Meet PadCrypt, a new addition to the ransomware malware category just detected by malware researchers at abuse(.)ch and analyzed by MalwareHunterTeam. Once installed on a system, PadCrypt will encrypt certain files and append an .ETC extension. The demanded payment is 0.8 Bitcoin, or approximately $320.
PadCrypt Ransomware Details
| Name | PadCrypt Ransomware |
| File Extension | .ETC |
| Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
| Ransom Demanding Note | _readme.txt |
| Removal Time | 5 Minutes |
| Detection Tool |
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PadCrypt General Description
Unfortunately, PadCrypt is designed to delete Shadow Volume Copies, but has an uninstaller featured inside its code. Interestingly enough, PadCrypt provides live chat support to its victims, possibly to increase the chance of victims paying the ransom. A live chat support in real time will guide victims through the frustrating payment process, and would act as a guarantee for the decryption key delivery. Currently, this feature is not available because the command & control servers are offline.
Also, the ransomware has a lot in common with CryptoWall, which is not that surprising. Cyber criminals just love to imitate CryptoWall, proven to be one of the most notorious ransomware pieces ever written.
For example, some versions of CryptoWall also had live support, but it was a Web-based chat that was supported by the website where victims would pay the ransom. PadCrypt’s live chat is available directly on the victim’s machine, and the victim doesn’t need to launch a browser or install Tor.
PadCrypt Ransomware Distribution Techniques
Ransomware is often spread in email spam campaigns, featuring malicious email attachments and archive files. Researchers believe that PadCrypt is spread via PDF files attached in the email bofy. Cyber criminals often send specially crafted emails, representing legitimate entities such as governmental institutions or well-known services, to trick users into opening them.
Learn how to increase your protection against spam
Keep in mind that, spam emails aside, ransomware pieces can be dropped by Trojan horses either contained in a malicious attachment or hosted on a malicious website. Trojans also lurk in torrents and p2p pages, and can be installed on a victim’s machine via a drive-by download.
PadCrypt Ransomware Technical Description
Once that malicious PDF file observed in this campaign (possibly named something like DPD_11394029384.pdf.scr) is executed, the user’s machine is infected with PadCrypt. The PDF itself is an executable file renamed with the .scr extension. Once it is executed, the package.pdcr and uninstl.pdcr files are downloaded from the disabled C&C servers, as pointed out by Bleeping Computer.
Researchers have identified the following command & control servers associated with PadCrypt:
- annaflowersweb(.)com;
- subzone3.2fh(.)co;
- cloudnet(.)online.
Other Technical Details
PadCrypt main executable: package.pdcr
PadCrypt uninstaller: uninstl.pdcr
N.B. Both of the files are stored in the %AppData%\PadCrypt folder.
A curious theory about the existence of an uninstaller is that the ransomware creators may have used templates, and as a result the uninstaller was generated automatically, as pointed out by Softpedia.
PadCrypt Ransomware Encryption Process
Once the ransomware is launched, it will scan the local drives for files with certain extensions and will then crypt them via the AES algorithm. As a result, the encrypted files with have the .ENC extension appended to them.
All encrypted files are recorded in the %AppData%\PadCrypt\files.txt file.
The file extensions targeted by PadCrypt are:
→pdf, gif, bmp, jpeg, jpg, png, doc, docx, ppt, ptx, psd, pdn
As mentioned in the beginning, PadCrypt also targets and deletes the Shadow Volume Copies by executing the following command:
→vssadmin delete shadows /for=z: /all /quiet
Once the encryption process is finished, PadCrypt will create an IMPORTANT READ ME.txt file on the desktop, containing ransomware instructions:
Image Source: Bleeping Computer
PadCrypt Ransomware Removal Options
Quite curiously, the C&C servers for PadCrypt are currently offline which possibly means that its creators have found flaws in their code (and are probably trying to fix them as we speak). In case of infection, the victim should immediately back up their data and remove the ransomware via a strong anti-malware program. As mentioned, the PadCrypt uninstaller is downloaded during the ransomware installation. However, if the uninstaller is also downloaded from the C&C servers which are currently unavailable, it won’t be available either.
Follow these instructions to clean your system and back up your data.
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Step 1: Scan for PadCrypt Ransomware with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall PadCrypt 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 PadCrypt 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 PadCrypt 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 PadCrypt Ransomware
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by PadCrypt 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 PadCrypt 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.
PadCrypt Ransomware-FAQ
What is PadCrypt Ransomware Ransomware?
PadCrypt 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 PadCrypt 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 PadCrypt Ransomware Infect?
Via several ways.PadCrypt 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 PadCrypt 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 .PadCrypt Ransomware files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .PadCrypt 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 .PadCrypt Ransomware files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".PadCrypt Ransomware" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .PadCrypt 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 PadCrypt 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 PadCrypt Ransomware ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .PadCrypt 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 PadCrypt 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 PadCrypt Ransomware Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this PadCrypt 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 PadCrypt 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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