How to remove Pwn3d Ransomware and decrypt .pwn3d files

What is Pwn3d Ransomware

Pwn3d Ransomware is a type of malicious software classified under the ransomware category, which is designed to encrypt users’ files and demand a ransom payment for their decryption. Once executed, this ransomware modifies the file names by appending random strings of characters along with the .pwn3d extension. For instance, a file named document.jpg might be renamed to document.jpg.{F29674AD-5DBD-F246-0BB8-6C7B6268AF8C}.pwn3d. The encryption typically employs advanced algorithms that make it extremely difficult or nearly impossible to decrypt the files without the appropriate key. After encryption, a ransom note is generated in the form of a text file named README.txt, which is placed in various directories, including the desktop, to inform the victim about the encryption.

The README.txt ransom note instructs victims on how to contact the attackers via email (pwn3d@keemail.me) and usually offers to decrypt one non-critical file to prove the decryption capabilities. The note also warns against renaming or attempting to decrypt the files with third-party software, claiming this could lead to permanent data loss. At present, there are no known free decryption tools available for Pwn3d Ransomware. Decryption without paying the ransom is typically only feasible if the ransomware has flaws or if backups of the encrypted files were created prior to the infection. Encrypted files marked with the .pwn3d extension remain inaccessible unless the victim either pays the ransom and receives the decryption key or restores the files from a secure backup. It is highly recommended to avoid paying the ransom and instead focus on employing robust antivirus solutions to remove the ransomware and consulting cybersecurity experts for file recovery options.

How Pwn3d Ransomware infects computers

Pwn3d Ransomware primarily infects computers through a variety of deceptive tactics, exploiting both user behavior and system vulnerabilities. Common methods include malicious email attachments or links that appear legitimate but contain hidden ransomware payloads. Cybercriminals also distribute Pwn3d through compromised websites, often using drive-by downloads that automatically install the malware when users visit these sites. Additionally, pirated software and cracking tools from untrustworthy sources frequently serve as vectors for infection. Once the malware is executed, it encrypts files on the system, appending a unique “.pwn3d” extension to each one, rendering them inaccessible without the decryption key held by the attackers. It is crucial to maintain up-to-date security software and practice safe browsing habits to mitigate the risk of such infections.

1. Download Pwn3d Ransomware Removal Tool
2. Get decryption tool for .pwn3d 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 Pwn3d Ransomware

Pwn3d Ransomware files:


README.txt
{randomname}.exe


Pwn3d Ransomware registry keys:

no information

How to decrypt and restore .pwn3d files

Use automated decryptors

Download Kaspersky RakhniDecryptor

Use the following tool from Kaspersky called Rakhni Decryptor, that can decrypt .pwn3d 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 .pwn3d 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 Pwn3d 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 .pwn3d 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 Pwn3d 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. Pwn3d 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