Masodas ransomware: what it is and how to remove it
Masodas ransomware is a file locking virus that enters the machine after victims open a malicious spam email attachment, download pirated software, fail to update the operating system on time, use weak RDP protection, , etc. Soon after the infiltration, the malware makes use of AES or another powerful encryption algorithm to lock pictures, videos, databases, documents, and other files.
Facts checked October 6, 2026. Removal steps tested on Windows 11 (26H2) and checked against Microsoft's and the browser makers' current documentation. Sections marked as our earlier report are the original text: they describe the threat as it was then and have not been reviewed since. The 2026 status, the removal steps and the questions are current.
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Masodas ransomware: summary
| Distribution | Spam emails, exploits, weak RDP connections, fake updates, web injects, etc – common vectors for file-locking malware distribution. Masodas payload is more known for being included as an installer for cracks, cheats and illegal copies of software provided on torrent sites |
|---|---|
| Name | Masodas |
| Type | Ransomware |
| Ransomware family | STOP/Djvu is the family that this virus comes from. Due to this relation, you shouldn't trust developers with your files |
| File extension | .masodas gets added at the end of every file encrypted by this virus. This indicates which files cannot be opened and used |
| Ransom note | _readme.txt – a file that reveals all the needed details about the ransomware attack |
| Removal | Scan the PC with security software to find and remove the malware and anything installed with it. Fortect scans Windows for malware and repairs the system files and settings it damaged. Remove it nowTo use the full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Fortect. The scan is free. |
Show 13 more facts
| Contact | gorentos@bitmessage.ch or gorentos2@firemail.cc |
|---|---|
| File decryption | STOPDecrypter [download link] and third-party recovery software might help; otherwise, files can only be replaced with your backups |
| Detection names | No Microsoft detection name is known |
| Encrypted file extension | .masodas |
| Decryptor | No free decryptor is known for this variant; check No More Ransom (nomoreransom.org) for updates |
| Damage | Not recorded in the old report |
| Symptoms | Files renamed with a new extension and a ransom note left in folders |
| Evidence | 5 write-ups by security sites; no sample analysed yet |
| Encrypted files | .masodas |
| Attacker contacts | gorentos@bitmessage.ch |
| Free decryptor | No free decryptor is known (checked 6 October 2026) |
| First seen | 4 June 2020 |
| Facts checked | 6 October 2026 |
- File extension:
.masodas - Note file:
_readme.txt - Contact:
gorentos@bitmessage.ch
From our report of Jun 2020 · not reviewed since
More from our earlier report on Masodas
- You should remove Masodas ransomware by using security software or anti-malware like .
- You need to clean the system before any file recovery, to avoid permanent damage and data loss
How Masodas ransomware behaves
From our report of Jun 2020 · not reviewed since
Masodas ransomware is a crypto virus that adds the .masodas file extension to all encrypted files and offers a discount for the ransom
Masodas ransomware is a file locking virus that enters the machine after victims open a malicious spam email attachment, download pirated software, fail to update the operating system on time, use weak RDP protection, , etc. Soon after the infiltration, the malware makes use of AES or another powerful encryption algorithm to lock pictures, videos, databases, documents, and other files.
Once that is done, .masodas gets on every affected file, hence the name of the intruder.
The encryption process is focusing on your data because once files are encrypted, _readme.txt file shows up on your desktop and gets added to every folder containing locked files. The note reveals contact information and informs about possible steps further.
However, although criminals claim the only solution is to pay, we don't recommend doing so. There are other solutions for Masodas ransomware attack and you can recover, at least some of your files without paying.
Although users say that decryption tools are not recovering all of their files, the STOP decryption tool should be the best option for you. Yes, it is not magical and can only restore data encoded using offline keys, but it is the only solution as of right now.
You can store files related to the virus and use them later once there are more decryption options or tools especially for Masodas gets released.
This version of Djvu ransomware came out during the most active month for this virus developers because in these few weeks criminals revealed more than 30 new variants. Not much changed from one another but all dangerous and damaging.
Since the main researcher Micael Gillespie is analyzing these versions and updating the decryption tool, at first, you may need to wait for the decryption possibility. However, some users stated that there are more issues regarding this version.
