How to remove Moloch Ransomware from PC

Delete Moloch Ransomware and recover encrypted files

Moloch Ransomware is a data encrypting malware that belongs to Makop ransomware family. Most of the files stored on the desktop get locked and no more accessible for the users. It uses a very powerful encryption algorithm to encode your crucial data and files that includes audios, videos, pictures etc. Moreover, it modifies filenames of encrypted file with .moloch extension plus victim’s unique ID number and developers email address. In every folder containing the locked files, a ransom note named readme-warning.txt is placed.

In the ransom note, [email protected] or [email protected] is provided to contact the cyber criminals and negotiate the ransom amount for getting the decryption key. The money is demanded to be paid in cryptocurrency such as Bitcoin so that the real identity of cyber criminals remain hidden. As a proof that they have the right decryption tool they offer to decrypt attached files for free. Further, victims are warned not to decrypt files manually as it might results into permanent data loss.

Text in the “readme-warning.txt” file:

::: Greetings :::
 
 
Little FAQ:
.1.
Q: Whats Happen?
A: Your files have been encrypted and now have the “moloch” extension. The file structure was not damaged, we did everything possible so that this could not happen.
 
.2.
Q: How to recover files?
A: If you wish to decrypt your files you will need to pay in bitcoins.
 
.3.
Q: What about guarantees?
A: Its just a business. We absolutely do not care about you and your deals, except getting benefits. If we do not do our work and liabilities – nobody will cooperate with us. Its not in our interests.
To check the ability of returning files, you can send to us any 2 files with SIMPLE extensions(jpg,xls,doc, etc… not databases!) and low sizes(max 1 mb), we will decrypt them and send back to you. That is our guarantee.
 
.4.
Q: How to contact with you?
A: You can write us to our mailbox: [email protected] or [email protected]
 
.5.
Q: How will the decryption process proceed after payment?
A: After payment we will send to you our scanner-decoder program and detailed instructions for use. With this program you will be able to decrypt all your encrypted files.
 
.6.
Q: If I don’t want to pay bad people like you?
A: If you will not cooperate with our service – for us, its does not matter. But you will lose your time and data, cause only we have the private key. In practice – time is much more valuable than money.
 
 
 
:::BEWARE:::
DON’T try to change encrypted files by yourself!
If you will try to use any third party software for restoring your data or antivirus solutions – please make a backup for all encrypted files!
Any changes in encrypted files may entail damage of the private key and, as result, the loss all data.

Should you pay the ransom?

Whatever the circumstance might be, it is recommended not to make a deal with the hackers as you have absolutely no guarantee that they will release your files even after taking the ransom. According to the reports, these ransomware developers generally ignore the victimized users after taking the ransom and cause them to lose both files and money as well. Thus, never make any sort of payment to the hackers under any condition. In such perilous situation, the first thing you need to do is to remove Moloch Ransomware from the system immediately before it compromises your other essential data.

How to restore the infected files?

In such situation, there is only one way to recover files is to restore them from a backup. However, in the absence of a proper backup, users are recommended to use third party data recovery tool or software. There are number of data recovery tool that are very useful in restoring the infected or lost files, you should also use any of such tools to get your files back.

How did ransomware infect my system?

In most cases, users install ransomware and other type of malware through questionable software download sources, fake software updating tools, Trojans, malspam emails and unofficial software cracking tools. Typically, they infect system via malspam campaigns. Such emails are sent in a campaign to deceive visitors into believing that they are receiving some legit and important emails.

However, infected files are placed on them as malicious attachments. When they download and open malicious file, the users are tricked into malware installation process. Fake software updates exploit outdated software or directly download malware instead of providing update. Cracking tools infect PC by supposedly bypassing activation key for paid software.

Threat specification

Name: Moloch Ransomware

Type: Ransomware, Cryptovirus, File-lockers

Files extension: .moloch

Ransom demanding message: readme-warning.txt

Short Description: A data locker ransomware designed to plague computer system settings, utilize strong cipher algorithm and encrypt valuable files.

Symptoms: The infected files get totally unusable. A ransom note demanding ransom money appears on the screen.

Distribution Method: Spam email campaigns, malicious ads, peer to peer file sharing networks and hyperlinks.

Damage: Unable to access any files. The security vulnerabilities are exploited and other severe malware are brought in the PC from backdoor.

Removal and recovery: Use Spyhunter to remove Moloch Ransomware automatically. Once malware gets removed, you can easily recover your files using backup or other data recovery tool.

Antimalware Details And User Guide

Click Here For Windows

Click Here For Mac

Step 1: Remove Moloch Ransomware through “Safe Mode with Networking”

Step 2: Delete Moloch Ransomware using “System Restore”

Step 1: Remove Moloch Ransomware through “Safe Mode with Networking”

For Windows XP and Windows 7 users: Boot the PC in “Safe Mode”. Click on “Start” option and continuously press on F8 during the start process until the “Windows Advanced Option” menu appears on the screen. Choose “Safe Mode with Networking” from the list.

Now, a windows homescreen appears on the desktop and work-station is now working on “Safe mode with networking”.

