Maoloa ransomware (Free Guide) - Decryption Methods Included
Maoloa virus Removal Guide
What is Maoloa ransomware?
Maoloa ransomware is the cryptovirus that offers test decryption of 2 files if you contact cybercriminals via ormazd_ahura@aol.com, maoloa@india.com or maoloa@yahoo.com
Maoloa ransomware is the cryptovirus that focuses on locking the victim's files and demanding the ransom. HOW BACK YOUR FILES.txt is the ransom message displayed by the virus to scare the victim into paying Maoloa ransomware is a virus that appends .maoloa file marker to encrypted files and then demands a ransom for data decryption. Once infiltrated, ransomware checks the system for files that could be encrypted and makes them useless by changing the original code with the help of RSA, AES, and a similar algorithm. Then, it appends a file extension to make everyone see which files were locked and became unavailable for the use. Additionally, in every folder containing this locked data, the virus leaves a text file named HOW BACK YOUR FILES.txt – Bloc notes which contains a ransom message and details about the attack. According to cybercriminals working behind Maoloa ransomware virus, you can get a few files decrypted for free. However, we do NOT recommend contacting these people since it may lead to permanent data or money loss.
Name | Maoloa ransomware |
---|---|
Type | Cryptovirus[1] |
Main danger | Infection may lead to permanent data or money loss |
File marker | .maoloa |
Ransom note | HOW BACK YOUR FILES.txt |
Contact emails | ormazd_ahura@aol.com, maoloa@india.com, maoloa@yahoo.com |
Distribution | Spam email attachments |
Removal | Use a reputable antivirus program and remove Maoloa ransomware. Get rid of virus damage with FortectIntego |
When Maoloa ransomware virus infiltrates the system, it starts the system scan that helps to find files for further encryption. In most cases, ransomware encrypts commonly found data like MS Word documents, PDFs, photos, audio or video files. The encryption process employs army-grade cryptography algorithms and ends when the original file code gets changed, and virus appends encrypted data using .maoloa file extension.
Locked data containing folders receive text files with ransom note from Maoloa ransomware developers. HOW BACK YOUR FILES.txt file contains details about the initial attack and instructions on the payment method. Although test decryption is offered for you, we do not recommend trusting cybercriminals and contacting them. Especially when paying the ransom gives no positive results.[2]
Focus on Maoloa ransomware removal and do so immediately when you find the following ransom message on the device:
** All your files have been encrypted **
*** PLEASE READ THIS ***
**** IF YOU WANT TO GET ALL YOUR FILES BACK ****
_______________________________________________________
| ATTENTION |
| * Do not rename encrypted files. |
| * Do not try to decrypt your data using third party software, this can |
| result in complete data loss. |
|_______________________________________________________|Send us email with your personal id.
This email will be as confirmation you are ready to pay for decryption key.
After payment, we send you the decryption tool, that decrypt all your files.Before paying you can send 2 file for free decryption. The total size of file
must be less than 1Mb (non archived), and files should not contain valuable
information (backups, databases, large excel-word sheets, etc.)CONTACT US: ormazd_ahura@aol.com, maoloa@india.com, maoloa@yahoo.com
————————————- KEY ————————————-
You should remove Maoloa ransomware as soon as possible, so ransomware has not enough time to perform severe changes on the system like:
- Windows Registry alterations;
- adding files to system folders;
- disabling certain programs or functions;
- launching background processes;
- stealing information stored on the device.
For Maoloa ransomware elimination, use an antivirus program and make sure to get the tool from a reputable source. Then you can be sure that every related file gets deleted from the machine. Also, remember to clean virus damage entirely using FortectIntego or similar PC repair tools. According to NoVirus.uk experts[3] it is crucial when you consider data recovery later on.
Maoloa ransomware virus is a dangerous program developed by malicious actors. You shouldn't consider paying the ransom or trusting their promises to recover 2 files for free.
Email phishing campaigns distribute malicious payload carriers
Spam email campaigns attempt to confuse victims into thinking the email that they received is legitimate and sent from a well-known service or company. Unfortunately, these safe-looking emails contain maliciously infected attachments and when you open one of these files malicious script gets loaded on the system.
Infected documents can be used to distribute cyber infections because they include malicious macros. When you open the file attachment, you get the suggestions of enabling those macros, and the malicious script can load malware directly on your device or infect the system further with payload dropper.
Terminate Maoloa ransomware and recover your data on a malware-free device
As we always advise, for Maoloa ransomware removal you should employ anti-malware tools that can indicate all malicious threats and remove them easily. Programs like FortectIntego, SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner or Malwarebytes can work for this job. But if you choose to get other tools, make sure to select the trustworthy source.
To remove Maoloa ransomware and all related files, programs or even virus damage, you need a thorough system scan. It should take less time than finding all those programs manually. Also, you may need to reboot your PC in Safe Mode with Networking so antivirus program can work without any interruption.
Getting rid of Maoloa virus. Follow these steps
Manual removal using Safe Mode
Reboot your computer in Safe Mode with Networking and then scan the system using anti-malware tools. This way Maoloa ransomware removal can give better results:
Important! →
Manual removal guide might be too complicated for regular computer users. It requires advanced IT knowledge to be performed correctly (if vital system files are removed or damaged, it might result in full Windows compromise), and it also might take hours to complete. Therefore, we highly advise using the automatic method provided above instead.
