Paaa – General Info
Paaa is a harmful software application working as typical ransomware. Michael Gillespie, the popular virus researcher, very first discovered this new name in the DJVU ransomware family.
Paaa was developed for the sole function to encrypt all popular file types. Logically, as quickly as the encryption is effectively achieved, the users are unable to get access to them. Paaa ransomware adds its own “.paaa” to all the encrypted files. For instance, the file “price_list.xls”, as soon as modified by Paaa, will be entitled as “price_list.xls.paaa”. When the file encryption is accomplished, Paaa puts its own unique text document (_readme.txt) into all the folders that save the encrypted files.
The alert stated by _readme.txt requesting the random os really comparable to the notifications given by other ransomware threats coming from the DJVU family. The warning essentially indicates that the files have been encrypted and the only solution to get access to it is to use a distinct standalone key. Regretfully, this statement is definitely real.
The method to encrypt the files used by Paaa is not totally looked into. Nevertheless, there is no doubt that each computer owner may be released an unique decryption key, which is definitely unique. It is incredibly hard to recover the information without the appropriate type in location.
“Don’t worry, you can return all your files!”, from text file message:
One more peculiarity of the Paaa ransomware is that the users are unable to get access to the key. The decrypting key is hosted on an unique server under the total control by the criminals who have actually released the Paaa infection into the internet. In order to obtain the key and restore the crucial information, the users are informed to contact the frauds by means of e-mail or by telegram and to pay the ransom in the quantity of $980.
The message likewise says that the people need to call the Paaa authors within 72 hours upon the minute of the information file encryption. The alert suggests that by doing so the people will get a 50% discount rate, for that reason, the ransom amount drops down to $490.
Paaa crypted your files, however, it might not be the only hazard on your PC. Plus, the ransomware may be hidden deep in the system. To detect and erase the risk totally, we advise you to describe the aid of GridinSoft Anti-Malware app.
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No matter what the quantity of the ransom is, we highly encourage that you do not pay the ransom. There is no assurance that these online criminals will keep their guarantees, so they might not care at all what the victims feel about the encryption, even when the quantity of the ransom is received into their accounts. Thus, paying ransom typically does not lead to an effective healing. So, the users may just lose their money for absolutely nothing.
Similarly, we advise you not to contact the frauds as they advise. Do not move money into their wallets. There are no applications that could crack the Paaa ransomware or bring back the information for free. Therefore, the only correct choice is to bring back the information from possible backups (if available).
Virus Summary
| Name | Paaa Ransomware |
| File Extension | paaa |
| Type | Ransomware |
| Family | DJVU |
| Short Description | The ransomware encrypts all the data stored on your system and requires a ransom to be paid on your part supposedly to recover your important files. |
| Symptoms | File encryption by the ransomware is performed by means of the AES-256 algorithm (CFB mode) encryption algorithm. Once the encryption is completed, the ransomware adds its special .paaa extension to all the files modified by it. |
| Distribution Method | Adware bundles and software cracks |
| Similar Infections | Lokas, Besub, Nusar |
| Paaa Removal Tool | GridinSoft Anti-Malware |
| Paaa Decryption Tool | Emsisoft Djvu Decryptor |
Do not forget that the Internet is now full of infections comparable to the Paaa ransomware. For instance, this particular risk is essentially identical to Brusaf and other ransomware-type infections. These harmful energies have been developed in order to secure the crucial data and express the demand for the users to pay the ransom. All these infections utilize the identical algorithm to generate the particular key for effective data decryption.
Unless the Paaa ransomware is still under the advancement process or has got some concealed bugs, it is not possible to restore the data by hand. Therefore, the only working option to avoid the loss of your essential information is to regularly keep updated backups of all your important files.
Another essential piece of recommendations is to store the backups on special storage not connected to your main device. For instance, you may store it on the USB Flash Drive, or some external hard disk drive, or by using the cloud data storage services. Keeping the backups on your regular drive is very risky, given that the backup might also be encrypted by the Paaa ransomware.
Leaks for the Paaa ransomware attack.
Paaa uses lots of paths to infiltrate the vulnerable computers. It is not specific what specific method was used in your case, nevertheless, the intrusion might take place by means of the following channels:
- bundling with third-party programs, primarily free software;
- spam e-mails from the unidentified senders;
- websites offering free hosting;
- P2P (peer-to-peer) torrent downloads.
