How to remove Moonshadow ransomware

Moonshadow ransomware locks data and demands Bitcoin payments for the exchange of an alleged decryption tool

Moonshadow ransomware is the threat that encrypts files using army-grade algorithms. These particular powerful tools allow the virus to alter the original code of the file and then make the file useless. Locked data appears damaged cannot be opened and receives a marker .moonshadow at the end of the original file name right after the file type extension. This is the purpose for later ransom demands.^[1]

Moonshadow ransomware virus creates the unique victims' id, and the contact email also gets included in the appendix, so the simple filename becomes a lengthy line of characters. Once that is done, the virus releases a ransom note file on the system, and the pop-up window shows the money demanding message.

The same text and a message from criminals appear in the Decryption-Guide.txt file that gets placed on the desktop and on other folders containing the Moonshadow file virus-locked data. These messages might be scary enough, so you consider paying the demanded sum. That is not recommended. 

Details on the file-locker virus

Moonshadow ransomware virus is a threat similar to VoidCrypt/ Void ransomware because it is developed by the same creators and criminals. This is not a positive fact for victims because more advanced threats and more dangerous criminals mean the more difficult removal of the infection.

Victims are always advised not to modify files and avoid renaming those locked files by virus creators. Attempts to decrypt files can cause permanent losses of data, according to the Moonshadow ransomware creators. However, paying criminals and not getting files decrypted can cause permanent money and data loss. 

The ransom note that the infection places on the system to scare victims, reads:

Your Files Are Has Been Locked
Your Files Has Been Encrypted with cryptography Algorithm
If You Need Your Files And They are Important to You, Dont be shy Send Me an Email
Send Test File + The Key File on Your System (File Exist in C:/ProgramData example : KEY-SE-24r6t523 or RSAKEY.KEY) to Make Sure Your Files Can be Restored
Make an Agreement on Price with me and Pay
Get Decryption Tool + RSA Key AND Instruction For Decryption Process

Attention:
1- Do Not Rename or Modify The Files (You May loose That file)
2- Do Not Try To Use 3rd Party Apps or Recovery Tools ( if You want to do that make an copy from Files and try on them and Waste Your time )
3-Do not Reinstall Operation System(Windows) You may loose the key File and Loose Your Files
4-Do Not Always Trust to Middle mans and negotiators (some of them are good but some of them agree on 4000usd for example and Asked 10000usd From Client) this Was happened

Your Case ID : –
Our Email:developer.110@tutanota.com

Moonshadow ransomware demands payments and claims to have the only decryption tool that is capable of recovering all files that got affected during the encryption. This is a criminal tactic that can also involve test decryption offers or ransom discounts or just saying that you need to write them to negotiate.

This way, creators try to trick you into contacting them via emails or other platforms, so the convincing extortionist makes you believe those claims, and money gets transferred. However, once money is in their wallet, criminals disappear. Do not consider these options.

Remove the infections

Moonshadow ransomware virus is a dangerous threat that can be distributed using various other vectors, so the infection should be treated as soon as those files get encoded. You might not receive any other indications of the infection because the ransomware manages to run on the system and lock files silently.

Keeping anti-malware tools, in general, is a great habit because it is possible to avoid malware infections when these applications are running scans more often. The Moonshadow ransomware removal process can seem difficult or impossible, but it is doable. Especially when detection rates show success.^[2]

However, you should note that removing the virus is not the same as file recovery or decryption. These are needed steps because the threat can run another encryption on files that are newly restored. Run SpyHunterCombo Cleaner or MalwarebytesMalwarebytes and scan the machine for any infections or malicious files.

Restore affected system data

Victims might not notice, bet the Moonshadow file virus is capable of damaging the machine further than those locked documents or images, or archives. It injects additional malware into the machine to keep its persistence. Experts^[3] note that you should keep clearing the virus until the machine is virus-free and only then rely on file recovery.

Moonshadow ransomware 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 capable of doing anything about it, leaving it just the way it is. Consequently, users might experience performance, stability, and usability issues, to the point where a full Windows reinstallation is required.

Therefore, we highly recommend using a one-of-a-kind, patented technology of FortectIntego repair. Not only can it fix virus damage after the infection, but it is also capable of removing malware that has already broken into the system thanks to several engines used by the program. Besides, the application is also capable of fixing various Windows-related issues that are not caused by malware infections, for example, Blue Screen errors, freezes, registry errors, damaged DLLs, etc.

• 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.

Try to find a decryptor

Moonshadow ransomware virus is not decryptable and the family it is coming from is known for a while. These tools take a long time to develop and law enforcement needs to obtain the decryption codes and disrupt operations for the development of universal tools for all the versions. These days ransomware gets more and more advanced.

File encryption is a process that is similar to applying a password to a particular file or folder. However, from a technical point of view, encryption is fundamentally different due to its complexity. By using encryption, threat actors use a unique set of alphanumeric characters as a password that can not easily be deciphered if the process is performed correctly.

There are several algorithms that can be used to lock data (whether for good or bad reasons); for example, AES uses the symmetric method of encryption, meaning that the key used to lock and unlock files is the same. Unfortunately, it is only accessible to the attackers who hold it on a remote server – they ask for a payment in exchange for it. This simple principle is what allows ransomware authors to prosper in this illegal business.

While many high-profile ransomware strains such as Djvu or Dharma use immaculate encryption methods, there are plenty of failures that can be observed within the code of some novice malware developers. For example, the keys could be stored locally, which would allow users to regain access to their files without paying. In some cases, ransomware does not even encrypt files due to bugs, although victims might believe the opposite due to the ransom note that shows up right after the infection and data encryption is completed.

Therefore, regardless of which crypto-malware affects your files, you should try to find the relevant decryptor if such exists. Security researchers are in a constant battle against cybercriminals. In some cases, they manage to create a working decryption tool that would allow victims to recover files for free.

Once you have identified which ransomware you are affected by, you should check the following links for a decryptor:

• No More Ransom Project
• Free Ransomware Decryptors by Kaspersky
• Free Ransomware Decryption Tools from Emsisoft
• Avast decryptors

If you can't find a decryptor that works for you, you should try the alternative methods we list below. Additionally, it is worth mentioning that it sometimes takes years for a working decryption tool to be developed, so there are always hopes for the future.

Do not skip on the system scan using MalwarebytesMalwarebytes or SpyHunterCombo Cleaner anti-malware tools. This can ensure that the Moonshadow ransomware virus is removed with all the related files and intruders. Besides malicious files, there might be damaged system data, so running a scan with FortectIntego is also recommended. Then you can worry about files that got encrypted.