Paysafe Generator 2016 is the name for a cryptovirus that pretends to be a key generator for Paysafe card codes and make you money. In fact, it is ransomware and the irony is that its developers demand payment in Paysafe. The encrypted files have the extension .cry_ placed just between the dot and the name of the original extension. It claims to use the 256-bit AES encryption algorithm, and its ransom note is written in German.
To see how to remove the ransomware and how you can try restoring your files, read the article.
Threat Summary
| Name | Paysafe Generator |
| Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
| Short Description | The ransomware pretends to be a Paysafe keycode generator, but instead is ransomware. It will encrypt your files and then display a ransom note with instructions for payment in the German language. |
| Symptoms | All encrypted files will get the interfix .cry_ placed in their extensions. |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments |
| Detection Tool |
See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware
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Malware Removal Tool
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User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss Paysafe Generator. |
| Data Recovery Tool | Windows Data Recovery by Stellar Phoenix Notice! This product scans your drive sectors to recover lost files and it may not recover 100% of the encrypted files, but only few of them, depending on the situation and whether or not you have reformatted your drive. |
Paysafe Generator Virus – Distribution
The Paysafe Generator ransomware could get inside your personal computer in a couple of ways. The payload file could be spread through spam emails. In most cases, these spam emails have an attached file and are written in a way to make you believe that their contents are important. If you open the attachment, it will release a malicious script and infect your computer machine. You can check the detections of one such file on the VirusTotal website from here:
The Paysafe Generator virus could infect your computer by distributing its payload file on social media and file-sharing services. Also, it can be advertised as a program that generates Paysafe codes as seen in the picture. Refrain from opening files that come from suspicious emails, links or unknown sources. Before opening, you should first do a scan with a security application and check the files, including their size and signatures. You should read the tips for preventing ransomware from the thread in the forum.
Paysafe Generator Virus – In Depth
The Paysafe Generator 2016 is a virus discovered by the malware researcher Jakub Kroustek from Avast. The virus pretends to be a generator tool for Paysafe codes. Instead, you will get your files encrypted and will get .cry_ in the name of their extensions.
When the Paysafe Generator ransomware executes its payload, it could create entries in the Windows Registry. That can make the ransomware harder to remove, and it could spread more of its files in different locations on your personal computer. The registry entries could also make the cryptovirus launch automatically with every boot of the Windows operating system.
You can see a screenshot of the ransom message down here:
The ransom note is written in the German language. It reads the following:
!WARNUNG!
ALLE wichtigen Dateien und/oder Programme auf ihrem Computer
wurden mit AES-256 verschlüsselt. Das bedeutet Sie
können ihre Dateien und Programme erst wieder
verwenden wenn Sie sich einen 128-Stelligen
Entschlüsslungscode für 100€ kaufen. Nachdem sich dieses
Fenster geschlossen hat, finden Sie auf ihrem Desktop
eine Datei mit dem Namen “Kaufen” oder “Kaufen.exe”.
Geben Sie dort einen gültigen 100€-Paysafecardcode und
ihre Email ein. Paysafecardcodes finded Sie in fast jeder
Tankstelle und/oder Supermärkten. Nach der Verifizierung
des Codes durch uns bekommen Sie per Email den
Entschlüsslungscode zusammen mit weiteren
Instruktionen, um ihre Dateien zu entschlüsseln.FALLS INNERHALB DER NÄCHSTEN 72 STUNDEN KEINE
ZAHLUNG ERFOLGT WERDEN ALLE DATEN GELÖSCHT.
Drücken Sie jetzt ENTER um auf
Ihren Desktop zurückzukehren.
A rough English translation of the note is shown below:
!WARNING!
ALL important files and / or programs on your computer
were encrypted with AES-256. That means you
can restore the files and programs only when you buy
a 128-digit decryption code for 100 €. After this
window closes, you will find on your desktop
a file named “Buy” or “Buy.exe”.
Enter a valid 100 € -Paysafecard and your email.
You can find Paysafecard codes in almost every
gas station and / or supermarkets. After the verification
of the code, you will be sent by email
decryption code along with other
instructions to decrypt your files.IF IN THE NEXT 72 HOURS NO
PAYMENT, ALL DATA WILL BE DELETED.
Press ENTER to enter
your desktop.
Ironically, you are asked to buy a Paysafe code and pay 100 euros to the cybercriminals. The ransom note threatens to delete all of your files if you don’t pay the crooks in the next 72 hours. However, you should NOT think of paying as that will just support the extortionists. Nobody can give you a guarantee that paying will recover your files to their previous state. Furthermore, the criminals will probably use the money to create new ransomware.
