Remove PayForRepair Ransomware (.P4R Virus)

The PayForRepair ransomware is a newly identified threat from the infamous Dharma (Crysis) ransomware family. Discovered through recent submissions on VirusTotal, this malicious program encrypts files and demands a ransom in Bitcoin for decryption. It has been observed to append a unique victim ID, the attackers’ contact email, and the “.P4R” extension to each encrypted file. Victims are then instructed to reach out to the attackers via email to initiate the ransom negotiation.

Upon infection, the malware drops ransom notes in the form of a pop-up window and a text file named “info.txt”. These notes inform the victim that their data has been locked and provide instructions for contacting the attackers for recovery.

Below is a detailed table summarizing the key attributes of the PayForRepair ransomware threat:

---

PayForRepair Ransomware Overview

Category	Details
Threat Type	Ransomware, Crypto Virus, File Locker
Encrypted File Extension	.P4R (e.g., file.jpg.id-xxxxx.[payforrepair@tuta.io].P4R)
Associated Email Addresses	payforrepair@tuta.io, payforrepair@mailum.com
Ransom Note Names	info.txt, pop-up window
Free Decryption Offered?	Yes, for up to 3 files (under 3MB, non-sensitive)
Detection Names	Avast (Win32:MalwareX-gen [Ransom]), ESET (Win32/Filecoder.Crysis.P), Kaspersky (Trojan-Ransom.Win32.Crusis.to), Microsoft (Ransom:Win32/Wadhrama!pz), Combo Cleaner (Trojan.Ransom.Crysis.E)
Symptoms of Infection	Files renamed with new extensions and email tags, cannot be opened, ransom message displayed
Damage	Permanent file encryption, potential secondary malware (e.g., password stealers), data loss
Distribution Methods	Infected email attachments, malicious ads, torrent files, fake software cracks, exposed RDP
Danger Level	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ High
Recommended Removal Tool	SpyHunter

---

What Happens During a PayForRepair Infection?

Once executed, PayForRepair ransomware begins encrypting all accessible files, both locally and on network-shared drives. Encrypted filenames are modified to include a unique victim ID, the attacker’s contact email, and the “.P4R” extension. Files like document.docx become something like document.docx.id-9ECFA84E.[payforrepair@tuta.io].P4R.

The “info.txt” ransom note is dropped into every directory with encrypted files and contains a short message:

“all your data has been locked us
You want to return?
write email payforrepair@tuta.io or payforrepair@mailum.com”

Meanwhile, a pop-up window provides additional instructions, encouraging victims to contact the hackers and make a Bitcoin payment. It includes a “free decryption” offer as bait — allowing the victim to decrypt up to three files for verification.

Like other Dharma ransomware variants, PayForRepair ensures persistence on the infected system by copying itself to system directories and configuring auto-start behavior via Windows registry keys. It also deletes Volume Shadow Copies, thereby eliminating the chance to use system restore for file recovery.

---

How to Remove PayForRepair Ransomware

While removal will not decrypt your files, it’s essential to remove the malware to prevent further damage. The best way to do this is by using a reputable anti-malware solution. We recommend using SpyHunter for a complete scan and elimination of PayForRepair ransomware.

Download SpyHunter: https://www.enigmasoftware.com/products/spyhunter/?ref=ywuxmtf

---

Manual Ransomware Removal Process

Important: Manual removal is recommended only for experienced users, as incorrect actions can lead to data loss or incomplete removal of the ransomware. If unsure, consider the SpyHunter Removal Method for a guided, automated solution.

Step 1: Disconnect from the Internet

1. Immediately disable Wi-Fi or unplug the Ethernet cable to prevent the ransomware from communicating with remote servers.
2. This can prevent additional encryption or further infections.

Step 2: Boot into Safe Mode

For Windows Users

1. Windows 10/11:
   • Press Windows + R, type msconfig, and press Enter.
   • Under the Boot tab, select Safe boot and check Network.
   • Click Apply, then OK, and restart your PC.
2. Windows 7/8:
   • Restart your PC and press F8 repeatedly before Windows starts.
   • Select Safe Mode with Networking and press Enter.

