Geek's Advice

MedusaLocker ransomware hits computer users with new versions

MedusaLocker ransomware (alternative name: MedusaLockerProject) is a malicious file-encrypting virus designed to make all files inaccessible until the victim pays a ransom. Once run, the malware encodes all files adding .encrypted or .skynet file extensions to data, creates a ransom note called HOW_TO_RECOVER_DATA.html or Readme.html and saves it in each folder on the compromised PC. Finally, the malware deletes Volume Shadow Copies to prevent fast data recovery.

The main purpose of this virus is to make files inaccessible using complex cryptography algorithms and force victims to pay a ransom in Bitcoins to get the decryption software. The ransom note left on the computer states “All your data are encrypted!” and explains they are unavailable at the moment. In order to decrypt them, the victim is asked to buy a unique decryptor, or forget about personal files for good.

To purchase the decryptor, MedusaLocker virus commands to contact the hackers via Folieloi@protonmail.com or, if no answer within 24 hours, use alternative email Ctorsenoria@tutanota.com. The attackers suggest decrypting one small file (less than 10Mb) which the victim has to attach to the email along with the personal ID provided in the ransom note. 

Finally, the HOW_TO_RECOVER_DATA.html note contains some warnings from the MedusaLocker ransomware developers. They suggest that attempts to recover files independently will result in failure and that the contact emails can get blocked anytime soon, so the victim should rush to write and pay up.

At this point, we have to say that none of the third-party decryptors work – but just for now. Give some time for security researchers to examine this virus and they might discover some encryption flaws, allowing to extract private keys for free. However, we must warn you that this is just the best-case scenario and it might never become a reality.

The full contents of the ransom note are shown below.

All your data are encrypted!
What happened?

Your files are encrypted, and currently unavailable.
You can check it: all files on you computer has new expansion.
By the way, everything is possible to recover (restore), but you need to buy a unique decryptor.
Otherwise, you never cant return your data.

For purchasing a decryptor contact us by email:

Folieloi@protonmail.com
If you will get no answer within 24 hours contact us by our alternate emails:
Ctorsenoria@tutanota.com

What guarantees?

Its just a business. If we do not do our work and liabilities – nobody will not cooperate with us.
To verify the possibility of the recovery of your files we can decrypted 1 file for free.
Attach 1 file to the letter (no more than 10Mb). Indicate your personal ID on the letter:
[removed]
Attention!
– Attempts of change files by yourself will result in a loose of data.
– Our e-mail can be blocked over time. Write now, loss of contact with us will result in a loose of data.
– Use any third party software for restoring your data or antivirus solutions will result in a loose of data.
– Decryptors of other users are unique and will not fit your files and use of those will result in a loose of data.
– If you will not cooperate with our service – for us, its does not matter. But you will lose your time and data, cause just we have the private key.

MedusaLockerProject ransom note contents

For now, we hope that you had data backups to use for free data recovery. Therefore, you should remove MedusaLocker ransomware virus first, and then start restoring your files. To eliminate the ransomware safely, follow the instructions given at the end of this article.

Ransomware Summary

This ransomware is essentially similar to other crypto-viruses that are currently distributed worldwide, including DJVU, LETO, NOOS, Phobos, and other malware strains.

Learn how malware spreads to avoid it

MedusaLockerProject ransomware can reach target systems via traditional malware distribution channels. What it means is that it can use one of the following techniques to infect your computer:

1. Leverage vulnerabilities in your operating system or software (such as Flash Player) to execute malicious programs;Spread malicious spam (emails) containing deceptive attachments or URLs;
2. Infect or create phishing websites to serve malicious payload;
3. Insert the malicious executable in illegal downloads such as software cracks or software such as KMSPico virus.

To fight against these ransomware distribution techniques, you need to secure your computer and files on it using several protection layers. First of all, you need a good antivirus with real-time protection. To specify, it must be up-to-date at all times. Second, you need to create data backups on an external device REGULARLY. It is extremely important! Next, try to read about preventative measures and stay careful while browsing online.

Remove MedusaLocker ransomware virus from your PC

The first thing you need to do now is remove MedusaLocker ransomware virus from PC using the guidelines given down below. These will guide you through the process of booting your PC in a secure mode so that you could run your antivirus safely. In other words, you need to do it to prevent malware from interfering with your security software.

The next thing you need to do after MedusaLocker ransomware removal is to concentrate of backup files. Search them in all locations and try to collect as many files as you can. While the files on your computer are locked, clearly you can’t recover them from here. Therefore, search in remote locations such as email, external data storage devices, phone, and so on.

OUR GEEKS RECOMMEND

Our team recommends a two-step rescue plan to remove ransomware and other remaining malware from your computer, plus repair caused virus damage to the system:

STEP 1. REMOVE AUTOMATICALLY WITH ROBUST ANTIVIRUS

REMOVE & PROTECT WITH INTEGO

Get INTEGO ANTIVIRUS for Windows to remove ransomware, Trojans, adware and other spyware and malware variants and protect your PC and network drives 24/7.. This VB100-certified security software uses state-of-art technology to provide protection against ransomware, Zero-Day attacks and advanced threats, Intego Web Shield blocks dangerous websites, phishing attacks, malicious downloads and installation of potentially unwanted programs.

Use INTEGO Antivirus to remove detected threats from your computer.

Read full review here.

STEP 2. REPAIR VIRUS DAMAGE TO YOUR COMPUTER

DOWNLOAD RESTORO

RESTORO provides a free scan that helps to identify hardware, security and stability issues and presents a comprehensive report which can help you to locate and fix detected issues manually. It is a great PC repair software to use after you remove malware with professional antivirus. The full version of software will fix detected issues and repair virus damage caused to your Windows OS files automatically.

RESTORO uses AVIRA scanning engine to detect existing spyware and malware. If any are found, the software will eliminate them.

Read full review here.

GeeksAdvice.com editors select recommended products based on their effectiveness. We may earn a commission from affiliate links, at no additional cost to you. Learn more.

Alternative software recommendations

Malwarebytes Anti-Malware

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System Mechanic Ultimate Defense

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Disclaimer. This site includes affiliate links. We may earn a small commission by recommending certain products, at no additional cost for you. We only choose quality software and services to recommend.

Norbert Webb

Norbert Webb is the head of Geek’s Advice team. He is the chief editor of the website who controls the quality of content published. The man also loves reading cybersecurity news, testing new software and sharing his insights on them. Norbert says that following his passion for information technology was one of the best decisions he has ever made. “I don’t feel like working while I’m doing something I love.” However, the geek has other interests, such as snowboarding and traveling.