How to remove Pause ransomware and recover files

Complete tips to delete Pause ransomware and decrypt data

Pause ransomware is a ransomware-type malware and a part of Dharma ransomware group. Systems infected with this malware have all stored files encrypted and receive a ransom demanding note for the files decryption. In other words, the affected files are rendered inaccessible and the victims are asked to pay- to restore access to them once again.

During the files encryption process, the ransomware appends the filenames of each of the encrypted file with this pattern: original filename, unique ID assigned to the victim, cyber criminals’ email address, and “.pause” extension. For example, a file initially named 1.jpg would appear something similar to “1.jpg.id-C279F237.[[email protected]].pause” – after encryption.

Once this process is complete, the ransom notes are created/ displayed within FILES ENCRYPTED.txt text file and a pop-up window. The text file informs the victims that their files have been locked and to recover them they must need to write an email to the provided email address. The pop-up window provides slightly more information.

It is the pop-up window that clarifies the users about the ransomware attack that leads their files encrypted. The note repeats that to recover the data- the victims need first to contact to the crooks via the provided email address. If no response is received within 12 hours, the victims are asked to use the secondary email address.

While neither the FILES ENCRYPTED.txt text file nor the pop-up windows provide any ransom payment information, the pop-up window provides a little hint using third parties’ software will cause increase the ransom. The note ends with a warning that renaming the encrypted files and decrypting those using third party tools will render permanent data loss.

The crooks ask ransom likely to provide the decryption tool they have.  However, you can trust these people as often they provide no decryption tool even if all their demands are met. Removing Pause ransomware from operating system will prevent further files encryption. However, this process does not restore the already compromised files.

For the data recovery, you have to rely on existing backups you have. If there is no such backup available, once check if Shadow copies exist –these are automatically created backups from Windows OS, sometimes left untouched during ransomware attack and files encryption process. Another option for files recovery is to use data recovery section.

How did Pause ransomware infiltrate in?

Ransomware and other malicious malware are often presented as or bundled with ordinary software. These malicious programs are commonly distributed via dubious downloading channels such as unofficial and free file hosting sites, p2p networks and other third-party downloaders/installers. Illegal activation tools and fake software updaters are perfect examples of this.

Cracking tools can infect systems instead of activating licensed products. Fake software updaters cause system infections by abusing flaws of outdated programs and/or installing malware instead of the updates. Spam campaigns can be used to spread malware as well. This term defines a mass scale operation where thousands of spam emails are designed and delivered.

These letters have virulent files attached to them and/or the emails can contain the download links for such content. The infectious files can be in variety of formats including PDF and Microsoft Office documents, archive (ZIP, RAR, etc.) and executable (.exe, .run, etc.) files, JavaScript, and so on. When executed, opened or other clicked –the malware download/ installation is triggered.

Text presented in Pause ransomware‘s pop-up window:

YOUR FILES ARE ENCRYPTED

Don’t worry,you can return all your files!

If you want to restore them, follow this link:email [email protected] YOUR ID –

If you have not been answered via the link within 12 hours, write to us by e-mail:[email protected]

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.

Text presented in Pause ransomware‘s text file (“FILES ENCRYPTED.txt”):

all your data has been locked us

You want to return?

write email [email protected] or [email protected]

How to prevent ransomware intrusion?

It is recommended to only download from official and verified sources. Additionally, all programs should have to be activated/ updated using tools/ functions from legit developers. To avoid system infection from spam emails, it is required not to click on any emails whose senders’ addresses seem suspicious, irrelevant ad unknown –especially the presented attachments/ website links in them.

To protect the device integrity and personal safety, it is paramount to have a reputable antivirus tool installed and kept updated. Furthermore, this software should have to be used for regular system scans and to remove any detected threats. If Pause ransomware already enters in, we recommend you use some reputable antivirus tool and remove it automatically.

Antimalware Details And User Guide

Click Here For Windows

Click Here For Mac

Step 1: Remove Pause ransomware through “Safe Mode with Networking”

Step 2: Delete Pause ransomware using “System Restore”

Step 1: Remove Pause ransomware through “Safe Mode with Networking”

For Windows XP and Windows 7 users: Boot the PC in “Safe Mode”. Click on “Start” option and continuously press on F8 during the start process until the “Windows Advanced Option” menu appears on the screen. Choose “Safe Mode with Networking” from the list.

Now, a windows homescreen appears on the desktop and work-station is now working on “Safe mode with networking”.

For Windows 8 Users: Go to the “Start Screen”. In the search results select settings, type “Advanced”. In the “General PC Settings” option, choose “Advanced startup” option. Again, click on the “Restart Now” option. The work-station boots to “Advanced Startup Option Menu”. Press on “Troubleshoot” and then “Advanced options” button.  In the “Advanced Option Screen”, press on “Startup Settings”. Again, click on “Restart” button. The work-station will now restart in to the “Startup Setting” screen. Next is to press F5 to boot in Safe Mode in Networking.

