What Does Padcrypt 3 Ransomware Do
The Padcrypt 3 ransomware is a new malware threat which is still under investigation by the malware researchers.
The initial security analysis shows that it might be a modified version of the infamous Razy ransomware. When the virus is downloaded to the host it can modify several important system configuration variables. In addition the virus extracts important system information which is then relayed to the attackers via the C&C servers.
In addition the Padcrypt 3 ransomware can modify the Internet proxy settings and can hook itself to various running processes.
The C&C servers are used by the criminal operators to issue one of the following actions:
- Remote Code Execution
- System Configuration Modification
- Additional Malware Infection
The Padcrypt 3 ransomware has been added to the updated definition sets of most anti-spyware and anti-virus vendors.
How Does Padcrypt 3 Ransomware Infect
The ransomware is distributed via different infection strategies. The most important ones include the following:
- Spam Messages – The most popular way of distributing ransomware viruses such as this is one is by directly linking them in spam email messages or attaching them to the emails. In many cases the hackers use social engineering tricks to try and convince the targets into infecting themselves.
- Redirects – Hackers operate malicious ads, browser hijackers and other dangerous code that can lead to various malware infections, including ones that download the Padcrypt 3 ransomware.
- Bundled Installers – Viruses such as this one can be bundled with software installers that pose as legitimate applications, games, patches and other important software.
Remove Padcrypt 3 Ransomware
For the removal of this ransomware virus, recommendations are to use the instructions we have provided below. For fastest and most efficient removal however, you may want to download and scan your computer with an advanced anti-malware program. It will make sure to protect you in the future as well.
Booting in Safe Mode
For Windows:
1) Hold Windows Key and R
2) A run Window will appear, in it type “msconfig” and hit Enter
3) After the Window appears go to the Boot tab and select Safe Boot
Cut out Padcrypt 3 ransomware in Task Manager
1) Press CTRL+ESC+SHIFT at the same time.
2) Locate the “Processes” tab.
3) Locate the malicious process of Padcrypt 3 ransomware, and end it’s task by right-clicking on it and clicking on “End Process”
Eliminate Padcrypt 3 ransomware‘s Malicious Registries
For most Windows variants:
1) Hold Windows Button and R.
2) In the “Run” box type “Regedit” and hit “Enter”.
3) Hold CTRL+F keys and type Padcrypt 3 ransomware or the file name of the malicious executable of the virus which is usually located in %AppData%, %Temp%, %Local%, %Roaming% or %SystemDrive%.
4) After having located malicious registry objects, some of which are usually in the Run and RunOnce subkeys delete them ermanently and restart your computer. Here is how to find and delete keys for different versions.
For Windows 7: Open the Start Menu and in the search type and type regedit –> Open it. –> Hold CTRL + F buttons –> Type Padcrypt 3 ransomware Virus in the search field.
Win 8/10 users: Start Button –> Choose Run –> type regedit –> Hit Enter -> Press CTRL + F buttons. Type Padcrypt 3 ransomware in the search field.
Automatic Removal of Padcrypt 3 ransomware
Recover files encrypted by the Padcrypt 3 ransomware Ransomware.
Method 1: Using Shadow Explorer. In case you have enabled File history on your Windows Machine one thing you can do is to use Shadow Explorer to get your files back. Unfortunately some ransomware viruses may delete those shadow volume copies with an administrative command to prevent you from doing just that.
Method 2: If you try to decrypt your files using third-party decryption tools. There are many antivirus providers who have decrypted multiple ransomware viruses the last couple of years and posted decryptors for them. Chances are if your ransomware virus uses the same encryption code used by a decryptable virus, you may get the files back. However, this is also not a guarantee, so you might want to try this method with copies of the original encrypted files, because if a third-party program tampers with their encrypted structure, they may be damaged permanently. Here are the vendors to look for:
- Kaspersky.
- Emsisoft.
- TrendMicro.
Method 3: Using Data Recovery tools. This method is suggested by multiple experts in the field. It can be used to scan your hard drive’s sectors and hence scramble the encrypted files anew as if they were deleted. Most ransomware viruses usually delete a file and create an encrypted copy to prevent such programs for restoring the files, but not all are this sophisticated. So you may have a chance of restoring some of your files with this method. Here are several data recovery programs which you can try and restore at least some of your files: