µ-2246-digits-of-pi ransomware virus - removal and decryption options

What kind of malware is µ-2246-digits-of-pi?

µ-2246-digits-of-pi is the name or ransomware, a new variant of the DeezNuts Crypter ransomware. We have discovered this variant while examining malware samples submitted to VirusTotal. It was found that µ-2246-digits-of-pi encrypts files and inserts its name in their filenames. This ransom note provides ransom notes in a pop-window and the Pastebin page.

An example of how µ-2246-digits-of-pi ransomware renames files: it changes "1.jpg" to "1.µ-2246-digits-of-pi.jpg", "2.jpg" to "2.µ-2246-digits-of-pi.jpg", and so forth.

Screenshot of files encrypted by this ransomware:

µ-2246-digits-of-pi ransom note overview

Both ransom notes state that files are encrypted and cannot be decrypted without the right decryption key. It does not demand payment in return for a decryption key or provide instructions on how to contact the attackers for data decryption. A decryption key for files encrypted by µ-2246-digits-of-pi ransomware is provided below.

More details about ransomware

Usually, when the attackers do not demand to be paid, they are testing their ransomware, and (or) their ransomware is not fully developed. In some cases, they are carrying out attacks just for fun. Either way, it is rarely possible to decrypt files without the right decryption tools that can be provided only by cybercriminals behind ransomware attacks.

Paying a ransom is not recommended. There are no guarantees that threat actors will send a decryption tool. Also, ransomware should be eliminated from the infected device as soon as possible. It may encrypt more files or infect computers connected to a local network.

Ransomware in general

The purpose of ransomware is to encrypt files. Typically, the attackers demand payment in return for data decryption. Victims cannot recover files for free unless they have a data backup or a working third-party decryption tool. More ransomware examples are Cj, Phmqdw, and Democracy Whisperers.

How did ransomware infect my computer?

Most cybercriminals use emails, cracked software download pages (and other unreliable sources for downloading files and programs), fake updating tools, and Trojans to distribute ransomware. Their goal is to trick users into opening/executing ransomware by themselves.

Emails used to deliver malware contain malicious attachments or links. They are disguised as important/urgent/official letters from legitimate companies (or other entities). Examples of unreliable sources for downloading files/programs are Peer-to-Peer networks (like torrent clients, eMule), third-party downloaders, and freeware download websites.

In most cases, users infect computers through malicious Microsoft Office documents, JavaScript files, archive files like ZIP, RAR, PDF documents, and executable files.

Threat Summary:

Name	µ-2246-digits-of-pi virus
Threat Type	Ransomware, Crypto Virus, Files locker
Encrypted Files Extension	This ransomware inserts its name in filenames instead of appending a new extension
Ransom Demanding Message	Pastebin page, pop-up window
Free Decryptor Available?	Yes. Decryption key is provided below
Detection Names	Avast (Win32:Trojan-gen), Combo Cleaner (Generic.Ransom.AIT.Ouroboros.C50292DF), ESET-NOD32 (Multiple Detections), Kaspersky (Trojan-Ransom.Script.Agent.f), Microsoft (Ransom:Win32/CryptoWire!MSR), Full List Of Detections (VirusTotal)
Symptoms	Cannot open files stored on your computer, previously functional files now have a different extension (for example, my.docx.locked). A ransom demand message is displayed on your desktop. Cyber criminals demand payment of a ransom (usually in bitcoins) to unlock your files.
Additional Information	The attackers are not demanding payment
Distribution methods	Infected email attachments (macros), torrent websites, malicious ads.
Damage	All files are encrypted and cannot be opened without paying a ransom. Additional password-stealing trojans and malware infections can be installed together with a ransomware infection.
Malware Removal (Windows)	To eliminate possible malware infections, scan your computer with legitimate antivirus software. Our security researchers recommend using Combo Cleaner. ▼ Download Combo Cleaner To use full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Combo Cleaner. 7 days free trial available. Combo Cleaner is owned and operated by Rcs Lt, the parent company of PCRisk.com read more.

How to protect yourself from ransomware infections?

