Remove Monero Virus (.monero Files Ransomware) – Xorist Ransomware

Monero – Ransomware

The Monero mean a ransomware-type infection. The virus comes from the Xorist ransomware family. Monero was elaborated specifically to encrypt all major file types. Once the file is encrypted people are not able to use them. Monero adds the “.monero” extension for each file encrypted by it. For example, the file “myphoto.jpg“, once encrypted by Monero, will be renamed into “myphoto.jpg.monero“. As quickly as the encryption is finished, Monero places a special text file into every folder containing the encrypted data.

The message given by Monero text file requesting the ransom is definitely the same as the statements given by other ransomware virus representatives belonging to the Xorist clan. It actually discusses that the info is encrypted which the only way to bring back it is to use a a distinct decryption key. Regretfully, this is definitely true. The kind of cryptography mechanism used by Monero is still not correctly examined. Still, it is absolutely certain that each victim might be given the specific decryption key, which is completely unique. It is impossible to restore the files without the key available.

Another trick of Monero is that the victims cannot gain access to the key. The key is kept on a particular server run by the frauds related to Monero ransomware. To get the key and recover the important info people need to pay the ransom.

Nevertheless, regardless of the asked for amount, people must stay away from paying the virus. Cyber frauds are not fair, so they tend to completely 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 lose their money for absolutely 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 Monero ransomware and to recover the data data for free. Hence, the just best decision is to recover the lost information from the available backup.

Virus Summary

Name	Monero Ransomware
File Extension	.monero
Type	Ransomware
Family	Xorist
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 monero extension to all the files modified by it.
Distribution Method	Spam Emails, Email Attachments
Removal Tool	GridinSoft Anti-Malware

Remember that the internet is now overwhelmed with threats that look similar to Monero ransomware. Harmful programs of such kind are usually elaborated to encrypt important data 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 similar algorithm to create the distinct decryption key for data decryption.

Hence, 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 essential information is to frequently 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 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 along with other files, so it’s definitely not a good storage place.

How did ransomware infect my system?

There are numerous methods used by online scams to distribute Monero ransomware. Despite the fact that it is uncertain how precisely Monero injects your system, there are some leaks through which it may penetrate the system:

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

Typically Monero ransomware may exist as some genuine software, for example, in the pop-ups instructing users to carry out some essential software updates. This is the common trick used by online frauds to persuade people into downloading and installing Monero infection manually, by means of their direct participation in the installation process.

Additionally, the criminals may refer to different e-mail spam tactics to inject destructive codes into systems. So, they may refer to to sending unsolicited spam emails with tricky notices promoting users to download the attachments or click on certain download links, for example, the ones encouraging users to open some video, documents, tax reports or invoices.

Needless to mention, opening such files or clicking on such dangerous links may significantly harm the system. Fictitious Adobe Flash Player update informs may result in Monero virus injection. As for the cracked applications, these illegally downloaded programs may also include harmful codes leading to Monero secret installation. Finally, injection of Monero may take place by methods of Trojans that privately get injected into the system and set up harmful utilities without the user’s authorization.

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

Despite the fact that there is no 100% guarantee to avoid your PC from getting infected, there are some pieces of recommendations we wish to show with you. To start with, be extremely cautious when you browse the web and especially while downloading free apps. 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 consist of other unwanted utilities in the package, so they may be destructive. Make certain that your current antivirus and your entire operating system is always appropriately updated.

Obviously, downloading pirated software is unlawful and may result in essential damage to be produced your PC. Hence, stay away from downloading cracked software. You are also strongly encouraged to reconsider your existing security software and perhaps switch to another security solution that can render better services of defending your Windows.

Below please find the quotation from the Monero text file:

ALERT!
Your files have been encrypted!
You cannot decrypt your files without us so any usage of \"file recovery\" programs will result in the corruption of your files. You have 4 tries for the password or the data gets corrupted.
Here is what to do.
You pay $777.00 in XMR also known as Monero to our wallet. You will have up to 2 WEEKS to make the transaction to our address. Our address is:
8AYwkMcyDfbjUN7Pnh5j2iczeVEyLCNqAep4XBdMDoSkDDTyaDZ9mXkFwY42KFCAGBhBW1Gepp6RLbAGzJdfE76iPzxc4mV
We recommend you buy the XMR on a website called localmonero. (hxxps://localmonero.co)
There are numerous ways to purchase Monero on the website. (Cash app, Venmo, Bank wire)
But the choice is entirely up to you.
After you make your payment you MUST email us at exploitation@legalplus.fr to receive your decryption key. Attach the transaction ID as well so we can verify your purchase. After your payment gets processed we will send you the key. Run Game.exe to decrypt files.
Good luck!

Screenshot of files with “.monero” extension added by the ransomware:

Use GridinSoft Anti-Malware to remove Monero 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.