How to remove PANDA Ransomware and decrypt .panda files

What is PANDA Ransomware

PANDA Ransomware represents a severe form of crypto-malware designed to encrypt victims’ files and demand exorbitant ransoms in exchange for decryption. Upon executing its malicious payload, this ransomware begins by targeting a wide array of file types and methodically encrypts them using robust cryptographic algorithms, often believed to be advanced AES or similar military-grade encryption. An unambiguous marker of this attack is the addition of the .panda file extension to every compromised file; an image like photo.jpg becomes photo.jpg.panda, signaling to the victim that their data is now inaccessible. Following full encryption, README.txt – a ransom note – appears throughout directories containing locked files and typically is also placed on the desktop. This note contains explicit instructions: pay $50,000 USD in Bitcoin within three days through a TOR-hosted payment portal or risk permanent data loss as the decryption key is allegedly destroyed after the deadline. Simultaneously, the desktop wallpaper is replaced with a visually alarming message urging the victim to consult the ransom note for details.

So far, no public decryptors or legitimate decryption tools exist for PANDA ransomware due to the strength and implementation of its encryption algorithms, making file recovery without the attackers’ cooperation virtually impossible. While some ransomware strains suffer from coding mistakes that allow for data recovery, PANDA does not present such vulnerabilities at this time. Victims should not attempt to pay the ransom, as there is no guarantee that the criminals will honor their end or that their offered tools are safe. To decrypt .panda files, currently the only viable options involve restoring from secure, offline backups or earlier version snapshots—if available from a cloud service or backup device that remained isolated during the attack. It’s crucial for affected users to immediately disconnect from all networks, remove external storage, and avoid further interaction with compromised files to prevent additional loss or spread. Reporting the incident to relevant authorities and seeking assistance from reputable cybersecurity firms can also help track emerging trends, though personal data recovery remains uncertain. Professionals recommend regular, segmented backups and robust security hygiene as ongoing defenses against threats like PANDA ransomware.

How PANDA Ransomware infects computers

PANDA Ransomware infiltrates computers primarily through deceptive tactics and social engineering, exploiting users' trust and curiosity. It often arrives via phishing emails that masquerade as legitimate communications, containing malicious attachments or links that, when opened, initiate the ransomware download. Additionally, PANDA can be bundled with seemingly benign software from unofficial or suspicious download sources such as torrent sites and free file-hosting platforms. Cybercriminals also employ drive-by downloads, where merely visiting a compromised website can trigger the download and execution of the ransomware without user consent. Moreover, this malware can spread through network vulnerabilities, leveraging weaknesses in security to propagate across local networks and infect multiple devices. Once inside a system, PANDA encrypts files, appends the ".panda" extension, and demands a hefty ransom payment in Bitcoin, pressuring victims with threats of permanent data loss.

1. Download PANDA Ransomware Removal Tool
2. Get decryption tool for .panda 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 PANDA Ransomware

PANDA Ransomware files:


README.txt
{randomname}.exe


PANDA Ransomware registry keys:

no information

How to decrypt and restore .panda files

Use automated decryptors

Download Kaspersky RakhniDecryptor

Use the following tool from Kaspersky called Rakhni Decryptor, that can decrypt .panda 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 .panda 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 PANDA 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 .panda 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 PANDA 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. PANDA 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