Paradise ransomware virus

Paradise virus is a ransomware that is using .xyz as the newest extension to mark encrypted files

Paradise ransomware – a malicious program that is designed to encrypt files on the affected machine

Paradise ransomware – a malicious program that is designed to encrypt files on the affected machine

Paradise ransomware is a crypto-virus known as a dangerous cyber threat that has more features than typical ransomware. It does not only encrypt files using RSA-2048 encryption algorithm on the victim’s computer but has also been operating as ransomware-as-a-service (RaaS).^[1] The original version of the virus appends .paradise file extension to the targeted data. However, it has been updated several times, so its variants append one of these extensions: [id-].[[email protected]].b29; .{[email protected]}.paradise; .sell; .ransom; .logger; ._V.0.0.0.1{[email protected]}.prt, .VACv2, .CORP, .xyz. Once it’s done, malware delivers ransom-demanding instructions in [email protected], #Decrypt My Files#.txt, #DECRYPT MY FILES# .html, [email protected] or Instructions with your files.txt files. The more recent version VACv2, came out during the Holiday season of 2018 and is using RSA-1024 cryptography for file-locking and __{}.VACv2 as a pattern for the file extension. 

Nevertheless, Paradise ransomware operates as RaaS; its activity is still quite low, the fact that it is distributed as RaaS might be an ominous sign since other less experienced crooks might pick up the code and boost its distribution. However, during its lifetime, researchers haven’t detected its dangerous variants. Though, developers released a new version themselves.

Paradise ransomware makes files useless by encrypting them with RSA cryptography

Paradise ransomware makes files useless by encrypting them with RSA cryptography

However, the original version of Paradise malware encodes data with the RSA-2048 algorithm^[2] and appends .paradise or other file extensions along with the email referrer, e.g., sample1.jpg[random characters].[[email protected]].paradise. Additionally, malware overwrites the RSA key which was used for data encryption with a master key and leaves the new file %UserProfile%\DecriptionInfo.auth. Though data recovery becomes nearly impossible without backups.

Paradise ransomware changes affected computer’s wallpaper

Paradise ransomware changes affected computer’s wallpaper

Following the encryption, ransomware launches a black wallpaper with a few words:

All your files were encrypted!
For more information read: #_decrypt_$#.txt
By Paradise

The mentioned file is a ransom note where crooks urge victims to pay as soon as possible since the price directly depends on how fast they will contact the perpetrators. However, the final deadline is 36 hours. Victims are asked to contact authors of Paradise virus using on the following emails:

• [email protected]
• [email protected]
• [email protected]
• [email protected]
• [email protected]
• [email protected]
• [email protected]

Paradise virus delivers a ransom note where victims are informed about a necessity to pay the ransom.

Paradise virus delivers a ransom note where victims are informed about a necessity to pay the ransom.

Cybercriminals also grant a chance to decrypt a couple of files for free. However, such promises should not be trusted.^[3] It might be the only files that you managed to get after the virus attack. Thus, it’s better to remove Paradise from the computer and use backups or alternative recovery solutions.

Regarding the latter email address, it is possible to assume that that the malware is related to BTCWare family of ransomware threats as one of the subsidiary versions, Master virus, delivers the same email address. If that is the case, then there are chances that free BTCWare decrypter might be of use in dealing with this cyber threat. However, in order to try this tool, you have to remove Paradise ransomware from the computer first.

We want to discourage you from manual Paradise virus removal because it may lead to irreparable damage to the system. Malware consists of countless files, might bring other malware to the system and affect legit Windows processes. Hence, only reputable security software, such as Reimage Reimage Cleaner Intego or Malwarebytes, can help to clean the PC. 

Paradise ransomware has an official payment website.

Paradise ransomware has an official payment website.

Paradise virus was updated in March 2018

Paradise malware has never been among the most dangerous cyber threats. However, developers of ransomware decided to come back with a new version. Security experts uncovered that in early March the new virus version started appending [id-].[[email protected]].sell file extension. Later that month, two more extensions were added – [id-].[].ransom and [id-].[].logger.

However, these versions still use the same unbreakable encryption method. Hence, only backups can help to fully survive after Paradise virus attack. Following the encryption, it also delivers a ransom note called #DECRYPT MY FILES# .html. Crooks ask to pay the ransom in Bitcoins:

WHAT HAPPENED!
Your important files produced on this computer have been encrypted due a security problem.
If you want to restore them, write to us by email.
You have to pay for decryption in Bitcoins. The price depends on how fast you write to us.
After payment we will send you the decryption tool that will decrypt all your files.

FREE DECRYPTION AS GUARANTEE!
Before payment you can send us 1-3 files for free decryption.Please note that files must NOT contain valuable information. The file size should not exceed 1MB. As evidence, we can decrypt one file.

