How to Recover Data from Matrix Ransomware Attack (.matrix Files)?

Expert-Built Matrix Decryptor for Rapid Recovery

Matrix ransomware, a member of the Proton family, is one of the more insidious file-encrypting threats discovered through VirusTotal submissions. It appends the .matrix extension to locked files and leaves victims with a ransom note titled HowToRecover.txt.

Our cybersecurity team has engineered a Matrix decryptor after reverse-engineering its encryption scheme. This tool is optimized for accuracy, speed, and safety, ensuring files are restored without fueling cybercrime. Compatible with Windows systems, it offers enterprise-grade recovery designed for reliability.

Related article: How to Decrypt Cephalus Ransomware and Recover .sss Files?

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How the Decryptor Works?

Matrix employs strong encryption, but weaknesses in certain implementations allowed us to craft a solution.

• Cloud-Powered Processing: Encrypted data is safely analyzed in a secure sandbox environment.
  
• Victim ID Matching: The unique ID in the ransom note helps align the decryption sequence with the correct key batch.
  
• Fallback Universal Key: For cases where the ransom note is missing, a premium decryption option is available.
  
• Pre-Recovery Analysis: Before attempting to unlock files, the decryptor scans the environment in read-only mode to ensure integrity.

Also read: How to Recover Lost Data from Salted2020 Ransomware (.salted2020 Extension)?

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Immediate Actions After a Matrix Attack

Time is critical after detecting Matrix ransomware. Wrong moves can permanently eliminate recovery options.

1. Disconnect Immediately – Isolate infected machines from the network to halt lateral spread.
   
2. Preserve All Evidence – Keep ransom notes, encrypted files, and log data intact. These are essential for recovery.
   
3. Avoid Rebooting – Restarting infected systems can trigger new encryption scripts.
   
4. Engage Experts Quickly – Attempting DIY decryption often leads to corrupted data. Professional recovery maximizes success.
   

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Decrypting Matrix Ransomware and Regaining Access

Matrix ransomware has gained traction due to its disruptive nature and targeted campaigns. It not only locks files but also changes desktop wallpapers and instills fear with threatening ransom messages. Our Matrix Decryptor restores files by leveraging cryptographic flaws in its algorithm, ensuring data recovery without ransom payments.

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Recovery Strategies for Matrix-Infected Files

Free Options for Recovery

While limited, some methods may help restore portions of encrypted data.

1. Backups and Snapshots
If clean offline or off-site backups exist, wiping the infected system and restoring from these is the fastest route. Snapshots from virtualization platforms like VMware or Hyper-V may also help revert affected servers.

2. Third-Party Decryptors
To date, no free decryptor for Matrix (.matrix) has been released. Tools like those from Avast or Emsisoft may detect older ransomware families, but Matrix’s Proton-based encryption remains resistant.

3. Shadow Copies (Rarely Effective)
Matrix actively deletes shadow copies using system tools. However, in rare cases where deletion fails, these copies may still be used to recover data.

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Paid Recovery Options

When free options fail, professional decryption services become the only viable path.

1. Paying the Ransom (Not Recommended)
Victims are instructed to contact attackers via TOR or shadowmatrix@onionmail.org. However, criminals often fail to deliver functional decryptors, leaving victims without data and out of money.

2. Third-Party Negotiators
Some organizations rely on negotiation specialists to reduce ransom demands. While occasionally effective, this approach is risky, costly, and continues to fund cybercrime.

3. Our Expert Matrix Decryptor (Recommended)
Our proprietary tool is a safer alternative to ransom payments.

• Reverse-Engineered Algorithms: Built on analysis of Matrix’s encryption flaws.
  
• Cloud or Offline Modes: Offers flexibility depending on security needs.
  
• Verification Logs: Each recovery generates integrity reports for audit purposes.
  
• Enterprise-Ready: Designed for both SMBs and large infrastructures.

Using Our Decryptor for Matrix Ransomware (.matrix Extension)

Victims of Matrix ransomware often face a critical decision between paying the attackers or attempting independent recovery. While backups remain the safest method, our dedicated Matrix Decryptor Tool provides a reliable recovery option for organizations that cannot restore their systems otherwise. Below is a structured guide on how to use our decryptor effectively.

Step 1 – Prepare the Infected Environment

Before running the decryptor, it is crucial to ensure that the ransomware has been fully removed from the system. Running the tool while the malware is still active could result in re-encryption.

• Disconnect the infected device from the network.
  
• Run a full scan using a trusted antivirus or endpoint detection tool.
  
• Confirm that no active malicious processes are running in the background.
  

