How to remove PAY IN 24 HOURS ransomware

PAY IN 24 HOURS virus – a new member of the Xorist ransomware family that demands 700 EUR in Bitcoin

PAY IN 24 HOURS virus is the threat that belongs to Xorist ransomware family and after computer systems get contaminated with this malware, it marks those affected files. This virus appends the longest extension – “….PAY_IN_MAXIM_24_HOURS_OR_ALL_YOUR_FILES_WILL_BE_PERMANENTLY_DELETED_PLEASE_BE_REZONABLE_you_have_only_1_single_chance_to_make_the_payment”.

As usual with cryptoviruses, only the non-system files are encrypted. So the victims can still use their devices, although not properly, it is impossible to open any data that has been altered. PAY IN 24 HOURS ransomware virus triggers changes in program performance or even system functions, so the victim is more convinced to pay.

Unlike most ransomware demands, developers of PAY IN 24 HOURS file virus are giving the victims only 24 hours to act, that is, to send the demanded amount, otherwise the crooks will delete the so-called private decryption key, and users data will be lost forever. 

Criminals behind PAY IN 24 HOURS virus provide an email address to contact them (Email_Decryptor_Payment@scryptmail.com) and a unique user ID (named ERROR-ID in the ransom note). As always, we advise against contact or payment to the perpetrators.

When the PAY IN 24 HOURS ransomware virus has done the encryption, a ransom note file “HOW TO DECRYPT FILES.txt” is created and can be found in affected folders (see the whole note below this paragraph). The message is written in English and states that the victims' files are locked, and a payment of 700 euros is requested to be sent to their bitcoin wallet. These claims should encourage people into paying to regain access to computer data. 

Ransom note in file HOW TO DECRYPT FILES.txt reads:

All your important files were BLOCKED on this computer.
Encrtyption was produced using unique KEY generated for this computer.
To decrypted files, you need to otbtain private key.
The single copy of the private key, with will allow you to decrypt the files, is locate on a secret server on the internet;
The server will destroy the key within 24 hours after encryption completed.
REMEMBER YOU HAVE ONLY 24 HOURS TO PAY EVERITHING IS AUTOMATICALLY!
To retrieve the private key, you need to pay 700-EURO
PLEASE BE REZONABLE PAYMENT IS LITTLE ONLY 700 EURO
WE ACCEPT ONLY PAYMENT TO BITCOIN!
Bitcoins have to be sent to this address: 3J1MD7EAzdaYeWBDA71t7NShkC64W4a41T
After you've sent the payment send us an email to : Email_Decryptor_Payment@scryptmail.com  with subject : ERROR-ID-6310700
If you are  not familiar with bitcoin you can buy it from here :
SITE : www.localbitcoin.com
After we confirm the payment , we send the private key so you can decrypt your system.

Cybercriminals tend not to send the promised decryption tools/keys, instead, they infect victims' devices even more so they could ask for more money. However, there are more risks than solutions when you pay. You might get additional malware instead of the tool for PAY IN 24 HOURS ransomware removal or file recovery.

Computer users should always use reliable anti-malware software, like SpyHunterCombo Cleaner or MalwarebytesMalwarebytes to evade such dealings. This is why experts^[2] recommend staying away from even contacting those malicious actors. It is best to remove PAY IN 24 HOURS ransomware as soon as possible instead.

Cryptocurrency-extortion based malware infection spreads via malicious files

Malware is distributed in many ways on the internet. It's usually hidden in Torrent sites, other file sharing platforms, spam emails, mischievous hyperlinks, etc. Nowadays, prior to downloading anything from sites or emails, the files first must be scanned with a powerful anti-malware tool.

Ransomware could be camouflaged as a genuine software installer or updater in a torrent site/pirating platform. Right after downloading this kind of malicious software, it starts the infection process. Executable files with malware payload get triggered automatically.

Another popular way to spread malware like ransomware is email spam. Threats could be hiding in infected email attachments or disguised as genuine hyperlinks that lead you to phony sites that immediately drop the virus in users' computer systems. Always be aware of what you're clicking on. The cybercriminals make the emails look like genuine letters from banks, shipping companies, and other trustworthy senders.

PAY IN 24 HOURS ransomware removal guide and further tips for file recovery

The first and most important step, after getting an infection in a device, is to promptly remove it. However, if the malware has completed its purpose and encrypted users' computer data, the deletion of the PAY IN 24 HOURS ransomware virus won't decrypt it.

One should always keep backups^[3] of essential data in at least two separate locations, such as cloud, offline servers, USB drives, etc. To automatically remove PAY IN 24 HOURS ransomware use reliable anti-malware software like SpyHunterCombo Cleaner or MalwarebytesMalwarebytes. It will do the dirty work and help prevent any future threats.

The second step, after the PAY IN 24 HOURS ransomware removal is done, is using software like FortectIntego to restore any damage done to computer system files. Although viruses like this don't encrypt non-system files, they modify and corrupt them. That might lead to system crashes and other irregular work.