Masok Virus Removal Guide (+Decrypt .masok files) – DJVU Ransomware

Masok – General Info

The Masok stands for a ransomware-type infection. Initially, it was revealed by Michael Gillespie. The infection comes from the DJVU ransomware family. Masok was elaborated particularly to encrypt all major file types. As soon as the file is encrypted people are unable to use them. Masok adds the “.masok” extension for each file encrypted by it. For example, the file “myphoto.jpg“, as soon as encrypted by Masok, will be renamed into “myphoto.jpg.masok. As soon as the encryption is finished, Masok places a special text file (such as “_readme.txt“) into every folder containing the encrypted data.

The message given by Masok text file asking for the ransom is definitely the same as the statements given by other ransomware virus representatives coming from the DJVU clan. It actually mentions that the information is encrypted and that the only way to bring back it is to use a a distinct decryption key. Sadly, this is definitely true. The sort of cryptography mechanism used by Masok is still not properly examined. Still, it is absolutely particular that each victim may be given the specific decryption key, which is totally unique. It is difficult to restore the files without the key available.

“Don’t worry, you can return all your files!”, Masok message:

Another technique of Masok is that the victims cannot get to the key. The key is saved on a particular server run by the frauds connected with Masok ransomware. To get the key and recover the important information people have to pay the ransom, which amounts to $980. To obtain the payment details users are instructed to contact the frauds through email or telegram. The alert also indicates that the users require to contact the Masok developers within 72 hours after the encryption occurred. The message says that doing so users will get a 50% discount, so the ransom amount will fall to $490.

However, regardless of the asked for amount, people must stay away from paying the virus. Cyber frauds are unfair, so they tend to completely disregard what their victims feel about the problem, even when the payment reaches their pockets. This is why paying the ransom usually does not provide any positive result and people simply lose their money for absolutely nothing.

We highly encourage that you do not contact these crooks and certainly do not transfer money into their accounts. It is said to admit that there are no utilities able to crack Masok ransomware and to recover the information data for free. Hence, the just right decision is to recover the lost data from the available backup.

Virus Summary

Name	Masok Ransomware
File Extension	masok
Type	Ransomware
Family	DJVU
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 RSA-1024 encryption algorithm. Once the encryption is completed, the ransomware adds its special masok extension to all the files modified by it.
Distribution Method	Adware bundles and software cracks
Similar Infections	Zatrov, Prandel, Lotej
Removal Tool	GridinSoft Anti-Malware

Keep in mind that the internet is now overwhelmed with threats that look similar to Masok ransomware. It is similar Zatrov and many other ransomware-type threats. Harmful programs of such kind are generally elaborated to encrypt important information and to set forth the need before the user to pay the ransom. The peculiarity of all such ransomware threats is that all apply a comparable algorithm to create the distinct decryption key for information decryption.

Therefore, as long as the ransomware is still being developed or has some hidden bugs, by hand recovering the information is simply not feasible. The only method to prevent the loss of your crucial information is to regularly create backups of your important information.

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

How did ransomware infect my PC?

There are several ways used by online scams to distribute Masok ransom virus. Despite the fact that it is uncertain how exactly Masok injects your computer, there are some leaks through which it may infiltrate the system:

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

Frequently Masok ransomware might exist as some legitimate software, for instance, in the pop-ups instructing users to carry out some crucial software updates. This is the typical technique used by online frauds to persuade people into downloading and installing Masok infection manually, by ways of their direct participation in the installation process.

Furthermore, the criminals may describe various e-mail spam techniques to inject destructive codes into systems. So, they may describe to sending unsolicited spam emails with tricky notifications 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 severely harm the PC. Fictitious Adobe Flash Player update notifies may result in Masok ransom injection. When it comes to the cracked software, these illegally downloaded programs may likewise include harmful codes leading to Masok secret installation. Lastly, injection of Masok may take place by methods of Trojans that privately get injected into the system and set up harmful utilities without the user’s consent.

Is there any method to prevent the injection of Masok ransomware?

Even though there is no 100% guarantee to avoid your computer from getting infected, there are some pieces of recommendations we wish to share with with you. First of all, be really mindful when you surf the web and specifically while downloading totally free apps. Stay away from opening suspicious email attachments, especially when the sender of the email is not familiar to you.

Bear in mind that some freeware installers may include other unwanted utilities in the package, so they may be malicious. Make sure that your current antivirus software and your entire OS is always duly updated.

Obviously, downloading pirated software is illegal and may lead to necessary damage to be made for your PC. Thus, stay away from downloading cracked software. You are also highly advised to reconsider your existing security software and potentially change to another security solution that can render far better services of protecting your Windows.

Below please find the quotation from the Masok text file:

ATTENTION!
 
Don't worry, you can return all your files!
All your files like photos, databases, documents and other important are encrypted with strongest encryption and unique key.
The only method of recovering files is to purchase decrypt tool and unique key for you.
This software will decrypt all your encrypted files.
What guarantees you have?
You can send one of your encrypted file from your PC and we decrypt it for free.
But we can decrypt only 1 file for free. File must not contain valuable information.
You can get and look video overview decrypt tool:
https://we.tl/t-hvv30uAtTY
Price of private key and decrypt software is $980.
Discount 50% available if you contact us first 72 hours, that's price for you is $490.
Please note that you'll never restore your data without payment.
Check your e-mail "Spam" or "Junk" folder if you don't get answer more than 6 hours.
 
 
To get this software you need write on our e-mail:
gorentos@bitmessage.ch
 
Reserve e-mail address to contact us:
ferast@firemail.cc
 
Our Telegram account:
@datarestore

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

Use GridinSoft Anti-Malware to remove Masok 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.