How to remove Matrix virus (Ransomware)

by Sean Doyle · Published October 31, 2017 · Updated September 11, 2022

The Matrix virus is ransomware that encrypts files using RSA military grade encryption algorithms, adds a new file extension (such as .pyongyan001@yahoo.com) to the end of encrypted filenames, and drops a ransom note named #_#WhatWrongWithMyFiles#_#.rtf throughout the infected computer.

Matrix virus

Once Matrix ransomware has encrypted files and added a new file extension to the end of files, it will show the ransom note in attempt to gather a ransom. The ransom utilizes scare mongering tactics to essentially frighten victims into paying a ransom for their files. The note claims that the victim violated the law and can face jail time of 4 to 12 years. The claims made on the ransom note are untrue.

Here’s an example from the ransom note:

ALL YOUR FILES HAVE BEEN ENCRYPTED!

All of the important data on this computer was encrypted with strong RSA-2048 algorithm due to the violation of the federal laws of the United States of America! (Article 1, Section 8, Clause 8; Article 202; Article 210 of the Criminal Code of U.S.A provides for a deprivation of liberty for four to twelve years.)

Following violations were detected:

Your IP address was used to visit websites containing pornography, child pornography, zoophilia and child abuse!

To unlock your files you have to pay the penalty!

You have only 96 hours to recover your personal data! After this time your unique key will be delete and file decryption will become impossible!

Each 6 hours the payment size will be automatically increased!

The ransom note might suggest to victims to email TEST@protonmail.com if they have questions.

To get your unique key and unlock files, you should send the following code:

[code removed]

to our emails:

pyongyang001@yahoo.com

bl4ckdr4gon@tutanota.com

You will receive all necessary instructions!

HURRY UP OR YOU WILL LOSE YOUR DATA!!!

The ransom note tells victims to send email messages to pyongyang001@yahoo.com or bl4ckdr4gon@tutanota.com for instructions to remove the virus and obtain a key to unlock files.

Distributed by RIG Exploit Kit

The Matrix virus is typically spread by the RIG Exploit Kit displayed by malicious advertisements. The exploit kit targets vulnerabilities in Internet Explorer (CVE-2016-0189) and Flash (CVE-2015-8651). To become infected with the Matrix virus a visitor simply needs to visit a site that contains malvertisements using a vulnerable computer and the ransomware will spread onto the machine.

How to remove Matrix ransomware

The Matrix virus removal guide on this page will help you remove Matrix ransomware and decrypt files encrypted by the computer virus. Follow each step below to remove this infection and secure your computer from malicious threats. On the bottom of this guide you will also find recovery and decryption software for various ransomware infections.

1. Remove Matrix virus with Malwarebytes

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Open your browser window and download Malwarebytes 3.0 Premium or Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Free.
Open the executable file (mb3-setup.exe) to begin installing Malwarebytes.
Select your language, click Next, then select “I accept the agreement,” click the Next button several times, and then click the Install button to install Malwarebytes. Click Finish once the install process is complete.
Open Malwarebytes and click the Scan Now button on the Dashboard to begin scanning your computer.
Click the Quarantine Selected button once the scan is finished.
If Malwarebytes says “All selected items have been removed successfully. A log file has been saved to the logs folder. Your computer needs to be restarted to complete the removal process. Would you like to restart now?” click the Yes button to restart your computer.

2. Remove trace files with HitmanPro

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Open your browser window and download HitmanPro.
Open the executable file (hitmanpro_x64.exe or hitmanpro_x32.exe) to begin installing HitmanPro.
Click the Next button, check “I accept the terms of the license agreement,” and click the Next button again.
On the Setup page select “Yes, create a copy of HitmanPro so I can regularly scan this computer (recommended)” and add your email address to the registration fields to begin the free trial.
Click Next to begin scanning your computer.
Once the Scan results are displayed click the Next button and click the Next button again on the Removal results page.

3. Clean up and repair issues with CCleaner

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Open your browser window and download CCleaner Professional or CCleaner Free.
Open the executable file (ccsetup.exe or other) to begin installing CCleaner.
Click the Install button to begin stalling the program.
Click Run CCleaner to open the program when installation is complete.
Select the Cleaner tab and click the Analyze button.
When the Analyze process is complete click the Run Cleaner button to clean all files.
Next, select the Registry tab and click the Scan for Issues button to scan for issues in your registry.
When the scan is complete click the Fix selected Issues button and Fix All Selected Issues button to fix the issues.
Next, select the Tools tab and click Startup. Examine each area, search for suspicious entries, and delete any suspicious startup entries by selecting the entry and clicking the Delete button.
Next, click Browser Plugins and search each internet browser for unwanted browser add-ons and extensions. Click the extension you want to delete and click the Delete button to remove it.

File Recovery Software

Decryption software

NAME	DESCRIPTION	DOWNLOAD
Shadow Explorer	Restores lost or damaged files from Shadow Copies	Download (Free)
Photorec	Recovers lost files	Download (Free)
Recuva	Recovers lost files	Download (Free) \| Buy

Troubleshoot

Alternative methods are suggested if there are issues removing Matrix ransomware from an infected computer.

Restore your computer to a date and time before infection
Recover your computer to factory settings

How to Restore your computer

If a restore point has previously been established on your machine you will be able to perform a system restore in order to restore your machine to a date and time before it was infected. You will lose files on your computer that were obtained prior to the restore point.

There are several options to restore your computer. Most computers have their own restore software that can be found by performing a search. Additionally, computers that run the Windows Operating System have a default restore program that can also be found by performing a search.

A boot screen that can be used to access options to restore your computer can be reached by rebooting your computer and pressing the F8 key once the manufacture screen is displayed.

How to Recover your computer to factory settings

A system recovery (or reset) will recover your computer to factory settings. You will lose the current programs and files on your computer.

There are several options to recover your computer to factory settings. Most computers have their own recovery software that can be found by performing a search. Additionally, computers that run the Windows Operating System have a default recovery program that can also be found by performing a search.