PetrWrap Ransomware

Posted by Lisa Blanc on March 21, 2017

What is PetrWrap Ransomware?

Ransomware programs are extremely popular nowadays as they are used by cyber crooks to make illegal profits. One such application goes by the name of PetrWrap Ransomware. Malware experts working at our internal labs have discovered that this program is roaming the web nowadays; therefore, being aware of its existence is critical if you consider yourself a security-conscious user. Like any other program of this category, it can lock your data without any warning and ask for a ransom. It should be more than obvious that such functionality of this malware could have devastating outcomes. To avoid it, you must take preventative steps that we present within this article. We also present further information about the overall malicious functionality of PetrWrap Ransomware. Below you will also find a comprehensive removal guide that you should use to terminate this malware once and for all.

What does PetrWrap Ransomware do?

At first sight, PetrWrap Ransomware does not differ all that much from other ransomware programs that are active nowadays. Upon intrusion, it determines contents of your hard drive and starts the encryption procedure, which is entirely silent. Such functionality means that users with no advanced computer knowledge will rarely notice this application in action. Just like any other application of this classification, this one uses a powerful algorithm to eliminate the possibility of manual decryption. The major difference in comparison to other ransomware programs of today is the fact that after PetrWrap Ransomware encrypts your data it also damages your MBR (Master Boot Record). This means that every single time your will start your PC your operating system will not load; instead, you will be presented with a ransom note. The note informs you that you no longer have access to your personal data and that you must get in touch with developers of this malware to purchase a key used for the decryption procedure. We highly advise you not to do so since there is no guarantee that even if you buy the needed key that you will regain access to your files. Due to this malware's ability to damage an MBR, our researchers have discovered that it is basically based on another computer infection known as Petya Ransomware. As it turns out cyber crooks that crafted this malicious program used binaries of its infamous counterpart and modified them to fit their needs. It goes without saying that having this devious program active on your PC just for a short time could have detrimental outcomes. Make sure to execute a complete removal of PetrWrap Ransomware at the very same time that it is found up and fully running on your PC.

How to improve your virtual security

To be sure that malicious programs such as PetrWrap Ransomware would not enter your operating system, you must take a few steps to improve your overall virtual security. Firstly, you should know that in quite a few cases developers of this ransomware use security vulnerabilities within RDP (Remote Desktop Protocol). Thus, if you happen to use an RDP, we highly recommend checking if the connection is entirely secure at all times. Additionally, you should practice safe browsing habits. Make sure to avoid all suspicious third-party download websites as they are infamous for being the primary source of bundled installers, which are often used by malware developers as a way to spread they devious software. You should also avoid questionable e-mail attachments that are sent by unknown sources. This is important since cyber crooks are known to use spam e-mail campaigns to spread their malicious programs. Last, but not least, every security-conscious user must have a professional antimalware tool active on their PC. Make sure to install such a tool if you do not have one already as it can automatically detect and delete any malicious or otherwise dangerous program.

How to remove PetrWrap Ransomware from your PC

The removal of PetrWrap Ransomware is a multiple step procedure that must be executed as soon as possible. First you need to restore your MBR to regain access to your operating system. After that you will be able to delete the ransomware in question. The whole procedure is challenging so be sure to pay your utmost attention. Therefore, malware experts at our internal labs recommend analyzing your entire operating system for traces linked to PetrWrap Ransomware this way you will be sure that the removal procedure has been successful. If you happen to discover leftovers of this malware make sure to delete them immediately as they could be more than enough for this program to continue its malicious functionality.

How to repair your MBR

Windows 7

Restart your operating system from your Windows 7 installation DVD.
Click Repair your computer and then select Command Prompt.
Type these commands and tap Enter on your keyboard:
a) bootrec /rebuildbcd.
b) bootrec /fixmbr.
c) bootrec /fixboot.
Eject the CD/DVD.
Restart your computer.

Windows Vista

Restart your system from your Windows Vista installation DVD.
Select Repair your computer.
Click Command Prompt.
Type these commands and tap Enter on your keyboard:
a) bootrec /FixMbr.
b) bootrec /FixBoot.
c) bootrec /RebuildBcd.
Eject the CD/DVD.
Type exit and then tap Enter on your keyboard.
Restart your computer.

Windows 8/Windows 8.1/Windows 10

Restart your system from the original Windows installation DVD.
Select Repair your computer and click Troubleshoot.
Select Command Prompt.
Type these commands and tap Enter on your keyboard:
a) bootrec /FixMbr
b) bootrec /FixBoot
c) bootrec /ScanOs
d) bootrec /RebuildBcd
Eject the DVD.
Type exit in the Command Prompt and tap the Enter key.
Restart your computer.

Windows XP

Restart your computer from the Windows XP CD.
When the Welcome to Setup screen appears, tap the R key to open the Recovery Console.
Type the 1 key at the “Which Windows installation would you like to log onto” screen and then tap Enter on your keyboard.
Enter your password at the “Type the Administrator password” screen and tap Enter.
Type fixmbr in the Command Prompt and tap Enter.
Tap the Y key your keyboard and then press Enter.
Eject your Windows XP CD.
Type exit and tap Enter.
Restart your PC.

How to remove PetrWrap Ransomware from your PC

Open the File Explorer.
Navigate to C:\Users\User\AppData\Local\Temp.
Right-click the malicious .exe file and select the Delete option. Note that the name of this file could be randomzied.
Right-click your Recycle Bin and select Empty Recycle Bin.