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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Attention! SensorsTechForum strongly recommends that all malware victims should look for assistance only by reputable sources. Many guides out there claim to offer free recovery and decryption for files encrypted by ransomware viruses. Be advised that some of them may only be after your money.
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.
- Guide 1: How to Remove Payfast Ransomware from Windows.
- Guide 2: Get rid of Payfast Ransomware from Mac OS X.
How to Remove Payfast Ransomware from Windows.
Step 1: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove Payfast Ransomware
Step 2: Uninstall Payfast Ransomware and related software 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 uninstall most 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: Scan for Payfast Ransomware with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 5 (Optional): Try to Restore Files Encrypted by Payfast Ransomware.
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 top, choose Data Recovery - Data Recovery Wizard for Windows or Mac (depending on your OS), and then download and run the tool.
Get rid of Payfast Ransomware from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall Payfast Ransomware and remove related files and objects
1. Hit the ⇧+⌘+U keys to open Utilities. Another way is to click on “Go” and then click “Utilities”, like the image below shows:
- Go to Finder.
- In the search bar type the name of the app that you want to remove.
- Above the search bar change the two drop down menus to “System Files” and “Are Included” so that you can see all of the files associated with the application you want to remove. Bear in mind that some of the files may not be related to the app so be very careful which files you delete.
- If all of the files are related, hold the ⌘+A buttons to select them and then drive them to “Trash”.
In case you cannot remove Payfast Ransomware via Step 1 above:
In case you cannot find the virus files and objects in your Applications or other places we have shown above, you can manually look for them in the Libraries of your Mac. But before doing this, please read the disclaimer below:
You can repeat the same procedure with the following other Library directories:
→ ~/Library/LaunchAgents
/Library/LaunchDaemons
Tip: ~ is there on purpose, because it leads to more LaunchAgents.
Step 3 (Optional): Try to Restore Files Encrypted by Payfast Ransomware.
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 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 and how does it work?
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 algorithm how 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.
How does Payfast Ransomware ransomware infect my computer?
Via several ways.Payfast Ransomware Ransomware infects computers by being sent via phishing e-mails, 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.
After you download and execute this attachment, a drive-by download occurs and your computer is infected with the ransomware virus.
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. At this point the .Payfast Ransomware files are encrypted. You can only open them once they are decrypted.
Decryptor did not decrypt my data. What now?
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.
One way to restore files, encrypted by Payfast Ransomware ransomware is to use a decryptor for it. But since it's a new virus, advised that the decryption keys for it may not be out yet and available to the public. We will update this article and keep you posted as soon as this decryptor is released.
How Do I restore ".Payfast Ransomware" files (Other Methods)?
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% guarantee that you will be able to get your files back. But if you have a backup, your chances of success are much greater.
How do I get rid of Payfast Ransomware ransomware virus?
The safest way and the most efficient one for the removal of this ransomware infection is the use a professional anti malware software. It will scan for and locate Payfast Ransomware ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .Payfast Ransomware files.
Also, keep in mind that viruses like Payfast Ransomware ransomware also install Trojans and keyloggers that can steal your passwords and accounts. Scanning your computer with an anti-malware software will make sure that all of these virus components are removed and your computer is protected in the future.
What to Do If nothing works?
There is still a lot you can do. If none of the above methods seem to work for you, then try these methods:
- Try to find a safe computer from where you can can login on your own line accounts like One Drive, iDrive, Google Drive and so on.
- Try to contact your friends, relatives and other people so that they can check if they have some of your important photos or documents just in case you sent them.
- Also, check if some of the files that were encrypted it can be re-downloaded from the web.
- Another clever way to get back some of your files is to find another old computer, a flash drive or even a CD or a DVD where you may have saved your older documents. You might be surprised what will turn up.
- You can also go to your email account to check if you can send any attachments to other people. Usually what is sent the email is saved on your account and you can re-download it. But most importantly, make sure that this is done from a safe computer and make sure to remove the virus first.
More tips you can find on our forums, where you can also asks any questions about your ransomware problem.
How to 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.
