How to Decrypt Pay2Key/Mimic Ransomware and Recover .vaqz2j Files?
Our Pay2Key/Mimic Decryptor: Expert-Built, Enterprise-Ready
Our team of ransomware recovery experts has analyzed the latest Mimic/Pay2Key ransomware variant that encrypts files with the “.vaqz2j” extension and leaves the ransom note HowToRestoreFiles.txt. While the attackers claim decryption is only possible with their private key, our recovery framework has successfully assisted organizations worldwide in mitigating this variant and restoring critical data.
Our solution is compatible with Windows, Linux, and VMware ESXi environments and is designed for accuracy, resilience, and security.
Related article: How to Decrypt Yurei Ransomware and Recover .Yurei Files?
How It Works?
- AI + Blockchain Analysis
Encrypted data is processed in a secure cloud environment. Blockchain validation ensures file integrity and prevents tampering during recovery.
Victim ID Mapping
Each ransom note contains a unique identifier such as:
Your unique ID: Ike3ob1AhTqKhwsSwdH-zYSAlYuM3Evz96YoG8FuLnY*vaqz2j
- Our system uses this unique ID to map your encryption batch and match recovery protocols.
- Universal Key Option
In cases where the ransom note is missing or corrupted, we offer a Universal Decryptor tailored for Mimic/Pay2Key’s .vaqz2j strain. - Secure Execution
Before attempting decryption, our tools perform read-only scans to assess damage, file markers, and recovery feasibility.
Also read: How to Decrypt H2OWATER Team Ransomware and Recover Encrypted Files?
Requirements
- A copy of the ransom note (HowToRestoreFiles.txt)
- Access to several encrypted files (.vaqz2j extension)
- Administrative privileges on the compromised system
- Internet connection (for secure cloud processing)
Immediate Steps to Take After a Pay2Key/Mimic Attack
1. Disconnect Immediately
Isolate affected machines to stop the spread to network shares, servers, or backup storage.
2. Preserve Everything
Do not delete encrypted files or ransom notes. Save logs, file hashes, and network captures—they may be vital for forensic recovery.
3. Do Not Reboot or Format
Reboots can trigger additional encryption scripts, while formatting wipes recovery opportunities.
4. Engage a Recovery Expert
DIY attempts often corrupt data beyond repair. Contact a ransomware recovery specialist before making any decision on ransom payment.
How to Decrypt Pay2Key/Mimic .vaqz2j Ransomware?
Mimic/Pay2Key ransomware is notorious for its secure encryption algorithms (RSA, AES, ChaCha20, Salsa20, ECC), making brute-forcing impossible. However, our recovery strategies combine decryption tools, backups, forensic analysis, and expert negotiations to maximize data restoration without ransom payment.
Decryption and Recovery Options
Free Methods
1. Backup Restore
- How It Works: Restore from clean, offline, or immutable backups.
- Advantage: Fast, guaranteed recovery if backups survived the attack.
- Caution: Verify integrity with checksums—Pay2Key often targets connected backups.
2. VM Snapshots
- How It Works: Revert VMware or Hyper-V snapshots to pre-infection states.
- Advantage: Immediate system rollback.
- Caution: Attackers may delete snapshots—validate before using.
Paid or Negotiated Methods
Paying the Ransom (Not Recommended)
- Process: Attackers provide a decryptor tied to your victim ID.
- Risks: No guarantee of working decryptor. Possible data leaks even after payment.
- Legal Impact: Paying may violate local laws and directly fund sanctioned groups.
Third-Party Negotiators
- How It Works: Specialists negotiate ransom reductions and verify attacker decryptors.
- Caution: Costly and time-consuming. Attackers tied to state-backed groups like Fox Kitten may not honor deals.
Our Specialized Pay2Key/Mimic Decryptor
We’ve engineered a custom decryptor and recovery service specifically for the .vaqz2j variant:
- Reverse-Engineered Utility
Developed from encryption flaw research and ID-based mapping. - Cloud-Based Decryption
Files processed in isolated sandbox environments, with audit trails and integrity checks. - Flexible Modes
- Online Mode: Secure file upload with blockchain verification.
- Offline Mode: Ideal for sensitive air-gapped environments.
- Online Mode: Secure file upload with blockchain verification.
Step-by-Step Recovery Guide
- Assess Infection
Look for .vaqz2j extensions and HowToRestoreFiles.txt. - Secure Environment
Disconnect compromised endpoints, disable remote connections, and stop further encryption. - Submit Samples
Provide several encrypted files and the ransom note for variant confirmation. - Run Decryptor
Launch our tool as administrator. Enter your unique ID when prompted. - Restore & Verify
Files are decrypted, then verified via blockchain to ensure accuracy.
Also read: How to Unlock .EXTEN Files and Decrypt EXTEN Ransomware?
Inside Pay2Key / Mimic Ransomware
Pay2Key (also tracked as Mimic) is not just another run-of-the-mill ransomware — it’s a highly targeted, double-extortion threat engineered to cripple organizations by combining encryption with the threat of public data leaks. To understand how it operates, let’s break down its infection lifecycle, attack vectors, MITRE ATT&CK mapping, and extortion playbook.
