This article explains the issues that occur in case of infection with Paradise (.xyz) ransomware and provides a complete guide on how to remove malicious files and how to potentially recover files encrypted by this ransomware.
Security researchers reported that new strain of Paradise ransomware family has been detected in the wild. It is associated with the extension .xyz. In case this ransomware manages to run its infection files on your system, it will transform the code of some important files of yours and mark them with the extension .xyz. Then it will display you a ransom note to blackmail you into paying a ransom fee to hackers.
Threat Summary
| Name | Paradise |
| Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
| Short Description | A data locker ransomware that encrypts valuable files stored on the infected computer and demands a ransom for their decryption. |
| Symptoms | The access to important files is restricted and they are all renamed with .xyz extension. A ransom message appears on screen to extort a rasnom payment. |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments, Infected Installers |
| 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 Paradise. |
| 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. |
Paradise Ransomware – Distribution
At this point there is no information about the channels used for the distribution of this Paradise ransomware variant. However, we presume that hackers bet on some of the most popular techniques. Common techniques are considered to be:
- Emails that deliver malicious code also known as malspam. They usually contain attached files of common types that according to the text message are important documents, invoices, delivery requests, etc. Once opened on the device these files activate the attack. Another malicious element that is often presented in these emails is a URL address. A visit of such a web page leads to the activation of the malicious code again.
- Third party software installers
- Fake software updates
- Compromised online advertising campaigns
- Torrent sites for downloads
- Social media channels
Paradise Ransomware – Overview
Security researchers reported that new strain of Paradise ransomware family has been detected in the wild. It is associated with the extension .xyz. This threat is designed to corrupt valuable files so that then hackers could extort a ransom payment for a decryption tool.
Before Paradise ransomware could utilize its built-in encryption module and corrupt target files, it needs to plague some essential system settings that will enable it to evade detection and complete all infection stages. For the purpose, it establishes several malicious files on the system and starts executing them in a predefined order.
The last stage of the attack is marked by the appearance of a ransom message on the screen:
All your files have been encrypted contact us via the e-mail listed below.
e-mail: admin@prt-decrypt.xyz or e-mail: admin@prt-decrypt.xyzParadise Ransomware team.
In addition, the image you see below could replace your desktop wallpaper:
This message is stored in a file called Instructions with your files.txt. Its purpose is to force you into contacting hackers for more details on ransom payment. However, since there is no guarantee that you will be able to restore .xyz files with the help of hackers’ decryption tool, we advise you to avoid paying them the ransom before you could attempt to restore them with the help of alternative data recovery tools.
Paradise Ransomware – Encryption Process
As an iteration of Paradise ransomware, this threat is likely to follow the same encryption pattern as its predecessors. This means that your files could be encrypted with the help of the sophisticated RSA cipher algorithm. This algorithm transforms parts of the original code of target files and leaves them inaccessible.
As of the files that are likely to be corrupted by Paradise .xyz ransomware, they could be all of the following:
- Audio files
- Video files
- Document files
- Image files
- Backup files
- Banking credentials, etc
To mark corrupted files, this Paradise ransomware version uses the following pattern:
- _%ID%_{admin@prt-decrypt.xyz}.xyz
For example if you have an image file named trip.jpg it will be renamed to trip.jpg_%ID%_{admin@prt-decrypt.xyz}.xyz
Other extensions that indicate for an infection with Paradise ransomware are [wplinkpreview url=”https://sensorstechforum.com/vacv2-files-virus-paradise-remove/”].VACv2, [wplinkpreview url=”https://sensorstechforum.com/remove-paradise-ransomware-restore-paradise-files/”].paradise and [wplinkpreview url=”https://sensorstechforum.com/remove-corp-files-virus-paradise/”].CORP
Remove Paradise Ransomware and Restore .xyz Files
Paradise ransomware associated with .xyz extension is a threat with highly complex code that plagues not only your files but your whole system. So you should properly clean and secure your infected system before you could use it regularly again. Below you could find a step-by-step removal guide that may be helpful in attempting to remove this ransomware. Choose the manual removal approach if you have previous experience with malware files. If you don’t feel comfortable with the manual steps select the automatic section from the guide. Steps there enable you to check the infected system for ransomware files and remove them with a few mouse clicks.
In order to keep your system safe from ransomware and other types of malware in future, you should consider the installation of a reliable anti-malware program. As an additional security layer that could prevent the occurrence of ransomware attacks you could install an [wplinkpreview url=”https://sensorstechforum.com/the-most-popular-free-anti-ransomware-tools/”]anti-ransomware tool.
If you want to understand how to potentially fix encrypted files with the help of alternative data recovery approaches, make sure to read carefully all details mentioned in the step “Restore files”. We remind you that before you begin with the data recovery process, you should back up all encrypted files to an external drive as this will help you to prevent their irreversible loss.
Gergana Ivanova
Highly motivated writer with 5+ years of experience writing for ransomware, malware, adware, PUPs, and other cybersecurity-related issues. As a writer, I strive to create content that is based on thorough technical research. I find joy in the process of creating articles that are easy to understand, informative, and useful. Follow me on Twitter (@IRGergana) for the latest in the field of computer, mobile, and online security.
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Step 1: Scan for Paradise with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall Paradise 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 Paradise 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 Paradise 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 Paradise
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by Paradise.
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 Paradise 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.
Paradise-FAQ
What is Paradise Ransomware?
Paradise 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 Paradise 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 Paradise Infect?
Via several ways.Paradise 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 Paradise 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 .Paradise files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .Paradise 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 .Paradise files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".Paradise" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .Paradise 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 Paradise 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 Paradise ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .Paradise 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 Paradise 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 Paradise Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Paradise 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 Paradise 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.
How to recognize trustworthy sources:
- Always check "About Us" web page.
- Profile of the content creator.
- Make sure that real people are behind the site and not fake names and profiles.
- Verify Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter personal profiles.