Payransom500 ransomware (virus) - Decryption Steps Included
Payransom500 virus Removal Guide
What is Payransom500 ransomware?
Payransom500 ransomware is the threat that locks data using an encryption algorithm
The threat causes issues with the system when commonly used files get encrypted and become useless
Payransom500 virus is a file-locker infection that is not decryptable at the time. In means that people who get files locked by the threat need to choose between paying the ransom and removing the threat properly, then recovering the data using alternate methods. The virus marks affected files using the pattern .@payransom500.[victim's_ID]. This is the indication of encryption-based malware, and the further details on what to do once you find your files locked get listed in the !!! ALL YOUR FILES ARE ENCRYPTED !!!.TXT ransom note. $500 in Bitcoin should get victims out of the situation, but these criminals behind a virus shouldn't be trusted.
It is truly devastating when the commonly used files get locked and become unopenable. However, if you have good data backup habits, you might be lucky enough and recover all of the needed files without much hassle.[1] Paying is never a good option! We never recommend not offer people to pay up when files get encrypted. It is more likely that your machine receives additional malware but not the decryption tool.
The message that ransomware creators deliver with the goal to get people scared into paying:
!!! ALL YOUR FILES ARE ENCRYPTED !!!
All your files, documents, photos, databases and other important files are encrypted.
You are not able to decrypt it by yourself! The only method of recovering files is to purchase an unique private key.
Only we can give you this key and only we can recover your files.To be sure we have the decryptor and it works you can send an email: payransom500@mail2tor.com and decrypt one file for free.
But this file should be of not valuable!Do you really want to restore your files?
Write to email: payransom500@mail2tor.com
Telegram @payransom500Btc 500$ adress bc1qas8m3c2jv4uyurxacdt99ujj6gp6xt4tqeul8l
Your personal ID: 2B2-475-251
Attention!
* Do not rename encrypted files.
* Do not try to decrypt your data using third party software, it may cause permanent data loss.
* Decryption of your files with the help of third parties may cause increased price (they add their fee to our) or you can become a victim of a scam.
Payransom500 ransomware virus demands $500 for the decryption tool that most likely does not exist. This encouragement to pay up should convince victims to transfer Bitcoins to the walled listed in the ransom note. However, it is more likely that criminals will get you the decryption option after the money transfer. These threat actors are money motivated, and even the test decryption that creators can offer is not trustworthy.
Name | Payransom500 ransomware |
---|---|
Type | Cryptovirus, file-locker |
File marker | .@payransom500.[ID] |
Contact | Telegram @payransom500, payransom500@mail2tor.com |
Ransom amount | $500 in Bitcoin |
Ransom note | !!! ALL YOUR FILES ARE ENCRYPTED !!!.TXT |
Distribution | Spam email attachments, including malicious files as attachments |
Removal | The best elimination of such infections should include anti-malware tools due to detection rate[2] and powerful techniques of malware termination |
Repair | The system gets damaged when the ransomware aims for persistence. You can benefit from FortectIntego because this application repairs various system data |
The ransom note that the Payransom500 ransomware virus delivers to every folder with encrypted files indicates that victims have no options once the encryption is complete. Even though decryption tools take time to get developed, you can get that help from researchers and repair files at the later date. This is why experts[3] often suggest storing some ransomware files, encrypted files on the external device and wait. Otherwise, you need to clear the threat fully from the machine.
That can be done right away without thinking about possible decryption or after this storing of malware pieces. Be careful because malware can detect those files on the external device and encrypt them. make sure to plugin an empty USB key. The best solution for these cryptocurrency threats – anti-malware tools. You should rely on the powerful SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner or Malwarebytes apps and take care of the infection.
The infection aims to get money, but can still get rid of it with a proper AV application
Virus removal is not the same as the Payransom500 ransomware file recovery. You need more to repair those functions that can help with data recovery sometimes. Shadow volume copies get deleted and anti-malware tools disabled, so you cannot access or control wanted processes. Malware also can add or alter files to ensure persistence, launch other programs.
System recovery after the ransomware encryption
Payransom500 virus like any other malware alters system files and alters performance. The system is changed to operate differently in favor of the threat actor. For example, an infection can alter the Windows registry database, damage vital bootup, and other sections, delete or corrupt DLL files, etc. Consequently, users might experience performance, stability, and usability issues, to the point where a full Windows reinstallation is required.