For Windows 8 Users: Go to the “Start Screen”. In the search results select settings, type “Advanced”. In the “General PC Settings” option, choose “Advanced startup” option. Again, click on the “Restart Now” option. The work-station boots to “Advanced Startup Option Menu”. Press on “Troubleshoot” and then “Advanced options” button.  In the “Advanced Option Screen”, press on “Startup Settings”. Again, click on “Restart” button. The work-station will now restart in to the “Startup Setting” screen. Next is to press F5 to boot in Safe Mode in Networking.

For Windows 10 Users: Press on Windows logo and on the “Power” icon. In the newly opened menu, choose “Restart” while continuously holding “Shift” button on the keyboard. In the new open “Choose an option” window, click on “Troubleshoot” and then on the “Advanced Options”. Select “Startup Settings” and press on “Restart”. In the next window, click on “F5” button on the key-board.

Step 2: Delete Moloch Ransomware using “System Restore”

Log-in to the account infected with Moloch Ransomware. Open the browser and download a legitimate anti-malware tool. Do a full System scanning. Remove all the malicious detected entries.

In case if you cannot start the PC in “Safe Mode with Networking”, Try using “System Restore”

• During the “Startup”, continuously press on F8 key until the “Advanced Option” menu appears. From the list, choose “Safe Mode with Command Prompt” and then press “Enter”

• In the new opened command prompt, enter “cd restore” and then press “Enter”.

• Type: rstrui.exe and Press “ENTER”

• Click “Next” on the new windows

• Choose any of the “Restore Points” and click on “Next”. (This step will restore the work-station to its earlier time and date prior to Moloch Ransomware infiltration in the PC.

• In the newly opened windows, press on “Yes”.

Once your PC gets restored to its previous date and time, download the recommended anti-malware tool and perform a deep scanning in order to remove Moloch Ransomware files if they left in the work-station.

In order to restore the each (separate) file by this ransomware, use “Windows Previous Version” feature. This method is effective when “System Restore Function” is enabled in the work-station.

Important Note: Some variants of Moloch Ransomware delete the “Shadow Volume Copies” as well hence this feature may not work all the time and is applicable for selective computers only.

How to Restore Individual Encrypted File:

In order to restore a single file, right click on it and go to “Properties”. Select “Previous Version” tab. Select a “Restore Point” and click on “Restore” option.

In order to access the files encrypted by Moloch Ransomware, you can also try using “Shadow Explorer”. In order to get more information on this application, press here.

Important: Data Encryption Ransomware are highly dangerous and it is always better that you take precautions to avoid its attack on your work-station. It is advised to use a powerful anti-malware tool in order to get protection in real-time. With this help of “SpyHunter”, “group policy objects” are implanted in the registries in order to block harmful infections like Moloch Ransomware.

Also, In Windows 10, you get a very unique feature called “Fall Creators Update” that offer “Controlled Folder Access” feature in order to block any kind of encryption to the files. With the help of this feature, any files stored in the locations such as “Documents”, “Pictures”, “Music”, “Videos”, “Favorites” and “Desktop” folders are safe by default.

It is very important that you install this “Windows 10 Fall Creators Update” in your PC to protect your important files and data from ransomware encryption. The more information on how to get this update and add an additional protection form rnasomware attack has been discussed here.

How to Recover the Files Encrypted by Moloch Ransomware?

Till now, you would have understood that what had happed to your personal files that got encrypted and how you can remove the scripts and payloads associated with Moloch Ransomware in order to protect your personal files that has not been damaged or encrypted until now. In order to retrieve the locked files, the depth information related to “System Restore” and “Shadow Volume Copies” has already been discussed earlier. However, in case if you are still unable to access the encrypted files then you can try using a data recovery tool.

Use of Data Recovery Tool

This step is for all those victims who have already tries all the above mentioned process but didn’t find any solution. Also it is important that you are able to access the PC and can install any software. The data recovery tool works on the basis of System scanning and recovery algorithm. It searches the System partitions in order to locate the original files which were deleted, corrupted or damaged by the malware. Remember that you must not re-install the Windows OS otherwise the “previous” copies will get deleted permanently. You have to clean the work-station at first and remove Moloch Ransomware infection. Leave the locked files as it is and follow the steps mentioned below.

Step1: Download the software in the work-station by clicking on the “Download” button below.

Step2: Execute the installer by clicking on downloaded files.

Step3: A license agreement page appears on the screen. Click on “Accept” to agree with its terms and use. Follow the on-screen instruction as mentioned and click on “Finish” button.

Step4: Once the installation gets completed, the program gets executed automatically. In the newly opened interface, select the file types that you want to recover and click on “Next”.

Step5: You can select the “Drives” on which you want the software to run and execute the recovery process. Next is to click on the “Scan” button.

Step6: Based on drive you select for scanning, the restore process begins. The whole process may take time depending on the volume of the selected drive and number of files. Once the process gets completed, a data explorer appears on the screen with preview of that data that is to be recovered. Select the files that you want to restore.

Step7. Next is to locate the location where you want to saver the recovered files.