Do not trust files or software downloaded from questionable sources (for instance, P2P networks, third-party downloaders, unofficial pages). Always use official pages and direct links as sources for downloading software (or files).

Also, do not open links and files in suspicious emails. In most cases, irrelevant emails sent from unknown addresses contain malicious attachments or links. Keep the operating system and installed software up to date. Update/activate it using tools provided by the official developer. Scan the operating system for threats regularly.

If your computer is already infected with µ-2246-digits-of-pi, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate this ransomware.

Screenshot of µ-2246-digits-of-pi's Pastebin page:

Text in this page:

you f up
yor files are now encrypted by the µ-2246-digits-of-pi ransomware
the virus is based on the deez nuts crypter virus
you wont need to pay but you will need to go on a goose hunt for the key

dont downlaod cracks or hacks or keygens or fake torrents or any unknown files from the internet
let this be your lesson
good luck
from the maker of deeznuts-crypter
and if pcrisk is reading this then deez nuts in ya face

- is now up again

Screenshot of µ-2246-digits-of-pi's pop-up window:

Text in the pop-up window:

pi ransom

Your files has been crypted

The only way you can recover your files is to get a decryption key
The payment method is: Bitcoins.  The price is: $0 = 0 Bitcoins

Click on the ' free decryption key' button.

Decryption key (with spaces between the numbers that must be eliminated):

µ3.14159265358979323846264338327950288419716939937 51058209749445923078164062862089986280348253421170 67982148086513282306647093844609550582231725359408 12848111745028410270193852110555964462294895493038 19644288109756659334461284756482337867831652712019 09145648566923460348610454326648213393607260249141 27372458700660631558817488152092096282925409171536 43678925903600113305305488204665213841469519415116 09433057270365759591953092186117381932611793105118 54807446237996274956735188575272489122793818301194 91298336733624406566430860213949463952247371907021 79860943702770539217176293176752384674818467669405 13200056812714526356082778577134275778960917363717 87214684409012249534301465495853710507922796892589 23542019956112129021960864034418159813629774771309 96051870721134999999837297804995105973173281609631 85950244594553469083026425223082533446850352619311 88171010003137838752886587533208381420617177669147 30359825349042875546873115956286388235378759375195 77818577805321712268066130019278766111959092164201 98938095257201065485863278865936153381827968230301 95203530185296899577362259941389124972177528347913 15155748572424541506959508295331168617278558890750 98381754637464939319255060400927701671139009848824 01285836160356370766010471018194295559619894676783 74494482553797747268471040475346462080466842590694 91293313677028989152104752162056966024058038150193 51125338243003558764024749647326391419927260426992 27967823547816360093417216412199245863150302861829 74555706749838505494588586926995690927210797509302 95532116534498720275596023648066549911988183479775 35663698074265425278625518184175746728909777727938 00081647060016145249192173217214772350141441973568 54816136115735255213347574184946843852332390739414 33345477624168625189835694855620992192221842725502 54256887671790494601653466804988627232791786085784 38382796797668145410095388378636095068006422512520 51173929848960841284886269456042419652850222106611 86306744278622039194945047123713786960956364371917 28746776465757396241389086583264599581339047802759 00994657640789512694683983525957098258226205224894 07726719478268482601476990902640136394437455305068 20349625245174939965143142980919065925093722169646 15157098583874105978859597729754989301617539284681 38268683868942774155991855925245953959431049972

µ-2246-digits-of-pi ransomware removal:

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Video suggesting what steps should be taken in case of a ransomware infection:

Quick menu:

• What is µ-2246-digits-of-pi virus?
• STEP 1. Reporting ransomware to authorities.
• STEP 2. Isolating the infected device.
• STEP 3. Identifying the ransomware infection.
• STEP 4. Searching for ransomware decryption tools.
• STEP 5. Restoring files with data recovery tools.
• STEP 6. Creating data backups.

Reporting ransomware to authorities:

If you are a victim of a ransomware attack we recommend reporting this incident to authorities. By providing information to law enforcement agencies you will help track cybercrime and potentially assist in the prosecution of the attackers. Here's a list of authorities where you should report a ransomware attack. For the complete list of local cybersecurity centers and information on why you should report ransomware attacks, read this article.