Therefore, we highly recommend using a one-of-a-kind, patented technology of FortectIntego repair. Not only can it fix virus damage after the infection, but it is also capable of removing malware that has already broken into the system thanks to several engines used by the program. Besides, the application is also capable of fixing various Windows-related issues that are not caused by malware infections, for example, Blue Screen errors, freezes, registry errors, damaged DLLs, etc.
- Download the application by clicking on the link above
- Click on the ReimageRepair.exe
- If User Account Control (UAC) shows up, select Yes
- Press Install and wait till the program finishes the installation process
- The analysis of your machine will begin immediately
- Once complete, check the results – they will be listed in the Summary
- You can now click on each of the issues and fix them manually
- If you see many problems that you find difficult to fix, we recommend you purchase the license and fix them automatically.
What can be done to get those .payransom500 files back?
The main issue with such infections like the Payransom500 ransomware virus is the state of files. Even though there are helpful tools like anti-malware and PC repair apps, the encrypted data remains altered, and without the proper decryption tool from researchers, options are limited.
Infiltration of the ransomware can happen behind your back, and the drop of this payload file is not noticeable until the ransom note gets delivered. When you see the full pattern on the file, you can be sure that ransomware is done dealing with the system. However, any files added newly to the system can be encoded and damaged. Sometimes the second round of encryption results in permanent data loss. If you pay up – financial losses.
The file-locker triggers damaging processes besides the encryption The file-locker triggers damaging processes besides the encryption
Payransom500 file encryption is a process that is similar to applying a password to a particular file or folder. However, from a technical point of view, encryption is fundamentally different due to its complexity. By using encryption, threat actors use a unique set of alphanumeric characters as a password that can not easily be deciphered if the process is performed correctly.
There are several algorithms that can be used to lock data (whether for good or bad reasons); for example, AES uses the symmetric method of encryption, meaning that the key used to lock and unlock files is the same. Unfortunately, it is only accessible to the attackers who hold it on a remote server – they ask for a payment in exchange for it. This simple principle is what allows ransomware authors to prosper in this illegal business.
Regardless of which crypto-malware affects your files, you should try to find the relevant decryptor if such exists. Security researchers are in a constant battle against cybercriminals. In some cases, they manage to create a working decryption tool that would allow victims to recover files for free.
Once you have identified which ransomware you are affected by, you should check the following links for a decryptor:
- No More Ransom Project
- Free Ransomware Decryptors by Kaspersky
- Free Ransomware Decryption Tools from Emsisoft
- Avast decryptors
If you can't find a decryptor that works for you, you should try the alternative methods we list below. Additionally, it is worth mentioning that it sometimes takes years for a working decryption tool to be developed, so there are always hopes for the future.
Avoiding the damaging virus infection
The internet is a place for various malware creators. Threats can be released in campaigns of advertisements and added to spam emails as attachments. Word files, Excel, PDF documents can carry the payload of this Payransom500 ransomware or another cryptocurrency extortion virus. Unfortunately, these files have malicious macro functionality that is triggered easily, so malware finds its way on the PC quicker than you realize what happens.
The most common tactic is to trick people into opening the email attachment with a particular trigger for the drop of this virus or another infection. Trojans and other malware can act as a direct vector that spreads the payload of the file locker. However, it is more common to deliver ransomware via such emails with deceptive subject lines and false claims, usage of known companies.
The file-locker triggers damaging processes besides the encryption The file-locker triggers damaging processes besides the encryption
Ransomware email subjects can include such companies as shipping services, common shopping sites, stores. These popular brands attract the receiver. Malware creators also use scamming methods. If you have received an email with the below subject, requesting payment in bitcoin this is known as a ransomware scam, please delete the email. Possible subject lines to such emails:
- Be sure to read this message! Your personal data is threatened!
- Caution! Attack hackers to your account!
- Fraudsters known your old passwords. Access data must be changed.
- Hackers know password from your account. Password must be changed now.
- High level of danger. Your account was under attack.
- Security Alert. Your account was compromised. Password must be changed.
- Security Notice. Someone have access to your system.
- The decision to suspend your account. Waiting for payment.
- Your account is being used by another person!
You can block-list such subject lines automatically or pay attention to any email that is sent to you with a suspicious subject line or the attached file. Sometimes links can also be included on the message itself, so you need to pay attention to any unsuspected emails because many of them can carry the payload of the Payransom500 ransomware virus.
