How to remove PetyaX Ransomware and decrypt .petyax files

What is PetyaX Ransomware

PetyaX Ransomware is a malicious software variant akin to other ransomware strains designed to encrypt user data, making it inaccessible until a ransom is paid. This ransomware operates by appending the .petyax extension to each file it encrypts, thereby altering the original file extensions and effectively rendering the files unusable in their encrypted state. For example, a file named document.pdf would be renamed to document.pdf.petyax after encryption. PetyaX utilizes the AES-256 encryption algorithm, a robust and virtually unbreakable form of encryption when correctly implemented, making its decryption without the designated key exceptionally difficult. Once encryption is completed, the ransomware creates a ransom note to inform victims of their circumstances. This note, saved as an HTML file named note.html, usually appears on the desktop or within the directory of encrypted files, instructing victims on how to make payment, typically 300 USD in Bitcoin, to allegedly receive decryption software or keys.

Unfortunately, as of now, there are no known decryption tools available for PetyaX ransomware, meaning that without paying the ransom, or if there exists no backup, data recovery is highly improbable. While victims might consider paying the ransom in hopes of retrieving their files, it’s important to understand that this action does not guarantee a positive outcome, as attackers are under no obligation to provide the decryption key after payment is received. Therefore, experts strongly advise against paying ransoms. Instead, the best course of action involves removing the ransomware from the affected system using reliable antivirus software and looking for any possible file recovery options, such as restoring from backups. Keeping regular, securely stored backups of important data can mitigate the impact of such attacks, as files can be restored without needing to decrypt the .petyax files. Additionally, maintaining up-to-date software and practicing safe browsing habits can help prevent future infections.

How PetyaX Ransomware infects computers

PetyaX Ransomware primarily infiltrates computers through deceptive tactics such as phishing emails and social engineering schemes. These emails often contain malicious attachments or links that, when opened, execute the ransomware on the victim’s system. Additionally, the malware can be bundled with seemingly legitimate software, downloaded from untrustworthy sources like torrent sites or third-party platforms. Once initiated, PetyaX exploits system vulnerabilities or employs drive-by downloads, where malicious websites automatically download the ransomware when visited. The ransomware can also propagate through network vulnerabilities, infecting other devices connected to the same network. This makes it crucial for users to maintain updated security measures and exercise caution when interacting with unsolicited emails or downloading software from non-official sources.

1. Download PetyaX Ransomware Removal Tool
2. Get decryption tool for .petyax files
3. Recover encrypted files with Stellar Data Recovery Professional
4. Restore encrypted files with Windows Previous Versions
5. Restore files with Shadow Explorer
6. How to protect from threats like PetyaX Ransomware

PetyaX Ransomware files:


note.html
{randomname}.exe


PetyaX Ransomware registry keys:

no information

How to decrypt and restore .petyax files

Use automated decryptors

Download Kaspersky RakhniDecryptor

Use the following tool from Kaspersky called Rakhni Decryptor, that can decrypt .petyax files. Download it here:

Download RakhniDecryptor

There is no purpose to pay the ransom because there is no guarantee you will receive the key, but you will put your bank credentials at risk.

Dr.Web Rescue Pack

Famous antivirus vendor Dr. Web provides free decryption service for the owners of its products: Dr.Web Security Space or Dr.Web Enterprise Security Suite. Other users can ask for help in the decryption of .petyax files by uploading samples to Dr. Web Ransomware Decryption Service. Analyzing files will be performed free of charge and if files are decryptable, all you need to do is purchase a 2-year license of Dr.Web Security Space worth $120 or less. Otherwise, you don’t have to pay.

If you are infected with PetyaX Ransomware and removed from your computer, you can try to decrypt your files. Antivirus vendors and individuals create free decryptors for some crypto-lockers. To attempt to decrypt them manually, you can do the following:

Use Stellar Data Recovery Professional to restore .petyax files

1. Download Stellar Data Recovery Professional.
2. Click Recover Data button.
3. Select the type of files you want to restore and click Next button.
4. Choose the location where you would like to restore files from and click Scan button.
5. Preview found files, choose ones you will restore and click Recover.

Download Stellar Data Recovery Professional

Using Windows Previous Versions option:

1. Right-click on infected file and choose Properties.
2. Select Previous Versions tab.
3. Choose a particular version of the file and click Copy.
4. To restore the selected file and replace the existing one, click on the Restore button.
5. In case there are no items in the list, choose an alternative method.

Using Shadow Explorer:

1. Download Shadow Explorer program.
2. Run it, and you will see a screen listing of all the drives and the dates that shadow copy was created.
3. Select the drive and date that you want to restore from.
4. Right-click on a folder name and select Export.
5. In case there are no other dates in the list, choose an alternative method.

If you are using Dropbox:

1. Login to the Dropbox website and go to the folder that contains encrypted files.
2. Right-click on the encrypted file and select Previous Versions.
3. Select the version of the file you wish to restore and click on the Restore button.

How to protect computer from viruses, like PetyaX Ransomware, in future

1. Get special anti-ransomware software

Use ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware

Famous antivirus brand ZoneAlarm by Check Point released a comprehensive tool, that will help you with active anti-ransomware protection, as an additional shield to your current protection. The tool provides Zero-Day protection against ransomware and allows you to recover files. ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware is compatible with all other antiviruses, firewalls, and security software except ZoneAlarm Extreme (already shipped with ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware) or Check Point Endpoint products. The killer features of this application are: automatic file recovery, overwrite protection that instantly and automatically recovers any encrypted files, file protection that detects and blocks even unknown encryptors.

Download ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware

2. Back up your files

As an additional way to save your files, we recommend online backup. Local storage, such as hard drives, SSDs, flash drives, or remote network storage can be instantly infected by the virus once plugged in or connected to. PetyaX Ransomware uses some techniques to exploit this. One of the best services and programs for easy automatic online backup is iDrive. It has the most profitable terms and a simple interface. You can read more about iDrive cloud backup and storage here.

3. Do not open spam e-mails and protect your mailbox

Malicious attachments to spam or phishing e-mails are the most popular method of ransomware distribution. Using spam filters and creating anti-spam rules is good practice. One of the world leaders in anti-spam protection is MailWasher Pro. It works with various desktop applications and provides a very high level of anti-spam protection.

Download MailWasher Pro