How to remove Parad1gm ransomware

Parad1gm ransomware – malware that demands to email the developers for receiving information about the ransom price

Parad1gm ransomware is a malicious string that comes from DopplePaymer ransomware. The operation principle of this parasite is the same as its siblings – encrypting data and demanding money in exchange for the decryption software. Discovered by a cybersecurity researcher known as GrujaRS,^[1] Parad1gm ransomware has emerged at the end of December 2019 and has been targetting English-speaking users. When files are locked with symmetric or asymmetric keys, all of the filenames get the .parad1gm appendix added.

Later on, the ransomware includes a ransom note in each encrypted file. These files end up being renamed with the .parad1gm extension added to the original filename and the _readme.txt title next to it. For example, if you have a file named cat.png, then it would be renamed cat.png.parad1gm_readme.txt. Parad1gm ransomware does not provide any particular ransom demands but encourages to write the crooks via JEREMIAH.MAHONEY@PROTONMAIL.COM or ALISSA.CARNEY@TUTANOTA.COM and discuss all the matters about the price via email.

Parad1gm ransomware is a notorious cyber threat that modifies various entries in the Windows Registry in order to place itself on the system. This way the ransomware assures that its module is launched every time when the computer is booted and the encryption process happens successfully. Besides that, the malware might be programmed to evade some type of antimalware detection so that it could operate properly and silently.

Continuously, Parad1gm ransomware alters the Task Manager^[2] section too. It places a random executable in this location that also activates the malicious module. If the ransomware virus has taken place in your Windows computer system, you might spot multiple unknown processes running in the Task Manager that is a clear sign of an infection. However, the malware can also disguise as a legitimate executable of some type of program to confuse the victim.

Parad1gm ransomware can also try to harden the decryption and removal process for you. The malware might be capable of damaging the Windows hosts file to prevent you from accessing security-related networks where you might find valuable information on virus removal and file recovery. Additionally, the parasite might be able to delete the Shadow Volume Copies of encrypted data by running PowerShell commands to decrease your chances of successful recovery.

Afterward, Parad1gm ransomware runs the encryption module and starts locking all of the files that are found on the infected Windows computer system. The data can come in any type of format such as image, audio, video, excel, database, powerpoint, notepad, word document, etc. Then, the criminals try to scare their victims by claiming that they hacked their network and safe contacting is required for successfully receiving the decryption tool:

Hello Paradigm.

Your network was hacked and encrypted.

No free decryption software is available on the web.

Email us at JEREMIAH.MAHONEY@PROTONMAIL.COM (or) ALISSA.CARNEY@TUTANOTA.COM to get the ransom amount.

Keep our contacts safe. Disclosure can lead to impossibility of decryption.

Please, use your company name as the email subject.

TAIL:-

KEY:-

Parad1gm virus does not provide any accurate information on the ransom demands and tells the victims to contact them via email to know all the details. However, criminals are most likely to urge some price between $50 and $2000. These people almost always ask for anonymous cryptocurrency transfers as this is a way to stay untracked. Regarding the fact that BTC cryptocurrency is a worldwide used one, crooks are very likely to ask for it.

Parad1gm ransomware stores both encryption and decryption keys on remote servers which are reachable only for the cybercriminals themselves. Every key comes different for every victim and decrypting files by guessing the key is impossible. However, you still should not rush to pay the criminals as you can easily get scammed. Go to the end of this article and try some data recovery methods that are placed there as an alternative.

Furthermore, Parad1gm ransomware can be even more dangerous than just holding your files as hostages. This malicious string can be capable of bringing other malware into your Windows computer system. Ransomware infections make the machine vulnerable to other potential threats and it becomes easy to open backdoors for viruses such as trojans that aim to steal private information, swindle money from bank accounts, damage system software, and corrupt the machine.

The only way to keep yourself safe from all of these risks is to remove Parad1gm ransomware as soon as you spot the infection on your Windows device. For this purpose, you should employ only reliable antimalware software that is capable of detecting and dealing with the cyber threat. According to VirusTotal information,^[3] the ransomware virus has been discovered by 45 antivirus engines out of the total 72 programs.

After Parad1gm ransomware removal, you can take a look at the end of this page where you will find some data recovery possibilities. Keep in mind that you have a big chance of getting scammed if you decide to pay the cybercrooks their demanded ransom price. Additionally, if your computer system has experienced any type of damage during the cyber attack, we recommend trying software such as FortectIntego that might be able to repair your device.

The most common spreading ways of ransomware threats

Technology specialists from LesVirus.fr^[4] claim that malicious actors often deliver their cyber threats through phishing email messages and their dangerous attachments. The crooks pretend to come from reputable agencies, companies, and institutions in order to create an official look.

Our point would be that you should always carefully manage your email. Do not open any letters that you were not expecting to receive and look suspicious to you. Continuously, always identify the sender, look for grammar mistakes throughout the entire text.

To add, ransomware viruses are also distributed through software cracks that are planted on piracy networks. These types of sources offer to download various products and services for free but they often lack recommended security and can be easily manipulated by various bad actors.

You should get all of your software from reliable developers and official sources, avoid downloading cracks. Also, always make sure that an antivirus product is running on your computer system. This way you will receive warning alerts if something suspicious/malicious is trying to sneak into your device.

Last but not least, cybercriminals know how to manipulate weak RDP^[5] configuration. These people search for ports that are protected with weak passwords or include none. Afterward, the hackers can remotely connect to your PC. Remember, always think of complex and strong passwords.

Parad1gm ransomware removal guidelines for victims

If the ransomware virus has hit you and you have been wondering how to remove Parad1gm ransomware from your Windows machine, we are here to help you. First of all, we want to warn you that you should not take any actions of your own towards the elimination process as you might make damaging mistakes. Better, download and install reliable antimalware software that is capable of dealing with the malware safely and effectively.

If you are having some trouble with detecting Parad1gm ransomware or removing the cyber threat, the infection might be running specific commands that are trying to prevent you from spotting or deleting it. To disable malicious processes and activities, you should boot your Windows machine in Safe Mode with Networking or apply the System Restore feature. Both steps are described and displayed at the end of this article.

When you perform the Parad1gm ransomware removal, you should scan your computer system for possible damage with software such as SpyHunterCombo Cleaner or MalwarebytesMalwarebytes. If these tools find some damaged locations, you can try fixing them with FortectIntego. Continuously, we have provided some data recovery methods at the end of this page that might let you restore at least some files and are definitely a better option than paying the cybercriminals.