Keep the program like SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner or Malwarebytes and you can solve any issues with security before those appear. Antivirus tools offer the function of scanning the email that is suspicious before downloading the file or a different attachment. Also, apps like FortectIntego can help avoid security flaws and issues with the machine that can be used as vulnerabilities exploited by malware.
Getting rid of Payransom500 virus. Follow these steps
Important steps to take before you begin malware removal
File encryption and ransomware infection are two independent processes (although the latter would not be possible without the former). However, it is important to understand that malware performs various changes within a Windows operating system, fundamentally changing the way it works.
IMPORTANT for those without backups! →
If you attempt to use security or recovery software immediately, you might permanently damage your files, and even a working decryptor then would not be able to save them.
Before you proceed with the removal instructions below, you should copy the encrypted files onto a separate medium, such as USB flash drive or SSD, and then disconnect them from your computer. Encrypted data does not hold any malicious code, so it is safe to transfer to other devices.
The instructions below might initially seem overwhelming and complicated, but they are not difficult to understand as long as you follow each step in the appropriate order. This comprehensive free guide will help you to handle the malware removal and data recovery process correctly.
If you have any questions, comments, or are having troubles with following the instructions, please do not hesitate to contact us via the Ask Us section.
IMPORTANT! →
It is vital to eliminate malware infection from the computer fully before starting the data recovery process, otherwise ransomware might re-encrypt retrieved files from backups repeatedly.
Identify ransomware affecting your PC
Modern-day ransomware had its roots in the early 2010s when cybercriminals began to understand the potential it has for money extortion. Over the years, thousands of new ransomware strains have been developed and spread all over the world, infecting regular consumers, small businesses, and high-profile organizations.
Because of the lucrative nature of ransomware, cybercriminals are creating new ransomware versions in the hopes of establishing themselves in this illegal business. Ransomware often uses different extensions, ransom notes, and other attributes that it can be identified by. However, quite often, this information can overlap or simply not be available, so identifying the threat might be difficult.
In order to deal with ransomware infection effectively, you must first identify it. Here are a few examples of how to determine the precise ransomware you are dealing with:
File extension
Almost all modern ransomware viruses are using extensions that are appended at the end of the original filenames. However, this is not a rule, and in some cases, cybercriminals change the name by replacing it with randomly generated characters, add the marker before the file name, or do not visually change the name of the file at all.
Here you can see an example of a unique extension .hhmgzyl that belongs to the Snatch ransomware family:
If your files are appended with .exe, .locked, .encrypted, or other broadly-used extensions that are difficult to identify, proceed with the next step.
Ransom note
Ransomware family might sometimes be identified by the ransom note it uses. In most cases, cybercriminals create a simple .txt file and place it on users' desktops or other places that are easily reachable (typically, where the encrypted data is located). Other times, a pop-up window can also be used, which is launched as soon as the encryption is complete. In some cases, threat actors name the ransomware within this note:
In some cases, it is possible to identify ransomware by its ransom note name, but they are typically very generic (e.g., FILES ENCRYPTED.txt, _readme.txt) and used by different cybercriminals groups.
Free ID Ransomware service
ID Ransomware is a free service that can easily let users identify the precise malware they are dealing with. All you have to do is upload the ransom note that can be found on the desktop and within folders where encrypted files are located and the sample of an encrypted file.
Soon after uploading the required files, you will be provided with all the relevant information, including what family ransomware belongs to and whether or not it is possible to decrypt files.
If none of the above helped you to identify which ransomware you are dealing with, you should use keywords (extension, contact email, ransom note contents, crypto-wallet address, etc.) to find the information on the internet.
Isolate the infected computer
Some ransomware strains aim to infect not only one computer but hijack the entire network. As soon as one of the machines is infected, malware can spread via network and encrypt files everywhere else, including Network Attached Storage (NAS) devices. If your computer is connected to a network, it is important to isolate it to prevent re-infection after ransomware removal is complete.
The easiest way to disconnect a PC from everything is simply to plug out the ethernet cable. However, in the corporate environment, this might be extremely difficult to do (also would take a long time). The method below will disconnect from all the networks, including local and the internet, isolating each of the machines involved.
- Type in Control Panel in Windows search and press Enter
- Go to Network and Internet
- Click Network and Sharing Center
- On the left, pick Change adapter settings
- Right-click on your connection (for example, Ethernet), and select Disable
- Confirm with Yes.
