PetyaX Ransomware

PetyaX is a dangerous ransomware strain that encrypts personal data using AES-256 encryption and demands a ransom in Bitcoin for decryption. Upon infecting a system, this malware appends a “.petyax” extension to affected files, making them inaccessible. It then delivers a ransom note in an HTML file named note.html, informing victims of the encryption and instructing them to pay $300 in Bitcoin to receive the decryption key.

Like most ransomware variants, PetyaX can cause irreversible data loss if backups do not exist. It spreads primarily through phishing emails, malicious file attachments, fake software updates, torrent sites, and drive-by downloads. Once activated, it can also install additional malware, such as password-stealing trojans or backdoors.

Below is a screenshot-style representation of files encrypted by PetyaX ransomware, showing typical extensions like .petyax added to standard files (e.g., 1.jpg.petyax, 2.png.petyax).

PetyaX Ransom Note (note.html)

The following is the full text of the ransom note dropped by the ransomware:

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PetyaX
Files Encrypted
Your files have been encrypted

All of your personal documents, photos, videos, and other important files have been encrypted with AES-256 encryption and are currently inaccessible.

Do not attempt to decrypt your files with third-party software or recovery tools. This could permanently corrupt your data and make recovery impossible.

Decryption Fee: $300 USD (payable in Bitcoin)

After payment is confirmed, we will provide the decryption key that will restore access to all your files. If we don’t hear from you, your decryption key will be permanently deleted.

If you cannot find the original PetyaX file, it might mean that your antivirus has deleted it. Our decryptor is inside that app to recover your files, so we recommend contacting us to get back the file.

YOUR COMPUTER ID

Contact us with your Computer ID to arrange payment:
Email: 7n9045b54789h@firemail.cc
Session: 05d72b4b256fbf6b78b64259a042ba8d336f118dda3a68055e9f02c03dee73b86c

Email services, like Gmail, may prevent our emails from reaching you. To ensure you receive our messages, please consider using an alternative email platform such as Cock.li, Proton Mail, or another provider of your choice. If email isn’t a viable option, you can also reach us via the Session App.

For your security, do not attempt to modify or remove this ransomware. Doing so may result in permanent loss of your data.

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PetyaX Ransomware – Technical Summary

Feature	Details
Threat Type	Ransomware, Crypto Virus, File Locker
Encrypted File Extension	.petyax
Ransom Note Filename	note.html
Ransom Amount	$300 in Bitcoin
Decryption Tool Available?	No
Attacker Contact Info	7n9045b54789h@firemail.cc (email), Session ID provided
Detection Names	Avast: Win64:Evo-gen [Trj], Combo Cleaner: Gen:Heur.Ransom.HiddenTears.1, ESET-NOD32: A Variant Of Generik.PRAOAG, Fortinet: W32/PossibleThreat, Symantec: Trojan.Gen.MBT
Symptoms	Inaccessible files, renamed with .petyax extension, ransom note appears
Damage	Permanent data encryption, possible additional malware infections
Distribution Methods	Phishing emails, malicious attachments, torrents, fake updates, malvertising
Danger Level	High
Recommended Removal Tool	SpyHunter

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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.

While decryption without the attacker’s key is currently impossible, removing the ransomware is still essential to prevent further damage or additional infections. We strongly recommend using a professional anti-malware tool such as SpyHunter to detect and eliminate PetyaX ransomware from your system.