What is PayDay?
PayDay is a ransomware-type virus based on HiddenTear source code and developed by Portuguese hackers. They, apparently inspired by the popular game – PayDay, gave it the same name. The purpose of the infection is to deny access to the personal user files so it encrypts them using complex AES cipher. At the time of encryption, Payday appends the name of encrypted files with the “.sexy” extension, for example, myfamily.jpg is changed to myfamily.jpg.sexy. Although, the encryption is a time-consuming process, the users usually don’t notice nothing suspicious since it runs in stealth mode. Once encrypted, virus creates HTML file (“!!!!!ATENÇÃO!!!!!.html”) on the desktop that contains ransom note in Portuguese.
Here is used a typical scheme of all ransomware-type viruses – to make the victim pay them. The only differences of them are the ransom price and encryption method. Cyber criminals state that there are no ways to recover your files but to pay ransom. Moreover, user is given only 5 days for payment. Once payment is done, they are supposed to send you decryption key. But you should know that nobody can guarantee that they will fulfill their end of the bargain. The practice shows that cyber-criminals just ignore people who paid them. That’s why you should not be pushed about by them because you can remain without money and files. On the contrary, you only may encourage them to continue their dirty business. In any case, you will be simply scammed. In order to solve your problem, we prepared this step-by-step guide. First things first, you should remove PayDay ransomware since the decryption procedure loses its meaning without this step. The best solution to this is to use SpyHunter removal tool which contains PayDay ransomware in its database, so that it will completely wipe out virus from your computer.
How to remove PayDay from your computer?
The best and easiest way to remove PayDay from your computer is to use special anti-malware program that has this threat in its database. As stated above, you need proper and reliable anti-malware program, that’s why we recommend you to use SpyHunter.
It scans your computer and detects various threats like PayDay, then completely removes it. One of the best features of this program – large threat’s database. SpyHunter’s newly advanced ransomware detection technology is able to run an instant ransomware scan and show you a message about detection. After deep scanning of your system, it will easily find and delete PayDay. Use this removal tool to get rid of PayDay for FREE.
How to decrypt .sexy files encrypted by PayDay?
Once you’ve removed virus, you are probably thinking of recovering files from encryption. Let’s take a look at possible ways of decrypting your data.
Recover data with Data Recovery
- Download and install Data Recovery
- Select drives and folders with your files, then click Scan.
- Choose all the files in a folder, then press on Restore button.
- Manage export location.
Decrypt .sexy files manually
You can try to use one of these methods in order to restore your encrypted data manually.
Restore data with Windows Previous Versions
This feature is working on Windows Vista (not Home version), Windows 7 and later versions. Windows saves copies of files and folders which you can use to restore data on your computer. In order to restore data from Windows Backup, take following steps:
- Open My Computer and search for the folders you want to restore;
- Right-click on the folder and choose Restore previous versions option;
- The option will show you the list of all the previous copies of the folder;
- Select restore date and the option you need: Open, Copy and Restore.
Restore the system with System Restore
You can always try to use System Restore in order to roll back your system to its condition before infection infiltration. All the Windows versions include this option.
- Type restore in the Search tool;
- Click on the result;
- Choose restore point before the infection infiltration;
- Follow the on-screen instructions.
How to protect PC from PayDay?
It’s pretty difficult task to get rid of any ransomware, including PayDay. But you can easily prevent any infection of your PC. HitmanPro.Alert’s CryptoGuard can help you with this problem. It’s one of the best anti-ransomware applications. No matter how sneaky it is, HitmanPro.Alert’s CryptoGuard will stop PayDay infiltration to your system. After detection, this program removes all the related to the ransomware data and prevents your file from being encrypted.