Remove MacAndChess ransomware / virus (Removal Guide) - Bonus: Decryption Steps
MacAndChess ransomware is on the hunt for unprotected computers
MacAndChess virus is a brand new ransomware sample based on educational ransomware[1] source code. It is yet another HiddenTear[2] copy, which calls itself MacAndChess ransomware. The virus damages all victim’s files one after another, making them inaccessible, and the process that encrypts data also appends .locked file extension to every encrypted file. The virus ruins documents, pictures, videos, and other important files[3], and then creates a ransom note called READ_IT.txt. There’s not a lot of information in this document, just the most important details – the criminals say that victim’s files were hacked by the MacAndChess ransomware and that the user has to send an email at MacAndChessDecrypt@macr2.com and ask criminals to provide data decryption solution. It seems that MacAndChess developers are ready for a little chit-chat with each victim individually. It just shows that they are not experienced enough to create individual Tor payment sites[4] for each victim to avoid direct communication with them.
This is the ransom note, called READ_IT.txt. MacAndChess ransomware virus saves it on the desktop after encrypting all data on the computer.
Questions about MacAndChess ransomware virus
If MacAndChess ransomware attacked your PC, you need to remove the virus from the system first. For that, please use advanced virus removal tools. If you have an antivirus or anti-malware program already, do not forget to update it to its latest version before you run a system scan with it. If you do not have such program, consider installing one of the programs that our team recommends – for example, Reimage Reimage Cleaner or SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner. Speaking of data decryption, we must say that it is the most complicated part when dealing with consequences of MacAndChess ransomware attack. Some basic HiddenTear decryptors can help to restore files encrypted by particular HiddenTear spin-offs[5]. The most effective way to restore your files is to import them from a backup, sadly, many PC users do not consider them useful until they actually experience a ransomware attack. However, if you have a backup, remove MacAndChess ransomware with anti-malware software and start fixing the computer system right away. Before you launch your anti-malware program, read MacAndChess removal instructions provided under the article. You will need to restart your PC in a special mode so that the malware couldn’t block your security software.
Tricks that ransomware developers use to distribute malware
Although it is not entirely clear how this particular malware variant spreads, we are almost 100% sure that it spreads via mail spam. The fact that the virus is created using HiddenTear virus’ source code indicates that the virus was created by mid-level programmers. Apparently, they didn’t demonstrate excellent software development skills, therefore, they also do not use any outstanding tricks for MacAndChess distribution. Just like majority of computer viruses, these scammers masquerade the file and send it to victims via email. The infected attachment might not look dangerous at all, but do not be naive and do not open files sent by unknown senders! Scammers will try to convince you to open fake invoices, archives, documents, or JavaScript files, which will either appear to be the ransomware executive themselves or just tools that download the ransomware from a remote server. If you are extremely curious about a particular attachment, save it to your computer and scan it with anti-malware tool rather than just opening it right away.
Ways to remove MacAndChess ransomware
While technically it is possible to remove MacAndChess virus manually, we highly recommend you not even to try to do so. Of course, if you are a highly skilled programmer who knows what tools to use to detect all components of ransomware, and if you know how to configure Windows Registry entries, then it shouldn’t be too hard to detect and eliminate components of this virus manually. However, if you aren’t a skilled programmer, better rely on automatic MacAndChess removal tool, for instance, anti-spyware or anti-malware program. The reason why we do not recommend using antivirus software is that anti-malware/anti-spyware software can detect a much larger scale of potentially dangerous or malicious programs. Before you attempt to launch virus removal program, reboot your PC according to instructions provided below.
To remove MacAndChess virus, follow these steps:
Remove MacAndChess using Safe Mode with Networking
Use this tutorial to remove MacAndChess ransomware virus with anti-malware program. You need to reboot your computer and run it in a specific mode.
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Step 1: Reboot your computer to Safe Mode with Networking
Windows 7 / Vista / XP- Click Start → Shutdown → Restart → OK.
- When your computer becomes active, start pressing F8 multiple times until you see the Advanced Boot Options window.
