How to remove MrDec ransomware

Complete MrDec ransomware removal guide

Michael Gillespie discovered MrDec ransomware is a cryptovirus that is designed to encrypt most stored files and make users’ inaccessible to them till a ransom payment is done or use the unique decryption software that  the developers behind the crooks have. During the encryption, the ransomware adds the “[ID]victim’s_ID[ID]” appendix to each filename. For example, “sample.jpg” will become “sample.jpg[ID]gh839ag14hiol4ag[ID]”. Soon after the encryption process is completed, the ransomware generates an HTML application (“Decoding help.hta”) and places copy in every existing folder.

The created file informs the users about the files encryption and encourages them to immediately contact MrDec ransomware developers via provided email addresses. Further, it states a unique decryption key (generated individually for each victim) is necessary to restore data. Unfortunately, this is true. The encryption allows the developers create such key during the encryption. They store all keys on a remote server and victims are encouraged to pay a ransom for their release.  The amounts of the ransom they demand fluctuate between $500 and $1500 to be paid in a type of cryptocurrency (Bitcoins, Monero or another). The HTML app also states that victims have just three days to submit payments and any delaying on this may result into permanently deletion of the files.

Despite these threats and demands, crooks should never be trusted. These people will not provide the decryption tool even if you fulfil all their demands. Unfortunately, the official tool of MrDec ransomware has yet to release. The possible data recovery option at present is to use existing backup. If you do not have such backup files, use Volume Shadow Copy that the OS creates for very short time. If this option is not available for you, you should use some data recovery tools. Nowadays, such tools are designed with special functionality added and so you can anticipate of the data recovery using them.

However, we recommend you performing the MrDec ransomware removal before attempting to the files recovery using any of the methods mentioned above. The malware removal makes you ensure no interference of the malware during the files recovery. Its removal prevents further files encryptions and also avoids various possible risks including the risks of data stealing and additional malware intrusion. For the removal, use some reputable antivirus tool or follow manual malware removal guide provided below the post. Also, you are recommended to check the guideline provided in the data recovery section so that you will not find any problem while performing any of the said files recovery methods.

Threat Summary

Type: Ransomware

Symptoms: Files cannot be opened, the previously functional files appear with different extension name and a ransom note appear asking for ransom payment demands for the data decryption

Distribution: Spam emails, software cracks and updating tools

Removal: Use some reputable antivirus tool to automatically remove Dewar Ransomware from the system

Files recovery: Use existing backup for the data restoration. If you do not have such tools, use data recovery tool provided below the post. Such tools are designed nowadays with special functionality added and so you can anticipate of the data recovery using them

How did ransomware infect my computer?

Developers proliferate ransomware in various ways, however, the most popular four are: 1) spam emails [malicious attachments]; 2) third party software download sources [peer-to-peer {P2P} networks, freeware download websites, free file hosting websites, etc.]; 3) fake software update tools, and; 4) Trojans are described below.

• Spam emails – such emails have some infectious file attachments (e.g., JavaScript files, MS Office documents and similar), once opened –users end up to the malware downloading/installation in their device
• Unofficial download sources- including p2p networks, free file hosting sites and third party downloaders or installers spread malware by presenting it as legit software
• Fake updaters –Such fake updating tools infect the system by exploiting outdated software bugs/flaws or simply downloading and installing malware rather than updates.
• Trojans –they open backdoor in the devices to cause additional malware intrusion after the infection

How to protect yourself from ransomware infections?

To prevent ransomware infections, be very cautious when browsing the Internet. Think twice before opening email attachments. If the files seem irrelevant or have been received from a suspicious/unrecognizable email address, delete the email immediately and certainly do not open any attachments. Furthermore, use official sources only (via direct download links) for any software download. Avoid using third party downloaders/installers, p2p networks, free file hosting sites and other untrustworthy channels. The same applies to updating software and their activation – keep installed apps up-to-date using implemented functions or tools provided by official developers only. For betterment, employ some reputable antivirus tool that provides adequate protection to the device.

Text presented in MrDec ransomware’s created ransom note (“Decoding help.hta”):

You are unlucky! The terrible virus has captured your files! For decoding please contact by email [email protected], [email protected] or [email protected]

Your

[ID]g9F2p8g6rmqvJkTK[ID]

1. In the subject line, write your ID.
2. Attach 1-2 infected files that do not contain important information (less than 2 mb)
3. Attach the file with the location c:\Windows\DECODE KEY.KEY

are required to generate the decoder and restore the test file.

Hurry up! Time is limited!

Attention!!!

At the end of this time, the private key for generating the decoder will be destroyed. Files will not be restored!

Remove MrDec ransomware

Manual malware removal guide is provided below in step by step manner. Follow it so that you will not find any trouble during removal process. You can use some reputable antivirus tool to automatically remove MrDec ransomware from the device.

Antimalware Details And User Guide

Click Here For Windows

Click Here For Mac

Step 1: Remove MrDec ransomware through “Safe Mode with Networking”

Step 2: Delete MrDec ransomware using “System Restore”

Step 1: Remove MrDec 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 MrDec ransomware using “System Restore”

Log-in to the account infected with MrDec 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 MrDec 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 MrDec 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 MrDec 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 MrDec 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 MrDec 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 MrDec 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 MrDec 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 MrDec 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.