Remove MessedUp Virus (.[ICQ@FIREYOURITGUY].messedup Files Ransomware) – Phobos Ransomware

MessedUp – Ransomware

The MessedUp stands for a ransomware-type infection. The infection comes from the Phobos ransomware family. MessedUp was elaborated specifically to encrypt all major file types. As soon as the file is encrypted people are unable to use them. MessedUp adds the “.[ICQ@FIREYOURITGUY].messedup” extension for each file encrypted by it. For example, the file “myphoto.jpg“, when encrypted by MessedUp, will be renamed into “myphoto.jpg.[ICQ@FIREYOURITGUY].messedup“. As quickly as the encryption is finished, MessedUp places a special text file into every folder containing the encrypted data.

The message given by MessedUp text file asking for the ransom is absolutely the same as the statements given by other ransomware virus representatives belonging to the Phobos family. It actually discusses that the information is encrypted which the only way to restore it is to use a an unique decryption key. Regretfully, this is absolutely true. The sort of cryptography mechanism applied by MessedUp is still not correctly examined. Still, it is absolutely particular that each victim might be given the specific decryption key, which is completely distinct. It is difficult to bring back the files without the key available.

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

However, regardless of the asked for quantity, people must keep away from paying the virus. Cyber frauds are not fair, so they tend to completely ignore what their victims feel about the problem, even when the payment reaches their pockets. This is why paying the ransom usually does not provide any positive outcome and people just lose their money for nothing.

We strongly recommend 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 MessedUp ransomware and to recover the information data for free. Thus, the only best decision is to recover the lost data from the available backup.

Virus Summary

Name	MessedUp Ransomware
File Extension	.[ICQ@FIREYOURITGUY].messedup
Type	Ransomware
Family	Phobos
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 and RSA encryption algorithms. Once the encryption is completed, the ransomware adds its special [ICQ@FIREYOURITGUY].messedup extension to all the files modified by it.
Distribution Method	Spam Emails, Email Attachments
Similar Infections	Isos, Pewpew, Horse
Removal Tool	GridinSoft Anti-Malware

Keep in mind that the internet is now overwhelmed with threats that look similar to MessedUp ransomware. It is similar Isos and many other ransomware-type threats. Destructive programs of such kind are normally elaborated to encrypt essential information and to set forth the need before the user to pay the ransom. The peculiarity of all such ransomware threats is that all apply a comparable algorithm to produce the unique decryption key for data decryption.

Thus, as long as the ransomware is still being developed or has some hidden bugs, manually recovering the information is simply not feasible. The only way to prevent the loss of your important data is to frequently create backups of your important information.

Keep in mind that even if you create such backups, they need to be placed into a special storage utility not connect to your main PC. You may use the Memory Stick 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 certainly not a good storage location.

How did ransomware infect my system?

There are several methods used by online scams to distribute MessedUp virus. Even though it doubts how precisely MessedUp injects your computer, there are some leaks through which it may infiltrate the system:

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

Typically MessedUp ransomware might exist as some legitimate software, for instance, in the pop-ups instructing users to execute some crucial software application updates. This is the common trick used by online frauds to persuade people into downloading and installing MessedUp infection manually, by means of their direct participation in the installation process.

Additionally, the criminals may describe different e-mail spam methods to inject harmful codes into copmuter. So, they may refer to to sending unsolicited spam e-mails with tricky notices promoting users to download the attachments or click on certain download links, for example, the ones encouraging users to open some photos, files, tax reports or invoices.

Needless to mention, opening such documents or clicking on such dangerous links may significantly harm the PC. Fictitious Adobe Flash Player upgrade informs may result in MessedUp ransom injection. As for the cracked applications, these illegally downloaded programs may likewise consist of harmful codes resulting in MessedUp secret installation. Lastly, injection of MessedUp may happen by ways of Trojans that covertly get injected into the system and install destructive utilities without the user’s approval.

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

Even though there is no 100% guarantee to prevent your system from getting infected, there are some pieces of recommendations we wish to share with with you. First of all, be extremely mindful when you surf the web and specifically while downloading complimentary 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 include other unwanted utilities in the bundle, so they may be malicious. Make certain that your current antivirus software and your entire operating system is always appropriately updated.

Of course, downloading pirated software is prohibited and may lead to vital damage to be made for your PC. Thus, stay away from downloading cracked software. You are also highly encouraged to reconsider your existing security software and possibly change to another security solution that can render much better services of defending your system.

Below please find the quotation from the MessedUp text file:

info.hta: 

ATTENTION!!!!
Unfortunately for you, a major IT security weakness left you open to attack, your files have been encrypted with ciphers more advanced than those used for diplomatic communications, you can spend days and months searching for a magical way to decrypt your files, but rest assured we are the only people who can help you recover your files, there is no free tool
If you want to restore them, install ICQ software on your PC https://icq.com/windows/ or on your mobile phone search in Appstore / Google market \"ICQ\"
Write to our ICQ @FIREYOURITGUY https://icq.im/FIREYOURITGUY
Write this ID in the title of your message C279F237-2797
Free decryption as guarantee
Before paying you can send us up to 5 files for free decryption. The total size of files must be less than 4Mb (non archived), and files should not contain valuable information. (databases,backups, large excel sheets, etc.)
Attention!
Do not rename encrypted files.
Do not try to decrypt your data using third party software, it may cause permanent data loss.
Decryption of your files with the help of third parties may cause increased price (they add their fee to our) or you can become a victim of a scam.
==========================================

info.txt:

If you are the IT manager and you are reading this, that means that you messed up, you were asleep at the wheel. Contact us and we can resolve this situation without major complication, if you are the owner of the company and you are reading this than the decision is yours, throw your hard drives in the trash or contact us and pay a nominal fee to recover your data, but know that your security practices have failed you and either way something needs to be done
If you want to restore them, install ICQ software on your PC hxxps://icq.com/windows/ or on your mobile phone search in Appstore / Google market \"ICQ\"
Write to our ICQ @FIREYOURITGUY hxxps://icq.im/FIREYOURITGUY
Attention!
Do not rename encrypted files.
Do not try to decrypt your data using third party software, it may cause permanent data loss.

Screenshot of files with “.[ICQ@FIREYOURITGUY].messedup” extension added by the ransomware:

Use GridinSoft Anti-Malware to remove MessedUp 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.