RansomwareRemoval Guide

Remove Moloch Virus (.[moloch_helpdesk@tutanota.com].moloch Files Ransomware) – Makop Ransomware

Moloch Virus Ransomware

The Moloch stands for a ransomware-type infection. The virus comes from the Makop ransomware family. Moloch was elaborated particularly to encrypt all major file types. Once the file is encrypted people are not able to use them. Moloch adds the “.[moloch_helpdesk@tutanota.com].moloch” extension for each file encrypted by it. For example, the file “myphoto.jpg“, when encrypted by Moloch, will be renamed into “myphoto.jpg.[moloch_helpdesk@tutanota.com].moloch“. As quickly as the encryption is finished, Moloch places a special text file into every folder containing the encrypted data.

The message given by Moloch text file requesting for the ransom is absolutely the like the statements given by other ransomware virus representatives belonging to the Makop family. It actually discusses that the info is encrypted and that the only way to bring back it is to use a an unique decryption key. Regretfully, this is definitely true. The sort of cryptography mechanism applied by Moloch is still not properly examined. Still, it is absolutely specific that each victim might be given the specific decryption key, which is totally distinct. It is impossible to bring back the files without the key available.

Another technique of Moloch is that the victims cannot access to the key. The key is stored on a particular server run by the frauds connected with Moloch ransomware. To get the key and recover the important information people need to pay the ransom.

Nevertheless, regardless of the requested quantity, people should keep away from paying the ransom virus. Cyber frauds are not fair, so they tend to entirely disregard what their victims feel about the problem, even when the payment reaches their pockets. This is why paying the ransom generally does not provide any positive result and people simply lose their money for nothing.

We highly recommend that you do not contact these crooks and definitely do not transfer money into their accounts. It is said to admit that there are no utilities able to crack Moloch ransomware and to recover the information data for free. Hence, the just best decision is to recover the lost information from the available backup.

Virus Summary

NameMoloch Ransomware
File Extension.[moloch_helpdesk@tutanota.com].moloch
TypeRansomware
FamilyMakop
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 [moloch_helpdesk@tutanota.com].moloch extension to all the files modified by it.
Distribution MethodSpam Emails, Email Attachments
Similar InfectionsFair, Zes, Shootlock
Removal Tool   GridinSoft Anti-Malware

Remember that the web is now overwhelmed with threats that look comparable to Moloch ransomware. It is similar Fair and many other ransomware-type threats. Destructive programs of such kind are typically elaborated to encrypt important information and to set forth the demand before the user to pay the ransom. The peculiarity of all such ransomware threats is that all apply a comparable algorithm to produce 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 merely not feasible. The only method to avoid the loss of your important information is to frequently create backups of your important information.

Keep in mind that even if you create such backups, they should be put into a special storage utility not connect to your main PC. You may use the USB Flash Drive or external hard disk for this purpose, or refer to the help of the cloud storage. If you save 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 PC?

There are several ways used by online scams to distribute Moloch ransomware. Although it is uncertain how precisely Moloch injects your system, there are some leaks through which it may penetrate the system:

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

Typically Moloch virus may be presented as some genuine software application, for instance, in the pop-ups advising users to execute some important software updates. This is the common trick used by online scams to persuade people into downloading and installing Moloch infection manually, by methods of their direct participation in the installation process.

In addition, the criminals might describe various e-mail spam strategies to inject malicious codes into copmuter. So, they may describe 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 photos, files, tax reports or invoices.

Needless to mention, opening such files or clicking on such dangerous links may severely harm the system. Fictitious Adobe Flash Player upgrade informs may result in Moloch virus injection. As for the cracked applications, these illegally downloaded programs may likewise include destructive codes resulting in Moloch secret installation. Finally, injection of Moloch may occur by methods of Trojans that secretly get injected into the system and install harmful utilities without the user’s authorization.

Is there any way to prevent the injection of Moloch ransom virus?

Despite the fact that there is no 100% guarantee to prevent your computer from getting infected, there are some pieces of suggestions we want to show with you. Firstly, be very cautious when you surf the web and specifically while downloading complimentary programs. Stay away from opening suspicious email attachments, especially when the sender of the email is not familiar to you.

Remember that some freeware installers may include other unwanted utilities in the bundle, so they may be harmful. Make sure that your current antivirus and your entire operating system is always appropriately updated.

Of course, downloading pirated software is prohibited and may result in essential damage to be made for your PC. For this reason, stay away from downloading cracked software. You are also strongly advised to reconsider your existing security software and potentially switch to another security solution that can render far better services of protecting your computer.

Below please find the quotation from the Moloch text file:

::: Greetings :::
 
Little FAQ:
.1.
Q: Whats Happen?
A: Your files have been encrypted and now have the \"moloch\" extension. The file structure was not damaged, we did everything possible so that this could not happen.
.2.
Q: How to recover files?
A: If you wish to decrypt your files you will need to pay in bitcoins.
.3.
Q: What about guarantees?
A: Its just a business. We absolutely do not care about you and your deals, except getting benefits. If we do not do our work and liabilities - nobody will cooperate with us. Its not in our interests.
To check the ability of returning files, you can send to us any 2 files with SIMPLE extensions(jpg,xls,doc, etc... not databases!) and low sizes(max 1 mb), we will decrypt them and send back to you. That is our guarantee.
.4.
Q: How to contact with you?
A: You can write us to our mailbox: moloch_helpdesk@tutanota.com or moloch_helpdesk@protonmail.ch
.5.
Q: How will the decryption process proceed after payment?
A: After payment we will send to you our scanner-decoder program and detailed instructions for use. With this program you will be able to decrypt all your encrypted files.
.6.
Q: If I don’t want to pay bad people like you?
A: If you will not cooperate with our service - for us, its does not matter. But you will lose your time and data, cause only we have the private key. In practice - time is much more valuable than money.
 
:::BEWARE:::
DON\'T try to change encrypted files by yourself!
If you will try to use any third party software for restoring your data or antivirus solutions - please make a backup for all encrypted files!
Any changes in encrypted files may entail damage of the private key and, as result, the loss all data.

Screenshot of files with “.[moloch_helpdesk@tutanota.com].moloch” extension added by the ransomware:
Moloch Ransomware - encrypt files with .[moloch_helpdesk@tutanota.com].moloch extension

Use GridinSoft Anti-Malware to remove Moloch 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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