How to remove Payfast Ransomware and restore files

Easy tips to delete Payfast Ransomware and decrypt data

Payfast Ransomware is a ransomware-type infection and a part of ZEPPELIN ransomware group. The malware operates by encrypting stored files to make ransom demands –for the decryption. In other word, victims can’t use their files infected by Payfast and are asked to pay- to restore access/ use them.

During the process of files encryption, the files are appended with .payfast extension plus Victim’s ID number is assigned to it. For example, a file 1.jpg would appear as something similar to “1.jpg.payfast500.313-558-668” – following encryption.

Once the files encryption process is complete, a ransom note with a text file titled “!!! ALL YOUR FILES ARE ENCRYPTED !!!.TXT” – is dropped onto the desktop. It informs the victims about the files encryption and instructs them to purchase decryption tool from the crooks behind the ransomware for the files decryption.

The price of the decryption tool as mentioned in the note is o.o13 Bitcoin cryptocurrency. During the moment we were writing this article, the conversion provided by the ransom note (0.013 BTC= 500 USD) was accurate.

The victims are offered to test the decryption tool by sending their one encrypted file. This file however should not contain any valuable information. The contact is possible through Telegram messenger. The note concludes with a warning that renaming the compromised files and attempting to decrypt them with third party tool –can result in permanent data loss.

Unfortunately, in most of the cases with ransomware infection, without the involvement of the crooks behind it- the decryption is not possible. It might be when the ransomware is at its initial stage or  has certain bugs/ flaws in it.

Regardless the case, it is expressly advised against meeting the ransom demands. Despite paying, victims often do not receive the promised decryption tool. Therefore, they experience financial loss and their files remain encrypted.

To prevent Payfast Ransomware from further files encryption, its removal is necessary. However, the removal will not restore the already affected files. Existing backups are crucial in such a case for the files recovery. This is why; experts always recommend having a backup of all crucial files.

 However, even though, you do not have backup option, you still have at least two data recovery options available. Shadow Copies are one such. These are automatically created backups from Windows OS. Some ransomware leaves this option untouched during the entire process of system attack and files encryption.

It is possible that Payfast Ransomware belongs to these ransomware viruses. Check our below data recovery section to get the complete step-by-step guide how to recover files using Shadow Copies. Another data recovery option is to use data recovery tool from third parties.

How did Payfast Ransomware enter my system?

Ransomware and other malicious malware are often distributed via untrustworthy downloading channels such as unofficial and free-file hosting sites, p2p networks and other third-party downloders. Illegal activation tools and fraudulent updaters are the prime examples of this.

Cracking tools cause system infection instead of activating licensed products. Fake software cause system infections by abusing outdated programs flaws and/or by installing malware directly rather than the promised updates.

Malware can also be distributed through spam campaigns- large scale operations where thousands of spam emails are delivered. The letters contain infectious files or links for such files in them, if clicked- the malicious malware download/ installation is triggered.

Text presented in Payfast Ransomware‘s text file (“!!! ALL YOUR FILES ARE ENCRYPTED !!!.TXT”):

!!! 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.

PAY FAST 500$=0.013 btc

or the price will increase tomorrow

bitcoin address

bc1qqxnp9z0ff8x852dyflp5r9r6rzse8jl5hzmqz8

To be sure we have the decryptor and it works you can send an email: [email protected] and decrypt one file for free.

But this file should be of not valuable!

Do you really want to restore your files?

[email protected]

TELEGRAM @payfast500

Your personal ID: –

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.

How to prevent ransomware infection?

It is recommended to download only from official and verified sources. Additionally, all programs should have to be activated and updated using tools/ functions from legit developers. Suspicious and irrelevant emails should never be opened, especially the presented attachments or links in them.

To protect the system and user safety, it is crucial to have a reputable antivirus tool installed and kept updated. Also, this software should have to be used for regular system scans and to remove any detected threats/ issues.

Antimalware Details And User Guide

Click Here For Windows

Click Here For Mac

Step 1: Remove Payfast Ransomware through “Safe Mode with Networking”

Step 2: Delete Payfast Ransomware using “System Restore”

Step 1: Remove Payfast 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 Payfast Ransomware using “System Restore”

Log-in to the account infected with Payfast 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 Payfast 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 Payfast 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 Payfast 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 Payfast 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 Payfast 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 Payfast 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 Payfast 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 Payfast 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.