Remove Merlin Virus (.Merlin Files Ransomware)

Merlin Virus – Details

The Merlin mean a ransomware-type infection. Merlin was elaborated particularly to encrypt all major file types. As soon as the file is encrypted people are unable to use them. Merlin adds the “.Merlin” extension for each file encrypted by it. For example, the file “myphoto.jpg“, when encrypted by Merlin, will be renamed into “myphoto.jpg.Merlin“. As quickly as the encryption is finished, Merlin places a special text file into every folder containing the encrypted data.

The message given by Merlin text file requesting for the ransom is absolutely the like the statements given by other ransomware virus representatives. It actually points out that the information is encrypted and that the only way to bring back it is to use a an unique decryption key. Regretfully, this is definitely true. The sort of cryptography mechanism applied by Merlin is still not appropriately examined. Still, it is absolutely certain that each victim may be given the specific decryption key, which is absolutely unique. It is impossible to bring back the files without the key available.

Another technique of Merlin is that the victims cannot access to the key. The key is saved on a specific server run by the frauds associated with Merlin ransomware. To get the key and recover the important info people have to pay the ransom.

Nevertheless, regardless of the requested quantity, people should keep away from paying the virus. Cyber frauds are unfair, so they tend to entirely ignore what their victims feel about the issue, even when the payment reaches their pockets. This is why paying the ransom typically does not provide any positive result and people simply waste their money for nothing.

We strongly recommend that you do not contact these crooks and definitely do not transfer money into their accounts. It is said to admit that there are no utilities able to crack Merlin ransomware and to recover the data data free of charge. Hence, the only right decision is to recover the lost data from the available backup.

Virus Summary

Name	Merlin Ransomware
File Extension	.Merlin
Type	Ransomware
Short Description	The ransomware encrypts all the data stored on your system and requires a ransom to be paid on your part supposedly to recover your important files.
Symptoms	File encryption by the ransomware is performed by means of the AES and RSA encryption algorithms. Once the encryption is completed, the ransomware adds its special Merlin extension to all the files modified by it.
Distribution Method	Spam Emails, Email Attachments
Removal Tool	GridinSoft Anti-Malware

Remember that the web is now overwhelmed with threats that look comparable to Merlin ransomware. Malicious programs of such kind are normally elaborated to encrypt essential data and to state the need before the user to pay the ransom. The peculiarity of all such ransomware threats is that all apply a comparable algorithm to produce the special decryption key for files decryption.

Thus, as long as the ransomware is still being developed or has some hidden bugs, manually recovering the information is simply not feasible. The only method to avoid the loss of your essential files is to frequently create backups of your important information.

Remember that even if you create such backups, they need to be placed into a special storage utility not connect to your main PC. You may use the Memory Stick or external hard disk for this purpose, or refer to the help of the cloud storage. If you store your backup files on your common system they may be encrypted along with other files, so it’s absolutely not a good storage location.

How did ransomware infect my computer?

There are numerous methods used by online scams to distribute Merlin ransom virus. Even though it doubts how precisely Merlin injects your computer, there are some leaks through which it may penetrate the system:

• integration with third-party software, especially freeware;
• spam e-mails from unknown senders;
• sites rendering free hosting services;
• pirated peer-to-peer (P2P) downloads.

Often Merlin ransomware might exist as some genuine software, for instance, in the pop-ups advising users to implement some crucial software updates. This is the typical trick used by online frauds to persuade people into downloading and installing Merlin infection manually, by means of their direct participation in the installation process.

Additionally, the criminals might refer to different email spam techniques to inject destructive codes into Windows PC. So, they may describe to sending unsolicited spam emails with tricky notices promoting users to download the attachments or click on certain download links, for example, the ones motivating users to open some photos, documents, tax reports or invoices.

Needless to mention, opening such documents or clicking on such dangerous links may significantly harm the system. Fictitious Adobe Flash Player upgrade informs may result in Merlin ransom injection. As for the cracked software, these illegally downloaded programs may also contain malicious codes resulting in Merlin secret installation. Lastly, injection of Merlin may take place by methods of Trojans that covertly get injected into the system and set up malicious utilities without the user’s approval.

Is there any method to avoid the injection of Merlin ransom virus?