On the following picture, you can see the Buy.exe file loaded, which has empty fields for where you can put the Paysafe code and your email to receive a code for decryption:
The above image is displayed for informative purposes, only.
The Paysafe Generator ransomware will encrypt files and place .cry_ as the beginning of every file extension of encrypted files. The following list is confirmed to contain file extensions which the virus seeks to encrypt:
→.doc, .docx, .jpg, .mp3, .pdf, .png, .txt, .xls, .xlsx
Surely, more file types such as documents, picture and music are being encrypted, too. The Paysafe Generator virus is very likely to delete the Shadow Volume Copies from the Windows operating system by using the following command:
→vssadmin.exe delete shadows /all /Quiet
Continue reading to see what kind of methods you can try for restoring some of your files.
Remove Paysafe Generator and Restore .cry_ Files
If your computer got infected with the Paysafe Generator ransomware, you should have some experience in removing malware. You should get rid of this ransomware as fast as possible before it can have the chance to spread further and infect more computers. You should remove the ransomware and follow the step-by-step instructions guide given below. To see ways that you can try to recover your data, see the step titled 2. Restore files encrypted by Paysafe Generator.
- Step 1
- Step 2
- Step 3
- Step 4
- Step 5
Step 1: Scan for Paysafe Generator with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall Paysafe Generator and related malware from Windows
Here is a method in few easy steps that should be able to uninstall most programs. No matter if you are using Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista or XP, those steps will get the job done. Dragging the program or its folder to the recycle bin can be a very bad decision. If you do that, bits and pieces of the program are left behind, and that can lead to unstable work of your PC, errors with the file type associations and other unpleasant activities. The proper way to get a program off your computer is to Uninstall it. To do that:
Follow the instructions above and you will successfully delete most unwanted and malicious programs.
Step 3: Clean any registries, created by Paysafe Generator on your computer.
The usually targeted registries of Windows machines are the following:
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
You can access them by opening the Windows registry editor and deleting any values, created by Paysafe Generator there. This can happen by following the steps underneath:
Tip: To find a virus-created value, you can right-click on it and click "Modify" to see which file it is set to run. If this is the virus file location, remove the value.
Before starting "Step 4", please boot back into Normal mode, in case you are currently in Safe Mode.
This will enable you to install and use SpyHunter 5 successfully.
Step 4: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove Paysafe Generator
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by Paysafe Generator.
Method 1: Use STOP Decrypter by Emsisoft.
Not all variants of this ransomware can be decrypted for free, but we have added the decryptor used by researchers that is often updated with the variants which become eventually decrypted. You can try and decrypt your files using the instructions below, but if they do not work, then unfortunately your variant of the ransomware virus is not decryptable.
Follow the instructions below to use the Emsisoft decrypter and decrypt your files for free. You can download the Emsisoft decryption tool linked here and then follow the steps provided below:
1 Right-click on the decrypter and click on Run as Administrator as shown below:
2. Agree with the license terms:
3. Click on "Add Folder" and then add the folders where you want files decrypted as shown underneath:
4. Click on "Decrypt" and wait for your files to be decoded.
Note: Credit for the decryptor goes to Emsisoft researchers who have made the breakthrough with this virus.
Method 2: Use data recovery software
Ransomware infections and Paysafe Generator aim to encrypt your files using an encryption algorithm which may be very difficult to decrypt. This is why we have suggested a data recovery method that may help you go around direct decryption and try to restore your files. Bear in mind that this method may not be 100% effective but may also help you a little or a lot in different situations.
Simply click on the link and on the website menus on the top, choose Data Recovery - Data Recovery Wizard for Windows or Mac (depending on your OS), and then download and run the tool.
Paysafe Generator-FAQ
What is Paysafe Generator Ransomware?
Paysafe Generator is a ransomware infection - the malicious software that enters your computer silently and blocks either access to the computer itself or encrypt your files.
Many ransomware viruses use sophisticated encryption algorithms to make your files inaccessible. The goal of ransomware infections is to demand that you pay a ransom payment to get access to your files back.
What Does Paysafe Generator Ransomware Do?
Ransomware in general is a malicious software that is designed to block access to your computer or files until a ransom is paid.
Ransomware viruses can also damage your system, corrupt data and delete files, resulting in the permanent loss of important files.
How Does Paysafe Generator Infect?