For Windows 10 Users: Press on Windows logo and on the “Power” icon. In the newly opened menu, choose “Restart” while continuously holding “Shift” button on the keyboard. In the new open “Choose an option” window, click on “Troubleshoot” and then on the “Advanced Options”. Select “Startup Settings” and press on “Restart”. In the next window, click on “F5” button on the key-board.

Step 2: Delete Pause ransomware using “System Restore”

Log-in to the account infected with Pause ransomware. Open the browser and download a legitimate anti-malware tool. Do a full System scanning. Remove all the malicious detected entries.

In case if you cannot start the PC in “Safe Mode with Networking”, Try using “System Restore”

• During the “Startup”, continuously press on F8 key until the “Advanced Option” menu appears. From the list, choose “Safe Mode with Command Prompt” and then press “Enter”

• In the new opened command prompt, enter “cd restore” and then press “Enter”.

• Type: rstrui.exe and Press “ENTER”

• Click “Next” on the new windows

• Choose any of the “Restore Points” and click on “Next”. (This step will restore the work-station to its earlier time and date prior to Pause ransomware infiltration in the PC.

• In the newly opened windows, press on “Yes”.

Once your PC gets restored to its previous date and time, download the recommended anti-malware tool and perform a deep scanning in order to remove Pause ransomware files if they left in the work-station.

In order to restore the each (separate) file by this ransomware, use “Windows Previous Version” feature. This method is effective when “System Restore Function” is enabled in the work-station.

Important Note: Some variants of Pause ransomware delete the “Shadow Volume Copies” as well hence this feature may not work all the time and is applicable for selective computers only.

How to Restore Individual Encrypted File:

In order to restore a single file, right click on it and go to “Properties”. Select “Previous Version” tab. Select a “Restore Point” and click on “Restore” option.

In order to access the files encrypted by Pause ransomware, you can also try using “Shadow Explorer”. In order to get more information on this application, press here.

Important: Data Encryption Ransomware are highly dangerous and it is always better that you take precautions to avoid its attack on your work-station. It is advised to use a powerful anti-malware tool in order to get protection in real-time. With this help of “SpyHunter”, “group policy objects” are implanted in the registries in order to block harmful infections like Pause ransomware.

Also, In Windows 10, you get a very unique feature called “Fall Creators Update” that offer “Controlled Folder Access” feature in order to block any kind of encryption to the files. With the help of this feature, any files stored in the locations such as “Documents”, “Pictures”, “Music”, “Videos”, “Favorites” and “Desktop” folders are safe by default.

It is very important that you install this “Windows 10 Fall Creators Update” in your PC to protect your important files and data from ransomware encryption. The more information on how to get this update and add an additional protection form rnasomware attack has been discussed here.

How to Recover the Files Encrypted by Pause ransomware?

Till now, you would have understood that what had happed to your personal files that got encrypted and how you can remove the scripts and payloads associated with Pause ransomware in order to protect your personal files that has not been damaged or encrypted until now. In order to retrieve the locked files, the depth information related to “System Restore” and “Shadow Volume Copies” has already been discussed earlier. However, in case if you are still unable to access the encrypted files then you can try using a data recovery tool.

Use of Data Recovery Tool

This step is for all those victims who have already tries all the above mentioned process but didn’t find any solution. Also it is important that you are able to access the PC and can install any software. The data recovery tool works on the basis of System scanning and recovery algorithm. It searches the System partitions in order to locate the original files which were deleted, corrupted or damaged by the malware. Remember that you must not re-install the Windows OS otherwise the “previous” copies will get deleted permanently. You have to clean the work-station at first and remove Pause ransomware infection. Leave the locked files as it is and follow the steps mentioned below.

Step1: Download the software in the work-station by clicking on the “Download” button below.

Step2: Execute the installer by clicking on downloaded files.

Step3: A license agreement page appears on the screen. Click on “Accept” to agree with its terms and use. Follow the on-screen instruction as mentioned and click on “Finish” button.

Step4: Once the installation gets completed, the program gets executed automatically. In the newly opened interface, select the file types that you want to recover and click on “Next”.

Step5: You can select the “Drives” on which you want the software to run and execute the recovery process. Next is to click on the “Scan” button.

Step6: Based on drive you select for scanning, the restore process begins. The whole process may take time depending on the volume of the selected drive and number of files. Once the process gets completed, a data explorer appears on the screen with preview of that data that is to be recovered. Select the files that you want to restore.

Step7. Next is to locate the location where you want to saver the recovered files.