Martin graduated with a degree in Publishing from Sofia University. As a cyber security enthusiast he enjoys writing about the latest threats and mechanisms of intrusion.
Martin graduated with a degree in Publishing from Sofia University. As a cyber security enthusiast he enjoys writing about the latest threats and mechanisms of intrusion.
Martin graduated with a degree in Publishing from Sofia University. As a cyber security enthusiast he enjoys writing about the latest threats and mechanisms of intrusion.
Note! Your computer might be affected by PayDay ransomware and other threats.
Threats such as PayDay ransomware may be persistent on your system. They tend to re-appear if not fully deleted. A malware removal tool like SpyHunter will help you to remove malicious programs, saving you the time and the struggle of tracking down numerous malicious files. SpyHunter’s scanner is free but the paid version is needed to remove the malware threats. Read SpyHunter’s EULA and Privacy Policy
Martin graduated with a degree in Publishing from Sofia University. As a cyber security enthusiast he enjoys writing about the latest threats and mechanisms of intrusion.
This article will aid you to remove PayDay Ransomware. Follow the ransomware removal instructions provided at the end of the article.
PayDay Ransomware is one that encrypts your personal data with a strong cipher and demands money as a ransom to get it restored. The PayDay Ransomware will leave ransomware instructions as text file. Keep on reading the article and see how you could try to potentially recover some of your locked files and data.
Threat Summary
Name
PayDay ransomware
Type
Ransomware, Cryptovirus
Short Description
The ransomware encrypts sensitive user files on your computer system and demands a ransom to be paid to allegedly recover them.
Symptoms
The ransomware will encrypt your files and leave a ransom note with payment instructions.
Distribution Method
Spam Emails, Email Attachments
Detection Tool
See If Your System Has Been Affected by PayDay ransomware
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.
PayDay Ransomware – Distribution Techniques
The PayDay ransomware is being distributed using several popular methods. The captured samplse are low in number which signals that they may be early testing versions or development releases.
A popular strategy is the distribution of the virus files via phishing SPAM messages — they are powered through a campaign that is usually made to pose as notifications sent by well-known companies or services. As soon as they are opened the ransomware installation scripts can be run as they are frequently embedded in the multimedia elements in the body contents. An alternative is to directly upload them as attachments.
The other method is to create fake websites that will copy the design and content of legitimate download portals, product pages and other places where users frequently download software from. They feature stolen or hacker-made security certificates and use similar sounding domains names to the legitimate sites. All of this is done in order to confuse the users into thinking that they have accessed the real site even when they have mistyped it.
A popular mechanism for spreading malware is to create payload carriers of which there are two main types:
Infected Documents — A very popular technique is to insert the virus installation code in macros that are part of all popular document file types: text documents, spreadsheets, databases and presentations. When the necessary code is inserted a prompt will appear when the victims open them. It will request that the users open them up with the quoted reason that this is required in order to correctly view the file.
Application Installers — Another strategy is to create malicious setup files of popular software. They are made by inserting malicious code in them, like the documents strategy the hackers will choose applications that are frequently installed: system utilities, creativity products, office apps and etc. This is done by taking the legitimate files and modifying them to include the malware code.
All of these files can be spread via file-sharing networks such as BitTorrent — the torrent trackers are one of the most widely used places from where to acquire pirate software.
Larger infections can be orchestrated via browser hijackers — they represent malicious plugins which are released for the most popular web browsers. The hijackers are most commonly found uploaded to the relevant repositories often with fake user reviews and with elaborate descriptions. If downloaded and install the PayDay ransomware infection will be triggered.
PayDay Ransomware – Detailed Analysis
Once the virus infection has been triggered the associated behavior pattern will be executed. The virus does not appear to contain any code sources from any of the popular malware families. It is possible that the captured samples are still early releases and do not have the full functionality included.
A detailed analysis is not yet available, we have received confirmation that the ransomware engine is enabled and active however we anticipate that the large-scale attacks with the PayDay ransomware will include other actions as well.
It is possible that the typical ransomware system modification actions will take place:
Data Harvesting — The virus engine can retrieve sensitive information about the users and the machines. The collected data can be used to create an unique ID that is associated with the compromised computers. It is calculated by taking input values such as the id’s of the hardware parts, certain user settings and operating system values. The output is this unique infection ID. On the other hand this technique can also be used to directly expose the identity of the victims — their name, address, phone number, interests and even any stored account credentials.
Boot Options Change — The PayDay ransomware can modify configuration files and boot options in order to set itself to automatically start once the computer is powered on. This is one of the most popular tactics which is also blocks the use of manual removal guides as access to the recovery boot menus may be blocked.
Windows Registry Modifications — The engine can change the Windows registry values of both the operating system and third-party applications that may be installed. This can lead to serious performance issues and the inability to launch certain services or applications.
