Ransomware Research
Pay Ransomware
Pay is a malicious ransomware strain that encrypts victim files and demands ransom payment for decryption. First observed in the wild on February 1, 2023, this ransomware has been actively targeting systems worldwide.
Quick Facts
- Ransomware Family
- Pay
- First Seen
- February 1, 2023
How Pay Ransomware Works
Targeted Files
Full extension -> .[PayDecryption@gmail.com][MJ-QR7893405621].pay Ransom note location -> C:\Users
File Encryption Patterns
Pay modifies encrypted files using specific patterns to mark them as encrypted:
File extensions added after encryption:
..payRansom Note and Payment Demands
After encrypting files, Pay displays ransom notes demanding payment for file recovery:
ScratchRansom message:
notes/Scratch
Technical Indicators
Associated Executable Files
The following executable files are associated with Pay ransomware:
Windows Session Manager.exe
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About This Analysis
This Pay ransomware analysis is part of Elastio's comprehensive ransomware detection database. Elastio provides advanced ransomware protection and recovery solutions, helping organizations defend against and recover from ransomware attacks like Pay.
Last updated: July 30, 2025