Despite the fact that there is no 100% guarantee to prevent your system from getting infected, there are some pieces of suggestions we wish to share with with you. To start with, be extremely careful when you surf the web and especially while downloading free apps. Keep away from opening suspicious email attachments, especially when the sender of the email is not familiar to you.

Remember that some freeware installers may contain other unwanted utilities in the package, so they may be destructive. Ensure that your current anti-virus and your entire operating system is always appropriately updated.

Of course, downloading pirated software is prohibited and may lead to essential damage to be made for your system. Thus, stay away from downloading cracked software. You are also highly encouraged to reconsider your existing security software and possibly switch to another security solution that can render far better services of defending your Windows.

Below please find the quotation from the Merlin text file:

Your ID is: -


Q: How to contact us?


A: Install session messenger from this link : hxxps://getsession.org/download And chat with us.
This is our sessions ID: 05752759728f65ca92b3d98fc72500cdb7c5b11eb7b17f7d8afc6b8ecdcbdedf6d
OR
Contact with these email addresses:


Merlin@outlookpro.net
Merlin@cyberfear.com
Merlin@onionmail.org


** Make sure to include the ID in the first line of massages or subject of email, otherwise we won’t answer your massages.

 

Q: What\'s Happened?


A: Your files have been encrypted and now have the \"Merlin\" extension. The file structure has been changed to unreadable format, so they are inaccessible.
Your critical information has been downloaded, including databases, financial/developmental, accounting, and strategic documents.


Q: How to recover files?


A: If you want to decrypt all of your data and return your systems to operative state, you require a decryption tool.
We are the only ones who own it, and also, if you want your stolen data will be wiped out from our systems, you better contact us.


Q: What about guarantees?


A: we decrypt 2 non_important files under 5MB for free (they should not include sensitive information). We will decrypt them and send them back to you.
They can be from different computers on your network to be sure that one key can decrypts your whole systems. That is our guarantee.

 

It\'s just a business and we don\'t pursue any political objectives. We absolutely do not care about you and your data
except the money and our reputation are the only things that matters to us. if we do not do our work and liabilities, nobody will cooperate with us which is not in our interests.


Q: How will the decryption process proceed after payment?


A: After payment, we will send you our decryption program + detailed instructions for use. With this program, you will be able to decrypt all your encrypted files.


*** Important ***
1-  certain files that were encrypted but not renamed to \"Merlin\" extension, they will also be recovered by the decryption tool.
2-  If you want the decryption procedure to be effective, DO NOT delete or modify the encrypted files, it will cause issues with the decryption process.
3-  Beware Any organization or individual who asserts they can decrypt your data without paying us should be avoided. They just deceive you and charge you much more money as a consequence; they all contact us and buy the decryption tool from us.

 

Q: If you don\'t want to pay to us?


A: it does not matter to us, but you have to accept its consequences:


1- Your data will be leaked for free on TOR darknet and your competitors can have access to your data.
2- We know exactly what vulnerabilities exist in your network and will inform google about them. The money we asked for is nothing compare to all of these damages to your business
so we recommend you to pay the price and secure your business. If you pay we will give you tips for your security so it can’t be hacked in the future
besides you will lose your time and data cause we are the only ones that have the private key.

Screenshot of files with “.Merlin” extension added by the ransomware:

Use GridinSoft Anti-Malware to remove Merlin ransomware from your computer

1.Download GridinSoft Anti-Malware.

You can download GridinSoft Anti-Malware by clicking the button below:

  GridinSoft Anti-Malware

2. Double-click on the setup file.

When setup file has finished downloading, double-click on the setup-antimalware-ag.exe file to install GridinSoft Anti-Malware on your computer.

An User Account Control asking you about to allow GridinSoft Anti-Malware to make changes to your device. So, you should click “Yes” to continue with the installation.

3. Press Install button for run GridinSoft Anti-Malware.

3.Once installed, GridinSoft Anti-Malware will automatically run.

4. Wait for the GridinSoft Anti-Malware scan to complete.

GridinSoft Anti-Malware will automatically start scanning your computer for Win Speedup 2018 and other malicious programs. This process can take a 20-30 minutes, so we suggest you periodically check on the status of the scan process.

5. Click on “Clean Now”.

When the scan has completed, you will see the list of infections that GridinSoft Anti-Malware has detected. To remove them click on the “Clean Now” button in right corner.