Payfast Ransomware
Payfast is a ransomware program that has recently joined the ransomware landscape. The malicious program belongs to the Zeppelin family of ransomware threats. It corrupts major system settings and leaves infected PCs extremely vulnerable to additional malware attacks. After a successful system corruption, the ransomware encrypts valuable data and forces its victims to pay a ransom fee to hackers.
The moment the ransomware encodes target files, they appear with the extension .payfast after their names. Encrypted files remain completely inaccessible. Still, a ransom payment is not the best option.
We strongly advise all victims of Payfast ransomware to refrain from contacting cybercriminals. Check out the ransomware removal that follows and find secure solutions.
Payfast Ransomware Summary
| Name | Payfast also known as Generic.Ransom.Buhtrap.9C5E365B (BitDefender), Generic.mg.c9f25947d0270120 (FireEye), Ransom.Win32.ZEPPELIN.SMTH (TrendMicro) |
| Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
| Malicious Extension | .payfast[victim’s ID number] |
| Short Description | A data locker ransomware that utilizes strong cihper algorithm to encrypt personal files stored on the infected computer. It demands a ransom for a decryption solution. |
| Symptoms | Important files are locked and renamed with the .payfast[victim’s ID number] extension. Corrupted files remain unusable until their code is reverted back to original state. |
| Ransom Messages | !!! ALL YOUR FILES ARE ENCRYPTED !!!.TXT |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments, Corrupted Websites, Software Installers |
| Detection Tool |
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Payfast Virus (.payfast Files) – Overview
Payfast ransomware is a computer infection that obtains access to operating systems via shady techniques. Its infection files may be presented as important documents attached to deceptive emails. Such emails may pretend to be sent by a representative of a well-known company. Another channel of distribution may be various bogus sites that present ransomware files as useful applications.
When Payfast cryptovirus runs on a computer system, it damages some of the most important settings and then corrupts personal files. By appending the .payfast file extension to valuable personal files, the ransomware shows that these files are encrypted and currently inaccessible. Analysis of the code of this ransomware shows that hackers set it to add a special ID number for every next victim. The ID number can be seen after the .payfast extension. Here is the pattern used by the cryptovirus for renaming encrypted files:
picture.jpg becomes picture.jpg.payfast[victim’s ID number]
The program capable of restoring encrypted files is possessed by hackers. As long as they have the only available decryption tool, they can force victims to transfer a ransom fee. The extortion happens via a ransom message dubbed !!! ALL YOUR FILES ARE ENCRYPTED !!!.TXT. When it loads on the screen you can see the following window:
The purpose of this ransom message is clear – it aims to force victims to contact cyber criminals so that they can learn how to transfer a ransom fee of 0.013 BTC for the decryption tool. The amount varies from day to day as the BitCoin price moves up and down but currently, it is $621. Similar to the malicious extensions appended to corrupted files, the contact email addresses follow a pattern that includes the ID number of every victim. Hence, the email address presented by the ransom note may be payfast290@mail2tor.com, payfast500@mail2tor.com or another which is very much alike those two.
To avoid being tricked once again, we recommend that you refrain from following instructions presented by the !!! ALL YOUR FILES ARE ENCRYPTED !!!.TXT file. There is no guarantee that hackers have a working decryption tool capable of restoring .payfast files. Instead, consider the completion of the removal steps below as they will help you to clean your system from malicious files. You can also attempt to recover .payfast files with alternative data recovery solutions.
Remove Payfast Ransomware Virus and Attempt to Restore Files
The so-called Payfast Ransomware is a threat with a highly complex code that disrupts system security in order to encrypt personal files. Hence the infected system could be used in a secure manner again only after the complete removal of all malicious files and objects created by the ransomware. That’s why it is recommendable that all steps presented in the ransomware removal guide below should be completed. Beware that manual ransomware removal is suitable for more experienced computer users. If you don’t feel comfortable with the manual steps navigate to the automatic part of the guide.
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 Payfast Ransomware with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall Payfast Ransomware 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 Payfast Ransomware 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 Payfast Ransomware 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 Payfast Ransomware
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by Payfast Ransomware.
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 Payfast Ransomware 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.
Payfast Ransomware-FAQ
What is Payfast Ransomware Ransomware?
Payfast Ransomware 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 Payfast Ransomware 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 Payfast Ransomware Infect?
Via several ways.Payfast Ransomware 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 Payfast Ransomware 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 .Payfast Ransomware files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .Payfast Ransomware 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 .Payfast Ransomware files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".Payfast Ransomware" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .Payfast Ransomware 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 Payfast Ransomware 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 Payfast Ransomware ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .Payfast Ransomware 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 Payfast Ransomware 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 Payfast Ransomware Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Payfast Ransomware 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 Payfast Ransomware 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.
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