus programs are created to terminate malware, malicious files, dangerous applications, not to decrypt or repair the damage. For that, you need other tools or your file backups that can replace affected data.

After the proper Peet ransomware removal, run a scan again to make sure this threat is disabled and then install a PC repair tool, system optimizer like Reimage Reimage Cleaner , SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner, or Malwarebytes to help you with additional malware changes. Registry repair, patching system files can get difficult, so system tools help you with that. Then you can be calm and restore files yourself.

Remove Peet using Safe Mode with Networking

Reboot the machine, so your AV tool can work properly for Peet ransomware removal

• Windows 7 / Vista / XP
  1. Click Start → Shutdown → Restart → OK.
  2. When your computer becomes active, start pressing F8 multiple times until you see the Advanced Boot Options window.
  3. Select Safe Mode with Networking from the list

  Windows 10 / Windows 8

  1. Press the Power button at the Windows login screen. Now press and hold Shift, which is on your keyboard, and click Restart..
  2. Now select Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Startup Settings and finally press Restart.
  3. Once your computer becomes active, select Enable Safe Mode with Networking in Startup Settings window.

• Log in to your infected account and start the browser. Download Reimage Reimage Cleaner or other legitimate anti-spyware program. Update it before a full system scan and remove malicious files that belong to your ransomware and complete Peet removal.

If your ransomware is blocking Safe Mode with Networking, try further method.

Remove Peet using System Restore

You may benefit from the System Restore feature that allows the machine to recover the OS to the previous state when the infection was not present

Bonus: Recover your data

Guide which is presented above is supposed to help you remove Peet from your computer. To recover your encrypted files, we recommend using a detailed guide prepared by 2-spyware.com security experts.

If your files are encrypted by Peet, you can use several methods to restore them:

Data Recovery Pro can work as an alternate version for file restoring

When data backups are not up-to-date, you can rely on Data Recovery Pro program and restore those files encrypted by Peet ransomware

• Download Data Recovery Pro;
• Follow the steps of Data Recovery Setup and install the program on your computer;
• Launch it and scan your computer for files encrypted by Peet ransomware;
• Restore them.

Windows Previous Versions can restore those malware-affected files for you

When System Restore gets enabled, Windows Previous Version can recover your data

• Find an encrypted file you need to restore and right-click on it;
• Select “Properties” and go to “Previous versions” tab;
• Here, check each of available copies of the file in “Folder versions”. You should select the version you want to recover and click “Restore”.

ShadowExplorer – a tool for Peet ransomware encrypted files

However, when cryptovirus affects Shadow Volume Copies, you cannot use ShadoExplorer for data restoring

• Download Shadow Explorer (http://shadowexplorer.com/);
• Follow a Shadow Explorer Setup Wizard and install this application on your computer;
• Launch the program and go through the drop down menu on the top left corner to select the disk of your encrypted data. Check what folders are there;
• Right-click on the folder you want to restore and select “Export”. You can also select where you want it to be stored.

Decryption for some versions of this family is possible

Peet ransomware, ins not decryptable, in most cases, due to sophisticated encryption methods. However, here is the information about the STOP virus family and all the decryption possibilities for previous versions.

Finally, you should always think about the protection of crypto-ransomwares. In order to protect your computer from Peet and other ransomwares, use a reputable anti-spyware, such as Reimage Reimage Cleaner , SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner or Malwarebytes