Initial Access Vectors
Pay2Key/Mimic ransomware typically gains entry through weak points in enterprise infrastructure, exploiting overlooked vulnerabilities and poor security hygiene. Common entry paths include:
- Exploited RDP Connections – Threat actors scan the internet for open Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) services. Once identified, they brute-force credentials or exploit weak authentication to gain an initial foothold.
- Credential Brute-Forcing – Automated tools are used to guess administrator passwords. Without strong password policies or multi-factor authentication, attackers often succeed within hours.
- Phishing Emails with Malicious Payloads – Social engineering remains a classic entry vector. Victims receive carefully crafted phishing emails containing weaponized attachments or malicious links that deploy initial loaders.
- Exploitation of VPN / Firewall Vulnerabilities – Misconfigured or unpatched appliances (e.g., Fortinet, Pulse Secure, or Cisco VPNs) are exploited to bypass perimeter defenses, granting attackers remote access into corporate networks.
These multiple access vectors highlight why network perimeter hardening and continuous monitoring are critical for resilience.
MITRE ATT&CK Mapping
Pay2Key/Mimic operators follow a structured attack chain that aligns with MITRE ATT&CK tactics and techniques. Understanding these helps security teams map defenses and detect malicious activity earlier in the kill chain.
- Credential Access – Tools like Mimikatz and LaZagne are deployed to extract stored passwords from memory, browsers, and credential managers. This allows lateral expansion across domain accounts.
- Persistence – Attackers create startup scripts, scheduled tasks, or registry injections to ensure malware reloads on reboot, surviving system restarts and administrator cleanup attempts.
- Defense Evasion – Pay2Key abuses BYOVD (Bring Your Own Vulnerable Driver) techniques to load signed but vulnerable kernel drivers. These allow attackers to disable antivirus and endpoint detection systems stealthily.
- Discovery & Lateral Movement – Network scanning tools like SoftPerfect Network Scanner and exploitation of SMB protocols enable attackers to map internal environments and move laterally across machines.
- Exfiltration – Tools such as RClone, AnyDesk, and Mega.nz cloud uploads are leveraged to stealthily siphon sensitive corporate data before encryption begins.
- Encryption – A hybrid cryptographic scheme (RSA + AES + ChaCha20) is deployed. AES and ChaCha20 encrypt file contents quickly, while RSA secures the session keys — making brute-force decryption without the attacker’s master key virtually impossible.
This advanced encryption model ensures no free decryptors currently exist and that victims remain fully dependent on attackers for recovery.
Double Extortion Tactics
Pay2Key doesn’t stop at file encryption. It leverages a double-extortion model designed to maximize pressure on victims:
- File Loss Threats – All corporate files are encrypted and rendered unusable until the ransom is paid.
- Data Leak Threats – Simultaneously, attackers exfiltrate terabytes of sensitive data and threaten to sell or publish it on darknet marketplaces if negotiations fail.
Victims often receive ransom notes (e.g., HowToRestoreFiles.txt) containing unique IDs tied to their infection. These IDs are used on attacker-operated portals (like Pay2Key’s darknet/I2P sites) where negotiations and payments take place.
The result? Organizations face a lose-lose scenario: either pay the ransom to recover operations and suppress leaks or risk financial, reputational, and legal fallout when sensitive data appears on darknet forums.
Statistics and Facts
- First Seen: September 2025 with .vaqz2j extension.
- Affiliation: Linked to Pay2Key.I2P, a ransomware-as-a-service with Iranian state ties.
- Infrastructure: First known RaaS operating on I2P network instead of Tor.
- Targets: Enterprises in the U.S., Israel, and Europe.
- Earnings: Estimated $4M+ in ransom payments in 2025.
Ransom Note Dissected: What They Say
The ransom note HowToRestoreFiles.txt includes:
All your files have been stolen! You still have the original files, but they have been encrypted.
To recover your files and prevent them from being shared, go to the website:
https://client.pay2key.com/?user_id=Ike3ob1AhTqKhwsSwdH-zYSA]YuM3Evz96YoG8FuLnY*vaqz2j
Before payment you will be able to send up to 3 test files for free decryption.
After payment, the system will automatically issue a tool to fully recover all your files.
In the event of payment, our file copies will be deleted without publication.
If payment is not received within a week, we will start selling your data on the darknet.
Your unique ID: Ike3ob1AhTqKhwsSwdH-zYSAlYuM3Evz96YoG8FuLnY*vaqz2]
***
If first address cannot be opened, visit our main site on the I2P network (similar to TOR):
http://pay2keys7rgdzrhgzxyd7egpxc2pusdrkofmqfnwclts2rnjsrva.b32.i2p/?user_id=Ike3ob1AhTqKhwsSwdH-zYSA]YuM3Evz96YoG8FuLnY*vaqz2j
Special browser for accessing I2P sites: https: //github.com/PurpleI2P/i2pdbrowser/releases/tag/latest
Conclusion: Regain Control After Pay2Key/Mimic
Pay2Key/Mimic .vaqz2j ransomware is a highly advanced threat backed by state-aligned operators. Its encryption is unbreakable without expert assistance. However, with the right tools, backups, and forensic strategies, data recovery is possible without ransom payment.
Our Pay2Key/Mimic Decryptor and Recovery Service is designed to help you safely regain control, restore business continuity, and avoid funding cybercrime.
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