Masok – a cyber threat hailing from the infamous Djvu family and spreading another destructive virus AZORult
Masok is a notorious file-encrypting malware that belongs to the ransomware family. It differs from viruses of this kind as it can not only make your files useless but can also bring the AZORult Trojan horse to the infected Windows system. Once there, the trojan can start gathering personal information and send it to the remote server.
The roots of Masok ransomware are hailing from the Djvu and STOP families. However, once the virus appears on the targeted machine, it drops its executables in the Task Manager[1] and Registry, encrypts files, marks them with the .masok extension, and urges to pay from $490 to $980 for their recovery. The ransom note which provides all information about the file recovery is saved in the _readme.txt document.
| Name | Masok |
|---|---|
| Type | Ransomware virus |
| Family | Djvu/STOP ransomware |
| Extension | .masok |
| Ransom note | _readme.txt |
| Price | Starting from $490 if contact is made in 72 hours and ending up with $980 if the victims fail to make communication during the three day time period |
| Other malware | This ransomware might be capable of injecting the AZORult just like other versions of STOP virus |
| Distribution | You can experience malicious activity from this virus after opening a malicious email, hyperlink, executable, etc. |
| Elimination | Use FortectIntego for a full system check-up. Afterward, terminate the ransomware permanently |
| Data recovery | If you have been looking for ways to restore encrypted data, take a look at the methods that are provided at the end of this article |
Masok ransomware and similar cyber threats are commonly distributed to gain revenue. Criminals tend to scam their victims by scaring that the only way to recover encrypted data is by paying a huge ransom. They try to convince people that once the demanded price is transferred, they will immediately receive the decryption software and successfully restore blocked files:
ATTENTION!
Don't worry, you can return all your files!
All your files like photos, databases, documents and other important are encrypted with strongest encryption and unique key.
The only method of recovering files is to purchase decrypt tool and unique key for you.
This software will decrypt all your encrypted files.
What guarantees you have?
You can send one of your encrypted file from your PC and we decrypt it for free.
But we can decrypt only 1 file for free. File must not contain valuable information.
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Price of private key and decrypt software is $980.
Discount 50% available if you contact us first 72 hours, that's price for you is $490.
Please note that you'll never restore your data without payment.
Check your e-mail “Spam” or “Junk” folder if you don't get answer more than 6 hours.To get this software you need write on our e-mail:
gorentos@bitmessage.chReserve e-mail address to contact us:
gorentos2@firemail.ccOur Telegram account:
@datarestore
Mark Data RestoreYour personal ID:
–
The cybercriminals provide three ways to contact them via gorentos@bitmessage.ch or gorentos2@firemail.cc email addresses and @datarestore telegram account. However, there is always a huge risk to pay these crybercriminals while trying to recover .masok files.
What you can do is remove Masok ransomware from the system after scanning it with antimalware. Once you get rid of all malicious components and processes, you can continue with some data recovery techniques that are placed at the end of the article and might help you to bring some files/documents back to their previous states.
Also, you should opt for Masok removal right after spotting it on your machine because this ransomware virus might carry other malicious payloads with itself. As it is known that STOP ransomware and its variants can infect the system with the AZORult Trojan horse. If this task is implemented, there is a big risk of losing private data and becoming a victim of identity theft.
Masok ransomware can be spotted from the .masok extension and the _readme.txt message that appears on the system without being expected. Antivirus tools have been detecting the malware by using these detection names:[2]
- Win32:PWSX-gen [Trj] (Avast).
- Win32:PWSX-gen [Trj] (AVG).
- Gen:Variant.Ser.Jaik.565 (BitDefender).
- Gen:Variant.Ser.Jaik.565 (B) (Emsisoft).
- Trojan.MulDrop9.44966 (DrWeb).
- Trojan-Ransom.Win32.Stop.cn (Kaspersky).
- Trojan.MalPack.GS (Malwarebytes).
- Trojan.TR/AD.InstaBot.awy (F-secure).
It is more than clear that Masok ransomware might bring big harm to your computer system and important files. The encryption process[3] is the moment when your files are locked and the only guaranteed way to recover them is if you have their backups. However, even if you don't have backups saved in a remote location, there still is no need of paying for the crooks. Remove the malware without wasting your time and them wait until the Stop Decrypter gets updated.
Distribution tactics used by ransomware developers
According to experts from NoVirus.uk,[4] there are many unsecured sources from which ransomware and other malware might reach your computer system. However, the most popular places where you might ransomware are odd websites such as email spam, p2p networks, gambling, gaming, and porn web pages. Read the steps below and know how to protect yourself:
- Manage your email. Erase all messages that have fallen to your spam section and carefully manage all emails in your inbox sector. This means checking the sender, spotting possible grammar mistakes, and scanning attachments with AV.
- Keep a distance from secondary networks. Pages that are supported by third-parties are usually sources that lack protection and allow criminals to inject malicious objects into unprotected hyperlinks and similar locations.
- Download reputable antimalware. If you do not have a trustworthy antivirus program installed on your computer system, you will supposedly run into big trouble, sooner or later. Make sure to purchase a tool that includes various protective features and keep it always updated.
Using the combination of manual and automatical protection measures is the best option for preventing secret malware infiltration and keeping your computer, software, personal information, and various files safe from corruption/theft.
Masok ransomware virus elimination guidelines for non-skilled and advanced users
Masok ransomware removal is a process that can be completed by both less-experienced and highly-skilled users. However, no manual actions should be taken by any kind of person as the entire system can be put at risk. The automatical technique is the only one that should be used here. For that, you need to employ reputable software for Masok removal together with all infected files. Besides, performing a full system check-up is also a necessary step to take as the malware can modify system components. For that, use FortectIntego.
To doublecheck the system for ransomware, use SpyHunterCombo Cleaner, or MalwarebytesMalwarebytes. Once the software provides you with the results, you will know what kind of actions to take towards the elimination process. After you remove Masok ransomware properly, take a look at the below-provided data recovery software that might allow you to restore some files.
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