For Mac Users

1. Restart your Mac and hold the Shift key immediately after the startup chime.
2. Release the key when the Apple logo appears.
3. Your Mac will boot in Safe Mode.

Step 3: Identify and Terminate Malicious Processes

Windows

1. Open Task Manager by pressing Ctrl + Shift + Esc.
2. Look for unusual processes consuming high CPU or memory.
3. Right-click on the suspicious process and select End Task.

Mac

1. Open Activity Monitor (Finder > Applications > Utilities > Activity Monitor).
2. Look for unknown or high-resource-consuming processes.
3. Select the suspicious process and click Force Quit.

Step 4: Delete Ransomware Files

Windows

1. Open File Explorer and navigate to:
   • C:\Users\[Your Username]\AppData\Local
   • C:\Users\[Your Username]\AppData\Roaming
   • C:\Windows\System32
2. Identify and delete suspicious files (randomly named or recently modified items).
3. Clear temporary files:
   • Press Windows + R, type %temp%, and hit Enter.
   • Delete all files in the Temp folder.

Mac

1. Open Finder and select Go > Go to Folder.
2. Type ~/Library/Application Support and check for unfamiliar files or folders.
3. Remove unknown .plist files from ~/Library/LaunchAgents.

Step 5: Remove Ransomware Entries from Registry or System Settings

Windows

1. Press Windows + R, type regedit, and hit Enter.
2. Navigate to:
   • HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software
   • HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software
3. Identify and delete ransomware-related registry entries.

Mac

1. Open System Preferences > Users & Groups.
2. Select the Login Items tab and remove any unknown startup programs.
3. Check ~/Library/Preferences for malicious settings.

Step 6: Restore System Using a Backup or Restore Point

Windows

1. Press Windows + R, type rstrui, and press Enter.
2. Choose a restore point from before the infection and proceed.

Mac

1. Restart your Mac and enter macOS Utilities by holding Command + R.
2. Select Restore from Time Machine Backup and restore a safe backup.

Step 7: Attempt to Decrypt Files

• Check No More Ransom (www.nomoreransom.org) for available decryption tools.
• If unavailable, restore files from backups.

---

Automated Ransomware Removal with SpyHunter

If manual removal is too complex or risky, SpyHunter offers a safer, automated method for detecting and removing ransomware.

Step 1: Download SpyHunter

• Get SpyHunter from the official Enigma Software website.

Step 2: Install SpyHunter

1. Open the downloaded file (SpyHunter-Installer.exe or .dmg for Mac users).
2. Follow the installation prompts.
3. Launch SpyHunter upon completion.

Step 3: Run a Full System Scan

1. Click Start Scan Now to detect malware and ransomware.
2. Wait for the scan to complete and review detected threats.

Step 4: Remove Detected Ransomware

1. Click Fix Threats to remove identified ransomware components.
2. SpyHunter will clean your system automatically.

Step 5: SpyHunter’s Custom Malware HelpDesk

1. If ransomware persists, use SpyHunter’s Malware HelpDesk for custom malware fixes.

Step 6: Restore Files

• Use backups stored on external drives or cloud storage.
• If no backup is available, check No More Ransom for decryption tools.

---

Preventing Future Ransomware Attacks

• Keep backups: Use cloud storage or an external hard drive.
• Install a reliable security tool: SpyHunter offers real-time protection against malware.
• Enable Windows Defender or Mac security features for additional protection.
• Avoid phishing emails and unknown attachments.
• Regularly update Windows, macOS, and installed applications.

Conclusion

PayForRepair ransomware is a dangerous file-encrypting malware from the Dharma family, designed to extort Bitcoin payments from its victims. With no free decryptor available and no guarantee that payment will lead to recovery, it’s crucial to act fast: remove the threat using anti-malware tools like SpyHunter and focus on restoring from secure backups if available. Regular data backups and strong security practices remain the best defense against such ransomware attacks.