Masodas ransomware targets the most common files that can be found on a regular computer system, such as .jpg, .mpg, .html, .xls, .mp3, .zip, .db, .doc, etc. after the encryption, the files are converted into the following: . .masodas. Thus, a picture.jpg is turned into picture.jpg.masodas, and files modified in such a way can no longer be opened and no data can be extracted.
Additionally, Masodas ransomware changes the way Windows operates by altering the Windows registry, and other alternations to perform the encryption process without interruption. After that, all the personal data is marked with .masodas extension and is no longer accessible to users.
Masodas virus also places a ransom note _readme.txt in order to provide users with information - they are asked to contact hackers via the gorentos@bitmessage.ch or gorentos2@firemail.cc and then pay $980 or $490 ransom in Bitcoin to retrieve the data.
Masodas ransomware belongs to STOP/Djvu family, so experts recommend avoiding cybercriminals, and instead of trying alternative data recovery solutions, including using the STOPDecrypter tool.It is worth noting that the data encrypted by Masodas virus is not corrupted - it is merely locked by a unique key that resides on a remote server only accessible for hackers.
That what makes ransomware viruses so dangerous, as much of valuable data might be lost simply because the victim is unable to pay the required ransom. Nevertheless, Masodas ransomware removal should be the top priority, and paying the ransom is not recommended in the first place.
To convince users to pay the demanded ransom in Bitcoin, hackers even offer a 50% discount in the ransom message that reads:
The Masodas ransomware note
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.
You can get and look video overview decrypt tool:
https://we.tl/t-o7ClqIH7RS
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.ch
Reserve e-mail address to contact us:
gorentos2@firemail.cc
How to remove Masodas ransomware
Tools you'll need
All of these are free except where noted. Download them on a clean device if the infected PC is offline.
- A USB stick: to keep the ransom note, two or three encrypted files and screenshots off the infected PC.
- Microsoft Defender Offline: built into Windows 11 and Windows 10; scans before Windows starts, so running malware cannot hide.
- Microsoft Safety Scanner: a second, portable scanner with current signatures; each download works for 10 days.
- ID Ransomware: identifies the family from the note and one encrypted file and says whether a decryptor exists.
- No More Ransom: the free decryptors from police and security companies; check it again every few months.
- Fortect (optional): scans Windows for malware and repairs the system files and settings it damaged. The free scan is in the box above.
How to remove Masodas and get your files back
Work in this order.
Disconnecting comes first, removal comes before any restore, and nothing here asks you to contact the attackers.
Step 1: Disconnect the PC and unplug backup drives
Unplug the network cable or turn off Wi-Fi, and disconnect USB drives, external disks and network shares, so Masodas cannot reach more files. Pause OneDrive, Google Drive or Dropbox sync, because synced folders upload the encrypted copies over the good ones.
Leave the PC on but offline while you read the next steps, since a restart can let the ransomware run again. This applies to Windows 11 and Windows 10 alike.
Windows 11: turn off Wi-Fi to take the PC offline. Full procedure with screenshots: Ransomware: first steps, finding a decryptor and recovering files
Step 2: Save the ransom note and confirm the family
Your files now end in
.masodasand the instructions are in_readme.txt. Save both to a USB stick, a copy of the note and two small encrypted files, before anything else.On another device, check them with ID Ransomware or Crypto Sheriff: the family name decides which decryptor, if any, can help. Keep the note's ID and contact line for your report.
Windows 11: the ransom note and encrypted files to copy for identification. Full procedure with screenshots: Ransomware: first steps, finding a decryptor and recovering files
Step 3: Check for a free decryptor
Our last check found that for Masodas, no free decryptor is known (checked 6 October 2026). Look again yourself in the No More Ransom list and the free decryptor pages of Emsisoft, Avast and Kaspersky, which add new families every year.
A decryptor needs the ransomware gone first, or it encrypts the files again. Keep at least one copy of the encrypted files on an external drive, even if no tool works yet.
Full procedure with screenshots: Ransomware: first steps, finding a decryptor and recovering files
Step 4: Remove the ransomware before you restore or decrypt
Removing Masodas does not bring the files back, but it has to come first. Start with Defender's Full scan, then the offline scan from the same Scan options page, which checks the disk before Windows loads.
If the scan cannot start, use Safe Mode with Networking. Delete the ransom notes only after you have saved a copy, because removal tools sometimes leave them behind on Windows 11 and Windows 10.
