Attention! This article will help you remove PayDay ransomware successfully. Follow the ransomware removal instructions below carefully.
PayDay ransomware is a Portuguese cryptovirus named after the popular game of the same name – Payday. The ransom price that it demands for decrypting your files is R$950 which is nearly 300 US dollars. The virus will encrypt your files and put the extension .sexy to every one of them. Read on to see ways for you to try and restore some of your files.
Threat Summary
| Name | PayDay Ransomware |
| Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
| Short Description | The ransomware will encrypt your files and then display a ransom note with instructions for payment in the Portuguese language. |
| Symptoms | The ransomware will encrypt your files and put the extension .sexy to each one of them. |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments |
| Detection Tool |
See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware
Download
Malware Removal Tool
|
User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss PayDay Ransomware. |
| Data Recovery Tool | 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 – Infection
PayDay ransomware can spread its infection using various methods. One of those methods is by distributing the payload as an executable file. That .exe file distributes the ransomware and when it is executed, the malicious script inside it infects your computer device. You can view the analysis of the executable in question, which contains the payload on the VirusTotal website, from the following screenshot:
PayDay ransomware could be spreading its payload on social media sites and services for file-sharing. The malicious script can be hidden inside the setup of applications, which are promoted as useful and legitimate. Do not be opening files from suspicious sources such as links and e-mails. You should always scan downloaded files with a security application and check their size and signatures for anything that seems irregular. You should read the tips about ransomware prevention from the corresponding forum topic.
PayDay Ransomware – Detailed Analysis
PayDay ransomware is a cryptovirus that uses an image in its ransom note taken from the popular video game “Payday”. That is also the theme of this virus.
When PayDay ransomware encrypts your files, it will place the extension .sexy as the extension of every file that is locked. The ransomware is highly likely to create entries in the Windows Registry to achieve persistence. Such registry entries can make the cryptovirus start automatically with every boot of the Windows operating system.
When the process of your files getting encrypted is finished, a screen with the ransom message will appear on your desktop. That message contains instructions for payment and the demands of the cybercriminals for unlocking your files in the Portuguese language. The file is called !!!!!ATENÇÃO!!!!!.html. You can view the ransom message from the picture below:
The ransom note reads the following:
Seus arquivos foram Sequestrados!
TODOS os seus documentos, banco de dados, downloads, fotos e outros arquivos importantes foram criptografados utilizando o algoritmo AES (mesma criptografia utilizada pelo governo do EUA) com uma senha alfa-numérica de 150 caracteres gerada a partir deste computador e enviada para um servidor secreto na Internet onde somente eu tenho acesso.
O que fazer?
Para obter essa senha e descriptografar seus arquivos, você terá que pagar uma quantia de R$950,00 em BTC (BITCOIN). Para efetuar o pagamento e obter a senha, siga este pequeno manual:
1. Crie uma carteira BTC aqui: ***blockchain.info/***
2. Compre R$950,00 BTC com dinheiro em: ***
3. Envie os BTCs comprados para o endereço: *****
4. Acompanhe a transferência em: ***blockchain.info/address/***
5. Após o pagamento ser confirmado, envie-me um email requisitando a Senha: CATSEXY@PROTONMAIL.COM
6. Logo após, enviarei um arquivo compactado contento dois arquivos: um Decrypter em .exe e a Senha em um .txt
O que é Bitcoin:
Importante:
1. Ninguém pode te ajudar, a não ser eu!
2. Vocé tem apenas 120 Horas (5 dias) para efetuar o pagamento, caso o contrario eu deletarei a senha.
3. É inútil instalar/atualizar o software Anti Vírus, formatar o computador, fazer BO na delegacia, etc.
4. Seus arquivos só poderão ser descriptografados depois do pagamento.
5. Após vocé descriptografar seus arquivos, formate seu computador, instale um bom Anti Vírus e tome mais cuidado onde clica ;)
A rough English translation would look like the following:
Your files have been hijacked!
ALL of your documents, database, downloads, photos, and other important files were encrypted using the AES algorithm (same encryption used by the US government) with a 150 character alpha-numeric password generated from this computer and sent to a server Secret on the Internet where only I have access.
What to do?
To get this password and decrypt your files, you will have to pay an amount of $ 950.00 in BTC (BITCOIN). To make the payment and obtain the password, follow this small manual:
1. Create a BTC portfolio here: *** blockchain.info/***
2. Buy R $ 950,00 BTC with money in: ***
3. Send the purchased BTCs to the address: *****
4. Follow the transfer on: *** blockchain.info/address/***
5. After payment is confirmed, send me an email requesting the Password: CATSEXY@PROTONMAIL.COM
6. Soon after, I will send a compressed file containing two files: a decrypter in .exe and the Password in a .txt
What is Bitcoin:
Important:
1. No one can help you but me!
2. You only have 120 Hours (5 days) to make the payment, otherwise I will delete the password.
3. It is useless to install / update the AntiVirus software, format the computer, do BO in the police station, etc.
4. Your files can only be decrypted after payment.
5. After you decrypt your files, format your computer, install a good AntiVirus and be more careful where you click;)
The ransom price that the cryptovirus demands as payment for the decryption of your files is R$950 or nearly 300 US dollars. You are given five days to send the money to the e-mail address CatSexy@protonmail.com. You should NOT even be considering of paying the criminals any amount. That would only result in the crooks making more ransomware viruses with the money or support other criminal acts. Also, know that nobody can guarantee that your files will be restored if you pay the demanded ransom.
The PayDay ransomware encrypts files and appends the .sexy extension to each and every one of them. The encryption algorithm that is believed to be AES and malware researchers place it as a variant of the HiddenTear open-source project. A list with file extensions which the virus seeks to encrypt is not yet available, but you can see some of the extensions below:
→.doc, .docx, .pdf, .db, .jpg, .png, .ppt, .pptx, .txt, .xls, .xlsx
The PayDay cryptovirus is probably set to erase the Shadow Volume Copies from the Windows operating system by using the command given down below:
→vssadmin.exe delete shadows /all /Quiet
Continue to read and find out what types of methods you can try to restore at least parts of your data.
Remove PayDay Ransomware and Restore .sexy Files
If your computer got infected with the PayDay ransomware virus, you should have some experience in removing malware. You should get rid of this ransomware as fast as possible before it can have the chance to spread further and infect more computers. You should remove the ransomware and follow the step-by-step instructions guide given below. To see ways that you can try to recover your data, see the step titled 2. Restore files encrypted by PayDay.
- Step 1
- Step 2
- Step 3
- Step 4
- Step 5
Step 1: Scan for PayDay Ransomware with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall PayDay 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 PayDay 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 PayDay 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 PayDay Ransomware
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by PayDay 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 PayDay 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.
PayDay Ransomware-FAQ
What is PayDay Ransomware Ransomware?
PayDay 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 PayDay 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 PayDay Ransomware Infect?
Via several ways.PayDay 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 PayDay 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 .PayDay Ransomware files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .PayDay 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 .PayDay Ransomware files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".PayDay Ransomware" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .PayDay 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 PayDay 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 PayDay Ransomware ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .PayDay 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 PayDay 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 PayDay Ransomware Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this PayDay 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 PayDay 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.
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.