How to remove Pay2Key ransomware

Pay2Key ransomware – cryptovirus aimed at big companies

Pay2Key ransomware is a data locking computer virus that is aimed mainly at big companies. This cryptovirus not only encrypts the information with AES and RSA military-strength algorithms but also steals some of the files. If the company doesn't agree to pay a whopping 7 BTC (cryptocurrency Bitcoin), what is around 100k USD according to coindesk.com^[1], the cybercriminals threaten to leak confidential details like employee wages, addresses, phone numbers, etc. With that feature, it reminds FUSION ransomware. It is thought that this virus is targeted at big Israeli companies, but others could be at risk too.

Once inside a computer system, Pay2Key ransomware virus immediately encrypts all files and appends them with a .pay2key extension. This action makes the files inaccessible. After this process is completed, a unique ransom note is generated for each attacked company. Though many of the ransom note details, like the general info on what happened, warnings of what not to do, are the same, but each victim gets its own ransom amount (between 7 and 9 Bitcoins must be forwarded to a given cryptowallet), and the ransom notes name consists of the targeted companies name, e.g., [Company]_MESSAGE.txt. These notes can be found in all affected folders.

Victims of the Pay2Key ransomware are urged to contact its developers via email. As a sign of good faith, the cybercriminals are offering free decryption of four random files, therefore reassuring that they genuinely do have the means to unlock all data. There's also a particular time limit for each company to pay the ransom if the victims fail to comply – the price is doubled.

Nonetheless, paying the criminals isn't a good idea. Authorities such as the FBI are telling that agreeing with the demands will just further encourage cybercriminals to expand their dirty work^[2]. The longer any malware stays in any computer system, the more damage such the Pay2Key file virus could do.

Elimination of the virus is of utmost importance in such instances. To automatically remove Pay2Key ransomware and protect your system hereafter, use trustworthy SpyHunterCombo Cleaner and MalwarebytesMalwarebytes anti-malware software.

To help your devices furthermore, experts^[3] recommend using the FortectIntego tool. This powerful system tune-up app will find and restore any changes the malware has done to the system files and settings prior to Pay2Key ransomware removal.

The cybercriminals behind Pay2Key virus state in the ransom note:

PAY2KEY

HELLO ********** USERS!

Congratulations!
Your entire network and all your informations such as computers/ employess information/ users folders/ servers/ file-servers/ applications/ databases/etc… in your network has been successfully encrypted!
Some of your important information dumpted and ready to leak, in case we can't make a good deal!

Don't modify encrypted files or you can damage them and decryption will be impossible!
Don't try unofficial decryptors to recover your files or you can damage them and decryption will be impossile!

There is only ONE possible way to get back your files! Pay and contact to receive your special decryptor!
You should pay 7 BTC to receive official decryptor and easily recover your files. ********** special decryptor is now ready and waiting for your payment, let's do it!

You can send 4 random files from any computers and receive decrypted data, just as a proof that works!
Your UserID IS: –
Your Network IS IS = –

| NOTCE |
Offer available until [date]. If you do not pay on time, price will be doubled!

Wallet: –

Email:

Keybase:
Pay2Key

Main tricks of cyberthieves

There are many different types of malware, and of course, different types of cybercriminals. Some work extremely hard to achieve their villainous plans, some a bit lazier, perhaps, choose a different approach. They spread their malicious creations via email spam campaigns and file-sharing platforms.

Throughout a spam campaign, hundreds of thousands of emails are sent out with the help of bots. These electronic letters are riddled with malicious content, from simple adware to the evil trojan horses. We all have received spam in our lives, leave it where it landed – in the spam folder. Delete those emails and forget about them. Be aware that some spam emails can get into your inbox – don't open suspiciously looking emails, always scan attachments with proper anti-virus engines before opening them.

Torrent sites… One of the main platforms for viruses to be distributed. Since no one controls, who uploads what where anyone can transfer whatever they please. That includes cybercriminals with their mischievous creations. Try and avoid these kinds of sites at all costs.

Pay2Key ransomware removal requires proper AV tools

As we've mentioned before, the first thing victims should do after a virus detection is immediate expulsion. To remove Pay2Key ransomware we advise using reliable anti-malware software like MalwarebytesMalwarebytes and SpyHunterCombo Cleaner. Dependable apps like these will automatically allocate all cryptovirus files, isolate, and eliminate them. 

After you're done with Pay2Key ransomware removal, it's advisable to boost the safety of your system even more with the FortectIntego app, as this software will find any altercations made by the virus to the system files and its settings. If unattended, that might lead to the system exhibiting abnormal behavior, such as crashes, overheating, and security issues.