Gray Hat Ransomware – Clay Virus File
A new ransomware is circling the web. Called Gray Hat, the cryptovirus sneaks into Windows systems to decrypt data and demand a ransom payment in exchange for a decryption key.
The Gray Hat ransomware appends the .clay file extension to encrypted files, so it is also known as Clay ransomware or Clay virus file. If you see this extension added to your files, you will also discover a ransom note in the form of a pop-up window and a text file. The latter is called “___RECOVER__FILES__.clay.txt” and contains the following instructions:
HACKED BY CLAY
GRAY HAT
!Your files (count: -) have been encrypted
In order to recover your data…
Please send 0.01 Bitcoin(s) to the following BTC address:
bc1q6dkqnmj3ynetnk3asypm5malwd3se0ylcld5gh
Next, E-mail your transaction ID to the following address:
Clay_whoami_1@protonmail.ch
N.B. In general, security researchers advise against contacting the ransomware operators or paying the demanded ransom. Ransom payments will fuel further malicious campaigns, and there is also no guarantee you will receive any decryption key.
In some cases, researchers are able to create a decryption tool, so it is better to be patient and wait until an official solution appears. We advise you to safely back up your encrypted data, so that you don’t lose or impair them. It is also important to remove the Clay ransomware from your system, so that it doesn’t spread any further or reinfect your machine.
It is also noteworthy that last year another variant of Clay ransomware was detected in the wild.
Clay virus file Summary
| Name | Clay virus file also known as Gen:Variant.Ransom.Phobos.62 (BitDefender), Ransom:Win32/Phobos.PC!MTB (Microsoft) |
| File Extension | .clay |
| Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
| Short Description | The ransomware encrypts files on your computer system and demands a ransom to be paid to allegedly recover them. |
| Symptoms | The ransomware will encrypt your files by appending the PERDAK extension to them. |
| Ransom Demanding Note | ___RECOVER__FILES__.clay.txt |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments |
| Detection Tool |
See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware
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Malware Removal Tool
|
User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss Clay virus file. |
Clay Virus File – How Did It Infect My PC?
Clay Virus File is most likely spreading its infection via a payload dropper, which initiates the malicious script for this ransomware. The virus may distribute its payload file on social media and file-sharing services. Freeware, usually found on the Web and presented as helpful, may also be hiding the malicious script for the cryptovirus.
The ransomware encrypts your files and shows ransomware instructions inside a ransom note called ___RECOVER__FILES__.clay.txt.
The extortionists demand you to pay a ransom for the alleged restoration of your files, same as with most ransomware viruses. Note that the PERDAK ransomware could make entries in the Windows Registry to achieve persistence, and could launch or repress processes in a Windows system. That is why its removal from the system is mandatory. All encrypted files will receive the .clay extension. Audio, video, image files as well as documents, backups and banking data can be encrypted by the ransomware.
ALo note that this cryptovirus could be set to erase all the Shadow Volume Copies from the Windows operating system with the help of the command:
→vssadmin.exe delete shadows /all /Quiet
If your computer device is infected by the Clay virus file, continue reading for removal instructions.
Remove .Clay Virus File
If your computer got infected with the .Clay Virus File, you should have a bit of experience in removing malware. We advise you to get rid of this ransomware as quickly as possible before it gets the chance to spread further and infect other computers. You should remove the ransomware by following the instructions below.
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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 Clay virus file from Windows.
- Guide 2: Get rid of Clay virus file from Mac OS X.
How to Remove Clay virus file from Windows.
Step 1: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove Clay virus file
Step 2: Uninstall Clay virus file 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 Clay virus file 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 Clay virus file 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 Clay virus file with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 5 (Optional): Try to Restore Files Encrypted by Clay virus file.
Ransomware infections and Clay virus file 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 Clay virus file from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall Clay virus file 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 Clay virus file 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 Clay virus file.
Ransomware infections and Clay virus file 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.
Clay virus file FAQ
What is Clay virus file ransomware and how does it work?
Clay virus file 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 Clay virus file ransomware infect my computer?
Via several ways.Clay virus file 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 Clay virus file 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 .Clay virus file files?
You can't. At this point the .Clay virus file 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 .Clay virus file files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
One way to restore files, encrypted by Clay virus file 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 ".Clay virus file" files (Other Methods)?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .Clay virus file 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 Clay virus file 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 Clay virus file ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .Clay virus file files.
Also, keep in mind that viruses like Clay virus file 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.
