RansomwareRemoval Guide

Remove MEDUSA Virus (.MEDUSA Files Ransomware)

MEDUSA Virus Ransomware

The MEDUSA stands for a ransomware-type infection. MEDUSA was elaborated particularly to encrypt all major file types. When the file is encrypted people are not able to use them. MEDUSA adds the “.MEDUSA” extension for each file encrypted by it. For example, the file “myphoto.jpg“, when encrypted by MEDUSA, will be renamed into “myphoto.jpg.MEDUSA“. As quickly as the encryption is finished, MEDUSA places a special text file into every folder containing the encrypted data.

The message given by MEDUSA text file requesting the ransom is absolutely the like the statements given by other ransomware virus representatives. It literally mentions that the information is encrypted and that the only way to restore it is to use a a distinct decryption key. Regretfully, this is absolutely true. The kind of cryptography mechanism applied by MEDUSA is still not correctly examined. Still, it is definitely specific that each victim may be given the specific decryption key, which is completely unique. It is impossible to bring back the files without the key available.

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

Nevertheless, regardless of the asked for quantity, people should keep away from paying the ransom. Cyber frauds are not fair, 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 normally does not give any positive result and people just lose their money for nothing.

We highly encourage that you do not contact these crooks and absolutely do not transfer money into their accounts. It is said to admit that there are no utilities able to crack MEDUSA ransomware and to recover the information data free of charge. Thus, the only right decision is to recover the lost information from the available backup.

Virus Summary

NameMEDUSA Ransomware
File Extension.MEDUSA
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 MEDUSA extension to all the files modified by it.
Distribution MethodSpam Emails, Email Attachments
Removal Tool   GridinSoft Anti-Malware

Bear in mind that the world wide web is now overwhelmed with threats that look similar to MEDUSA ransomware. Malicious programs of such kind are typically 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 similar algorithm to create the distinct decryption key for files 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 avoid the loss of your crucial data is to regularly create backups of your important information.

Keep in mind that even if you create such backups, they must be placed into a special storage utility not connect to your main PC. You may use the USB Flash Drive or external disk 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 together with other files, so it’s definitely not a good storage place.

How did ransomware infect my PC?

There are several methods used by online scams to distribute MEDUSA virus. Although it is uncertain how exactly MEDUSA injects your computer, there are some leaks through which it may infiltrate the system:

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

Frequently MEDUSA ransomware may exist as some legitimate software application, for example, in the pop-ups instructing users to carry out some important software application updates. This is the common trick used by online frauds to persuade people into downloading and installing MEDUSA infection manually, by ways of their direct participation in the installation process.

In addition, the criminals might refer to numerous e-mail spam tactics to inject harmful codes into PC. So, they may refer to to sending unsolicited spam e-mails with tricky notifications promoting users to download the attachments or click on certain download links, for example, the ones motivating users to open some video, files, tax reports or invoices.

Needless to mention, opening such files or clicking on such dangerous links may badly harm the system. Fictitious Adobe Flash Player update notifies may result in MEDUSA virus injection. As for the cracked software, these illegally downloaded programs may likewise include malicious codes resulting in MEDUSA secret installation. Lastly, injection of MEDUSA may occur by methods of Trojans that covertly get injected into the system and set up malicious utilities without the user’s consent.

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

Even though there is no 100% guarantee to prevent your system from getting infected, there are some pieces of guidance we wish to share with with you. First off, be really cautious when you browse the web and particularly while downloading free programs. Keep away from opening suspicious email attachments, especially when the sender of the email is not familiar to you.

Keep in mind that some freeware installers may consist of other unwanted utilities in the bundle, so they may be harmful. Make sure that your current anti-virus and your entire OS is always duly updated.

Naturally, downloading pirated software is prohibited and may result in necessary damage to be made for your PC. Thus, stay away from downloading cracked software. You are also highly recommended to reconsider your existing security software and potentially change to another security solution that can render much better services of protecting your computer.

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

Use GridinSoft Anti-Malware to remove MEDUSA 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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