The primary aim of this ransomware is to take your files hostage by locking them so that you couldn’t access them anymore. The criminals behind this virus expect you to pay a ransom for data decryption to them. The _readme.txt note informs that all files, including documents, photos, databases and other file formats have been encrypted with the strongest algorithm. The attackers suggest that the only possible way to recover files is to purchase unique decryption key and software from them. The ransom note suggests that the cybercriminals are willing to offer “test decryption” service for the victim. This allows the victim to test the PAAS file decryption software on one small file. The victim can send it as an attachment to provided emails and ask to receive a decrypted version in return. However, the attackers might refuse to decrypt the file if they believe it contains valuable information as recovering such file might refrain the victim from paying the ransom at all. However, we as cybersecurity experts do not recommend paying ransom to ransomware operators at all. Same is said by FBI. There are more than a few reasons not to pay up, such as:

Paying the ransom doesn’t mean that the criminals will actually send the tool for you. Even if they do, it can be faulty and fail to work properly.Paying ransoms might be as illegal as asking for them in the country of your residence.Do not support cybercriminals as they already collect millions in ransoms yearly. Besides, the success of these criminal activities lure other people to join this illegal business model as well.STOP/DJVU variants are known to infect victims’ machines with AZORULT Trojan, malware that steals passwords, cryptocurrency wallets and allows criminals to perform remote actions on your computer. Do you really want to pay money for such sneaky people who might use collected information to extort you even more?

Ransomware damage: what has been done to your computer?

PAAS ransomware begins the attack by overcoming Windows security system and starts scanning all computer folders, searching for files with extensions from the virus’ target list. The virus skips some system folders to keep the Windows operating system functionality. To encrypt files, the ransomware leverages RSA and Salsa20 algorithms, which makes files really hard to open. The virus modifies only the first 150 KB of the file, therefore some visual file formats such as images or videos can be partly repaired with minimal information loss. The guide we provide explains how to repair such files. The ransomware operators also take actions to prevent the victim from recovering files for free. Therefore, the malicious virus’ algorithm is set to delete Windows Volume Shadow Copies. In addition, it also modifies HOSTS file by adding a list of restricted domains to it. As a result, attempt to visit one of these domains can result in DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN error. The meaning of this modification is to prevent the victim access a set of websites that provide various computer-security related information, including virus removal guides. As mentioned earlier, PAAS ransomware downloads and runs AZORULT Trojan on the compromised host, making it silently run in the background. It is a powerful Remote Access Trojan (RAT) that can be used to view, delete, download files on victim’s computer, plus steal information from it, such as browser-saved passwords, history, Steam, Telegram and Skype login credentials, cryptocurrency wallets and more. The Trojan simply sends collected data to its Command&Control server. Due to reasons listed above, we strongly recommend to remove PAAS ransomware virus as well as related threats from your computer. For this matter, consider using powerful malware removal software of your choice. Our team recommends downloading RESTORO afterward to cleanse malware remains and repair virus damage to your computer system.

