How to remove Mcafee ransomware

Mcafee ransomware is a file locking  virus that has nothing to do with the global computer security software company

Mcafee ransomware is a data-locking computer infection that specializes in money extortion. Despite its name being copied from the prominent security solution maker, the virus has nothing to do with the company and instead stems from an established malware family known as Xorist ransomware. Other versions include ZaLtOn, ZoNiSoNaL, and PAY IN 24 HOURS.

Malware uses the RSA encryption algorithm to encode data and then appends .Mcafee file extension, preventing users from accessing it. Documents, pictures, videos, and other personal files are affected – threat actors choose these file types to make a significant impact and make victims pay the ransom, which is demanded in the ransom note HOW TO DECRYPT FILES.txt. 

The note, which is written in Spanish (which could mean that the attacks are localized or that the developers are Spanish speakers), is mocking victims, claiming that it is ironic that Mcafee virus has locked their all personal files. No contact details or the ransom size is not provided, so there is a chance that the decryption tool could be retrieved from the malicious actors.

Mcafee ransomware virus is most likely distributed in a variety of ways, including spam email attachments, weak RDP configuration, fake updates, exploits, cracks or keygens, and similar. To prevent being infected with malware and avoid virus damage as well as lost files, refer to the second section.

But first, you have to remove Mcafee ransomware virus from your PC using security software that can detect^[1] the threat – we recommend using SpyHunterCombo Cleaner or MalwarebytesMalwarebytes. Additionally, FortectIntego software is capable of repairing the damage done to the computer system files, which prevents crashes and other issues post-infection.

Before Mcafee virus encrypts data, it performs various changes to the system, including Windows Registry modification, import of files, shutting down of various system processes, etc. Once complete, malware begins a scan to locate all the data that uses a list of extensions that are predetermined by Mcafee ransomware authors.

Once locked, data becomes inaccessible and .Mcafee extension is added to each of the files. The ransom note states the following:

Usted fue encriptado por Mcafee que ironia no?

Which, translated from Spanish means “Mcafee encrypted your files is it not ironic?.” While virus authors try to be whimsical, this situation is anything but funny for the victims, as their files are in danger.

Mcafee virus is not decryptable currently, and there is no way to contact criminals either (although industry experts^[2] generally discourage people from paying the ransom). Therefore, if you got infected, you should first perform Mcafee ransomware removal, and then either use backups or third-party data recovery software – we provide all the instructions below.

.Mcafee file recovery options

As evident, the safest and best way of recovering from a ransomware attack is by restoring data from backups. Unfortunately, most users who get infected with ransomware have never dealt with this type of computer infection before and never prepared by creating effective backups. Inexperience within the IT field is also the reason why many users believe that anti-malware software can return the locked files back to normal – it is far from the truth, as data remains encrypted even after malware is deleted fully.

So, many of you might be asking how to recover .Mcafee files without backups. Unfortunately, the answer is not that simple. As soon as the encryption process is deployed, data is encrypted with a strong encryption algorithm, which means that the “password” needed to unlock files is unique and only accessible to the attackers.

No specific software exists that could remove .Mcafee extension and make the data accessible again. However, there are a few alternatives that might just be able to help you in some cases. Below is our recovery section, you will find a few tips on how to restore encrypted data there, although keep in mind that malware needs to fail to delete Shadow Copies from your Windows system for these methods to work.

Do not get tricked by cybercriminals – be attentive online

Hackers who create ransomware viruses are usually sophisticated people (although some malware can be used as Ransomware-as-a-service^[3] – then anybody can employ the malicious code for money extortion). Therefore, they use various tricks to make victims install the payload. The most commonly used tactic is phishing, although more sophisticated options like brute-forcing and software vulnerabilities are also used.

Therefore, follow this guide to reduce the possibility of ransomware infection:

• Use strong passwords for all your accounts (do not reuse it!) and employ VPN when using RDP;
• Patch your system and installed software as soon as updates are released;
• Download updates and software from reputable sources only and avoid third-party sites;
• Disable Adobe Flash;
• Run a reputable anti-malware solution;
• Be very cautious when opening emails from unknown sources. The included attachments or hyperlinks can lead to ransomware infection;
• Do not click on suspicious links or explore websites you were redirected to.

Remove Mcafee ransomware with the help of security application

Mcafee ransomware removal should not be a complicated task, as long as you follow our instructions below and use sufficient security software (such as SpyHunterCombo Cleaner or MalwarebytesMalwarebytes) that could locate all the malicious files that the virus created and eliminate them. To make sure that Mcafee virus does not interfere with the operation of the anti-malware program, enter Safe Mode with Networking – it is a safe environment that loads the system on with the most necessary drivers.

Once you remove Mcafee ransomware from your device, try the programs listed below for file decryption. The chances of recovering data in such a way is quite low, but not impossible. Finally, if you are not successful, make a copy of databases, pictures, videos, documents, and other files because security researchers might develop an official decryptor one day. Note: if you experience crashes or other system stability issues, try to fix virus damage with FortectIntego instead of reinstalling Windows.