If you are using some type of cloud storage you are connected to, you should disconnect from it immediately. It is also advisable to disconnect all the external devices, such as USB flash sticks, external HDDs, etc. Once the malware elimination process is finished, you can connect your computers to the network and internet, as explained above, but by pressing Enable instead.
Restore files using data recovery software
Since many users do not prepare proper data backups prior to being attacked by ransomware, they might often lose access to their files permanently. Paying criminals is also very risky, as they might not fulfill the promises and never send back the required decryption tool.
While this might sound terrible, not all is lost – data recovery software might be able to help you in some situations (it highly depends on the encryption algorithm used, whether ransomware managed to complete the programmed tasks, etc.). Since there are thousands of different ransomware strains, it is immediately impossible to tell whether third-party software will work for you.
Therefore, we suggest trying regardless of which ransomware attacked your computer. Before you begin, several pointers are important while dealing with this situation:
- Since the encrypted data on your computer might permanently be damaged by security or data recovery software, you should first make backups of it – use a USB flash drive or another storage.
- Only attempt to recover your files using this method after you perform a scan with anti-malware software.
Install data recovery software
- Download Data Recovery Pro.
- Double-click the installer to launch it.
- Follow on-screen instructions to install the software.
- As soon as you press Finish, you can use the app.
- Select Everything or pick individual folders where you want the files to be recovered from.
- Press Next.
- At the bottom, enable Deep scan and pick which Disks you want to be scanned.
- Press Scan and wait till it is complete.
- You can now pick which folders/files to recover – don't forget you also have the option to search by the file name!
- Press Recover to retrieve your files.
Create data backups to avoid file loss in the future
One of the many countermeasures for home users against ransomware is data backups. Even if your Windows get corrupted, you can reinstall everything from scratch and retrieve files from backups with minimal losses overall. Most importantly, you would not have to pay cybercriminals and risk your money as well.
Therefore, if you have already dealt with a ransomware attack, we strongly advise you to prepare backups for future use. There are two options available to you:
- Backup on a physical external drive, such as a USB flash drive or external HDD.
- Use cloud storage services.
The first method is not that convenient, however, as backups need to constantly be updated manually – although it is very reliable. Therefore, we highly advise choosing cloud storage instead – it is easy to set up and efficient to sustain. The problem with it is that storage space is limited unless you want to pay for the subscription.
Using Microsoft OneDrive
OneDrive is a built-in tool that comes with every modern Windows version. By default, you get 5 GB of storage that you can use for free. You can increase that storage space, but for a price. Here's how to setup backups for OneDrive:
- Click on the OneDrive icon within your system tray.
- Select Help & Settings > Settings.
- If you don't see your email under the Account tab, you should click Add an account and proceed with the on-screen instructions to set yourself up.
- Once done, move to the Backup tab and click Manage backup.
- Select Desktop, Documents, and Pictures, or a combination of whichever folders you want to backup.
- Press Start backup.
After this, all the files that are imported into the above-mentioned folders will be automatically backed for you. If you want to add other folders or files, you have to do that manually. For that, open File Explorer by pressing Win + E on your keyboard, and then click on the OneDrive icon. You should drag and drop folders you want to backup (or you can use Copy/Paste as well).
Using Google Drive
Google Drive is another great solution for free backups. The good news is that you get as much as 15GB for free by choosing this storage. There are also paid versions available, with significantly more storage to choose from.
You can access Google Drive via the web browser or use a desktop app you can download on the official website. If you want your files to be synced automatically, you will have to download the app, however.
- Download the Google Drive app installer and click on it.
- Wait a few seconds for it to be installed.
- Now click the arrow within your system tray – you should see Google Drive icon there, click it once.
- Click Get Started.
- Enter all the required information – your email/phone, and password.
- Now pick what you want to sync and backup. You can click on Choose Folder to add additional folders to the list.
- Once done, pick Next.
- Now you can select to sync items to be visible on your computer.
- Finally, press Start and wait till the sync is complete. Your files are now being backed up.
Report the incident to your local authorities
Ransomware is a huge business that is highly illegal, and authorities are very involved in catching malware operators. To have increased chances of identifying the culprits, the agencies need information. Therefore, by reporting the crime, you could help with stopping the cybercriminal activities and catching the threat actors. Make sure you include all the possible details, including how did you notice the attack, when it happened, etc. Additionally, providing documents such as ransom notes, examples of encrypted files, or malware executables would also be beneficial.
