Maos – Ransomware
Maos is a harmful software application working as typical ransomware. Michael Gillespie, the widely known malware researcher, first found this new name in the DJVU ransomware family.
Maos was created for the sole function to encrypt all popular file types. Realistically, as quickly as the encryption is effectively achieved, the users are not able to get access to them. Maos ransomware includes its own “.maos” to all the encrypted data. For example, the file “price_list.xls”, when crypted by Maos, will be entitled as “price_list.xls.maos”. Once the encryption is achieved, Maos puts its own distinct text document (_readme.txt) into all the folders that save the encrypted files.
The alert stated by text file requesting the random os very comparable to the notifications given by other ransomware hazards belonging to the DJVU family. The caution generally indicates that the files have been encrypted and the only service to get access to it is to use an unique standalone key. Regretfully, this declaration is definitely real.
The technique to secure the files utilized by Maos is not totally researched. Nevertheless, there is no doubt that each computer system owner might be provided a special decryption key, which is absolutely distinct. It is very hard to recover the information without the proper key in location.
“Don’t worry, you can return all your files!”, from text file message:
One more peculiarity of the Maos infection is that the users are unable to get access to the key. The decrypting key is hosted on a special server under the total control by the criminals who have actually launched the Maos virus into the web. In order to get the key and restore the important information, the users are informed to contact the frauds via e-mail or by telegram and to pay the ransom in the quantity of $980.
The message also states that the people must get in touch with the Maos authors within 72 hours upon the minute of the data file encryption. The alert indicates that by doing so the people will obtain a 50% discount rate, for that reason, the ransom amount drops down to $490.
Maos crypted your information, however, it may not be the only hazard on your computer. Plus, the ransomware might be hidden deep in the system. To find and delete the risk totally, we advise you to refer to the aid of GridinSoft Anti-Malware .
Download GridinSoft Anti-Malware
GridinSoft Anti-Malware Review, How to get free trial?, EULA, and Privacy Policy.
No matter what the quantity of the ransom is, we strongly encourage that you do not pay the ransom. There is no guarantee that these online crooks will keep their guarantees, so they may not care at all what the victims feel about the file encryption, even when the amount of the ransom is received into their accounts. Thus, paying ransom typically does not lead to a successful recovery. So, the users may simply lose their money for nothing.
Likewise, we urge you not to call the frauds as they advise. Do not move money into their wallets. There are no applications that could crack the Maos virus or restore the information at no cost. For that reason, the only correct choice is to restore the information from possible backups (if offered).
Virus Summary
| Name | Maos Ransomware |
| File Extension | maos |
| 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 .maos extension to all the files modified by it. |
| Distribution Method | Adware bundles and software cracks |
| Similar Infections | Lokas, Besub, Nusar |
| Maos Removal Tool | GridinSoft Anti-Malware |
| Maos Decryption Tool | Emsisoft Djvu Decryptor |
Do not forget that the Web is now full of infections comparable to the Maos virus. For example, this specific threat is basically similar to Brusaf and other ransomware-type infections. These harmful energies have been established in order to encrypt the important information and express the need for the users to pay the ransom. All these infections utilize the similar algorithm to generate the specific key for effective data decryption.
Unless the Maos ransomware is still under the development procedure or has actually got some concealed bugs, it is not possible to restore the data by hand. Thus, the only working service to prevent the loss of your crucial information is to regularly maintain current backups of all your important documents.
Another essential piece of advice is to save the backups on unique storage not connected to your primary PC. For example, you might keep it on the USB Flash Drive, or some external disk drive, or by using the cloud data storage services. Keeping the backups on your regular drive is extremely risky, since the backup may also be encrypted by the Maos .
Leakages for the Maos ransomware attack.
Maos uses lots of paths to penetrate the vulnerable computer systems. It is not certain what specific method was utilized in your case, however, the invasion may happen by means of the following channels:
- bundling with third-party programs, mainly free software;
- spam e-mails from the unidentified senders;
- websites supplying free hosting;
- P2P (peer-to-peer) torrent downloads.
There are times when the Maos virus may disguise itself as some authentic application, for example, through the deceptive alerts requiring installation of some software application upgrade. This is the most typical technique utilized by the frauds to inject the Maos ransomware files into the system. By doing this users partly take part in its installation, without clearly understanding the risk.
Additionally, the frauds might send unsolicited spam email with tricky signals motivating the people to open suspicious attachments or click some download links, for instance, those motivating individuals to open certain pictures, text files, tax files and other info.
No doubt, opening these files or clicking the destructive links might essentially damage the system. Fake Acrobat Reader update alerts may result in the Maos ransomware infiltration. Similarly, downloading the broken software application may additionally consist of the ransomware installer. The last but not the least, installation of Maos might occur through some Trojan horses that may be set up stealthily into the system and without the user’s direct approval and even consent.
Avoiding the Maos injection.
Obviously, there is no outright warranty that your computer will be constantly free of any malware attacks, however, we wish to share some useful suggestions with you to make it safer. Make sure to pay really close attention while browsing the web and particularly while getting cost-free programs. Do not open any dubious email attachments, especially if the sender is not known to you.
Do not forget that certain freeware installer may also consist of some other extra apps in the bundle. These additional applications may be very destructive. It is of utmost importance to keep your anti-virus software and your operating system in basic to be always effectively upgraded.
It is quite rational that downloading pirated software is unlawful, however, additionally, such unapproved programs use might likewise bring severe damage to your system. Hence, do not download any cracked programs. Plus, the reality that your current anti-virus did not safeguard the system from the Maos ransomware is a good factor for you to reevaluate your choices and switch to another program that can render the safeguarding functions on a much better level.
Below please find the quotation from the Maos 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 “.maos” extension added by the ransomware:”
Use GridinSoft Anti-Malware to remove Maos ransomware from your computer
1.Download GridinSoft Anti-Malware.
You can get 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 maos 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.
User Review
( votes)
