Pres Ransomware (.pres)

Pres ransomware is a recently discovered variant of the infamous Dharma ransomware family. It locks users out of their files by encrypting them and appending the “.pres” extension. Victims are then pressured into paying a ransom to regain access. The ransomware displays a ransom note in a pop-up window and also drops a text file with instructions on how to contact the cybercriminals.

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Threat Overview

Pres ransomware modifies file names by adding a unique victim ID, an attacker-controlled email address, and the “.pres” extension. A file originally named “photo.jpg” would become something like “photo.jpg.id-XXXXXX.[helpreserve@onionmail.org].pres”. Victims are then urged to email the attacker to negotiate decryption.

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Threat Summary

Attribute	Details
Threat Type	Ransomware, Crypto Virus, File Locker
Encrypted File Extension	.pres
Ransom Note File Names	Pop-up message, info.txt
Associated Email Addresses	helpreserve@onionmail.org, helpreserve@cyberfear.com
Detection Names	Win32:MalwareX-gen [Ransom], Trojan.Ransom.Crysis.E, A Variant Of Win32/Filecoder.Crysis.P, Trojan-Ransom.Win32.Crusis.to, Ransom:Win32/Wadhrama!pz
Symptoms of Infection	Files become inaccessible and renamed, ransom notes displayed, system slowdown
Damage	Data loss, encrypted documents, business disruption
Distribution Methods	Phishing emails, RDP attacks, malicious downloads, software vulnerabilities
Danger Level	High
Removal Tool	SpyHunter

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In-Depth Analysis

How Did I Get Infected?

Pres ransomware is often distributed through several common cyberattack vectors:

• Phishing Emails: Disguised attachments or malicious links trigger the ransomware when opened.
• Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) Attacks: Hackers gain remote access using brute-force methods on weak credentials.
• Fake Software and Cracks: Downloading pirated software or fake installers can lead to infection.
• Exploited Vulnerabilities: Outdated software can be used as an entry point for this ransomware.

What Does It Do?

Once active, Pres ransomware performs the following actions:

1. Encrypts Data: All user files, including documents, images, videos, and databases, are locked using a strong encryption algorithm.
2. Renames Files: Encrypted files are renamed with a unique victim ID, attacker’s email, and “.pres” extension.
3. Drops Ransom Note: A ransom note appears in a pop-up window, and an “info.txt” file is created.
4. Disables Recovery Options: System restore points may be deleted, making recovery harder without backups.

Should You Be Worried?

Yes. Pres ransomware can permanently lock you out of essential files, cause massive disruptions in business operations, and result in financial losses. Even if you pay the ransom, there’s no guarantee the attacker will honor the agreement. It’s strongly recommended to remove the infection and avoid paying.

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Ransom Note Text

Pop-up Message:

All your files have been encrypted!
Don’t worry, you can return all your files!
If you want to restore them, write to the mail: helpreserve@onionmail.org YOUR ID –
If you have not answered by mail within 12 hours, write to us by another mail: helpreserve@cyberfear.com
Free decryption as guarantee
Before paying you can send us up to 3 files for free decryption. The total size of files must be less than 3Mb (non archived), and files should not contain valuable information. (databases, backups, large excel sheets, etc.)
How to obtain Bitcoins
Also you can find other places to buy Bitcoins and beginners guide here:
http://www.coindesk.com/information/how-can-i-buy-bitcoins/
Attention!
Do not rename encrypted files.
Do not try to decrypt your data using third party software, it may cause permanent data loss.
Decryption of your files with the help of third parties may cause increased price (they add their fee to our) or you can become a victim of a scam.

info.txt File:

all your data has been locked us
You want to return?
write email helpreserve@onionmail.org or helpreserve@cyberfear.com

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Manual Ransomware Removal Guide

Warning: Manual removal is complex and risky. If not done correctly, it can lead to data loss or incomplete removal of ransomware. Only follow this method if you are an advanced user. If unsure, proceed with Method 2 (SpyHunter Removal Guide).

Step 1: Disconnect from the Internet

1. Unplug your Ethernet cable or disconnect Wi-Fi immediately to prevent further communication with the ransomware’s command and control (C2) servers.

Step 2: Boot into Safe Mode

For Windows Users:

1. For Windows 10, 11:
   • Press Windows + R, type msconfig, and hit Enter.
   • Go to the Boot tab.
   • Check Safe boot and select Network.
   • Click Apply and OK, then restart your PC.
2. For Windows 7, 8:
   • Restart your PC and press F8 repeatedly before Windows loads.
   • Select Safe Mode with Networking and press Enter.

