How to remove PlayBoy LOCKER Ransomware and decrypt .PLBOY files

What is PlayBoy LOCKER Ransomware

PlayBoy LOCKER Ransomware is a malicious software designed to encrypt personal files on an infected system, effectively locking users out of their own data. This ransomware appends the .PLBOY extension to the filenames of the encrypted files, turning something like document.docx into document.docx.PLBOY. It uses complex encryption algorithms that make it nearly impossible to decrypt the files without a specific decryption key, which only the attackers purportedly possess. Upon infecting a system, the ransomware not only encrypts files but also generates a ransom note. This ransom note is typically saved as a text file named INSTRUCTIONS.txt, which is placed in each folder containing encrypted files. Additionally, the ransomware often modifies the desktop wallpaper of the infected computer, providing a visual reminder of the attack and directing the victim to follow specific instructions contained in the note to contact the attackers.

Regarding the ransom note, it generally informs the users that their data has been both stolen and encrypted, creating a dual threat. The attackers demand payment—usually in cryptocurrency like Bitcoin—to decrypt the files and to prevent them from publishing any stolen data online. Unfortunately, there are no known decryption tools currently available for PlayBoy LOCKER Ransomware. This means that decrypting .PLBOY files without paying the ransom is highly unlikely, as the encryption keys necessary for recovery are not made publicly available by the perpetrators. Security experts strongly advise against paying the ransom, as there is no guarantee that the attackers will actually restore access to the encrypted files. Instead, keeping regular backups of important data is advised, and in the event of infection, using professional antivirus solutions to eliminate the ransomware from the system should be prioritized. If backups are available, files can potentially be restored from these backups, eliminating the need to pay the ransom altogether.

How PlayBoy LOCKER Ransomware infects computers

PlayBoy LOCKER Ransomware typically infiltrates computers through deceptive methods that rely on user interaction. One common entry point is via malicious email attachments or links that are disguised as legitimate communications, tricking users into downloading and executing the ransomware. Cybercriminals also exploit vulnerabilities in outdated software or systems, allowing the malware to bypass security measures and gain access without user knowledge. In addition to emails, PlayBoy LOCKER can spread through compromised websites, malicious advertisements, and software downloads from untrustworthy sources, such as pirated software or unofficial app stores. Once the ransomware is executed, it swiftly encrypts files, appending the “.PLBOY” extension, and demands a ransom for decryption. To mitigate the risk of infection, users should maintain updated antivirus software, exercise caution with email attachments, and regularly update all software and operating systems to patch potential vulnerabilities.

1. Download PlayBoy LOCKER Ransomware Removal Tool
2. Get decryption tool for .PLBOY files
3. Recover encrypted files with Stellar Data Recovery Professional
4. Restore encrypted files with Windows Previous Versions
5. Restore files with Shadow Explorer
6. How to protect from threats like PlayBoy LOCKER Ransomware

PlayBoy LOCKER Ransomware files:


INSTRUCTIONS.txt
{randomname}.exe


PlayBoy LOCKER Ransomware registry keys:

no information

How to decrypt and restore .PLBOY files

Use automated decryptors

Download Kaspersky RakhniDecryptor

Use the following tool from Kaspersky called Rakhni Decryptor, that can decrypt .PLBOY files. Download it here:

Download RakhniDecryptor

There is no purpose to pay the ransom because there is no guarantee you will receive the key, but you will put your bank credentials at risk.

Dr.Web Rescue Pack

Famous antivirus vendor Dr. Web provides free decryption service for the owners of its products: Dr.Web Security Space or Dr.Web Enterprise Security Suite. Other users can ask for help in the decryption of .PLBOY files by uploading samples to Dr. Web Ransomware Decryption Service. Analyzing files will be performed free of charge and if files are decryptable, all you need to do is purchase a 2-year license of Dr.Web Security Space worth $120 or less. Otherwise, you don’t have to pay.

If you are infected with PlayBoy LOCKER Ransomware and removed from your computer, you can try to decrypt your files. Antivirus vendors and individuals create free decryptors for some crypto-lockers. To attempt to decrypt them manually, you can do the following:

Use Stellar Data Recovery Professional to restore .PLBOY files

1. Download Stellar Data Recovery Professional.
2. Click Recover Data button.
3. Select the type of files you want to restore and click Next button.
4. Choose the location where you would like to restore files from and click Scan button.
5. Preview found files, choose ones you will restore and click Recover.

Download Stellar Data Recovery Professional

Using Windows Previous Versions option:

1. Right-click on infected file and choose Properties.
2. Select Previous Versions tab.
3. Choose a particular version of the file and click Copy.
4. To restore the selected file and replace the existing one, click on the Restore button.
5. In case there are no items in the list, choose an alternative method.

Using Shadow Explorer:

1. Download Shadow Explorer program.
2. Run it, and you will see a screen listing of all the drives and the dates that shadow copy was created.
3. Select the drive and date that you want to restore from.
4. Right-click on a folder name and select Export.
5. In case there are no other dates in the list, choose an alternative method.

If you are using Dropbox:

1. Login to the Dropbox website and go to the folder that contains encrypted files.
2. Right-click on the encrypted file and select Previous Versions.
3. Select the version of the file you wish to restore and click on the Restore button.

How to protect computer from viruses, like PlayBoy LOCKER Ransomware, in future

1. Get special anti-ransomware software

Use ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware

Famous antivirus brand ZoneAlarm by Check Point released a comprehensive tool, that will help you with active anti-ransomware protection, as an additional shield to your current protection. The tool provides Zero-Day protection against ransomware and allows you to recover files. ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware is compatible with all other antiviruses, firewalls, and security software except ZoneAlarm Extreme (already shipped with ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware) or Check Point Endpoint products. The killer features of this application are: automatic file recovery, overwrite protection that instantly and automatically recovers any encrypted files, file protection that detects and blocks even unknown encryptors.

Download ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware

2. Back up your files

As an additional way to save your files, we recommend online backup. Local storage, such as hard drives, SSDs, flash drives, or remote network storage can be instantly infected by the virus once plugged in or connected to. PlayBoy LOCKER Ransomware uses some techniques to exploit this. One of the best services and programs for easy automatic online backup is iDrive. It has the most profitable terms and a simple interface. You can read more about iDrive cloud backup and storage here.

3. Do not open spam e-mails and protect your mailbox

Malicious attachments to spam or phishing e-mails are the most popular method of ransomware distribution. Using spam filters and creating anti-spam rules is good practice. One of the world leaders in anti-spam protection is MailWasher Pro. It works with various desktop applications and provides a very high level of anti-spam protection.

Download MailWasher Pro