What Is PAAS Virus?
Paas virus is a ransomware virus from the STOP/DJVU virus family. It encrypts your files, banning you from opening them, and ads the .paas file extension. Then, the virus drops a _readme.txt ransom note, which demands you to pay a ransom in BitCoin that is somewhere around $1000. Paas ransomware is created to extort you for money and recommendations by security experts are not to trust the cyber-criminals behind it.
Read this article to learn more, concerning the Paas virus and how you can remove it plus try to get your files back.
Paas Virus Summary
Name | Paas also known as Trojan.GenericKD.35978248, Trojan.Win32.Stop.j!c, Trojan.Ransom.Stop, Trojan.Ransom.Stop, A Variant Of Win32/Kryptik.HIMQ, Trojan-Ransom.Win32.Stop.qq – VirusTotal |
File Extension | .paas |
Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
Short Description | The ransomware encrypts files on your computer system and demands ransom to be paid to allegedly recover them. |
Symptoms | This variant of STOP ransomware will encrypt your files by appending the .paas virus extension to them. |
Ransom Demanding Note | _readme.txt |
Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments, Torrent Files |
Detection Tool |
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Paas Virus – How Does It Work?
As we mentioned before, this ransomware is part of the notorious STOP/DJVU family of threats, which are hundreds of viruses with the same purpose. Only recenlty we have seen 3 new variants – .igvm, .fdcz and .enfp.
One thing these ransomware infections have in common is the way they could infect your computer. What these criminals do is they send the infection file on several different types of fake executables, like:
- Software activation executables.
- Key generators (keygens).
- Cracks.
- Patches.
Another strategy that is also very effective is if the crooks send you an e-mail that contains a link to the attachment on Google Drive or some other cloud hosting service or in an archive (.7z, .zip, .rar). These attachments usually pretend to be:
- Fake e-tickets.
- Receipts.
- Invoices.
- Document that is important.
Once the virus has infected your computer it may set values with data in the “Run” and “RunOnce” registries and may also drop its files in the following Windows directories:
- %LocalLow%
- %AppData%
- %Local%
- %Temp%
- %Roaming%
Among the files dropped is the _readme.txt note. It contains instructions on how to contact these crooks and negotiate your ransom payoff. Trusting them is not recommended.
.paas Files
Paas virus is the type of software, whose main purpose of the activity is to get users to pay a hefty ransom fee for their files. This is why this virus uses strong AES encryption that is unbreakable if you do not have the decryption key for it. This key is either online or offline key and is generated after the virus encrypts the files.
The files that are targeted for encryption by this ransomware virus include:
- Documents.
- Image files.
- Videos.
- Archive files.
- Databases
- Backups.
- Audio files.
Keep reading this article to learn more on removing the virus and options to restore your files in case you refuse to pay this money to the criminals.
Delete Paas Virus and Try to Restore Data
To be able to get rid of the Paas virus, you can follow the removal manual below. It has been created to help you delete this ransomware either by yourself or automatically. The most preferred method for removal still remains to be the automatic solution as experts strongly recommend deleting this virus with the use of anti-malware software. Such a professional app will scan your files and delete any malicious modules operated by the Paas virus plus ensure there is live future protection on your PC.
To try and restore files, encrypted by this ransomware, we have created several different file recovery methods beneath this article. They have been created with the main purpose of helping you to restore as many virus files as possible, but in reality, they are not a direct 100% solution.
- Step 1
- Step 2
- Step 3
- Step 4
- Step 5
Step 1: Scan for Paas Virus with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall Paas Virus 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:
Step 3: Clean any registries, created by Paas Virus 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 Paas Virus there. This can happen by following the steps underneath:
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 Paas Virus
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by Paas Virus.
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 Paas Virus 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.
Paas Virus-FAQ
What is Paas Virus Ransomware?
Paas Virus 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 Paas Virus 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 Paas Virus Infect?
Via several ways.Paas Virus 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 Paas Virus 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 .Paas Virus files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .Paas Virus 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 .Paas Virus files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".Paas Virus" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .Paas Virus 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 Paas Virus 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 Paas Virus ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .Paas Virus 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 Paas Virus 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 Paas Virus Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Paas Virus 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 Paas Virus 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.
necesito ayuda de
Ventsislav Krastev
me aparecio el virus .paas
requiero recuperar mis archivos me podras ayudar
te dejo mi correo porfavor te necesito
Hello, from what I understand you were attacked by the .paas virus and need to recover your files. For now, do not panic. You need to backup your files. This virus uses AES (Advanced Encryption Standard) algorithm which changes the structure of your files. Here comes the good and the bad news:
-It may leave the decryption key offline, which is good for you because you might have a chance to decrypt your files.
-It may leave online decryption key, which reduces the chances of you decrypting the files.
Either way, your best options are to wait for researchers, like the capable experts at Emsisoft who have developed previous decryptors for STOP/DJVU ransomware to update the latest version of the STOP Decrypter. So be sure to check for a new version of this decryptor. And if it stil does not work, you can try data recovery software as in some cases it was able to restore up to 80% of the files as some of our users report in our comment sections.
Best Regards
please help me i am also i attack
Hello, My PC computer recently got infected by PAAS ransom virus, and all my files still can’t be decrypted yet. May I have some suggestions from you ? Thanks.
can share how solve file infected virus ransomwarre paas