Files Modifications — The engine can search for data that may be essential to the operating system or the victim users. The PayDay ransomware engine can delete System Restore points, backups and other related data.
Additional Payload Delivery — The PayDay ransomware can be used to deploy additional threats to the compromised machines.
One of the most dangerous scenarios that such viruses can lead to is the set up of a Trojan infection which will establish a connection with a hacker-controlled server. It is used by the hacker operators to take over control of the infected machines, steal their files and cause other dangerous actions.
PayDay Ransomware – Encryption Process
The PayDay ransomware will launch the relevant encryption operations when all modules have finished running. Like other similar threats it will use a built-in list of target file type extensions such as the following:
Backups
Archives
Databases
Images
Music
Videos
What’s interesting about this particular virus is that it assigns a randomly-generated extension according to this pattern: .
The ransomware note which blackmails the victims into paying the hackers a decryption fee is created in a file called HOW_TO_DECRYPT_MY_FILES.txt containing the following message:
============== !!!PAYDAY RANSOMWARE!!! ============== Attention! All your files are encrypted with extension ***. to decrypt your files – you must buy decryptor. Decryptor price – 200 USD. If the decryptor is not bought within 3 day’s – files will be pernamently destroyed. You can contact us by e-mail, our e-mail address : [email protected] Payment is accepted only in bitcoin ( https://en.bitcoin.it/wiki/Main_Page ). Our support will give you the address of our Bitcoin wallet for payment during a personal dialogue. Contacting us – specify the extension of the encrypted files, and your unique identifier, which is listed below. Only we can decrypt your files, do not use third-party software, it will break the files. If you have any problems / questions – our support will help you. Good luck. May god help you! Your unique identifier : {**************}___suffinc
Remove PayDay Ransomware and Try to Restore Data
If your computer system got infected with the PayDay ransomware virus, you should have a bit of experience in removing malware. You should get rid of this ransomware as quickly as possible before it can have the chance to spread further and infect other computers. You should remove the ransomware and follow the step-by-step instructions guide provided below.
Note! Your computer system may be affected by PayDay ransomware and other threats. Scan Your PC with SpyHunter SpyHunter is a powerful malware removal tool designed to help users with in-depth system security analysis, detection and removal of threats such as PayDay ransomware. Keep in mind, that SpyHunter’s scanner is only for malware detection. If SpyHunter detects malware on your PC, you will need to purchase SpyHunter’s malware removal tool to remove the malware threats. Read our SpyHunter 5 review. Click on the corresponding links to check SpyHunter’s EULA, Privacy Policy and Threat Assessment Criteria.
To remove PayDay ransomware follow these steps:
1. Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove PayDay ransomware files and objects
OFFER
Manual Removal Usually Takes Time and You Risk Damaging Your Files If Not Careful!
We Recommend To Scan Your PC with SpyHunter
Keep in mind, that SpyHunter’s scanner is only for malware detection. If SpyHunter detects malware on your PC, you will need to purchase SpyHunter’s malware removal tool to remove the malware threats. Read our SpyHunter 5 review. Click on the corresponding links to check SpyHunter’s EULA, Privacy Policy and Threat Assessment Criteria
Boot Your PC Into Safe Mode
1. For Windows XP, Vista and 7. 2. For Windows 8, 8.1 and 10. Fix registry entries created by malware and PUPs on your PC.
For Windows XP, Vista and 7 systems:
1. Remove all CDs and DVDs, and then Restart your PC from the “Start” menu. 2. Select one of the two options provided below:
– For PCs with a single operating system: Press “F8” repeatedly after the first boot screen shows up during the restart of your computer. In case the Windows logo appears on the screen, you have to repeat the same task again.
– For PCs with multiple operating systems: Тhe arrow keys will help you select the operating system you prefer to start in Safe Mode. Press “F8” just as described for a single operating system.
3. As the “Advanced Boot Options” screen appears, select the Safe Mode option you want using the arrow keys. As you make your selection, press “Enter“.
4. Log on to your computer using your administrator account
While your computer is in Safe Mode, the words “Safe Mode” will appear in all four corners of your screen.
Step 1: Open up the Start Menu.
Step 2: Click on the Power button (for Windows 8 it is the little arrow next to the “Shut Down” button) and whilst holding down “Shift” click on Restart.
Step 3: After reboot, a blue menu with options will appear. From them you should choose Troubleshoot.
Step 4: You will see the Troubleshoot menu. From this menu choose Advanced Options.
Step 5: After the Advanced Options menu appears, click on Startup Settings.
Step 6: From the Startup Settings menu, click on Restart.
Step 7: A menu will appear upon reboot. You can choose any of the three Safe Mode options by pressing its corresponding number and the machine will restart.
