Home Malware Programs Ransomware Paycrypt Ransomware

Paycrypt Ransomware

Posted: April 19, 2016

Threat Metric

Threat Level: 2/10
Infected PCs: 54
First Seen: April 19, 2016
Last Seen: September 12, 2022
OS(es) Affected: Windows

The Paycrypt Ransomware is a file encryptor: a threat that uses data encryption algorithms for holding your PC's data hostage. While the Paycrypt Ransomware coerces victims into paying fees for a decryption tool, malware experts continue finding good results from using a variety of free methods of protecting, restoring, or decrypting your saved files. In successful infection scenarios, always remove the Paycrypt Ransomware with a suitable anti-malware product before taking any steps regarding restoring your saved content back to normal.

The All-In-One Browser Hijacker, File Encryptor and Anonymous Advocate

The Paycrypt Ransomware is a likely variant of CryptoLocker, following the same general mold as similar spinoffs, such as the Av666@weekendwarrior55' Ransomware. As with the multitudes of other CryptoLocker variants that came before it, the Paycrypt Ransomware's signature purpose is to scan for files on your PC unrelated to your operating system, encrypt them, and then force you to buy the decryptor. Its payment method uses e-mail, rather than Tor. All affected files are immediately recognizable by their new format strings, which include an infection-specific ID number, along with the Paycrypt Ransomware's e-mail address.

While the Paycrypt Ransomware lacks high marks for creativity, malware researchers did find one additional feature of note in its payload. Registry-based settings changes may allow the Paycrypt Ransomware to hijack your Web browser and block unwanted websites, which may generate generic HTTP errors. The Paycrypt Ransomware may use this attack for blocking relevant sites, such as PC security forums or domains that provide free decryptors.

The Paycrypt Ransomware's non-text ransom message (which it provides in addition to multiple copies of a text-based alternative) also displays images of the Anonymous hacktivist group's 'mascot,' although the Paycrypt Ransomware claims no affiliation with the organization.

Depriving the Paycrypt Ransomware of an Unearned Payday

The Paycrypt Ransomware uses an as-of-yet unconfirmed encryption algorithm method, but some free PC security tools have shown initial success in decrypting affected data. Besides using such software, you also can keep your files on Web storage servers or detached hard drive-based devices, either of which is impervious to the majority of traditional file encryptors. However, to prevent any further damage to your computer, malware experts encourage resolving all security issues related to the Paycrypt Ransomware before getting your data back.

While the Paycrypt Ransomware has shown no inclinations towards distributing itself independently, the installation techniques in use for its campaign are unknown. General Trojans and Trojan droppers that may be delivering the Paycrypt Ransomware, such as Trojan.Ransomcrypt.L, may use the disguise of an e-mail attachment. The attachment may be an executable file being misrepresented by its icon and name, or it may be a document with threat-dropping exploits embedded inside it.

Paying the Paycrypt Ransomware's con artists to get your data restored always should be a last resort, regardless of the value of the content in question. While removing the Paycrypt Ransomware is done easily by most good anti-malware tools, and standard backup strategies can neuter its payload, there are almost no reasons or rational motives for helping this threat's bottom line.

Loading...