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Select Safe Mode with Networking from the list
Windows 10 / Windows 8- Press the Power button at the Windows login screen. Now press and hold Shift, which is on your keyboard, and click Restart..
- Now select Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Startup Settings and finally press Restart.
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Once your computer becomes active, select Enable Safe Mode with Networking in Startup Settings window.
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Step 2: Remove MacAndChess
Log in to your infected account and start the browser. Download Reimage Reimage Cleaner or other legitimate anti-spyware program. Update it before a full system scan and remove malicious files that belong to your ransomware and complete MacAndChess removal.
If your ransomware is blocking Safe Mode with Networking, try further method.
Remove MacAndChess using System Restore
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Step 1: Reboot your computer to Safe Mode with Command Prompt
Windows 7 / Vista / XP- Click Start → Shutdown → Restart → OK.
- When your computer becomes active, start pressing F8 multiple times until you see the Advanced Boot Options window.
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Select Command Prompt from the list
Windows 10 / Windows 8- Press the Power button at the Windows login screen. Now press and hold Shift, which is on your keyboard, and click Restart..
- Now select Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Startup Settings and finally press Restart.
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Once your computer becomes active, select Enable Safe Mode with Command Prompt in Startup Settings window.
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Step 2: Restore your system files and settings
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Once the Command Prompt window shows up, enter cd restore and click Enter.
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Now type rstrui.exe and press Enter again..
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When a new window shows up, click Next and select your restore point that is prior the infiltration of MacAndChess. After doing that, click Next.
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Now click Yes to start system restore.
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Once the Command Prompt window shows up, enter cd restore and click Enter.
Bonus: Recover your data
Guide which is presented above is supposed to help you remove MacAndChess from your computer. To recover your encrypted files, we recommend using a detailed guide prepared by 2-spyware.com security experts.If MacAndChess corrupted your files, you can try using HiddenTear decryptor, which, unfortunately, doesn’t work for all HiddenTear versions. However, this tool definitely deserves your attention. You can find its download link below. However, if you have a data backup, you won’t even need to try the decryptor – just delete the virus and use your backup.
If your files are encrypted by MacAndChess, you can use several methods to restore them:
Recover files via System Restore Point
If you are a security-minded computer user, you probably created a System Restore point in the past. Now, you can take advantage of this feature and restore files this way:
- Find an encrypted file you need to restore and right-click on it;
- Select “Properties” and go to “Previous versions” tab;
- Here, check each of available copies of the file in “Folder versions”. You should select the version you want to recover and click “Restore”.
HiddenTear Decryptor
There is a tool called HiddenTear decryptor, which helps to recover files encrypted by several HiddenTear-based viruses. You should try it: download the HiddenTear decryptor. If this tool doesn’t help you to restore .locked files, we suggest checking for updates in NoMoreRansom.org website.
Finally, you should always think about the protection of crypto-ransomwares. In order to protect your computer from MacAndChess and other ransomwares, use a reputable anti-spyware, such as Reimage Reimage Cleaner , SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner or Malwarebytes
About the author
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References
- ^ Mark Wilson. Sharing ransomware code for educational purposes is asking for trouble. BetaNews. Technology News and Analysis.
- ^ Pierluigi Paganini. Hidden Tear Ransomware is now open Source and available on GitHub. Security Affairs. Every Security Issue is Our Affair.
- ^ How Do I Decrypt Files Encrypted by Ransomware?. Ask Leo. Making Technology Work For Everyone.
- ^ Tom Spring. Spora Ransomware Offers Victims Unique Payment Options. Threatpost. The First Stop for Security News.
- ^ Jornt van der Wiel. Hidden tear and its spin offs. Securelist. Information about Viruses, Hackers and Spam.
March 20th, 2017 at 5:21 am
I bet ransomware authors have fun creating ransomware names… filthy frauds
March 20th, 2017 at 5:22 am
I cant restore my files no matter what, please help.!
March 20th, 2017 at 5:22 am
I removed the virus and restored my files (I had a backup). However, I am extremely scared. How can I know that my PC is entirely safe?
March 20th, 2017 at 5:23 am
My anti-malware blocked macandchess ransomware attack! I am so glad I bought it a few months ago!