Despite the fact that newest versions are not decryptable too, instead of paying the ransom, get rid of Paradise virus. Third-party tools might help to decrypt your files. Additionally, researchers might soon create a decryptor which might help you with data recovery too. You can find the removal guide and data recovery instructions at the end of the article.

Authors of Paradise ransomware present a new version in June 2018

After a few months since the last update, developers of Paradise virus came back with a new version. The cryptography and operation mechanism do not seem to change a lot compared to the previous versions. However, the significant feature of malware is new file-extension.

Since June 2018, ransomware has been spotted adding V.0.0.0.1{[email protected]}.prt file extension to documents, multimedia, databases, and other popular files that are stored on the affected machine. Soon after the encryption, it also delivers a ransom note in [email protected] which gives the following information:

To decrypt your files contact us by email — [email protected] and [email protected]
Your user id: [redacted]

with respect Ransomware Paradise Team

No matter how respectful malware creators try to be, you should not contact them and follow their data recovery instructions. They will ask to pay in Bitcoins or other cryptocurrencies for the decryptor that might not even exist. Therefore, it is highly recommended to get rid of Paradise ransomware instead of dealing with cybercriminals. After virus removal, you can try various third-party tools or use your own backups and restore encrypted files.

Authors of Paradise ransomware updated a ransom payment website

Authors of Paradise ransomware updated a ransom payment website

Paradise ransomware virus released two new versions during the Holiday season in 2018

Malware researchers are not sleeping as well as malicious actors. Thanks to Michael Gillespie ans MalwareHunterteam new versions of Paradise ransomware were discovered during the busiest time of the year – Holidays. Ransomware creators took advantage of the time when people are focusing on their families and presents, so made two new variants and released them to the wild.

The first one dubbed VACv2 ransomware was discovered right before Christmas and came with a few additional features to the family. Firstly, this version seems similar because it displays the same ransom note as other variants. In the HTML window named $%%! NOTE ABOUT FILES -=!-.html virus developers demand the payment in Bitcoin.

Both new versions use RSA-1024 army-grade encryption algorithm to encode targeted files. Then files get appendix in a pattern __{}.additional name of the virus variant. The first version discovered before Christmas adds __{}.VACv2 file extension. And later version discovered on the first week of January 2019 appends data using _%ID%_{[email protected]}.CORP.

No new features added to the mix with these versions, except the different file extensions. Paradise ransomware developers seem to change little parts of the code for each new version only. However, there is no official decryption tool developed and you should focus on virus removal using Reimage Reimage Cleaner Intego, SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner, or Malwarebytes.

Paradise ransomware is malware that might be related to BTCWare ransomware group

Paradise ransomware is malware that might be related to BTCWare ransomware group

Recently, a cybersecurity company known as Malware Hunter Team discovered yet another ransomware related to the infamous Paradise virus. This one is Xyz according to the .xyz appendix which is added to all encrypted files. As other of its kind, this dangerous cyber threat is also using unique encryption algorithms to lock documents on the targeted computer.

After secret encryption, Paradise – Xyz ransomware provides a message that is named “Instructions with your files.txt”. The note announces about the stealth invasion and provides [email protected] or [email protected] email addresses as ways to make contact with the cybercriminals and discuss all terms related to the ransom price and decryption tool. The ransom message claims:

All your files have been encrypted contact us via the e-mail listed below.
e-mail: [email protected] or e-mail: [email protected]

Paradise .xyz is a new variant of Paradise ransomware

Paradise .xyz is a new variant of Paradise ransomware

Ransomware payload is delivered using spam email campaigns

Mostly, ransomware threats are spread via multiple methods:

• spam emails^[4]
• trojans
• corrupted apps and browser extensions
• exploit kits^[5]

Ransomware is most likely to infiltrate the computer after opening an obfuscated email attachment. Therefore, you have to be vigilant and avoid opening each received email. Always make sure that you were supposed to receive it and there are no hints that it was sent by criminals.

Malware executable might also spread as fake programs or updates. Such content might be available in shady file-sharing sites, torrents or pop-up on the screen in the form of online ad. Hence, use only reliable sources for downloads and updates.

Finally, keep all the programs and operating system up-to-date. Malware might take advantage of security flaws and get into the system. Additionally, install a reputable antivirus and create backups – they will be very important in case of the attack.

Make sure to get rid of Paradise virus completely

In order to remove Paradise virus from Windows, you will need to scan the device with anti-virus and malware elimination utilities. We recommend using Reimage Reimage Cleaner Intego or SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner. In case you cannot access them or they do not respond because of the ransomware, reboot the system in Safe mode or use system restore to disable the virus first. You need to make sure that each component that is related to the ransomware cyber threat has been eliminated successfully, otherwise, the infection might renew itself with the next computer boot.

After Paradise ransomware removal is completed, you may attempt to decode data with alternative security applications and backups^[6]. French user^[7] should be wary of the threat as it is likely to target them more actively. Although, there is a high possibility to get this infection no matter where in the world you are since the ransom message is written in English.