Via several ways.Paysafe Generator Ransomware infects computers by being sent via phishing emails, containing virus attachment. This attachment is usually masked as an important document, like an invoice, bank document or even a plane ticket and it looks very convincing to users.
Another way you may become a victim of Paysafe Generator is if you download a fake installer, crack or patch from a low reputation website or if you click on a virus link. Many users report getting a ransomware infection by downloading torrents.
How to Open .Paysafe Generator files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .Paysafe Generator files are encrypted. You can only open them once they are decrypted using a specific decryption key for the particular algorithm.
What to Do If a Decryptor Does Not Work?
Do not panic, and backup the files. If a decryptor did not decrypt your .Paysafe Generator files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".Paysafe Generator" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .Paysafe Generator files.
These methods are in no way 100% guaranteed that you will be able to get your files back. But if you have a backup, your chances of success are much greater.
How To Get Rid of Paysafe Generator Virus?
The safest way and the most efficient one for the removal of this ransomware infection is the use a professional anti-malware program.
It will scan for and locate Paysafe Generator ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .Paysafe Generator files.
Can I Report Ransomware to Authorities?
In case your computer got infected with a ransomware infection, you can report it to the local Police departments. It can help authorities worldwide track and determine the perpetrators behind the virus that has infected your computer.
Below, we have prepared a list with government websites, where you can file a report in case you are a victim of a cybercrime:
Cyber-security authorities, responsible for handling ransomware attack reports in different regions all over the world:
Germany - Offizielles Portal der deutschen Polizei
United States - IC3 Internet Crime Complaint Centre
United Kingdom - Action Fraud Police
France - Ministère de l'Intérieur
Italy - Polizia Di Stato
Spain - Policía Nacional
Netherlands - Politie
Poland - Policja
Portugal - Polícia Judiciária
Greece - Cyber Crime Unit (Hellenic Police)
India - Mumbai Police - CyberCrime Investigation Cell
Australia - Australian High Tech Crime Center
Reports may be responded to in different timeframes, depending on your local authorities.
Can You Stop Ransomware from Encrypting Your Files?
Yes, you can prevent ransomware. The best way to do this is to ensure your computer system is updated with the latest security patches, use a reputable anti-malware program and firewall, backup your important files frequently, and avoid clicking on malicious links or downloading unknown files.
Can Paysafe Generator Ransomware Steal Your Data?
Yes, in most cases ransomware will steal your information. It is a form of malware that steals data from a user's computer, encrypts it, and then demands a ransom in order to decrypt it.
In many cases, the malware authors or attackers will threaten to delete the data or publish it online unless the ransom is paid.
Can Ransomware Infect WiFi?
Yes, ransomware can infect WiFi networks, as malicious actors can use it to gain control of the network, steal confidential data, and lock out users. If a ransomware attack is successful, it could lead to a loss of service and/or data, and in some cases, financial losses.
Should I Pay Ransomware?
No, you should not pay ransomware extortionists. Paying them only encourages criminals and does not guarantee that the files or data will be restored. The better approach is to have a secure backup of important data and be vigilant about security in the first place.
What Happens If I Don't Pay Ransom?
If you don't pay the ransom, the hackers may still have access to your computer, data, or files and may continue to threaten to expose or delete them, or even use them to commit cybercrimes. In some cases, they may even continue to demand additional ransom payments.
Can a Ransomware Attack Be Detected?
Yes, ransomware can be detected. Anti-malware software and other advanced security tools can detect ransomware and alert the user when it is present on a machine.
It is important to stay up-to-date on the latest security measures and to keep security software updated to ensure ransomware can be detected and prevented.
Do Ransomware Criminals Get Caught?
Yes, ransomware criminals do get caught. Law enforcement agencies, such as the FBI, Interpol and others have been successful in tracking down and prosecuting ransomware criminals in the US and other countries. As ransomware threats continue to increase, so does the enforcement activity.
About the Paysafe Generator Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Paysafe Generator how-to removal guide included, is the outcome of extensive research, hard work and our team’s devotion to help you remove the specific malware and restore your encrypted files.
How did we conduct the research on this ransomware?
Our research is based on an independent investigation. We are in contact with independent security researchers, and as such, we receive daily updates on the latest malware and ransomware definitions.
Furthermore, the research behind the Paysafe Generator ransomware threat is backed with VirusTotal and the NoMoreRansom project.
To better understand the ransomware threat, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.
As a site that has been dedicated to providing free removal instructions for ransomware and malware since 2014, SensorsTechForum’s recommendation is to only pay attention to trustworthy sources.
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