Ransomware Summary

Ransomware distribution tricks explained

The most common distribution method used for STOP/DJVU variants, therefore PAAS ransomware as well, is illegal online downloads. The attackers know that many computer users often head to various torrent websites searching for cracked software or game versions to download. Therefore, they inject such files with malicious ransomware-downloading script. Once the victim attempts to open or use downloaded software, the malicious script downloads the payload and runs it on the computer. To deceive the victim and conceal a sudden system slowdown, the malware displays a fake Windows update screen. What worsens the whole situation is that Windows Security as well as other anti-virus programs often display warnings about potentially malicious download, especially when it includes a crack. However, sometimes users want to get the free software version so much that they ignore the security software alerts and proceed to open files anyway. However, this is a really bad thing to do, because even if you notice nothing after launching such files, many bad things can happen in the background. The hidden malware might silently open a backdoor to your computer which can be exploited by attackers or you might get infected with a silent information stealer or cryptocurrency miner. Our advice is to always download software from legitimate or confirmed online sources. This helps to prevent unexpected ransomware and other malware infections. It is the only way to be sure that you’re getting the real product, besides, legitimate software licenses are always cheaper than hefty ransoms that cybercriminals demand paying. Do not risk losing your valuable information! Another popular technique used by ransomware operators is injecting malicious payload-downloading script into document formats, such as PDF or WORD files. The attackers attach such files named as invoice or payment-information to emails. Typically, they compose email message to seem like it’s coming from a well-known company representative, a colleague or someone you might know, urging to open the attachment and respond as soon as possible. However, opening such attachment can result in an immediate computer infection. What is worse is that the attackers use email spoofing techniques to make the sender’s email appear legitimate, while the actual sender’s email is hidden. For this reason, we recommend you to be super careful and only open emails from people/companies you know and expect to receive an email from. Finally, STOP/DJVU ransomware victims should be aware of fake decryption tools circulating around the Internet. It is a well-known fact that this malware family is one of the most prevalent at the moment, therefore there are many victims searching for decryption tools online. It has been observed that other ransomware strain operators hide their viruses in fake decryptors, causing double-infection for victims. One of such ransomware families that’s been using such distribution technique is called ZORAB.

Remove PAAS ransomware virus and recover/repair your files

You should use the instructions provided below to remove PAAS ransomware virus safely. The instructions are easy to follow and can be easily understood even by inexperienced computer users. Do not forget to scan with recommended virus damage repair software, RESTORO afterward. If you have any questions regarding virus removal or data repair process, do not hesitate and leave a question below. Once PAAS virus removal is complete, we suggest performing the following actions to put an end to this unpleasant situation:

Report a cybercrime incident to an authority responsible for handling such incidents in your country. You can find a helpful list of links below.Use data backups to recover at least part of your data after removing the virus.Use the instructions we provide to decrypt or repair STOP/DJVU affected files.

OUR GEEKS RECOMMEND Our team recommends a two-step rescue plan to remove ransomware and other remaining malware from your computer, plus repair caused virus damage to the system: GeeksAdvice.com editors select recommended products based on their effectiveness. We may earn a commission from affiliate links, at no additional cost to you. Learn more. Get INTEGO ANTIVIRUS for Windows to remove ransomware, Trojans, adware and other spyware and malware variants and protect your PC and network drives 24/7. This VB100-certified security software uses state-of-art technology to provide protection against ransomware, Zero-Day attacks and advanced threats, Intego Web Shield blocks dangerous websites, phishing attacks, malicious downloads and installation of potentially unwanted programs. Use INTEGO Antivirus to remove detected threats from your computer. Read full review here. RESTORO provides a free scan that helps to identify hardware, security and stability issues and presents a comprehensive report which can help you to locate and fix detected issues manually. It is a great PC repair software to use after you remove malware with professional antivirus. The full version of software will fix detected issues and repair virus damage caused to your Windows OS files automatically. RESTORO uses AVIRA scanning engine to detect existing spyware and malware. If any are found, the software will eliminate them. Read full review here.

Method 1. Enter Safe Mode with Networking

Before you try to remove PAAS ransomware virus virus, you must start your computer in Safe Mode with Networking. Below, we provide the easiest ways to boot PC in the said mode, but you can find additional ones in this in-depth tutorial on our website – How to Start Windows in Safe Mode. Also, if you prefer a video version of the tutorial, check our guide How to Start Windows in Safe Mode on Youtube. Instructions for Windows XP/Vista/7 users Instructions for Windows 8/8.1/10/11 users Now, you can search for and remove PAAS ransomware virus files. It is very hard to identify files and registry keys that belong to the ransomware virus, Besides, malware creators tend to rename and change them repeatedly. Therefore, the easiest way to uninstall such type of a computer virus is to use a reliable security program such as INTEGO Antivirus. For virus damage repair, consider using RESTORO.