There are times when the Paaa may disguise itself as some authentic application, for example, through the deceptive informs requiring installation of some software application upgrade. This is the most typical trick utilized by the frauds to inject the Paaa ransomware files into the system. This way users partly participate in its installation, without plainly comprehending the threat.
In addition, the frauds might send unsolicited spam email with challenging signals motivating the people to open suspicious accessories or click on some download links, for instance, those encouraging the people to open particular photos, text files, tax files and other information.
No doubt, opening these files or clicking the harmful links might basically harm the system. Fake Media Player update notices may cause the Paaa ransomware infiltration. Likewise, downloading the broken software application might in addition contain the ransomware installer. The last however not the least, installation of Paaa may take place through some Trojan horses that might be set up stealthily into the system and without the user’s direct consent and even authorization.
Avoiding the Paaa virus injection.
Naturally, there is no outright assurance that your computer will be constantly devoid of any malware attacks, nevertheless, we would like to share some useful suggestions with you to make it more secure. Make sure to pay very attention while searching the web and especially while getting cost-free programs. Do not open any dubious email accessories, specifically if the sender is not known to you.
Do not forget that specific freeware installer may also include some other additional apps in the package. These extra applications might be extremely harmful. It is of utmost importance to keep your anti-virus software application and your operating system in basic to be always properly upgraded.
It is quite logical that downloading pirated software is unlawful, however, in addition, such unauthorized software application use might also bring serious damage to your system. Hence, do not download any broken programs. Plus, the fact that your current anti-virus did not secure the system from the Paaa ransomware is a good reason for you to reassess your choices and switch to another program that can render the protecting functions on a far better level.
Below please find the quotation from the Paaa text file:
ATTENTION! Don't worry, you can return all your files! All your files like photos, databases, documents and other important are encrypted with strongest encryption and unique key. The only method of recovering files is to purchase decrypt tool and unique key for you. This software will decrypt all your encrypted files. What guarantees you have? You can send one of your encrypted file from your PC and we decrypt it for free. But we can decrypt only 1 file for free. File must not contain valuable information. You can get and look video overview decrypt tool: https://we.tl/t-2P5WrE5b9f Price of private key and decrypt software is $980. Discount 50% available if you contact us first 72 hours, that's price for you is $490. Please note that you'll never restore your data without payment. Check your e-mail "Spam" or "Junk" folder if you don't get answer more than 6 hours. To get this software you need write on our e-mail: restorealldata@firemail.cc Reserve e-mail address to contact us: gorentos@bitmessage.ch Our Telegram account: @datarestore
Screenshot of files with “.paaa” extension added by the virus:”
Use GridinSoft Anti-Malware to remove Paaa ransomware from your computer
1.Download GridinSoft Anti-Malware.
You can get GridinSoft Anti-Malware by clicking the button below:
2. Double-click on the setup file.
When setup file has finished downloading, double-click on the setup-antimalware-ag.exe file to install GridinSoft Anti-Malware on your computer.
An User Account Control asking you about to allow GridinSoft Anti-Malware to make changes to your device. So, you should click “Yes” to continue with the installation.
3. Press Install button for run GridinSoft Anti-Malware.
3.Once installed, GridinSoft Anti-Malware will automatically run.
4. Wait for the GridinSoft Anti-Malware scan to complete.
GridinSoft Anti-Malware will automatically start scanning your computer for Win Speedup 2018 and other malicious programs. This process can take a 20-30 minutes, so we suggest you periodically check on the status of the scan process.
5. Click on “Clean Now”.
When the scan has completed, you will see the list of infections that GridinSoft Anti-Malware has detected. To remove them click on the “Clean Now” button in right corner.
Use Emsisoft Decryptor for restore paaa files
You can download Emsisoft Decryptor by clicking the button below:
- Run the decryptor as an administrator. The license terms will show up, which you have to agree to by clicking the “Yes” button.
- Once the license terms are accepted, the primary decryptor user interface opens.
- By default, the decryptor will pre-populate the locations to decrypt with the currently connected drives and network drives. Additional locations can be added using the Add” button.
- Decryptors typically offer various options depending on the particular malware family. The available options are located in the Options tab and can be enabled or disabled there. You can find a detailed list of the available Options below.
- After you have added all the locations you want to decrypt to the list, click the “Decrypt” button to start the decryption process. The screen will switch to a status view, informing you about the current process and decryption status of your files
- The decryptor will inform you once the decryption process is finished. If you require the report for your personal records, you can save it by clicking the “Save log” button. You can also copy it straight to your clipboard to paste it into emails or forum posts if you are asked to.
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