Step 2 – Download the Decryptor

Obtain the latest version of the Matrix Decryptor Tool from our official website or trusted distribution partners.

• Ensure you are downloading from a legitimate source to avoid fake tools.
  
• Verify the checksum (MD5/SHA256) provided on our site to confirm file integrity.
  

Step 3 – Install and Launch the Tool

The decryptor does not require complex installation and can be executed directly.

• Double-click the executable file.
  
• Accept the license agreement.
  
• The tool will automatically detect encrypted files with the “.matrix” extension.
  

Step 4 – Provide Encrypted and Original File Pair (Optional)

For more accurate decryption, the tool may request at least one file pair (an encrypted file alongside its original, unencrypted version). This allows the algorithm to reconstruct the unique decryption key.

• If backups exist, provide one original copy for analysis.
  
• If unavailable, proceed with automated detection mode.
  

Step 5 – Configure Decryption Settings

Users can choose between:

• Full Decryption Mode – Attempts to restore all encrypted files.
  
• Selective Decryption Mode – Allows targeting specific folders or drives.
  
• Safe Mode Decryption – Runs in read-only environments to prevent overwriting data.
  

Step 6 – Begin the Decryption Process

Click Start Decryption to launch the process. Depending on the number of files, this may take from several minutes to multiple hours. Progress is displayed in real time, showing how many files have been successfully decrypted.

Step 7 – Verify Restored Files

Once decryption completes:

• Check restored files to ensure data integrity.
  
• Compare critical documents and media files with available backups.
  
• If certain files remain locked, rerun the tool in advanced recovery mode.
  

Step 8 – Backup and Secure Your System

After successful recovery, it is essential to prevent reinfection:

• Immediately back up all recovered files to an offline or cloud-based repository.
  
• Apply all pending OS and application security patches.
  
• Enable real-time monitoring via antivirus or EDR solutions.

Also read: How to Decrypt Cephalus Ransomware and Recover .sss Files?

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Inside Matrix Ransomware: A Technical Breakdown

Entry Points and Infection Vectors

Matrix spreads through multiple channels including:

• Phishing emails with malicious attachments (PDFs, Office docs, ZIPs).
  
• Pirated software and key generators.
  
• Exploit kits targeting unpatched software.
  
• Malicious ads and compromised websites.
  

File Encryption and Extension Details

Matrix encrypts files and renames them with randomly generated strings before appending the .matrix extension. This makes it nearly impossible to identify the original filenames without a decryptor.

For example:

• 1.jpg becomes 8LdggFR8PH.matrix
  
• 2.png becomes pDFcd9bTfH.matrix
  
• document.docx may transform into something like kR7jTtFv3z.matrix
  

This deliberate renaming method deepens the impact, ensuring that simple file restoration methods cannot undo the damage.

Matrix Ransomware Tactics, Tools, and Procedures (TTPs)

Matrix ransomware campaigns map directly to the MITRE ATT&CK framework, leveraging a blend of phishing lures, malicious executables, and system exploitation to infiltrate and encrypt corporate environments. Unlike opportunistic ransomware, Matrix typically targets specific organizations, employing customized payloads and tailored delivery methods.

Initial Access – How Matrix Gains Entry

Matrix primarily relies on phishing campaigns (T1566.001, Spearphishing Attachment) and malvertising to trick users into downloading and executing infected files. Attackers frequently send emails masquerading as invoices, HR forms, or security updates. In some cases, Matrix is distributed through drive-by downloads (T1189) when victims visit compromised websites hosting exploit kits.
Tools & Techniques:

• Malicious email attachments (macro-enabled Word/Excel documents, PDF exploits)
  
• Exploit kits hosted on compromised sites
  
• Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) brute forcing in smaller campaigns
  

Execution – Running the Payload

Once access is obtained, Matrix executes its ransomware binary disguised as legitimate software or installers. These payloads are often compiled uniquely for each victim, making detection more difficult. Execution relies on user interaction (T1204) or system-level exploitation (T1203).
Tools & Techniques:

• Malicious EXEs embedded in ZIP or ISO archives
  
• Script-based droppers (PowerShell, VBScript, batch scripts)
  
• Registry modifications that enable persistence upon reboot
  

Persistence – Ensuring Longevity

To maintain a foothold, Matrix creates registry run keys (T1547.001) and startup folder entries, ensuring its payload runs every time the system boots. This guarantees encryption continues even after system restarts.
Persistence Methods:

• HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run entries
  
• Scheduled tasks configured to re-execute the payload
  
• Dropping hidden executables in system directories
  

Defense Evasion – Avoiding Detection

Matrix ransomware is adept at avoiding recovery attempts and security solutions. It often disables recovery features by deleting Windows shadow copies (T1490) and attempts to terminate processes associated with endpoint security. Some variants also employ code obfuscation (T1027) to evade static analysis.
Defense Evasion Tools & Techniques:

• vssadmin delete shadows /all /quiet to remove backups
  
• Use of icacls and attrib to manipulate file access
  
• Code packed with UPX or custom obfuscators
  
• Fileless execution via PowerShell to reduce forensic traces
  

Credential Access and Privilege Escalation

In targeted campaigns, Matrix attempts credential dumping (T1003) using tools like Mimikatz or leveraging LSASS memory scraping to gain elevated privileges. With admin rights, the ransomware spreads faster and can encrypt network shares.
Tools Used:

• Mimikatz for extracting Windows credentials
  
• LaZagne for browser and stored password retrieval
  
• Exploiting weak RDP credentials
  

Discovery and Lateral Movement

After privilege escalation, Matrix conducts network discovery (T1087, T1046) to identify additional targets. It scans IP ranges, enumerates shared drives, and uses stolen credentials for lateral movement (T1021.001 – Remote Services: RDP).
Techniques & Tools:

• Advanced IP Scanner, SoftPerfect Network Scanner
  
• Exploiting SMB and RDP to access mapped drives
  
• Using PsExec for remote execution
  

Exfiltration – Data Theft Before Encryption

While Matrix ransomware is primarily destructive, some samples indicate double extortion techniques (T1041, T1567), where stolen data is exfiltrated before encryption. Threat actors threaten to publish or sell sensitive files on darknet forums to pressure victims into paying.
Exfiltration Methods:

• File transfer utilities like WinSCP, FileZilla, or RClone
  
• Cloud services such as Mega.nz for large data uploads
  
• Encrypted tunneling via Ngrok or SSH
  

Impact – File Encryption and Ransom Note

Matrix ransomware’s final stage is impact (T1486 – Data Encrypted for Impact). It encrypts victim files using AES or ChaCha20 combined with RSA for key protection. File names are replaced with randomized strings, and the “.matrix” extension is appended. A ransom note is dropped in each folder, instructing victims to contact attackers.
Key Impact Details:

• Encrypted files renamed (e.g., “1.jpg” → “8LdggFR8PH.matrix”)
  
• Volume shadow copies deleted to block recovery
  
• Systems rendered inoperable until ransom is paid
  

Indicators of Compromise (IOCs)

• File extension: .matrix
  
• Ransom note: HowToRecover.txt

This note contains the following message:

What happend?

All your files are encrypted and stolen.
We recover your files in exchange for money.

What guarantees?

You can contact us and send us an unimportant file less than 1 MG, We decrypt it as guarantee.
If we do not send you the decryption software or delete stolen data, no one will pay us in future so we will keep our promise.

How we can contact you?

[1] TOR website – RECOMMENDED:

| 1. Download and install Tor browser – https://www.torproject.org/download/

| 2. Open one of our links on the Tor browser.

–

| 3. Follow the instructions on the website.

[2] Email:

You can write to us by email.

– shadowmatrix@onionmail.org

– shadowmatrix@onionmail.org

! We strongly encourage you to visit our TOR website instead of sending email.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>> Your ID: – <<<<<<<<<<
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Warnings:

– Do not go to recovery companies.
They secretly negotiate with us to decrypt a test file and use it to gain your trust
and after you pay, they take the money and scam you.
You can open chat links and see them chatting with us by your self.

– Do not use third-party tools.
They might damage your files and cause permanent data loss.

• Contact emails: shadowmatrix@onionmail.org
  
• Common detections: Avast (Win64:MalwareX-gen), ESET (Win64/Filecoder.MK), Microsoft (Ransom:Win64/Akira!rfn)
  
• Changed desktop wallpaper with ransom instructions
  

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Matrix Victim Statistics and Impact Data

Matrix has targeted individuals, small businesses, and enterprises across multiple regions. 

Countries Affected

Organizations Impacted

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Conclusion: Regaining Control from Matrix Ransomware

Matrix ransomware poses a severe risk to both personal and corporate systems. Its encryption and extortion tactics leave victims vulnerable and desperate. However, with the right strategy—disconnecting systems, preserving evidence, and deploying professional recovery tools—full restoration is possible.

Our Matrix Decryptor provides a proven solution for businesses seeking recovery without paying ransoms. With expert-guided assistance, secure cloud or offline execution, and robust audit verification, organizations can restore operations safely.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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