For Mac Users:

1. Restart your Mac and immediately press and hold the Shift key.
2. Release the key once you see the Apple logo.
3. Your Mac will start in Safe Mode.

Step 3: Locate and Terminate Malicious Processes

For Windows Users:

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
2. Look for suspicious processes (e.g., unknown names, high CPU usage, or random letters).
3. Right-click on the process and select End Task.

For Mac Users:

1. Open Activity Monitor (Finder > Applications > Utilities > Activity Monitor).
2. Look for unusual processes.
3. Select the process and click Force Quit.

Step 4: Delete Malicious Files

For Windows Users:

1. Press Windows + R, type %temp%, and hit Enter.
2. Delete all files in the Temp folder.
3. Navigate to:
   • C:\Users\[Your Username]\AppData\Roaming
   • C:\Users\[Your Username]\AppData\Local
   • C:\Windows\System32
4. Look for suspicious files related to the ransomware (random file names, recently modified) and delete them.

For Mac Users:

1. Open Finder and go to Go > Go to Folder.
2. Type ~/Library/Application Support and delete suspicious folders.
3. Navigate to ~/Library/LaunchAgents and remove unknown .plist files.

Step 5: Remove Ransomware from Registry or System Settings

For Windows Users:

Warning: Incorrect changes in the Registry Editor can damage your system. Proceed with caution.

1. Press Windows + R, type regedit, and hit Enter.
2. Navigate to:
   • HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software
   • HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software
3. Look for unfamiliar folders with random characters or ransomware-related names.
4. Right-click and select Delete.

For Mac Users:

1. Go to System Preferences > Users & Groups.
2. Click on Login Items and remove any suspicious startup items.
3. Navigate to ~/Library/Preferences and remove malicious .plist files.

Step 6: Restore System Using System Restore (Windows) or Time Machine (Mac)

For Windows Users:

1. Press Windows + R, type rstrui, and hit Enter.
2. Click Next, choose a restore point before the infection, and follow the prompts to restore your system.

For Mac Users:

1. Restart your Mac and hold Command + R to enter macOS Utilities.
2. Select Restore from Time Machine Backup.
3. Choose a backup prior to the ransomware infection and restore your system.

Step 7: Use a Decryption Tool (If Available)

• Visit No More Ransom (www.nomoreransom.org) and check if a decryption tool is available for your ransomware variant.

Step 8: Recover Files Using Backup

• If you have backups on an external drive or cloud storage, restore your files.

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Automatic Ransomware Removal Using SpyHunter

If manual removal seems too risky or complicated, using a reliable anti-malware tool like SpyHunter is the best alternative.

Step 1: Download SpyHunter

Download SpyHunter from the official link: Download SpyHunter

Or follow the official installation instructions here:
SpyHunter Download Instructions

Step 2: Install SpyHunter

1. Open the downloaded file (SpyHunter-Installer.exe).
2. Follow the on-screen prompts to install the program.
3. Once installed, launch SpyHunter.

Step 3: Perform a Full System Scan

1. Click on Start Scan Now.
2. SpyHunter will scan for ransomware and other malware.
3. Wait for the scan to complete.

Step 4: Remove Detected Threats

1. After the scan, SpyHunter will list all detected threats.
2. Click Fix Threats to remove the ransomware.

Step 5: Use SpyHunter’s Malware HelpDesk (If Needed)

If you are dealing with a stubborn ransomware variant, SpyHunter’s Malware HelpDesk provides custom fixes to remove advanced threats.

Step 6: Restore Your Files

If your files are encrypted:

• Try No More Ransom (www.nomoreransom.org) for decryption tools.
• Restore from cloud storage or external backups.

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Preventing Future Ransomware Attacks

• Keep backups on an external hard drive or cloud storage.
• Use SpyHunter to detect threats before they infect your system.
• Enable Windows Defender or a trusted antivirus program.
• Avoid suspicious emails, attachments, and links.
• Update Windows, macOS & software regularly.

Conclusion

Pres ransomware is a destructive threat designed to encrypt your files and coerce you into paying for their release. Its connection to the Dharma ransomware family makes it particularly dangerous and capable of bypassing basic security layers. Immediate removal is critical. Use SpyHunter to eliminate the ransomware and restore system safety.