How to remove PwndLocker Ransomware and decrypt .ProLock, .pwnd or .key files

What is PwndLocker Ransomware

PwndLocker Ransomware is a file-encrypting virus created for targeting business networks and local governments. However, regular users can also become a victim of cybercriminals. After penetration, PwndLocker damages settings of multiple Windows Services and encrypts both internal and network data by changing extensions and creating a ransom note. The number of assigned extensions may vary depending on file formats. The virus uses .ProLock, .pwnd or .key extensions, however, it does not make any sense which one altered your files because they implement the same function. For example, in some cases, the original 1.mp4 will be transformed into 1.mp4.ProLock. In other scenarios, the affected data can experience “.pwnd” or “.key” extensions. The ransom note (H0w_T0_Rec0very_Files.txt), that is therefore dropped on the desktop, suggests that your network has been penetrated and encrypted with strong algorithms.

To restore the locked files, extortionists ask companies to buy a decryption key in BTC via Tor Browser or contact them through the attached e-mail to get further instructions. Also, unless you contact them within 2 weeks, the price will be increased by 100%. Unfortunately, it is true that decryption with third-parties tools is impossible because cybercriminals use RSA-2048 algorithms for ciphering the data. Instead, you can only remove PwndLocker Ransomware from your computer and retrieve the lost data from an external backup.

How PwndLocker Ransomware infected your computer

At this point, experts have not identified the exact method of how PwndLocker Ransomware attacks systems. Although, cybercriminals tend to abuse multiple distribution channels for spreading infections. Usually, the main traffic of infiltrations comes from trojans, e-mail spams, fake updaters, doubtful downloads, and other channels that lead to malware penetration. E-mail spams are used for sending messages bundled with malicious attachments. Once opened, they start running executable scripts that imminently settle a virus on the computer leaving no chance to avert the damage. Trojans themselves are a type of virus that initiates the installation of additional malware. Keep in mind that they can also be spread via fake e-mails or highlighted banners that urge you to download something. Never open unknown links or files unless you are sure that they are safe and do not contain any malicious content inside of it. Skip dubious pages or ads that are promoted around the web because they can also become a source of infiltrations. To remove PwndLocker Ransomware and learn how to recover your data, follow the instructions below.

1. Download PwndLocker Ransomware Removal Tool
2. Get decryption tool for .ProLock, .pwnd or .key 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 PwndLocker Ransomware

PwndLocker Ransomware files:


H0w_T0_Rec0very_Files.txt
contoso.cer
contoso_1.cer
contosoroot.cer
correct.avi
dashborder_XXX.bmp
default.bmp
delete.avi
dialmap.bmp
holycrosschurchinstructions.docx
sdkfailsafeemulator.cer
testee.cer
sdszfo.docx
split.avi
lock.xml
{randomfilename}.exe


PwndLocker Ransomware registry keys:

no information

How to decrypt and restore .ProLock, .pwnd or .key files

Use automated decryptors

Download Kaspersky RakhniDecryptor

Use following tool from Kaspersky called Rakhni Decryptor, that can decrypt .ProLock, .pwnd or .key 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 .ProLock, .pwnd or .key files by uploading samples to Dr. Web Ransomware Decryption Service. Analyzing of 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 PwndLocker Ransomware and removed it 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 .ProLock, .pwnd or .key files

1. Download Stellar Data Recovery Professional.
2. Click Recover Data button.
3. Select type of files you want to restore and click Next button.
4. Choose 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 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 is no items in the list choose alternative method.

Using Shadow Explorer:

1. Download Shadow Explorer program.
2. Run it and you will see 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 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 PwndLocker 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 storages, such as hard drives, SSDs, flash drives or remote network storages can be instantly infected by the virus once plugged in or connected to. PwndLocker 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 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 is 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 very high level of anti-spam protection.

Download MailWasher Pro