.PTRZ File Extension
PTRZ Ransomware Encrypted File
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What is a PTRZ file?
A file with the .ptrz extension has been maliciously encrypted and renamed by PTRZ ransomware. It contains a document, image, video, or other file that the ransomware is holding hostage. At this time, there is no way to restore PTRZ files to their original state.
More Information
In October 2023, some PC users began reporting their computers had been attacked by PTRZ ransomware. PTRZ ransomware is a variant of STOP Djvu ransomware, a popular type of ransomware distributed by cybercriminals.
Like other variants of STOP Djvu, PTRZ ransomware encrypts many of a user's files, renames those files to use the .ptrz extension, and then creates a ransom note named _readme.txt. This ransom note contains instructions that users can supposedly follow to pay a ransom and decrypt their files.
How did my computer get infected by PTRZ ransomware?
PTRZ ransomware is most commonly distributed within programs that appear to be legitimate but are actually adware and malware bundles. If you recently downloaded and installed an unverified program, that may be how your computer became infected by PTRZ ransomware.
How to open a PTRZ file
Because PTRZ files are encrypted, you cannot open them. Currently, there is no way to decrypt PTRZ files.
To recover your files, you should retrieve them from a recent backup or perform a System Restore. Note that performing a System Restore will cause you to lose any files created since your last restore point. You may want to back up uninfected files before performing a System Restore.
Warning
FileInfo.com recommends you never pay a ransom to decrypt files encrypted by ransomware. Paying a ransom encourages ransomware distributors to continue their efforts, and there is no guarantee that paying a ransom will give you access to your files. Instead, you should restore your data from a recent backup created before the ransomware infected your computer.