Method 2. Use System Restore

In order to use System Restore, you must have a system restore point, created either manually or automatically. Instructions for Windows XP/Vista/7 users Instructions for Windows 8/8.1/10/11 users After restoring the system, we recommend scanning the system with antivirus or anti-malware software. In most cases, there won’t be any malware remains, but it never hurts to double-check. In addition, we highly recommend checking ransomware prevention guidelines provided by our experts in order to protect your PC against similar viruses in the future.

Alternative software recommendations

Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Removing spyware and malware is one step towards cybersecurity. To protect yourself against ever-evolving threats, we strongly recommend purchasing a Premium version of Malwarebytes Anti-Malware, which provides security based on artificial intelligence and machine learning. Includes ransomware protection. See pricing options and protect yourself now.

System Mechanic Ultimate Defense If you’re looking for an all-in-one system maintenance suite that has 7 core components providing powerful real-time protection, on-demand malware removal, system optimization, data recovery, password manager, online privacy protection and secure driver wiping technology. Therefore, due to its wide-range of capabilities, System Mechanic Ultimate Defense deserves Geek’s Advice approval. Get it now for 50% off. You may also be interested in its full review.

Disclaimer. This site includes affiliate links. We may earn a small commission by recommending certain products, at no additional cost for you. We only choose quality software and services to recommend.

Decrypt PAAS files

Fix and open large PAAS files easily:

It is reported that STOP/DJVU ransomware versions encrypt only the beginning 150 KB of each file to ensure that the virus manages to affect all files on the system. In some cases, the malicious program might skip some files at all. That said, we recommend testing this method on several big (>1GB) files first.

STOP/DJVU decryption tool usage guide

STOP/DJVU ransomware versions are grouped into old and new variants. PAAS ransomware virus is considered the new STOP/DJVU variant, just like BPTO, ISWR, ISZA, BPSM, ZOUU, MBTF, ZNSM (find full list here). This means full data decryption is now possible only if you have been affected by offline encryption key. To decrypt your files, you will have to download Emsisoft Decryptor for STOP DJVU, a tool created and maintained by a genius security researcher Michael Gillespie. Note! Please do not spam the security researcher with questions whether he can recover your files encrypted with online key - it is not possible. In order to test the tool and see if it can decrypt PAAS files, follow the given tutorial.

Meanings of decryptor’s messages

The PAAS decryption tool might display several different messages after failed attempt to restore your files. You might receive one of the following messages: Error: Unable to decrypt file with ID: [example ID] This message typically means that there is no corresponding decryption key in the decryptor’s database. No key for New Variant online ID: [example ID]Notice: this ID appears to be an online ID, decryption is impossible This message informs that your files were encrypted with online key, meaning no one else has the same encryption/decryption key pair, therefore data recovery without paying the criminals is impossible. Result: No key for new variant offline ID: [example ID]This ID appears to be an offline ID. Decryption may be possible in the future. If you were informed that an offline key was used, but files could not be restored, it means that the offline decryption key isn’t available yet. However, receiving this message is extremely good news, meaning that it might be possible to restore your PAAS extension files in the future. It can take a few months until the decryption key gets found and uploaded to the decryptor. We recommend you to follow updates regarding the decryptable DJVU versions here. We strongly recommend backing up your encrypted data and waiting.

Victims of PAAS ransomware virus should report the Internet crime incident to the official government fraud and scam website according to their country:

In the United States, go to the On Guard Online website.In Australia, go to the SCAMwatch website.In Germany, go to the Bundesamt für Sicherheit in der Informationstechnik website.In Ireland, go to the An Garda Síochána website.In New Zealand, go to the Consumer Affairs Scams website.In the United Kingdom, go to the Action Fraud website.In Canada, go to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.In India, go to Indian National Cybercrime Reporting Portal.In France, go to the Agence nationale de la sécurité des systèmes d’information.

If you can’t find an authority corresponding to your location on this list, we recommend using any search engine to look up “[your country name] report cyber crime”. This should lead you to the right authority website. We also recommend staying away from third-party crime report services that are often paid. It costs nothing to report Internet crime to official authorities. Another recommendation is to contact your country’s or region’s federal police or communications authority.