Maak Virus – Details
Maak is a destructive software application functioning as common ransomware. Michael Gillespie, the well-known malware researcher, very first discovered this new name in the DJVU ransomware family.
Maak was created for the sole function to encrypt all popular file types. Logically, as quickly as the encryption is successfully achieved, the users are unable to get access to them. Maak ransomware adds its own “.maak” to all the encrypted data. For instance, the file “price_list.xls”, when modified by Maak, will be entitled as “price_list.xls.maak”. Once the file encryption is accomplished, Maak puts its own distinct text document (_readme.txt) into all the folders that keep the encrypted files.
The message stated by _readme.txt asking for the random os very comparable to the notifications offered by other ransomware hazards coming from the DJVU family. The caution generally indicates that the data has been encrypted and the only service to get access to it is to use a distinct standalone key. Regretfully, this statement is definitely real.
The technique to encrypt the files utilized by Maak is not totally researched. Nevertheless, there is no doubt that each computer system owner may be released a special decryption key, which is definitely distinct. It is very difficult to recuperate the information without the appropriate type in place.
“Don’t worry, you can return all your files!”, from text file message:
One more peculiarity of the Maak infection is that the users are not able to get access to the key. The decrypting key is hosted on a special server under the complete control by the crooks who have actually released the Maak ransomware into the world wide web. In order to acquire the key and restore the crucial data, the users are told to contact the scams via e-mail or by telegram and to pay the ransom in the quantity of $980.
The message likewise states that the people should call the Maak authors within 72 hours upon the minute of the information file encryption. The alert indicates that by doing so the people will get a 50% discount, therefore, the ransom quantity falls to $490.
Maak encrypted your data, however, it might not be the only risk on your computer. Plus, the ransomware may be hidden deep in the system. To detect and erase the hazard entirely, we recommend you to describe the assistance of GridinSoft Anti-Malware app.
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No matter what the quantity of the ransom is, we highly encourage that you do not pay the ransom. There is no warranty that these online scoundrels will keep their pledges, so they might not care at all what the victims feel about the encryption, even when the amount of the ransom is received into their accounts. For this reason, paying ransom frequently does not result in an effective healing. So, the users might merely lose their money for absolutely nothing.
Likewise, we urge you not to contact the scams as they instruct. Do not move money into their wallets. There are no applications that might crack the Maak virus or restore the information for free. For that reason, the only right decision is to restore the data from possible backups (if available).
Virus Summary
| Name | Maak Ransomware |
| File Extension | maak |
| 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 AES-256 algorithm (CFB mode) encryption algorithm. Once the encryption is completed, the ransomware adds its special .maak extension to all the files modified by it. |
| Distribution Method | Adware bundles and software cracks |
| Similar Infections | Lokas, Besub, Nusar |
| Maak Removal Tool | GridinSoft Anti-Malware |
| Maak Decryption Tool | Emsisoft Djvu Decryptor |
Do not forget that the Web is now full of infections similar to the Maak virus. For example, this particular danger is generally identical to Brusaf and other ransomware-type infections. These destructive utilities have actually been established in order to secure the important information and reveal the need for the users to pay the ransom. All these infections use the identical algorithm to generate the particular key for effective data decryption.
Unless the Maak ransomware is still under the advancement procedure or has got some concealed bugs, it is not possible to restore the information by hand. Thus, the only working option to prevent the loss of your important information is to frequently keep updated backups of all your essential files.
Another important piece of advice is to store the backups on unique storage not linked to your primary PC. For example, you might store it on the USB Flash Drive, or some external hard disk, or by using the cloud data storage services. Keeping the backups on your regular drive is really risky, since the backup may also be encrypted by the Maak virus.
Leakages for the Maak ransomware attack.
Maak uses numerous courses to infiltrate the susceptible computer systems. It is not certain what particular approach was utilized in your case, nevertheless, the invasion may take place via the following channels:
- bundling with third-party programs, generally freeware;
- spam e-mails from the unidentified senders;
- sites offering complimentary hosting;
- P2P (peer-to-peer) torrent downloads.
There are times when the Maak virus may camouflage itself as some real application, for example, through the deceptive notifies demanding installation of some software upgrade. This is the most common technique used by the frauds to inject the Maak infection files into the system. By doing this users partially take part in its installation, without clearly comprehending the threat.
Additionally, the scams might send unsolicited spam e-mail with tricky notifies motivating individuals to open dubious attachments or click on some download links, for instance, those encouraging individuals to open particular photos, text files, tax files and other information.
No doubt, opening these files or clicking on the malicious links may essentially damage the system. Fake Adobe Flash Player update notifications may result in the Maak ransomware infiltration. Likewise, downloading the cracked software application may furthermore contain the ransomware installer. The last but not the least, setup of Maak might happen through some Trojan horses that might be installed stealthily into the system and without the user’s direct consent and even consent.
Preventing the Maak virus injection.
Of course, there is no absolute assurance that your computer will be constantly free of any malware attacks, however, we wish to share some helpful tips with you to make it more secure. Make certain to pay extremely very close attention while searching the web and especially while getting cost-free programs. Do not open any dubious e-mail attachments, particularly if the sender is not known to you.
Do not forget that particular freeware installer may likewise consist of some other extra apps in the package. These extra applications might be very harmful. It is of utmost importance to keep your anti-virus software and your os in general to be always correctly updated.
It is quite rational that downloading cracked software is illegal, nevertheless, additionally, such unapproved software application usage may likewise bring severe damage to your PC. Thus, do not download any broken programs. Plus, the fact that your current anti-virus did not secure the system from the Maak ransomware is a good factor for you to reconsider your options and change to another program that can render the safeguarding functions on a much better level.
Below please find the quotation from the Maak 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-2P5WrE5b9f 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: restorealldata@firemail.cc Reserve e-mail address to contact us: gorentos@bitmessage.ch Our Telegram account: @datarestore
Screenshot of files with “.maak” extension added by the virus:”
Use GridinSoft Anti-Malware to remove Maak ransomware from your computer
1.Download GridinSoft Anti-Malware.
You can download GridinSoft Anti-Malware by clicking the button below:
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.
Use Emsisoft Decryptor for restore maak files
You can download Emsisoft Decryptor by clicking the button below:
- Run the decryptor as an administrator. The license terms will show up, which you have to agree to by clicking the “Yes” button.
- Once the license terms are accepted, the primary decryptor user interface opens.
- By default, the decryptor will pre-populate the locations to decrypt with the currently connected drives and network drives. Additional locations can be added using the Add” button.
- Decryptors typically offer various options depending on the particular malware family. The available options are located in the Options tab and can be enabled or disabled there. You can find a detailed list of the available Options below.
- After you have added all the locations you want to decrypt to the list, click the “Decrypt” button to start the decryption process. The screen will switch to a status view, informing you about the current process and decryption status of your files
- The decryptor will inform you once the decryption process is finished. If you require the report for your personal records, you can save it by clicking the “Save log” button. You can also copy it straight to your clipboard to paste it into emails or forum posts if you are asked to.
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