Maos Virus Removal Guide (+Decrypt .maos files)

Maos Virus – Details

Maos is a malicious software application working as typical ransomware. Michael Gillespie, the widely known virus researcher, first found this new name in the DJVU ransomware family.

Maos was created for the sole purpose to encrypt all popular file types. Logically, as quickly as the encryption is effectively achieved, the users are not able to get access to them. Maos virus includes its own “.maos” to all the encrypted files. For instance, the file “price_list.xls”, once modified by Maos, will be entitled as “price_list.xls.maos”. Once the file encryption is achieved, Maos puts its own special text file (_readme.txt) into all the folders that keep the encrypted files.

The alert mentioned by _readme.txt asking for the random os extremely similar to the alerts offered by other ransomware hazards belonging to the DJVU family. The warning essentially indicates that the information has been encrypted and the only option to get access to it is to use a distinct standalone key. Regretfully, this statement is absolutely true.

The method to encrypt the files utilized by Maos is not completely looked into. However, there is no doubt that each computer owner might be released a special decryption key, which is absolutely special. It is incredibly difficult to recover the data without the appropriate type in location.

“Don’t worry, you can return all your files!”, from _readme.txt message:

One more peculiarity of the Maos infection is that the users are not able to get access to the key. The decrypting key is hosted on an unique server under the complete control by the scoundrels who have released the Maos infection into the internet. In order to obtain the key and restore the important information, the users are told to get in touch with the frauds through email or by telegram and to pay the ransom in the amount of $980.

The message likewise says that the people need to contact the Maos authors within 72 hours upon the moment of the information encryption. The alert indicates that by doing so individuals will get a 50% discount rate, therefore, the ransom quantity falls to $490.

No matter what the quantity of the ransom is, we strongly recommend that you do not pay the ransom. There is no guarantee that these online scoundrels will keep their promises, so they may not care at all what the victims feel about the file encryption, even when the amount of the ransom is gotten into their accounts. Hence, paying ransom frequently does not lead to a successful recovery. So, the users might just lose their money for absolutely nothing.

Similarly, we prompt you not to get in touch with the scams as they instruct. Do not transfer cash into their wallets. There are no applications that could crack the Maos virus or bring back the information at no cost. Therefore, the only appropriate choice is to restore the information from possible backups (if readily available).

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 Internet is now filled with infections comparable to the Maos virus. For instance, this particular risk is basically similar to Brusaf and other ransomware-type infections. These damaging energies have been established in order to encrypt the crucial information and reveal the demand for the users to pay the ransom. All these infections utilize the identical algorithm to generate the particular key for successful files decryption.

Unless the Maos ransomware is still under the advancement process or has actually got some concealed bugs, it is not possible to restore the information manually. Thus, the only working service to prevent the loss of your important data is to frequently preserve up-to-date backups of all your important data.

Another important piece of suggestions is to keep the backups on unique storage not connected to your primary PC. For example, you might save it on the USB Flash Drive, or some external hard disk, or by using the cloud data storage services. Keeping the backups on your routine drive is really dangerous, because the backup may likewise be secured by the Maos infection.

Leakages for the Maos ransomware attack.

Maos utilizes numerous paths to penetrate the vulnerable computer systems. It is not specific what specific method was used in your case, nevertheless, the intrusion may happen via the following channels:

  • bundling with third-party programs, mainly free apps;
  • spam e-mails from the unidentified senders;
  • sites providing free hosting;
  • P2P (peer-to-peer) torrent downloads.

There are times when the Maos ransomware may disguise itself as some genuine application, for instance, through the deceptive alerts demanding setup of some software upgrade. This is the most common trick utilized by the frauds to inject the Maos ransomware files into the system. This way users partially take part in its setup, without plainly comprehending the risk.

Furthermore, the frauds might send out unsolicited spam email with tricky signals motivating individuals to open dubious attachments or click some download links, for instance, those encouraging individuals to open particular photos, text files, tax files and other info.

No doubt, opening these files or clicking on the harmful links might essentially damage the system. Fake Media Player upgrade alerts may lead to the Maos ransomware infiltration. Likewise, downloading the cracked software application may in addition consist of the ransomware installer. The last however not the least, setup of Maos may occur through some Trojan horses that may be installed stealthily into the system and without the user’s direct permission and even permission.

Preventing the Maos injection.

Obviously, there is no outright guarantee that your computer will be constantly devoid of any malware attacks, however, we wish to share some useful pointers with you to make it much safer. Make sure to pay extremely close attention while browsing the web and particularly while downloading cost-free programs. Do not open any suspicious email accessories, specifically if the sender is not understood to you.

Do not forget that certain freeware installer might likewise include some other additional apps in the package. These extra applications might be very harmful. It is of utmost value to keep your anti-virus software application and your operating system in general to be constantly effectively updated.

It is rather sensible that downloading cracked software is illegal, however, in addition, such unapproved apps use may likewise bring serious damage to your PC. Thus, do not download any split programs. Plus, the fact that your existing anti-virus did not safeguard the system from the Maos ransomware is a great reason for you to reassess your options and switch to another program that can render the securing 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 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.

Use Emsisoft Decryptor for restore maos files

You can get Emsisoft Decryptor by clicking the button below:

  Emsisoft Decryptor

  1. Run the decryptor as an administrator. The license terms will show up, which you have to agree to by clicking the “Yes” button.
  2. Once the license terms are accepted, the primary decryptor user interface opens.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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
  6. 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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Daniel Zimmermann

Daniel Zimmermann has been writing on security and malware subjects for many years and has been working in the security industry for over 10 years. Daniel was educated at the Saarland University in Saarbrücken, Germany and currently lives in New York.

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