Law enforcement agencies typically deal with online fraud and cybercrime, although it depends on where you live. Here is the list of local authority groups that handle incidents like ransomware attacks, sorted by country:
- USA – Internet Crime Complaint Center IC3
- United Kingdom – ActionFraud
- Canada – Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre
- Australia – ScamWatch
- New Zealand – ConsumerProtection
- Germany – Polizei
- France – Ministère de l'Intérieur
If your country is not listed above, you should contact the local police department or communications center.
Manual removal using Safe Mode
Important! →
Manual removal guide might be too complicated for regular computer users. It requires advanced IT knowledge to be performed correctly (if vital system files are removed or damaged, it might result in full Windows compromise), and it also might take hours to complete. Therefore, we highly advise using the automatic method provided above instead.
Step 1. Access Safe Mode with Networking
Manual malware removal should be best performed in the Safe Mode environment.
Windows 7 / Vista / XP
- Click Start > Shutdown > Restart > OK.
- When your computer becomes active, start pressing F8 button (if that does not work, try F2, F12, Del, etc. – it all depends on your motherboard model) multiple times until you see the Advanced Boot Options window.
- Select Safe Mode with Networking from the list.
Windows 10 / Windows 8
- Right-click on Start button and select Settings.
- Scroll down to pick Update & Security.
- On the left side of the window, pick Recovery.
- Now scroll down to find Advanced Startup section.
- Click Restart now.
- Select Troubleshoot.
- Go to Advanced options.
- Select Startup Settings.
- Press Restart.
- Now press 5 or click 5) Enable Safe Mode with Networking.
Step 2. Shut down suspicious processes
Windows Task Manager is a useful tool that shows all the processes running in the background. If malware is running a process, you need to shut it down:
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc on your keyboard to open Windows Task Manager.
- Click on More details.
- Scroll down to Background processes section, and look for anything suspicious.
- Right-click and select Open file location.
- Go back to the process, right-click and pick End Task.
- Delete the contents of the malicious folder.
Step 3. Check program Startup
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc on your keyboard to open Windows Task Manager.
- Go to Startup tab.
- Right-click on the suspicious program and pick Disable.
Step 4. Delete virus files
Malware-related files can be found in various places within your computer. Here are instructions that could help you find them:
- Type in Disk Cleanup in Windows search and press Enter.
- Select the drive you want to clean (C: is your main drive by default and is likely to be the one that has malicious files in).
- Scroll through the Files to delete list and select the following:
Temporary Internet Files
Downloads
Recycle Bin
Temporary files - Pick Clean up system files.
- You can also look for other malicious files hidden in the following folders (type these entries in Windows Search and press Enter):
%AppData%
%LocalAppData%
%ProgramData%
%WinDir%
After you are finished, reboot the PC in normal mode.
Finally, you should always think about the protection of crypto-ransomwares. In order to protect your computer from Payransom500 and other ransomwares, use a reputable anti-spyware, such as FortectIntego, SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner or Malwarebytes
How to prevent from getting ransomware
Access your website securely from any location
When you work on the domain, site, blog, or different project that requires constant management, content creation, or coding, you may need to connect to the server and content management service more often. The best solution for creating a tighter network could be a dedicated/fixed IP address.
If you make your IP address static and set to your device, you can connect to the CMS from any location and do not create any additional issues for the server or network manager that needs to monitor connections and activities. VPN software providers like Private Internet Access can help you with such settings and offer the option to control the online reputation and manage projects easily from any part of the world.
Recover files after data-affecting malware attacks
While much of the data can be accidentally deleted due to various reasons, malware is one of the main culprits that can cause loss of pictures, documents, videos, and other important files. More serious malware infections lead to significant data loss when your documents, system files, and images get encrypted. In particular, ransomware is is a type of malware that focuses on such functions, so your files become useless without an ability to access them.
Even though there is little to no possibility to recover after file-locking threats, some applications have features for data recovery in the system. In some cases, Data Recovery Pro can also help to recover at least some portion of your data after data-locking virus infection or general cyber infection.
- ^ Lucia Danes. Data backup and recovery: importance and implementation. Ugetfix. Common issues and solutions.
- ^ Virus detection. VirusTotal. Online malware scanner.
- ^ Dieviren. Dieviren. Spyware news.