List of local authorities where ransomware attacks should be reported (choose one depending on your residence address):

•  USA - Internet Crime Complaint Centre IC3
•  United Kingdom - Action Fraud
•  Spain - Policía Nacional
•  France - Ministère de l'Intérieur
•  Germany - Polizei
•  Italy - Polizia di Stato
•  The Netherlands - Politie
•  Poland - Policja
•  Portugal - Polícia Judiciária

Isolating the infected device:

Some ransomware-type infections are designed to encrypt files within external storage devices, infect them, and even spread throughout the entire local network. For this reason, it is very important to isolate the infected device (computer) as soon as possible.

Step 1: Disconnect from the internet.

The easiest way to disconnect a computer from the internet is to unplug the Ethernet cable from the motherboard, however, some devices are connected via a wireless network and for some users (especially those who are not particularly tech-savvy), disconnecting cables may seem troublesome. Therefore, you can also disconnect the system manually via Control Panel:

Navigate to the "Control Panel", click the search bar in the upper-right corner of the screen, enter "Network and Sharing Center" and select search result:

Click the "Change adapter settings" option in the upper-left corner of the window:

Right-click on each connection point and select "Disable". Once disabled, the system will no longer be connected to the internet. To re-enable the connection points, simply right-click again and select "Enable".

Step 2: Unplug all storage devices.

As mentioned above, ransomware might encrypt data and infiltrate all storage devices that are connected to the computer. For this reason, all external storage devices (flash drives, portable hard drives, etc.) should be disconnected immediately, however, we strongly advise you to eject each device before disconnecting to prevent data corruption:

Navigate to "My Computer", right-click on each connected device, and select "Eject":

Step 3: Log-out of cloud storage accounts.

Some ransomware-type might be able to hijack software that handles data stored within "the Cloud". Therefore, the data could be corrupted/encrypted. For this reason, you should log-out of all cloud storage accounts within browsers and other related software. You should also consider temporarily uninstalling the cloud-management software until the infection is completely removed.

Identify the ransomware infection:

To properly handle an infection, one must first identify it. Some ransomware infections use ransom-demand messages as an introduction (see the WALDO ransomware text file below).

This, however, is rare. In most cases, ransomware infections deliver more direct messages simply stating that data is encrypted and that victims must pay some sort of ransom. Note that ransomware-type infections typically generate messages with different file names (for example, "_readme.txt", "READ-ME.txt", "DECRYPTION_INSTRUCTIONS.txt", "DECRYPT_FILES.html", etc.). Therefore, using the name of a ransom message may seem like a good way to identify the infection. The problem is that most of these names are generic and some infections use the same names, even though the delivered messages are different and the infections themselves are unrelated. Therefore, using the message filename alone can be ineffective and even lead to permanent data loss (for example, by attempting to decrypt data using tools designed for different ransomware infections, users are likely to end up permanently damaging files and decryption will no longer be possible even with the correct tool).

Another way to identify a ransomware infection is to check the file extension, which is appended to each encrypted file. Ransomware infections are often named by the extensions they append (see files encrypted by Qewe ransomware below).

This method is only effective, however, when the appended extension is unique - many ransomware infections append a generic extension (for example, ".encrypted", ".enc", ".crypted", ".locked", etc.). In these cases, identifying ransomware by its appended extension becomes impossible.

One of the easiest and quickest ways to identify a ransomware infection is to use the ID Ransomware website. This service supports most existing ransomware infections. Victims simply upload a ransom message and/or one encrypted file (we advise you to upload both if possible).

The ransomware will be identified within seconds and you will be provided with various details, such as the name of the malware family to which the infection belongs, whether it is decryptable, and so on.

Example 1 (Qewe [Stop/Djvu] ransomware):

Example 2 (.iso [Phobos] ransomware):

If your data happens to be encrypted by ransomware that is not supported by ID Ransomware, you can always try searching the internet by using certain keywords (for example, a ransom message title, file extension, provided contact emails, crypto wallet addresses, etc.).

