How to remove Pings Ransomware and decrypt .pings files

What is Pings Ransomware

Pings Ransomware is a type of malicious software designed to encrypt files on a victim’s computer, rendering them inaccessible. The ransomware appends a .pings extension to the filenames of the encrypted files. For instance, a file named 1.jpg would be renamed to 1.jpg.pings. The primary goal of this ransomware is to extort money from victims in return for data decryption. The specific encryption algorithm used by Pings Ransomware is not explicitly mentioned in the search results. However, ransomware typically uses strong encryption algorithms like AES (Advanced Encryption Standard) or RSA (Rivest-Shamir-Adleman) to encrypt files. These encryption methods are virtually impossible to break without the decryption key, which is typically held by the attacker. Pings Ransomware creates a ransom note named FILE RECOVERY.txt. This note informs the victim that their files have been encrypted and provides instructions for decryption. The attackers demand payment in Bitcoin, promising to send the decryption tool after payment is made. To assure the victim, the note offers free decryption for one file, with specific limitations.

Without a specific decryption tool, decrypting .pings files can be challenging. The best course of action is to restore the encrypted files from a recent backup, if available. It’s crucial to ensure that the ransomware is completely removed from the system before restoring files to prevent them from being re-encrypted. Victims are often advised not to pay the ransom, as there’s no guarantee that the attackers will provide a working decryption key after payment. Furthermore, paying the ransom encourages the attackers to continue their illicit activities. In the absence of a backup, victims may choose to seek professional help. Cybersecurity firms and researchers are continually working on developing decryption tools for various types of ransomware. However, as of now, no such tool is available for Pings Ransomware.

As of the current date, there are no free decryption tools available for Pings Ransomware. This is common with many types of ransomware, as the encryption algorithms used are often complex and unique to each strain of ransomware. It’s important to note that even if a decryption tool were available, its effectiveness would depend on the specific variant of the ransomware and the encryption algorithm used.

How Pings Ransomware infects computers

The two most common infection vectors for ransomware like Pings are email and websites. Victims may receive malicious emails containing infected attachments or links to malicious websites. Once the user opens the attachment or clicks on the link, the ransomware is downloaded and installed on their computer. Visiting compromised or malicious websites can also lead to infection, as these sites may expose users to drive-by downloads, automatically downloading and installing the ransomware without their knowledge. Additionally, users can unintentionally infect their computers by encountering malicious ads, pop-ups, or similar content on dubious sites or apps.

1. Download Pings Ransomware Removal Tool
2. Get decryption tool for .pings 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 Pings Ransomware

Pings Ransomware files:


FILE RECOVERY.txt
{randomname}.exe


Pings Ransomware registry keys:

no information

How to decrypt and restore .pings files

Use automated decryptors

Download Kaspersky RakhniDecryptor

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

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 .pings 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 Pings 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 .pings 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.

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 Pings Ransomware, in future

1. Get special anti-ransomware software

Use ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware

ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware Dashboard

ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware Alert

ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware Blocked

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.

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. Pings 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.