Matrix Ransomware Recovery

Do you think you got hit by Matrix ransomware? Stay calm. This page contains information and statistics about Matrix ransomware and your options for decryption, removal, and recovery.

If you need to get your data back fast, contact our emergency response team of ransomware experts 24/7 for a FREE consultation and assessment of your situation.

Our team of expert German technicians have helped hundreds of ransomware victims worldwide recover their data and get back to work as quickly and painlessly as possible.

How to know if Matrix ransomware infected your system

If you are locked out of your data, or see a note demanding money to get your files back, you may be infected with Matrix ransomware.

Matrix Ransomware was first observed by the cybersecurity community in May of 2019. Starting in December of 2019, the gang behind Matrix became very active, and affected organizations of all sizes in diverse industries.

Matrix has been known to the cybersecurity community since September of 2019. Files encrypted by Matrix are usually modified to replace their file extensions with a random string of lower and upper case letters. It also changes the desktop wallpaper of affected computers. Matrix uses AES-256 and RSA-2048 encryption algorithms. At the moment, we know of no working free decryptors.

  • Signs of a Matrix Ransomware Attack
  • Matrix Ransomware will put a text file named “matrix-readme.rtf” or other names (listed in the table below) in each encrypted folder.

  • The name of your files are changed to extensions with .matrix or one of a number of other extensions listed in the table below.
  • Your desktop wallpaper disappears and is replaced with a note demanding payment to recover your files.
  • Your CPU usage is close to 100%, even though you are not using any applications.
  • Your PC seems to be running more slowly than usual.
  • Your hard disk is reading and writing at 100% capacity in the background, even when you are not using any applications.
  • Your antivirus software is not working or is deactivated.

What to do if your data is encrypted by Matrix

    • As soon as you suspect a Matrix ransomware attack, disconnect the affected machines from the network and shut them down normally. For a detailed, step-by-step guide, have a look at our Complete Guide to Ransomware Response.
    • It is usually better not to try to communicate directly with the hackers. They are skilled at taking advantage of people under pressure. Professional negotiators achieve consistently better results.
    • Report the incident to the relevant authorities. In many countries, there is a police office dedicated to cybercrime. A list of cybercrime divisions by country is available in our directory.
    • Learn more about your options. Contact us any time, 24/7, for a free consultation with ransomware experts.

Get Help NOW! Talk to Ransomware Experts for FREE!

MATRIX RANSOMWARE FACTS & STATISTICS

Matrix ransomware often targets large companies or organizations using complex attacks.

The average Matrix ransom amount is somewhere around $120,000. Ransoms are usually paid in Bitcoin. Quick-buy methods of purchasing Bitcoin with PayPal or credit cards usually come with an additional fee of up to 10%. To avoid this fee, we keep reserves of Bitcoin on hand to help our clients minimize expenses associated with data recovery.

Maze ransomware attacks cause longer than average downtime compared to other ransomware strains. This is generally due to the delays in communication by the hackers.

For most ransomware victims, downtime is the most expensive part of the incident. It can also cause significant reputational damage.

We have worked extensively with Maze ransomware, and we understand very well how the gang operates. We also maintain all necessary funds on hand at all times. This enables us to rapidly resolve attacks and restore files.

There are multiple gangs operating Matrix ransomware. Most of them reliably deliver working decryptors upon receipt of payment, but it’s important to ensure that you are dealing with a known gang, because some ransomware gangs are known to collect payment and disappear without providing decryption keys.

The most common method used by Matrix ransomware to infect victims is phishing.

