What is PYAS Ransomware
PYAS is classified as ransomware. This malicious piece of software is designed to encrypt system-stored data and hold it hostage to make users pay a ransom. The name of this file encryptor comes from the .PYAS extension, which gets assigned to each affected file during encryption. For instance, a file like 1.pdf will change to 1.pdf.PYAS, and so forth with other data. After successful encryption, the virus drops the README.txt text note that features decryption instructions.
Your files look has been encrypted!
All your files, including text, pictures, word, zip, exe and more, are already encrypted.
If you want to decrypt all files, please use Discord to search for me: mtkiao129#2443,
you will get the decryption
The note contains a brief text saying all types of essential data have been encrypted and that victims have to contact extortionist(s) via the Discord platform (“mtkiao129#2443” username) in order to get decryption of files. As a rule, cybercriminals behind ransomware infections seek to extort money from victims – thus, it is less likely that PYAS is an exception. Paying the ransom or providing the sensitive information to attackers is highly not recommended. Victims may get fooled and not receive any decryption tools/keys eventually. Despite this, initial ransomware developers are usually the only figures able to unlock access to data. For now, there is no known free third-party tool that could decrypt .PYAS files. Encryption algorithms used by ransomware tend to be sophisticated and ensure strong protection against any kind of third-party interference. Furthermore, attempting to decrypt data with third-party tools can lead to a side effect in the form of permanent data damage. The only way to recover your files is either to collaborate with extortionists and pay the ransom or restore data from external backup(s) that were not affected by the time of infection. Using your own backup is always a safer option compared to trusting extortionists. You can also ignore the decryption and not do anything if the data is not of great value to you. Note that deleting ransomware is crucial to not let it encrypt other files at the time of manual recovery. It is also important to remove it after decrypting files with cybercriminals if you decide to. Follow our guide below to do so and get protection against such threats in the future. You will also see some reputable third-party decryption/recovery software presented in our guide, however, this recommendation is general and does not guarantee the tools will successfully decrypt files encrypted by PYAS Ransomware.
How PYAS Ransomware infected your computer
Weak/unprotected RDP configuration, phishing e-mail spam letters, trojans, deceptive third-party downloads, pirated/cracked downloads, fake software cracking tools, fake software updates/installers, backdoors, keyloggers, botnets, system exploits are the channels often involved in distributing various malware infections. To not let various infiltrations and drive-by (stealth) installations of malware take place on your computer, it is advised to avoid downloading software from unofficial resources (Peer-to-Peer websites, torrent pages, landing pages, etc.) and opening content that looks suspicious. For example, do not open attachments or links from unknown or potentially hacked senders (be it on social media or in dubious e-mail messages). Read our guide below and learn how one can protect his PC against threats like ransomware and other types of malware in the future.
- Download PYAS Ransomware Removal Tool
- Get decryption tool for .PYAS files
- Recover encrypted files with Stellar Data Recovery Professional
- Restore encrypted files with Windows Previous Versions
- Restore files with Shadow Explorer
- How to protect from threats like PYAS Ransomware
Download Removal Tool
To remove PYAS Ransomware completely, we recommend you to use SpyHunter 5 from EnigmaSoft Limited. It detects and removes all files, folders, and registry keys of PYAS Ransomware. The trial version of SpyHunter 5 offers virus scan and 1-time removal for FREE.
Alternative Removal Tool
To remove PYAS Ransomware completely, we recommend you to use Norton Antivirus from Symantec. It detects and removes all files, folders, and registry keys of PYAS Ransomware and prevents future infections by similar viruses.
PYAS Ransomware files:
README.txt
{randomname}.exe
PYAS Ransomware registry keys:
no information
How to decrypt and restore .PYAS files
Use automated decryptors
Download Kaspersky RakhniDecryptor
Use following tool from Kaspersky called Rakhni Decryptor, that can decrypt .PYAS files. Download it here:
There is no purpose to pay the ransom because there is no guarantee you will receive the key, but you will put your bank credentials at risk.
Dr.Web Rescue Pack
Famous antivirus vendor Dr. Web provides free decryption service for the owners of its products: Dr.Web Security Space or Dr.Web Enterprise Security Suite. Other users can ask for help in the decryption of .PYAS files by uploading samples to Dr. Web Ransomware Decryption Service. Analyzing files will be performed free of charge and if files are decryptable, all you need to do is purchase a 2-year license of Dr.Web Security Space worth $120 or less. Otherwise, you don’t have to pay.
If you are infected with PYAS Ransomware and removed from your computer you can try to decrypt your files. Antivirus vendors and individuals create free decryptors for some crypto-lockers. To attempt to decrypt them manually you can do the following:
Use Stellar Data Recovery Professional to restore .PYAS files
- Download Stellar Data Recovery Professional.
- Click Recover Data button.
- Select type of files you want to restore and click Next button.
- Choose location where you would like to restore files from and click Scan button.
- Preview found files, choose ones you will restore and click Recover.
Using Windows Previous Versions option:
- Right-click on infected file and choose Properties.
- Select Previous Versions tab.
- Choose particular version of the file and click Copy.
- To restore the selected file and replace the existing one, click on the Restore button.
- In case there is no items in the list choose alternative method.
Using Shadow Explorer:
- Download Shadow Explorer program.
- Run it and you will see screen listing of all the drives and the dates that shadow copy was created.
- Select the drive and date that you want to restore from.
- Right-click on a folder name and select Export.
- In case there are no other dates in the list, choose alternative method.
If you are using Dropbox:
- Login to the DropBox website and go to the folder that contains encrypted files.
- Right-click on the encrypted file and select Previous Versions.
- Select the version of the file you wish to restore and click on the Restore button.
How to protect computer from viruses, like PYAS Ransomware , in future
1. Get special anti-ransomware software
Use ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware
Famous antivirus brand ZoneAlarm by Check Point released a comprehensive tool, that will help you with active anti-ransomware protection, as an additional shield to your current protection. The tool provides Zero-Day protection against ransomware and allows you to recover files. ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware is compatible with all other antiviruses, firewalls, and security software except ZoneAlarm Extreme (already shipped with ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware) or Check Point Endpoint products. The killer features of this application are: automatic file recovery, overwrite protection that instantly and automatically recovers any encrypted files, file protection that detects and blocks even unknown encryptors.
2. Back up your files
As an additional way to save your files, we recommend online backup. Local storage, such as hard drives, SSDs, flash drives, or remote network storage can be instantly infected by the virus once plugged in or connected to. PYAS Ransomware uses some techniques to exploit this. One of the best services and programs for easy automatic online backup is iDrive. It has the most profitable terms and a simple interface. You can read more about iDrive cloud backup and storage here.
3. Do not open spam e-mails and protect your mailbox
Malicious attachments to spam or phishing e-mails are the most popular method of ransomware distribution. Using spam filters and creating anti-spam rules is good practice. One of the world leaders in anti-spam protection is MailWasher Pro. It works with various desktop applications and provides a very high level of anti-spam protection.
