Matrix (Proton) Ransomware

Matrix (also known as the Proton variant) is a dangerous ransomware strain that encrypts your files and renames them with random strings ending in .matrix. It changes your desktop wallpaper and drops a ransom note titled HowToRecover.txt, demanding payment for file decryption.

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Threat Summary

Threat Type	Ransomware (Proton family)
Encrypted File Extension	.matrix
Ransom Note Filename	HowToRecover.txt
Email Contact (if any)	shadowmatrix@onionmail.org (or via TOR)
Detection Names	Win64:MalwareX-gen, A Variant Of Win64/Filecoder.MK, HEUR:Trojan-Ransom.Win32.Generic, Ransom:Win64/Akira!rfn, Trojan.GenericKD
Symptoms	Files renamed with “.matrix”, desktop wallpaper altered, ransom note appears, files inaccessible
Damage & Distribution Methods	Full encryption, delivered through email attachments, cracked software, torrent downloads, fake updates, malvertising
Danger Level	Critical – Complete data lockout and potential data theft

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How Did I Get Infected With Matrix Ransomware?

Matrix ransomware typically sneaks in through malicious email attachments, phishing links, or bundled installers from sketchy sources. It’s often embedded in cracked software tools, fake software updates, or shared through torrents and rogue advertising networks. One careless click is all it takes to trigger the infection.

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What Matrix (Proton) Ransomware Does to Your Files

Once it breaches your system, Matrix ransomware encrypts nearly all file types—documents, images, archives, databases—using strong encryption algorithms. Each file is renamed with a random string and the .matrix extension. It also drops a ransom note and replaces your desktop background to demand payment and intimidate you into complying.

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Should You Be Worried About Matrix Ransomware?

Absolutely. Matrix not only locks your files but may also exfiltrate sensitive data. Paying the ransom is risky—there’s no guarantee you’ll get your files back, and it encourages further criminal activity. Even after removal, your system may remain compromised if backups aren’t clean.

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Ransom Note Dropped by Matrix (Proton)

The dropped note, HowToRecover.txt, threatens permanent data loss unless you pay the attackers. It urges you to contact them via email or a TOR website and warns against using antivirus tools or recovery software. These scare tactics are designed to manipulate and control the victim.

Manual Ransomware Removal Guide

Warning: Manual removal is complex and risky. If not done correctly, it can lead to data loss or incomplete removal of ransomware. Only follow this method if you are an advanced user. If unsure, proceed with Method 2 (SpyHunter Removal Guide).

Step 1: Disconnect from the Internet

1. Unplug your Ethernet cable or disconnect Wi-Fi immediately to prevent further communication with the ransomware’s command and control (C2) servers.

Step 2: Boot into Safe Mode

For Windows Users:

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

For Mac Users:

1. Restart your Mac and immediately press and hold the Shift key.
2. Release the key once you see the Apple logo.
3. Your Mac will start in Safe Mode.

Step 3: Locate and Terminate Malicious Processes

For Windows Users:

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
2. Look for suspicious processes (e.g., unknown names, high CPU usage, or random letters).
3. Right-click on the process and select End Task.

For Mac Users:

1. Open Activity Monitor (Finder > Applications > Utilities > Activity Monitor).
2. Look for unusual processes.
3. Select the process and click Force Quit.

Step 4: Delete Malicious Files

For Windows Users:

1. Press Windows + R, type %temp%, and hit Enter.
2. Delete all files in the Temp folder.
3. Navigate to:
   • C:\Users\[Your Username]\AppData\Roaming
   • C:\Users\[Your Username]\AppData\Local
   • C:\Windows\System32
4. Look for suspicious files related to the ransomware (random file names, recently modified) and delete them.

For Mac Users:

1. Open Finder and go to Go > Go to Folder.
2. Type ~/Library/Application Support and delete suspicious folders.
3. Navigate to ~/Library/LaunchAgents and remove unknown .plist files.

Step 5: Remove Ransomware from Registry or System Settings

For Windows Users:

Warning: Incorrect changes in the Registry Editor can damage your system. Proceed with caution.

1. Press Windows + R, type regedit, and hit Enter.
2. Navigate to:
   • HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software
   • HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software
3. Look for unfamiliar folders with random characters or ransomware-related names.
4. Right-click and select Delete.

For Mac Users:

1. Go to System Preferences > Users & Groups.
2. Click on Login Items and remove any suspicious startup items.
3. Navigate to ~/Library/Preferences and remove malicious .plist files.

Step 6: Restore System Using System Restore (Windows) or Time Machine (Mac)

For Windows Users:

1. Press Windows + R, type rstrui, and hit Enter.
2. Click Next, choose a restore point before the infection, and follow the prompts to restore your system.

For Mac Users:

1. Restart your Mac and hold Command + R to enter macOS Utilities.
2. Select Restore from Time Machine Backup.
3. Choose a backup prior to the ransomware infection and restore your system.

Step 7: Use a Decryption Tool (If Available)

• Visit No More Ransom (www.nomoreransom.org) and check if a decryption tool is available for your ransomware variant.

Step 8: Recover Files Using Backup

• If you have backups on an external drive or cloud storage, restore your files.

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Automatic Ransomware Removal Using SpyHunter

If manual removal seems too risky or complicated, using a reliable anti-malware tool like SpyHunter is the best alternative.

Step 1: Download SpyHunter

Download SpyHunter from the official link: Download SpyHunter

Or follow the official installation instructions here:
SpyHunter Download Instructions

Step 2: Install SpyHunter

1. Open the downloaded file (SpyHunter-Installer.exe).
2. Follow the on-screen prompts to install the program.
3. Once installed, launch SpyHunter.

Step 3: Perform a Full System Scan

1. Click on Start Scan Now.
2. SpyHunter will scan for ransomware and other malware.
3. Wait for the scan to complete.

Step 4: Remove Detected Threats

1. After the scan, SpyHunter will list all detected threats.
2. Click Fix Threats to remove the ransomware.

Step 5: Use SpyHunter’s Malware HelpDesk (If Needed)

If you are dealing with a stubborn ransomware variant, SpyHunter’s Malware HelpDesk provides custom fixes to remove advanced threats.

Step 6: Restore Your Files

If your files are encrypted:

• Try No More Ransom (www.nomoreransom.org) for decryption tools.
• Restore from cloud storage or external backups.

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Preventing Future Ransomware Attacks

• Keep backups on an external hard drive or cloud storage.
• Use SpyHunter to detect threats before they infect your system.
• Enable Windows Defender or a trusted antivirus program.
• Avoid suspicious emails, attachments, and links.
• Update Windows, macOS & software regularly.

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Conclusion

Matrix (Proton) ransomware is a severe threat that targets your personal data and holds it hostage. Don’t trust the attackers, and don’t pay the ransom. Instead:

• Remove the malware immediately using professional-grade tools like SpyHunter.
• Recover files from secure offline backups if available.
• Reinforce your cybersecurity: avoid pirated software, don’t click on suspicious emails, and always keep your OS and software updated.

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SpyHunter Removal Tool

Download SpyHunter to remove Matrix Ransomware →