Search for ransomware decryption tools:

Encryption algorithms used by most ransomware-type infections are extremely sophisticated and, if the encryption is performed properly, only the developer is capable of restoring data. This is because decryption requires a specific key, which is generated during the encryption. Restoring data without the key is impossible. In most cases, cybercriminals store keys on a remote server, rather than using the infected machine as a host. Dharma (CrySis), Phobos, and other families of high-end ransomware infections are virtually flawless, and thus restoring data encrypted without the developers' involvement is simply impossible. Despite this, there are dozens of ransomware-type infections that are poorly developed and contain a number of flaws (for example, the use of identical encryption/decryption keys for each victim, keys stored locally, etc.). Therefore, always check for available decryption tools for any ransomware that infiltrates your computer.

Finding the correct decryption tool on the internet can be very frustrating. For this reason, we recommend that you use the No More Ransom Project and this is where identifying the ransomware infection is useful. The No More Ransom Project website contains a "Decryption Tools" section with a search bar. Enter the name of the identified ransomware, and all available decryptors (if there are any) will be listed.

Restore files with data recovery tools:

Depending on the situation (quality of ransomware infection, type of encryption algorithm used, etc.), restoring data with certain third-party tools might be possible. Therefore, we advise you to use the Recuva tool developed by CCleaner. This tool supports over a thousand data types (graphics, video, audio, documents, etc.) and it is very intuitive (little knowledge is necessary to recover data). In addition, the recovery feature is completely free.

Step 1: Perform a scan.

Run the Recuva application and follow the wizard. You will be prompted with several windows allowing you to choose what file types to look for, which locations should be scanned, etc. All you need to do is select the options you're looking for and start the scan. We advise you to enable the "Deep Scan" before starting, otherwise, the application's scanning capabilities will be restricted.

Wait for Recuva to complete the scan. The scanning duration depends on the volume of files (both in quantity and size) that you are scanning (for example, several hundred gigabytes could take over an hour to scan). Therefore, be patient during the scanning process. We also advise against modifying or deleting existing files, since this might interfere with the scan. If you add additional data (for example, downloading files/content) while scanning, this will prolong the process:

Step 2: Recover data.

Once the process is complete, select the folders/files you wish to restore and simply click "Recover". Note that some free space on your storage drive is necessary to restore data:

Create data backups:

Proper file management and creating backups is essential for data security. Therefore, always be very careful and think ahead.

Partition management: We recommend that you store your data in multiple partitions and avoid storing important files within the partition that contains the entire operating system. If you fall into a situation whereby you cannot boot the system and are forced to format the disk on which the operating system is installed (in most cases, this is where malware infections hide), you will lose all data stored within that drive. This is the advantage of having multiple partitions: if you have the entire storage device assigned to a single partition, you will be forced to delete everything, however, creating multiple partitions and allocating the data properly allows you to prevent such problems. You can easily format a single partition without affecting the others - therefore, one will be cleaned and the others will remain untouched, and your data will be saved. Managing partitions is quite simple and you can find all the necessary information on Microsoft's documentation web page.

Data backups: One of the most reliable backup methods is to use an external storage device and keep it unplugged. Copy your data to an external hard drive, flash (thumb) drive, SSD, HDD, or any other storage device, unplug it and store it in a dry place away from the sun and extreme temperatures. This method is, however, quite inefficient, since data backups and updates need to be made regularly. You can also use a cloud service or remote server. Here, an internet connection is required and there is always the chance of a security breach, although it's a really rare occasion.

We recommend using Microsoft OneDrive for backing up your files. OneDrive lets you store your personal files and data in the cloud, sync files across computers and mobile devices, allowing you to access and edit your files from all of your Windows devices. OneDrive lets you save, share and preview files, access download history, move, delete, and rename files, as well as create new folders, and much more.

You can back up your most important folders and files on your PC (your Desktop, Documents, and Pictures folders). Some of OneDrive’s more notable features include file versioning, which keeps older versions of files for up to 30 days. OneDrive features a recycling bin in which all of your deleted files are stored for a limited time. Deleted files are not counted as part of the user’s allocation.

