How to remove .Merry file extension virus

.Merry file extension virus converts files into useless records that cannot be opened

.Merry file extension virus belongs to Merry Christmas ransomware family. This virus is also known under Merry X-Mas! Ransomware name, and, just like its name suggests, it is a Christmas-themed program^[1]. However, this program was not developed to get you into Christmas spirit – most likely it will ruin the holidays for you. The virus is actively distributed in 2017^[2] as well, so beware not to install it to your computer accidentally. When this virus steps into a target computer, it drags Diamondfox malware (virus that connects compromised devices into a botnet) into it and encrypts all files^[3] that it finds and appends a .merry file extension to each of them. We must mention that there are different versions of this virus, and while part of them use .merry file extension, other might be adding .PEGS1, .RARE1 OR .MRCR1 file extensions to encrypted data. Please note that these files can no longer be opened until someone decrypts them. Sadly, data decryption can be done only with the help of special key that cybercriminals have on their secret servers – and criminals suggest buying it for a certain price. That is why the virus creates and saves MERRY_I_LOVE_YOU.HTA file on the desktop, which contains instructions on how to pay the ransom and restore encrypted files.

Now the interesting part is that the virus authors pretend to be directly related to a security firm known as Comodo. This company is entirely legitimate and has nothing to do with this virus. The ransomware provides Telegram address @comodosecurity and email comodosec@india.com (or comodosec@yandex.ru) and says that the victim should contact them using these communication methods. We assume that criminals wanted to appear credible, although it is clear that they are not. Frauds then ask the victim to transfer a certain amount of money to them via Bitcoin^[4] payment system (pay a ransom). No one can say if criminals actually provide the decryption key, so we do not recommend paying the ransom. The ideal solution would be to remove .MERRY file extension virus and restore your files from a backup, but if you do not have it, sadly, you are entangled in a much more complicated situation. We suggest you complete .MERRY removal and try data recovery methods described at the end of this post. If you do not have any program that could remove the virus for you, we suggest using FortectIntego software.

How does ransomware virus enter a target system?

An absolute majority of computer viruses are distributed via phishing emails^[5] and so does .Merry virus. Your PC can suddenly become an infected machine right after opening a compromised email attachment, so better resist the urge to open interesting-looking emails if they were sent to you from unknown companies or individuals. You need to memorize the fact that cybercriminals do everything to make these phishing emails look reliable. Therefore, they will copy and paste every logo and detail from legitimate emails (for example, automatic response letters from PayPal or Amazon) to trick you into opening links or files attached to them. Apparently, such move would only drop a malicious file on your system, which, once executed, encrypts all target files with strong encryption ciphers and makes them inaccessible. Besides staying away from suspicious emails, you should also:

1. Keep all programs up-to-date or enable automatic updates.
2. Install anti-malware software (alone or along with antivirus software).
3. Stay away from suspicious websites online and avoid clicking on click bait articles or catchy-looking ads.

How can I remove .Merry file extension virus?

If your files are corrupted, and you no longer can open them, and also if they all have .MERRY file extensions, you should wait no longer and remove .MERRY virus immediately. For that, you should install and use the anti-malware program. If you do not own it yet, we advise you to use the one our team recommends. Before you run this program, make sure you prepare your PC for it. You can find .MERRY removal instructions right below this post.