Step 1. Access Safe Mode with Networking
Manual malware removal should be best performed in the Safe Mode environment.
Windows 7 / Vista / XP
- Click Start > Shutdown > Restart > OK.
- When your computer becomes active, start pressing F8 button (if that does not work, try F2, F12, Del, etc. – it all depends on your motherboard model) multiple times until you see the Advanced Boot Options window.
- Select Safe Mode with Networking from the list.
Windows 10 / Windows 8
- Right-click on Start button and select Settings.
- Scroll down to pick Update & Security.
- On the left side of the window, pick Recovery.
- Now scroll down to find Advanced Startup section.
- Click Restart now.
- Select Troubleshoot.
- Go to Advanced options.
- Select Startup Settings.
- Press Restart.
- Now press 5 or click 5) Enable Safe Mode with Networking.
Step 2. Shut down suspicious processes
Windows Task Manager is a useful tool that shows all the processes running in the background. If malware is running a process, you need to shut it down:
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc on your keyboard to open Windows Task Manager.
- Click on More details.
- Scroll down to Background processes section, and look for anything suspicious.
- Right-click and select Open file location.
- Go back to the process, right-click and pick End Task.
- Delete the contents of the malicious folder.
Step 3. Check program Startup
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc on your keyboard to open Windows Task Manager.
- Go to Startup tab.
- Right-click on the suspicious program and pick Disable.
Step 4. Delete virus files
Malware-related files can be found in various places within your computer. Here are instructions that could help you find them:
- Type in Disk Cleanup in Windows search and press Enter.
- Select the drive you want to clean (C: is your main drive by default and is likely to be the one that has malicious files in).
- Scroll through the Files to delete list and select the following:
Temporary Internet Files
Downloads
Recycle Bin
Temporary files - Pick Clean up system files.
- You can also look for other malicious files hidden in the following folders (type these entries in Windows Search and press Enter):
%AppData%
%LocalAppData%
%ProgramData%
%WinDir%
After you are finished, reboot the PC in normal mode.
Remove Maoloa using System Restore
System Restore feature can also give you the Advantage while terminating malware
-
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.
- 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.
- Once your computer becomes active, select Enable Safe Mode with Command Prompt in Startup Settings window.
-
Step 2: Restore your system files and settings
- Once the Command Prompt window shows up, enter cd restore and click Enter.
- Now type rstrui.exe and press Enter again..
- When a new window shows up, click Next and select your restore point that is prior the infiltration of Maoloa. After doing that, click Next.
- Now click Yes to start system restore.
Bonus: Recover your data
Guide which is presented above is supposed to help you remove Maoloa from your computer. To recover your encrypted files, we recommend using a detailed guide prepared by 2-spyware.com security experts.If your files are encrypted by Maoloa, you can use several methods to restore them:
Data Recovery Pro is software developed for file restoring purposes
When Maoloa ransomware encrypts your data, or you accidentally delete files, Data Recovery Pro can help
- Download Data Recovery Pro;
- Follow the steps of Data Recovery Setup and install the program on your computer;
- Launch it and scan your computer for files encrypted by Maoloa ransomware;
- Restore them.
Windows Previous Versions feature allows you to recover encrypted data
But you can successfully use this feature when System Restore is enabled before
- 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”.
ShadowExplorer gives the opportunity to recover encrypted data
If Shadow Volume Copies remain untouched, you can use ShadowExplorer for the job
- Download Shadow Explorer (http://shadowexplorer.com/);
- Follow a Shadow Explorer Setup Wizard and install this application on your computer;
- Launch the program and go through the drop down menu on the top left corner to select the disk of your encrypted data. Check what folders are there;
- Right-click on the folder you want to restore and select “Export”. You can also select where you want it to be stored.
Decryption is not possible
Finally, you should always think about the protection of crypto-ransomwares. In order to protect your computer from Maoloa and other ransomwares, use a reputable anti-spyware, such as FortectIntego, SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner or Malwarebytes
How to prevent from getting ransomware
Choose a proper web browser and improve your safety with a VPN tool
Online spying has got momentum in recent years and people are getting more and more interested in how to protect their privacy online. One of the basic means to add a layer of security – choose the most private and secure web browser. Although web browsers can't grant full privacy protection and security, some of them are much better at sandboxing, HTTPS upgrading, active content blocking, tracking blocking, phishing protection, and similar privacy-oriented features. However, if you want true anonymity, we suggest you employ a powerful Private Internet Access VPN – it can encrypt all the traffic that comes and goes out of your computer, preventing tracking completely.
Lost your files? Use data recovery software
While some files located on any computer are replaceable or useless, others can be extremely valuable. Family photos, work documents, school projects – these are types of files that we don't want to lose. Unfortunately, there are many ways how unexpected data loss can occur: power cuts, Blue Screen of Death errors, hardware failures, crypto-malware attack, or even accidental deletion.
To ensure that all the files remain intact, you should prepare regular data backups. You can choose cloud-based or physical copies you could restore from later in case of a disaster. If your backups were lost as well or you never bothered to prepare any, Data Recovery Pro can be your only hope to retrieve your invaluable files.
- ^ Vince Tabora. Cryptography + Malware = Ransomware. Hackernoon. Latest tech stories.
- ^ Shaun Nichols. Less than half of paying ransomware targets get their files back. Theregister. Breaking news.
- ^ NoVirus. NoVirus. Spyware related news.