Pay2Key Ransomware Decryptor

Our research team has thoroughly analyzed the Mimic/Pay2Key ransomware encryption framework and built a specialized decryptor system to support affected businesses worldwide. This solution is fully compatible with Windows, Linux, and VMware ESXi infrastructures, allowing organizations to recover files with accuracy and efficiency while reducing operational downtime.

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How the Decryption Framework Operates

Artificial Intelligence and Blockchain Validation: The recovery process is conducted in a secured cloud platform where encrypted files are examined using AI-driven analytics. Blockchain records then verify the authenticity and integrity of restored data.

Unique ID Mapping from Ransom Notes: Every ransom note generated by Mimic/Pay2Key contains a victim-specific identifier. For instance, IDs look like:
YyGv93gHIaY58kPdF1jJ1mvsP3WXJ3GOZZf3SNciGFQ*7ga9lt4bur7.
Our decryptor uses this personal ID to align encrypted files with their matching decryption key.

Universal Key Solution (Optional): For organizations missing ransom notes, a premium service offers universal key support that can target random extension variants.

Safe Execution Mode: Before attempting any decryption, the system performs read-only scans to confirm file stability, preventing damage or accidental data loss.

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Essential Requirements for Running the Decryptor

• At least one ransom note, typically titled Decrypt_files.txt.
  
• Access to encrypted samples — often tagged with extensions such as .7ga9lt4bur7, .giapk33vw, or .GREEDYFATHER.
  
• A stable internet connection for cloud-based processing.
  
• Administrator or domain-level privileges to execute the recovery utility.
  

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Immediate Incident Response Steps After a Mimic/Pay2Key Attack

Disconnect Systems Without Delay

All compromised computers must be immediately removed from the network. This step helps stop ransomware from spreading through shared folders, servers, and backups.

Preserve Critical Evidence

Do not erase ransom notes or encrypted data. Keep logs, network traces, and event dumps intact. Attackers often wipe Windows Event Viewer records to hide their trail, making preservation essential for investigations.

Avoid Reboots or Formatting

Restarting infected machines can trigger secondary scripts, while formatting will eliminate recovery chances. Systems should remain untouched until properly assessed.

Seek Professional Support

Attempting amateur decryption from unverified online tools is risky and can corrupt files permanently. Instead, consult with cybersecurity specialists who can provide proper evaluation and safe recovery paths.

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Decrypting and Restoring Data After a Mimic/Pay2Key Attack

Mimic/Pay2Key ransomware represents a severe double-extortion threat, notorious for both encrypting files and exfiltrating sensitive information. Victims often see multiple hosts affected simultaneously. Our decryptor and forensic workflows are specifically engineered to reverse file encryption and help businesses recover without submitting to ransom demands.

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Options for Data Recovery and Decryption

Free Recovery Approaches

Backup Restoration:
The most effective method is reverting to secure offline or offsite backups. However, system administrators must verify snapshot integrity before deployment. Incomplete backups or partial encryption during backup runs can result in corrupt restorations.

Virtual Machine Snapshots:
For organizations using VMware ESXi or Proxmox, reverting compromised systems to clean pre-attack snapshots offers a quick solution. Still, it is vital to confirm that attackers did not tamper with or delete snapshot histories.

Research-Based Tools

At present, no universal public decryptor exists for Mimic/Pay2Key. Cybersecurity researchers encourage monitoring with YARA signatures and leveraging forensic tools to detect partially unaffected data. Interestingly, the utility Everything.exe, often exploited by attackers for file enumeration, can also be used defensively by administrators to map encrypted files.

Paid Alternatives

Ransom Payment:
The threat actors behind Mimic/Pay2Key request victims to make contact through addresses such as [email protected] or [email protected]. Payments are claimed to provide a decryptor tied to the victim’s ID. Still, this path carries considerable risks: incomplete recovery, corrupted files, or backdoor infections are common issues.

Third-Party Negotiation Services:
Specialized negotiators may reduce ransom demands and validate the authenticity of decryption keys through sample tests. Nonetheless, the costs are substantial, and success is never guaranteed.

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Proprietary Decryptor for Mimic/Pay2Key Victims

Our in-house decryption system incorporates advanced ransom note ID analysis and blockchain-driven validation to enhance reliability and security.

Functionality Overview

• Reverse Engineering Research: Developed using detailed cryptographic analysis and sandbox replication of ransomware behavior.
  
• Cloud-Powered Operations: Files are processed in a secure environment, and detailed recovery logs are generated for transparency.
  
• Fraud Protection: Decryptor results are validated against known Mimic/Pay2Key IOCs to safeguard against counterfeit tools.
  

