Paymen45 ransomware is a malicious software that encrypts data using a unique encryption algorithm. This ransomware is used by cybercriminals to encrypt data before asking victims to pay up a certain amount in Bitcoin currency to receive a decrypting tool. Moreover, not only do users experience hardships in accessing their data, but they also encounter a heavily altered operating system leading to countless crashes and instability issues.
What Does the Paymen45 Ransomware Do?
Developed by the Everbe family, this ransomware was first discovered by a Russian researcher. Paymen45 ransomware locks all data stored in the computer, then forces the user to pay ransom to get their data retrieved. This malware originally came from Oled/Makop strains. The virus started making waves towards the end of April 2020. Various users complained about this virus which locked them from accessing their data such as music, videos, files, databases, etc. Once the virus infiltrates your system, it deploys a combined encryption algorithm of AES and RSA to lock data. It then assigns a random extension to each file that looks like this: f8C5rrhHjik4.
Once the encryption process has been completed, Paymen45 will then release a ransom demand note in .txt format titled readme-warning. This note will explain to the victim what the software has done in detail. The note will provide instructions to users, asking them to install Tor browser before visiting a webpage on the dark web. Once they have reached the webpage, they will be in contact with a representative that will ask them to provide a copy of the identity before being served with the amount of the ransom. The amount varies from person to person and can start from as little as $10 to thousands of dollars. Moreover, the representative of Paymen45 threatens victims that if the ransom is not paid, they will disclose their data.
Paymen45 ransomware is distributed in various ways which include email attachments or hyperlinks, updates, exploits, unprotected RDP connection, program cracks, brute-force, as well as other cybercrime methods. Once the data is encrypted, recovering it is very difficult, if not impossible without paying the ransom. However, paying the ransom amount also does not guarantee you will get your data back or receive the decrypting tool.
How to Remove Paymen45 Ransomware?
With Paymen45 ransomware software only discovered recently, it is still unclear what methods are utilized by the attackers to claim its proliferation. Notorious ransomware families such as Djvu use a single form of attack. However, the majority of cybercriminals retreat to various options. Bear in mind that, Paymen45 can enter into a system using various methods such as:
- Hyperlinks embedded to emails
- Fake websites and updates posing as genuine software
- Utilize application vulnerabilities
- Use Remote Desktop attack methods such as brute-force
- Users that install programs illegal to avoid paying for them
- Use of software cracks
The majority of these techniques can be prevented by simply deploying trusted cybersecurity tools as well as practicing precautious measures. But if the ransomware is already within your system, you need to focus on removing it and possibly minimizing the damage it has caused. In whatever option you may consider salvaging the situation, paying the ransom fee should not be among your list of solutions, not even as a last option. Once you’re attacked, just accept and prepare for a loss of data. But don’t give up in trying to recover it.
When Paymen45 ransomware enters the system, it first prepares it for what is about to come. It will first try to apply changes to the OS registry database by inserting modified keys for tenacity. It will also plant new processes that will aid Paymen45 amid the infection as well as erase Shadow Volume Copies to avoid the possibility of recovering data. Once complete, the malware will then begin the task of encrypting data. Often, users are not aware of the encryption process and only realize it when it’s too late. In most cases, users acknowledge the intrusion of this malware when they attempt to access some of their files or see the ransom.txt note. Once the encryption process is complete, each file receives a randomized string of letters and numbers as an extension.
Dear user! Your computer is encrypted! We demand a ransom!
Decryption service is paid !!!! PAYMENT FOR BITCOIN !!!
To decrypt your computer, you need to download the TOR browser at ***
Install it and visit our website for further action ***
Also from your servers files, documents, databases SQL, PDF were uploaded to our cloud storage
After we agree, you will receive a decryption program, valuable advice in order not to fall into this situation in the future, as well as all your files on our server will be deleted.
Otherwise, they will fall into the open access of the Internet!
Use any third party software for restoring your data or antivirus solutions will result in a loose of data.
Paymen45 Ransomware Removal Guide
We emphasize, paying criminals is not advisable. Most likely the senders will not contact you back after receiving payment. Once your data is encrypted, make copies of the entire hard drive and registry database. If you already have a backup of your entire data stored separately, then you can simply remove the malware using either of the options suggested below.
Removing Paymen45 requires a strong security tool like Auslogics Anti-Malware. However, most of the ransomware tend to remove themselves from the system once they complete the encryption process. Therefore, while scanning for it using a powerful security tool, it might not be detected. Despite that, you should bear in mind that the malware might have opened doors for other malicious apps to infiltrate your system. Thus, a powerful security tool scan is a must. Once the scan is complete and you are sure that the infection has been removed, you may then proceed to ameliorate the operating system.
Tips and Measures to Prevent Malware Infection
To get your data locked is one of the most devastating encounters. During the encryption process, a key to unlock data encrypted is sent to the control server, which, in this scenario, is under the supervision of cybercriminals who then demand ransom to release the key. However, in most cases, even after making the payment, you might not get it. To make matters worse, to validate their threat, attackers copy your data and store it on their servers before encrypting. They then threaten to publicize your personal information if they don’t receive payment.
To avoid all this headache, you need to stay cautious to avoid being infected with such deadly malware. Start by equipping your system with the best anti-malware tool that offers real-time protection. Moreover, you should alter your online behaviour and eliminate practices that leave you vulnerable to attacks. Here are some of the important tips to avoid prevent and avoid imminent damage:
- Backup your data regularly
- Implement OS and software updates upon release
- Avoid pirated software and cracks
- Avoid the use of the same password in different accounts
- Don’t open random links
- Don’t click on spam email attachments
- Always scan suspicious or unknown files with an anti-malware security tool