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.
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, FortectIntego or SpyHunterCombo 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.
Was this guide helpful?
4 comments