Pay Us ransomware is a type of crypto-virus that extorts ransom money (in the form of Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies) from users for a decryption key. Like other viruses of this kind, it penetrates the Windows computer, then encrypts almost all kinds of data and files (photos, videos, documents, spreadsheets, archives, etc.) using a strong cryptographic algorithm (AES-256 or AES-128), as a result of which the files become unusable.
Since you’re here on this page, we’re assuming that your PC is got infected by Pay Us ransomware and you’re unable to access your personal files stored on a machine. If that’s the case, then don’t fret. Read this guide to learn how to safely remove this ransomware from your computer and retrieve your lost files with alternative means.
What is Pay Us Ransomware?
This is a dangerous file-encrypting malware infection. Once it gets inside the targeted system, it renders all stored files inaccessible by encrypting them and then asks victims to pay a ransom fee for the decryption.
Pay Us also renames the filenames of each of the encrypted files by appending the “.pay us” extension. For example, a file initially named “myphoto.jpg” would appear as “myphoto.jpg.pay us”, “myselfie.jpg” as “myselfie.jpg.pay us”, and so on.
After the encryption procedure is finished, it displays a pop-up window as well as drops a TXT file (“read_me.txt”) – both contain the ransom demanding message. The text presented in both the ransom notes informs the victims that their files have been locked and the only way to restore them is to purchase the decryption key/software from the cybercriminals behind the ransomware infection.
How Does Pay Us Ransomware Infect Your Computer?
Following are some of the most common tactics used by cyber crooks to spread ransomware and other harmful malware infections.
- Drive-by downloading
- Malicious pop-up ads
- Spam email campaigns
- Dubious web-sources
- Websites with illegal or pirated content
- Fraudulent software updaters
How to Remove Pay Us Ransomware from your computer?
Running a complete system scan with a well-trusted and powerful anti-malware program is the safest and most convenient way to detect and remove all hidden threats like ransomware, spyware, rootkits, and many others. Once the ransomware is Pay Us removed, you can use a third-party data recovery software to restore your files if you don’t have a suitable backup.
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