MATRIX RANSOMWARE SUMMARY
NameMatrix / Matrix Ransomware
Danger LevelVery High. Military grade encryption, frequent data exfiltration attacks.
Release date2020
Affected SystemsWindows
File Extensions.matrix, .abat, .atom, .fox, .gmpf, .decc, .decp, .fasta, .thda, .fdfk, .tgmn, .gblock, .sblock, .spct, .ydhm, .pedant, .plant, .chrb, .grhan, .prcp, .nobad, .eman, gman, .che08, .kok08, .itlock, .newrar, .fastbob, .kok8, .core, .ann, .eg83, .jb78
Ransom demands"DECRYPT-FILES.html"
Contact method/emailThrough a hidden TOR web service
Known scammersNone

A typical Matrix ransomware note.

Capture (1) (1)

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

We have helped many clients recover their data after a Maze ransomware attack. Unfortunately, there are no quick and easy solutions; if there is no recent backup of your file systems, recovering your data will require negotiating with the hackers.

If you are able, it’s better not to pay the hackers, as it encourages them to victimize others. In some cases, however, it is the only financially viable option.

We maintain files on ransomware gangs so that we know the best way to negotiate with them, minimize ransom prices and downtime, and recover data as safely, securely, and quickly as possible. We also help our clients to prepare all of the documentation necessary to process insurance claims as quickly and successfully as possible.

The only way to know precisely how much ransomware response will cost is to contact us for a free consultation.

Ransomware response cost varies according to the type of attack, how much data is affected, the number of computers infected, and your local environment (computer performance, servers, operating systems). The response includes removal of the ransomware, negotiations with attackers and transferring payment if necessary, restoring data, patching the vulnerability that led to the attack, and preparing all documentation for legal compliance and insurance claims. The course of action our clients choose also affects the overall cost. 

The minimum cost for small companies generally starts around several thousand euros, including the cost of the ransom. However, if at all possible, we strongly recommend avoiding paying the attackers. Paying the attackers encourages them to harm more people. However, if it is not economically feasible, we handle fully legally compliant payments to attackers. The overall expense depends a lot on the ransom amount demanded, and how successful negotiations are. We maintain a database on ransomware gangs to negotiate more effectively. In some cases, negotiations can result in a significant reduction in the ransom payment.

We have a greater than 98% success rate.

In the case of most of our clients who have cyber insurance, their coverage pays the cost of our services, as well as the ransom, if necessary. 

 

 

  1. Professional ransomware response can significantly decrease downtime. We deal with hundreds of cases every year. Through our years of experience, we have developed a streamlined process that brings our clients back online as fast as possible. In the event that a ransom has to be paid, purchasing the necessary cryptocurrency can take days. The process of resolving a ransomware attack without prior experience can take many hours of research. Most of our cases are completely resolved 24-72 hours after we begin the recovery process.

  2. Avoid dealing with criminals and ensure legal compliance. Most companies don’t feel comfortable dealing with cyber-criminals. It can add another layer of stress in emergency. We maintain files on different groups of hackers in order to maximize security and effectiveness of negotiations. We also ensure that all communications and transfers comply with applicable laws and regulations to protect our clients against potential legal problems. 

  3. Cryptocurrency transfers. It is always better to avoid giving into the attacker’s demands. If backups and normal recovery methods fail, however, there may be no other choice. Most ransomware attackers demand payment in Bitcoin. We guide you through the whole process of creating a crypto currency wallet and buying the crypto currency with you. Therefore we have different cooperation partner in order to prepare your wallet and do the transaction as quick and easy as possible for you. 

  4. Ensure data integrity and security. As specialists in the field of ransomware incident response, we are always refining industry best practices for data recovery. We have robust, standardized procedures for backing up encrypted data, restoring data, and removing viruses to ensure that there is no data loss or damage.

  5. Easy Insurance Reporting: All of our clients receive a detailed incident report with all information required by cyber-insurance and for law enforcement purposes. Thankfully, cyber-insurance often covers the cost of cyber-extortion as well as professional ransomware response services. Completing all paperwork correctly from the beginning can speed up the process of filing a claim and recovering lost funds.

Need emergency assistance with Matrix ransomware recovery? Contact us to consult with leading ransomware experts for FREE.

Ransomware Recovery Data