The service is built using HTML5 technologies and allows you to upload files up to 300 MB via drag and drop into the web browser or up to 10 GB via the OneDrive desktop application. With OneDrive, you can download entire folders as a single ZIP file with up to 10,000 files, although it can’t exceed 15 GB per single download.

OneDrive comes with 5 GB of free storage out of the box, with an additional 100 GB, 1 TB, and 6 TB storage options available for a subscription-based fee. You can get one of these storage plans by either purchasing additional storage separately or with Office 365 subscription.

Creating a data backup:

The backup process is the same for all file types and folders. Here’s how you can back up your files using Microsoft OneDrive

Step 1: Choose the files/folders you want to backup.

Click the OneDrive cloud icon to open the OneDrive menu. While in this menu, you can customize your file backup settings.

Click Help & Settings and then select Settings from the drop-down menu.

Go to the Backup tab and click Manage backup.

In this menu, you can choose to backup the Desktop and all of the files on it, and Documents and Pictures folders, again, with all of the files in them. Click Start backup.

Now, when you add a file or folder in the Desktop and Documents and Pictures folders, they will be automatically backed up on OneDrive.

To add folders and files, not in the locations shown above, you have to add them manually.

Open File Explorer and navigate to the location of the folder/file you want to backup. Select the item, right-click it, and click Copy.

Then, navigate to OneDrive, right-click anywhere in the window and click Paste. Alternatively, you can just drag and drop a file into OneDrive. OneDrive will automatically create a backup of the folder/file.

All of the files added to the OneDrive folder are backed up in the cloud automatically. The green circle with the checkmark in it indicates that the file is available both locally and on OneDrive and that the file version is the same on both. The blue cloud icon indicates that the file has not been synced and is available only on OneDrive. The sync icon indicates that the file is currently syncing.

To access files only located on OneDrive online, go to the Help & Settings drop-down menu and select View online.

Step 2: Restore corrupted files.

OneDrive makes sure that the files stay in sync, so the version of the file on the computer is the same version on the cloud. However, if ransomware has encrypted your files, you can take advantage of OneDrive’s Version history feature that will allow you to restore the file versions prior to encryption.

Microsoft 365 has a ransomware detection feature that notifies you when your OneDrive files have been attacked and guide you through the process of restoring your files. It must be noted, however, that if you don’t have a paid Microsoft 365 subscription, you only get one detection and file recovery for free.

If your OneDrive files get deleted, corrupted, or infected by malware, you can restore your entire OneDrive to a previous state. Here’s how you can restore your entire OneDrive:

1. If you're signed in with a personal account, click the Settings cog at the top of the page. Then, click Options and select Restore your OneDrive.

If you're signed in with a work or school account,  click the Settings cog at the top of the page. Then, click Restore your OneDrive.

2. On the Restore your OneDrive page, select a date from the drop-down list. Note that if you're restoring your files after automatic ransomware detection, a restore date will be selected for you.

3. After configuring all of the file restoration options, click Restore to undo all the activities you selected.

The best way to avoid damage from ransomware infections is to maintain regular up-to-date backups.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How was my computer hacked and how did hackers encrypt my files?

Ransomware infects computers via malicious drive-by downloads, emails containing links or attachments, cracked software distribution websites, or files downloaded from unreliable sources. In all cases, the attackers seek to trick users into executing ransomware by themselves.

How to open files encrypted by µ-2246-digits-of-pi ransomware?

Files encrypted by ransomware cannot be opened until they are decrypted.

Where should I look for free decryption tools for µ-2246-digits-of-pi ransomware?

A decryption key for files encrypted by µ-2246-digits-of-pi ransomware is provided above (below the screenshots of ransom notes). In other cases, we advise you to check the No More Ransom project website (more information above).

I can pay you a lot of money, can you decrypt files for me?

We do not provide a decryption service. Third parties claiming that they can decrypt files should not be trusted. Usually, they act as a man-in-the-middle or try to scam victims. It is rarely possible to decrypt files encrypted by ransomware unless the ransomware itself is flawed.

Will Combo Cleaner help me remove µ-2246-digits-of-pi ransomware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your computer and eliminate active ransomware. Once removed, it will no longer be a threat to other files or computers. However, files will remain encrypted even after the removal.

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