How to remove Masons ransomware

Masons ransomware can turn users' personal files into blank page icons that cannot be opened

Masons ransomware is the name of a data-locking virus discovered recently by malware researchers. When it enters the operating system, it begins to use complex encryption algorithms to lock users' files. This includes personal information like photos, videos, and documents. It appends the .masons extension to the files.

Because the icons are changed to white pages, the files cannot be opened or even viewed in preview mode. A six62ix.txt ransom note is generated on the machine shortly after the encryption process is completed. Additionally, the desktop wallpaper is changed as well in order to intimidate victims more.

The ransom note

Masons ransomware generates a ransom note in a six62ix.txt file, which reads as follows:

Attention! All your files are encrypted!
To restore your files and access them,
send an SMS with the text – to the User Telegram

@mineralIaha/@root_king1

You have 1 attempts to enter the code. If this
amount is exceeded, all data will irreversibly deteriorate. Be
careful when entering the code!

Glory @six62ix

This is a ransom note sent by cybercriminals who have encrypted the user's device's files. They are requesting that the user contact them via Telegram and pay a ransom in exchange for the files to be decrypted. It is strongly advised not to contact or pay the cybercriminals, as this may result in additional attacks or financial loss.

Furthermore, paying a ransom does not guarantee that the files will be decrypted, and there have been numerous instances of cybercriminals failing to keep their end of the bargain.

Protect yourself against ransomware attacks

It is unknown what specific methods Masons ransomware uses to spread. However, there are some general methods used by cybercriminals. Typically, malicious code^[1] is introduced by an executable file (.exe) that was in a zip folder, embedded within the macros^[2] of a Microsoft Office document, or disguised as a fax or other viable attachment. This is usually due to user error and a lack of awareness of security risks.

Many people prefer to install “cracked” software^[3] because they do not want to pay for licenses. They have no idea that the websites that distribute these programs are breeding grounds for PUPs (potentially unwanted programs)^[4] and malware. They are unregulated and dangerous. Almost every download contains some sort of malicious file, so they should never be trusted.

Hackers' most common method of distribution is to exploit OS or software vulnerabilities. That is why it is critical to keep everything current. Software developers frequently release security updates for newly discovered vulnerabilities, so you may be vulnerable if you do not.

Another thing to remember is not to believe everything you see. To entice you, threat actors employ a variety of phishing techniques. This could be a malicious email attachment or a malicious URL. Fraudsters can use your friend list to make it appear more legitimate, so it is best to double-check with the person via another platform before opening anything, as you could put your entire local network at risk.

Use professional security tools to eliminate malicious files

The critical thing to do is disconnect the affected machine from the local network. For home users, disconnecting the ethernet cable should do the job. If this happened at your workplace, doing that might be complicated, so we have instructions for corporate environments at the bottom of this post.

If you try to recover your data first, it can result in permanent loss. It can also encrypt your files the second time. It will not stop until you remove the malicious files causing it first. You should not attempt removing the malicious program yourself unless you have experience.

Use anti-malware tools like SpyHunterCombo Cleaner or MalwarebytesMalwarebytes to scan your system. This security software should find all the related files and entries and remove them automatically for you. In some cases, malware is not letting you use antivirus in normal mode, so you need to access Safe Mode and perform a full system scan from there:

Windows 7 / Vista / XP

1. Click Start > Shutdown > Restart > OK.
2. When your computer becomes active, start pressing the F8 button (if that does not work, try F2, F12, Del, etc. – it all depends on your motherboard model) multiple times until you see the Advanced Boot Options window.
3. Select Safe Mode with Networking from the list.

Windows 10 / Windows 8

1. Right-click on the Start button and select Settings.
   
2. Scroll down to pick Update & Security.
3. On the left side of the window, pick Recovery.
4. Now scroll down to find the Advanced Startup section.
5. Click Restart now.
6. Select Troubleshoot.
7. Go to Advanced options.
8. Select Startup Settings.
9. Click Restart.
10. Press 5 or click 5) Enable Safe Mode with Networking.

Fix system errors to prevent Windows reinstallation

Performance, stability, and usability issues, to the point where a complete Windows reinstall is required, are expected after a malware infection. These types of infections can alter the Windows registry database, damage vital bootup and other sections, delete or corrupt DLL files, etc. Once a system file is damaged by malware, antivirus software is not able to repair it. 

This is why FortectIntego was developed. It can fix a lot of the damage caused by an infection like this. Blue Screen errors, freezes, registry errors, damaged DLLs, etc., can make your computer completely unusable. By using this maintenance tool, you could avoid Windows reinstallation.

• Download the application by clicking on the link above
• Click on the ReimageRepair.exe
  
• If User Account Control (UAC) shows up, select Yes
• Press Install and wait till the program finishes the installation process
• The analysis of your machine will begin immediately
• Once complete, check the results – they will be listed in the Summary
• You can now click on each of the issues and fix them manually
• If you see many problems that you find difficult to fix, we recommend you purchase the license and fix them automatically.

File recovery options

Many people think that they can fix their files with anti-malware tools, but that is not what they are designed for. All the security tools can do is detect suspicious processes in your system and eliminate malicious files. The truth is, the files can be restored only with a decryption key or software that only cybercriminals have.

If you did not back up your data previously, you possibly lost your files forever. You can try using data recovery software, but third-party programs cannot always decrypt the files. We suggest at least trying this method. Before proceeding, you have to copy the corrupted files and place them in a USB flash drive or another storage. And remember – only do this if you have already removed the Masons ransomware.

Before you begin, several pointers are essential while dealing with this situation:

• Since the encrypted data on your computer might permanently be damaged by security or data recovery software, you should first make backups of it – use a USB flash drive or another storage.
• Only attempt to recover your files using this method after you perform a scan with anti-malware software.

Install data recovery software

1. Download Data Recovery Pro.
2. Double-click the installer to launch it.
3. Follow on-screen instructions to install the software.
4. As soon as you press Finish, you can use the app.
5. Select Everything or pick individual folders where you want the files to be recovered from.
6. Press Next.
7. At the bottom, enable Deep scan and pick which Disks you want to be scanned.
8. Press Scan and wait till it is complete.
9. You can now pick which folders/files to recover – don't forget you also have the option to search by the file name!
10. Press Recover to retrieve your files.