PayForRepair Ransomware (.P4R Virus)

The PayForRepair ransomware is a dangerous file-encrypting virus belonging to the notorious Dharma family of ransomware. First discovered through VirusTotal submissions, this malware variant is designed to lock victims’ files and extort payment in exchange for decryption tools. Like its Dharma counterparts, PayForRepair is crafted to compromise local and network-shared files while avoiding system-critical components, allowing the infected device to remain operational – and therefore more likely to transmit the ransom demand.

How PayForRepair Works

Once executed, the PayForRepair ransomware encrypts files and renames them using the following pattern:

originalname.extension.id-UNIQUEID.[payforrepair@tuta.io].P4R

For instance, a photo named 1.jpg becomes 1.jpg.id-9ECFA84E.[payforrepair@tuta.io].P4R.

Following encryption, a ransom note is delivered through two channels:

• A pop-up window detailing payment instructions and contact info.
• A text file named info.txt placed in each affected directory.

The attackers offer to decrypt three small files (under 3MB) for free to “prove” they can unlock the victim’s data. They demand ransom in Bitcoin, threatening higher charges or loss of files if the user seeks third-party help.

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PayForRepair Ransomware Threat Summary

Category	Details
Threat Name	PayForRepair Ransomware
Threat Type	Ransomware, Crypto Virus, File Locker
Encrypted Extension	.P4R
Associated Emails	payforrepair@tuta.io, payforrepair@mailum.com
Ransom Note Files	info.txt, pop-up window
Free Decryptor	No
Detection Names	Avast (Win32:MalwareX-gen), ESET (Filecoder.Crysis), Microsoft (Wadhrama)
Symptoms of Infection	Files renamed with .P4R, ransom note appears, cannot open files
Distribution Methods	Infected email attachments, malvertising, fake updates, pirated software
Damage	Permanent file encryption, potential data loss, installation of other malware
Danger Level	High
Recommended Removal Tool	SpyHunter

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About the Dharma Ransomware Family

The PayForRepair virus exhibits behaviors typical of Dharma ransomware. It terminates processes associated with open files, deletes Volume Shadow Copies to prevent easy recovery, and installs itself for persistence using Run keys in the Windows registry. Dharma variants may also selectively encrypt files based on the geographic location of the victim or specific system settings.

Because it doesn’t impact the operating system directly, victims may initially believe the problem is minor — until they realize critical documents, databases, and media are inaccessible.

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Why You Shouldn’t Pay the Ransom

Despite offering free decryption for a few files, there’s no guarantee the attackers will provide the full decryption key after payment. Many victims are scammed again or receive non-working keys. Supporting these cybercriminals also contributes to the rise of ransomware globally.

Instead, victims should remove the malware immediately using a reliable anti-malware tool like SpyHunter. While this won’t recover encrypted files, it will stop further spread and reinfection.

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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.

Conclusion

PayForRepair ransomware is a serious cyber threat that targets individuals and businesses alike. As part of the Dharma family, it has proven tactics to evade detection and extort payments by encrypting personal data. Victims should avoid complying with ransom demands and instead focus on malware removal using tools like SpyHunter and restoring data from clean, secure backups if available.