RansomwareRemoval Guide

Remove Masons Virus (.masons Files Ransomware)

Masons – Ransomware

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

The message given by Masons text file requesting for the ransom is absolutely the same as the statements given by other ransomware representatives. It literally mentions that the info is encrypted and that the only way to restore it is to use a a special decryption key. Unfortunately, this is absolutely true. The type of cryptography mechanism used by Masons is still not correctly examined. Still, it is definitely certain that each victim might be given the specific decryption key, which is totally distinct. It is impossible to restore the files without the key available.

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

However, regardless of the requested quantity, people must stay away from paying the virus. Cyber frauds are unfair, so they tend to totally ignore what their victims feel about the issue, even when the payment reaches their pockets. This is why paying the ransom generally does not give any positive result and people simply waste their money for absolutely nothing.

We strongly advise 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 Masons ransomware and to recover the data data totally free. Hence, the only right decision is to recover the lost data from the available backup.

Virus Summary

NameMasons Ransomware
File Extension.masons
TypeRansomware
Short DescriptionThe 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.
SymptomsFile 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 masons extension to all the files modified by it.
Distribution MethodSpam Emails, Email Attachments
Removal Tool   GridinSoft Anti-Malware

Remember that the world wide web is now overwhelmed with threats that look comparable to Masons ransomware. Malicious programs of such kind are generally elaborated to encrypt crucial information and to set forth the demand prior to the user to pay the ransom. The peculiarity of all such ransomware threats is that all apply a comparable algorithm to generate the distinct decryption key for data decryption.

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

Bear in mind 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 Flash Drive or external hard drive for this purpose, or refer to the help of the cloud storage. If you keep your backup files on your common system they may be encrypted in addition to other files, so it’s absolutely not a good storage location.

How did ransomware infect my computer?

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

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

Often Masons ransomware might be presented as some legitimate software, for example, in the pop-ups instructing users to execute some crucial software application updates. This is the typical trick used by online frauds to persuade people into downloading and installing Masons infection manually, by methods of their direct participation in the installation process.

Furthermore, the criminals might describe numerous e-mail spam tactics to inject destructive codes into PC. 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 encouraging users to open some receipts, files, tax reports or invoices.

Needless to mention, opening such documents or clicking on such dangerous links may seriously harm the PC. Fictitious Adobe Flash Player update notifies may result in Masons ransom injection. When it comes to the cracked applications, these illegally downloaded programs may likewise contain destructive codes causing Masons secret installation. Lastly, injection of Masons may occur by ways of Trojans that secretly get injected into the system and install destructive utilities without the user’s permission.

Is there any way to prevent the injection of Masons ransomware?

Although there is no 100% guarantee to prevent your PC from getting infected, there are some pieces of suggestions we want to show with you. To start with, be extremely cautious when you surf the web and specifically while downloading totally free programs. 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 consist of other unwanted utilities in the package, so they may be harmful. Ensure that your current antivirus and your entire OS is always appropriately updated.

Obviously, downloading pirated software is illegal and may result in important damage to be produced your system. Thus, stay away from downloading cracked software. You are likewise highly recommended to reconsider your existing security software and potentially switch to another security solution that can render better services of defending your PC.

Screenshot of files with “.masons” extension added by the ransomware:
Masons Ransomware - encrypt files with .masons extension

Use GridinSoft Anti-Malware to remove Masons 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.
GridinSoft Anti-Malware
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.
GridinSoft Anti-Malware Setup

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

GridinSoft Anti-Malware Install

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

GridinSoft Anti-Malware  Start

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.
GridinSoft Anti-Malware Scan

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.
GridinSoft Anti-Malware Scan Result

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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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