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Step-by-Step Guide for Recovery Using Our Decryptor

Evaluate the Scope of Infection:
Identify affected file extensions such as .7ga9lt4bur7, .9niOpX, .ul8dlsj86v, .ELPACO-team, .dataland, and [email protected]. Ensure that ransom notes (Decrypt_files.txt) are present.

Secure the Environment:
Remove compromised devices from the network, block outgoing traffic to Tor/I2P gateways, and prevent further data transfers.

Submit Data for Analysis:
Provide encrypted samples and ransom notes to our recovery team. Based on these, a timeline and decryption plan will be developed.

Run the Decryptor:
Execute the recovery utility with administrative privileges. Input the victim-specific ID from the ransom note. The decryptor will then attempt safe file restoration.

Choose Recovery Mode:

• Offline Mode: Best for isolated or air-gapped recovery environments.
  
• Online Mode: Recommended for faster results, supported by live incident response experts.
  

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Understanding Mimic/Pay2Key Ransomware

Mimic, often associated with the Pay2Key family, is operated as a Ransomware-as-a-Service (RaaS) model. Its rapid encryption capabilities and extortion threats make it a formidable danger. Victims typically experience simultaneous multi-system infections in a very short time frame.

Key Characteristics

• File Extensions: Unique identifiers added to files, such as .7ga9lt4bur7, .giapk33vw, .GREEDYFATHER.
  
• Ransom Notes: Typically named Decrypt_files.txt, with personal IDs structured as alphanumeric strings followed by *<extension>.
  
• Double-Extortion Tactics: Attackers both encrypt and threaten to leak sensitive information (employee data, financials, designs, etc.).
  
• Anti-Forensic Measures: Event logs on Windows machines are often cleared immediately after execution.
  

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Connection to Pay2Key Operations

Mimic demonstrates multiple similarities to the Pay2Key group, including ransom-note formats, ID usage, and communication methods.

Shared Tactics Include:

• Use of PsExec, Process Hacker, IObit Unlocker, and Everything.exe for lateral movement and defense evasion.
  
• Data exfiltration techniques involving Mega.nz, Ngrok.io, and I2P-based leak portals.
  

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Technical Walkthrough of the Attack Process

Initial Access: Attackers typically enter through RDP brute force, stolen credentials, or vulnerabilities in VPN gateways.

Credential Theft: Tools like Mimikatz and LaZagne are used to harvest stored passwords and escalate privileges.

Network Discovery: Reconnaissance is conducted with Advanced IP Scanner and SoftPerfect Scanner.

Defense Evasion: Legitimate tools, such as Process Hacker and Zemana, are leveraged to disable protections.

Data Theft: Files are exfiltrated using FileZilla, RClone, AnyDesk, Mega, and Ngrok before encryption begins.

Encryption Process: A hybrid of ChaCha20 or AES for speed, combined with RSA/ECC for secure key storage. Attackers also disable recovery by executing commands like vssadmin delete shadows /all /quiet.

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Indicators of Compromise (IOCs)

File Extensions Observed: .7ga9lt4bur7 and additional identifiers.
Ransom Note: Consistently titled Decrypt_files.txt.
Contact Channels: Emails such as [email protected] and [email protected].

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Additional Extensions and Variant Tokens

Beyond .7ga9lt4bur7, the following have been confirmed:

• .9niOpX
  
• .giapk33vw
  
• .ul8dlsj86v
  
• .ELPACO-team
  
• [email protected]
  
• .GREEDYFATHER
  
• .dataland
  
• [email protected]
  

Analysis of Patterns

• Alphanumeric Identifiers: Short/long strings like .9niOpX or .ul8dlsj86v.
  
• Group Signatures: Custom terms such as .GREEDYFATHER.
  
• Email-Based Extensions: Tokens directly referencing attacker emails.
  
• Format Consistency: Always separated by an asterisk * in ransom notes, linking victim ID to file extension.
  

Why Extensions Matter

These extensions are essential for both victim identification and decryption key mapping, ensuring attackers maintain control and uniquely track each compromise.

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Defensive Best Practices

• Harden Remote Access: Enforce MFA for VPN and RDP, and disable unused ports.
  
• Prioritize Patch Management: Especially for known vulnerabilities in VPNs and firewalls.
  
• Stop BYOVD Exploits: Prevent use of unsigned or legacy drivers.
  
• Implement Network Segmentation: Limit lateral spread by separating critical resources.
  
• Maintain 24/7 Monitoring: SOC or MDR services should actively detect PsExec, Process Hacker, or suspicious cloud transfers.
  

