How to remove Monument ransomware virus

Monument ransomware virus: What to expect from the new member of the Jigsaw family?

Monument virus is a new version of the Jigsaw ransomware. Malware researchers managed to decrypt Jigsaw^[1] quite quickly; thus, new versions of the malware keep emerging. This brand new file-encrypting virus is also known under the DarkLocker name. The virus is a splendid example of scareware.^[2] It locks affected computer’s screen and informs about encrypted files. Authors of the Monument ransomware claim that virus attack is a result of watching porn. However, now victims are supposed to transfer 0.15 Bitcoin within 24 hours time in order to get back access to the files. After 24 hour deadline, the size of the ransom increase to 0.20 Bitcoins. What is more, hackers try to convince that delaying and avoiding transferring the payment might lead to unpleasant consequences. According to the ransom message, the virus might delete 1-5 files every single hour. What is more, if hackers do not receive Bitcoins within 48 hours, they will delete all encrypted files. Indeed, this might sound terrifying for the majority of computer users. However, you should not panic and focus on the things that matter the most. In fact, you should concentrate on Monument removal. Later you can think of data recovery possibilities.

All file-encrypting viruses append a particular file extension to the targeted documents, video, audio, video and other corrupted files. Though, Monument ransomware adds a quite unique extension. Corrupted filenames include payment instructions. Hence, encrypted file name might look like picture.jpg.To unlock your files send 0.15 Bitcoins to 1P87AphL2mETbyxLV18oJYXgsJxwLfgYiz within 24 hours 0.20 after 24 hours. Moreover, judging from the multilingual ransom note, hackers have ambitious goals to spread Monument ransomware worldwide. The scary ransom-demanding message is written in English, Russian and Spanish languages. Thus, it might be hard to hide from this crypto-malware. However if you already encountered the youngest member of the Jigsaw family, we want to give you a piece of advice. Do not let hackers scare you. Losing your files might look like the end of the world, especially if you do not back up regularly. Instead of rushing to pay the ransom^[3], remove Monument from the PC with a help of FortectIntego. Bear in mind that the original version of the virus is decryptable. Though, malware researchers might find the way to recover encrypted files soon. Meanwhile, you can try additional methods to retrieve encoded documents.

Methods of transmission

Monument malware has been noticed spreading in the bundle with Imminent Monitor remote administration tool (RAT). However, the developers of Jigsaw use various distribution methods and strategies to infect as many computers as possible. Thus, the research of previous versions of the virus allows making the assumptions that this extortionist spread similarly. The virus might get inside the computer after clicking on a malicious email attachment^[4] or infected advertisement. Users might also encounter this ransomware after installing bogus software or updates, or with a help of exploit kits. Thus, if Monument virus hasn’t attacked your personal files yet, you should be careful and prepared for the worst. Apart from taking all necessary security precautions^[5], you should also make data backups and keep them in the external storage. If you make a tiny mistake and file-encrypting virus manages to sneak inside, backups will save you from giving the money to cyber criminals.

Deletion of Monument ransomware virus

File-encrypting viruses belong to the group of the most dangerous cyber infections. Hence, their elimination should not be delayed and performed correctly. For Monument removal, you need to employ professional malware removal tools, such as SpyHunterCombo Cleaner or FortectIntego. Malware might prevent you from installing or accessing security software; though, you might need to disable the virus. The instructions how to do it are presented below. Don’t forget that disabling the virus does not mean deletion. When you disable the virus, you need to run a full system scan with your chosen software several times. After ransomware attack, data recovery seems the biggest issue for the victims. Sadly, it’s not enough to remove Monument from the PC to decrypt the files. If you do not have data backups, you should try additional recovery methods presented below.