Some malicious scripts may modify the registry entries on your computer to change different settings. This is why cleaning your Windows Registry Database is recommended. Since the tutorial on how to do this is a bit long and tampering with registries could damage your computer if not done properly you should refer and follow our instructive article about fixing registry entries, especially if you are unexperienced in that area.
2. Find files created by PayDay ransomware on your PC
Find files created by PayDay ransomware
1. For Windows 8, 8.1 and 10. 2. For Windows XP, Vista, and 7.
For Newer Windows Operating Systems
Step 1:
On your keyboard press + R and write explorer.exe in the Run text box and then click on the Ok button.
Step 2:
Click on your PC from the quick access bar. This is usually an icon with a monitor and its name is either “My Computer”, “My PC” or “This PC” or whatever you have named it.
Step 3:
Navigate to the search box in the top-right of your PC’s screen and type “fileextension:” and after which type the file extension. If you are looking for malicious executables, an example may be “fileextension:exe”. After doing that, leave a space and type the file name you believe the malware has created. Here is how it may appear if your file has been found:
N.B. We recommend to wait for the green loading bar in the navination box to fill up in case the PC is looking for the file and hasn’t found it yet.
For Older Windows Operating Systems
In older Windows OS’s the conventional approach should be the effective one:
Step 1:
Click on the Start Menu icon (usually on your bottom-left) and then choose the Search preference.
Step 2:
After the search window appears, choose More Advanced Options from the search assistant box. Another way is by clicking on All Files and Folders.
Step 3:
After that type the name of the file you are looking for and click on the Search button. This might take some time after which results will appear. If you have found the malicious file, you may copy or open its location by right-clicking on it.
Now you should be able to discover any file on Windows as long as it is on your hard drive and is not concealed via special software.
IMPORTANT! Before starting the Automatic Removal below, 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.
Use SpyHunter to scan for malware and unwanted programs
3. Scan for malware and unwanted programs with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Scan your PC and Remove PayDay ransomware with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool and back up your data
1. Install SpyHunter to scan for PayDay ransomware and remove them.2. Scan with SpyHunter, Detect and Remove PayDay ransomware. Back up your data to secure it from malware in the future.
Step 1: Click on the “Download” button to proceed to SpyHunter’s download page.
It is recommended to run a scan before purchasing the full version of the software to make sure that the current version of the malware can be detected by SpyHunter. Click on the corresponding links to check SpyHunter’s EULA, Privacy Policy and Threat Assessment Criteria.
Step 2: Guide yourself by the download instructions provided for each browser.
Step 3: After you have installed SpyHunter, wait for it to update automatically.
Step 1: After the update process has finished, click on the ‘Malware/PC Scan’ tab. A new window will appear. Click on ‘Start Scan’.
Step 2: After SpyHunter has finished scanning your PC for any files of the associated threat and found them, you can try to get them removed automatically and permanently by clicking on the ‘Next’ button.
Step 3: If any threats have been removed, it is highly recommended to restart your PC.
Back up your data to secure it against attacks in the future
IMPORTANT! Before reading the Windows backup instructions, we highly recommend to back up your data with a cloud backup solution and insure your files against any type of loss, even from the most severe threats. We recommend you to read more about it and to download SOS Online Backup.
4. Try to Restore files encrypted by PayDay ransomware
Try to Restore Files Encrypted by PayDay ransomware
Ransomware infections and PayDay ransomware aim to encrypt your files using an encryption algorithm which may be very difficult to decrypt. This is why we have suggested several alternative methods that may help you go around direct decryption and try to restore your files. Bear in mind that these methods may not be 100% effective but may also help you a little or a lot in different situations.
Method 1: Scanning your drive’s sectors by using Data Recovery software. Another method for restoring your files is by trying to bring back your files via data recovery software. Here are some suggestions for preferred data recovery software solutions:
Method 2: Trying Kaspersky and EmsiSoft’s decryptors. If the first method does not work, we suggest trying to use decryptors for other ransomware viruses, in case your virus is a variant of them. The two primary developers of decryptors are Kaspersky and EmsiSoft, links to which we have provided below:
To restore your data in case you have backup set up, it is important to check for Volume Shadow Copies, if ransomware has not deleted them, in Windows using the below software:
Method 4: Finding the decryption key while the cryptovirus sends it over a network via a sniffing tool.
Another way to decrypt the files is by using a Network Sniffer to get the encryption key, while files are encrypted on your system. A Network Sniffer is a program and/or device monitoring data traveling over a network, such as its internet traffic and internet packets. If you have a sniffer set before the attack happened you might get information about the decryption key. See how-to instructions below:
Martin graduated with a degree in Publishing from Sofia University. As a cyber security enthusiast he enjoys writing about the latest threats and mechanisms of intrusion.
Martin graduated with a degree in Publishing from Sofia University. As a cyber security enthusiast he enjoys writing about the latest threats and mechanisms of intrusion.