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Sample Ransom Note Analysis

Victims discover a ransom note (Decrypt_files.txt) containing statements such as:

Hello my dear friend (Do not scan the files with antivirus in any case. In case of data loss, the consequences are yours)

Your data is encrypted

Your personal ID:  YyGv93gHIaY58kPdF1jJ1mvsP3WXJ3GOZZf3SNciGFQ*7ga9lt4bur7

Unfortunately for you, a major IT security weakness left you open to attack, your files have been encrypted

The only method of recovering files is to purchase decrypt tool and unique key for you.

If you want to recover your files, write us to this e-mail: [email protected]

In case of no answer in 24 hours write us to this backup e-mail: [email protected]

Check your e-mail “Spam” or “Junk” folder if you don’t get answer more than 6 hours.

Contact us soon, because those who don’t have their data leaked in our press release blog and the price they’ll have to pay will go up significantly.

Attention!

Do not rename encrypted files.

Do not try to decrypt your data using third party software – it may cause permanent data loss.

We are always ready to cooperate and find the best way to solve your problem.

The faster you write – the more favorable conditions will be for you.

Our company values its reputation. We give all guarantees of your files decryption.

What are your recommendations?

– Never change the name of the files, if you want to manipulate the files, be sure to back them up. If there are any problems with the files, we are not responsible for them.

– Never work with intermediary companies because they charge you more money.Don’t be afraid of us, just email us.

Sensitive data on your system was DOWNLOADED.

If you DON’T WANT your sensitive data to be PUBLISHED you have to act quickly.

Data includes:

– Employees personal data, CVs, DL, SSN.

– Complete network map including credentials for local and remote services.

– Private financial information including: clients data, bills, budgets, annual reports, bank statements.

– Manufacturing documents including: datagrams, schemas, drawings in solidworks format

– And more…

What are the dangers of leaking your company’s data.

First of all, you will receive fines from the government such as the GDRP and many others, you can be sued by customers of your firm for leaking information that was confidential. Your leaked data will be used by all the hackers on the planet for various unpleasant things. For example, social engineering, your employees’ personal data can be used to re-infiltrate your company. Bank details and passports can be used to create bank accounts and online wallets through which criminal money will be laundered. On another vacation trip, you will have to explain to the FBI where you got millions of dollars worth of stolen cryptocurrency transferred through your accounts on cryptocurrency exchanges. Your personal information could be used to make loans or buy appliances. You would later have to prove in court that it wasn’t you who took out the loan and pay off someone else’s loan. Your competitors may use the stolen information to steal technology or to improve their processes, your working methods, suppliers, investors, sponsors, employees, it will all be in the public domain. You won’t be happy if your competitors lure your employees to other firms offering better wages, will you? Your competitors will use your information against you. For example, look for tax violations in the financial documents or any other violations, so you have to close your firm. According to statistics, two thirds of small and medium-sized companies close within half a year after a data breach. You will have to find and fix the vulnerabilities in your network, work with the customers affected by data leaks. All of these are very costly procedures that can exceed the cost of a ransomware buyout by a factor of hundreds. It’s much easier, cheaper and faster to pay us the ransom. Well and most importantly, you will suffer a reputational loss, you have been building your company for many years, and now your reputation will be destroyed.

Do not go to the police or FBI for help and do not tell anyone that we attacked you.

They won’t help and will only make your situation worse. In 7 years not a single member of our group has been caught by the police, we are top-notch hackers and never leave a trace of crime. The police will try to stop you from paying the ransom in any way they can. The first thing they will tell you is that there is no guarantee to decrypt your files and delete the stolen files, this is not true, we can do a test decryption before payment and your data will be guaranteed to be deleted because it is a matter of our reputation, we make hundreds of millions of dollars and we are not going to lose income because of your files. It is very beneficial for the police and the FBI to let everyone on the planet know about the leak of your data, because then your state will receive fines under GDPR and other similar laws. The fines will go to fund the police and FBI. The police and FBI will not be able to stop lawsuits from your customers for leaking personal and private information. The police and FBI will not protect you from repeat attacks. Paying us a ransom is much cheaper and more profitable than paying fines and legal fees.

If you do not pay the ransom, we will attack your company again in the future.

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Conclusion

The Mimic/Pay2Key ransomware is among the fastest and most aggressive extortion campaigns seen in recent years. Still, recovery is achievable through disciplined response steps, expert-guided decryption, and comprehensive monitoring. Avoid reliance on suspicious tools, preserve forensic evidence, and work with trusted specialists to restore systems effectively.

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