Windows 11: Windows Security > Virus & threat protection > Scan options. Full procedure with screenshots: Run a Microsoft Defender Offline scan
Step 5: Look for shadow copies of the files
Windows keeps shadow copies for restore points and backups, and some ransomware fails to delete them.
vssadmin list shadowsin an administrator Command Prompt tells you at once whether any exist.If they do, right-click the folder that held your files, open Properties > Previous Versions, select a version from before the attack, and click Open to check it before you Restore or copy the files out. Windows 11 and Windows 10 both have the tab.
Windows 11: vssadmin list shadows shows whether shadow copies exist. Full procedure with screenshots: Ransomware: first steps, finding a decryptor and recovering files
Step 6: Restore the files from a backup or recover deleted originals
A backup made before the attack is the surest way back. Connect it only once the PC is clean, then restore from File History, Windows Backup, OneDrive's Restore your OneDrive or your own external copies.
Without a backup, try file recovery: the originals that Masodas deleted may still be on the disk until something overwrites them. Install nothing new on the drive you want to recover from on the Windows 11 or Windows 10 PC.
Full procedure with screenshots: Recover deleted files (Recycle Bin, backups, OneDrive) On uGetFix
Instructions for each browser and system
The detailed steps for every browser and system this guide covers. Open the one you use.
Manual removal using Safe Mode
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.
From our report of Jun 2020 · not reviewed since
Decryption possibilities
Even if you can afford the ransom or the discount is attractive to you, keep in mind that Masodas ransomware authors might never send you the required decryption tool, so you will end up losing your money along with the personal data. Thus, instead, remove Masodas ransomware using security software like and then proceed with alternative file recovery solutions.
For that, you can either employ a specific tool - STOPDecrypter, which might work if the encryption process was performed when your computer was offline or the malware was unable to contact the C&C server.
Alternatively, you might try to employ third-party recovery solutions, although the chances of them working are relatively slim. If that does not work, the only choice is to make a copy of the .masodas files and wait till a working tool is released.
The first step that you should go for once infected with ransomware is disabling any optimization tools or security software yourself because those programs can remove crucial files of the virus that may be needed for file recovery. Of course, you need to run an anti-malware tool to remove the traces, but store various data of the ransomware on your external device, so it can be used later on.
For available decryption tools you can check:
However, some of the samples show that Masodas includes a unique patch that is disabling STOP decrypter and other tools. Also, this service cannot help with data encoded using online keys, so you are not able to get your files back.
There are many other versions released after this one with changed encryption methods entirely, so if you encounter the updated Masodas or a newer variant from this family on the machine, there are solutions for you. Read the forum to know.
- https://www.nomoreransom.org/en/decryption-tools.html
- https://www.emsisoft.com/ransomware-decryption-tools/
- https://www.quickheal.com/free-ransomware-decryption-tool/
- https://success.trendmicro.com/solution/1114221-downloading-and-using-the-trend-micro-ransomware-file-decryptor
From our report of Jun 2020 · not reviewed since
Ransomware hiding places throughout the Web sphere
Internet security experts from NoVirus.uk state that the most popular ransomware distribution source is email spam.
Criminals attach the malicious payload in the form of an executable, word document, or zip file. Also, the malware might come inserted into a particular hyperlink inside in the message body.
Ransomware viruses and other malware can come injected into bogus hyperlinks and adverts on unprotected networks such as peer-to-peer ones, online-gaming, streaming, gambling, and similar ones. Also, malicious apps might be disguised as fake software updates or handy products.
These are common ways of ransomware distribution, but it is known that this family spreads via pirated files like game cheats, software cracks or serial numbers to some security tools, legitimate license keys. Sony Vegas, Adobe tools or video game serial numbers and cheats downloaded from torrent pages are known as the ones that previously delivered malware.
Don't trust such sites and services, even though the torrent has many satisfied receivers, seeders or the account is "verified". You cannot know the particular source where those files are coming from, so stay away from illegal activities if you wan to keep the machine virus-free.
From our report of Jun 2020 · not reviewed since
Remove Masodas ransomware from your system immediately
There are plenty of users who might wonder whether to pay the ransom for Masodas ransomware virus authors.
While we highly discourage it, those who do not see another choice might want to risk it, although it is unknown if file decryption will be successful.
Nevertheless, you should rather remove Masodas ransomware first and then apply alternative recovery solutions. The best tools are anti-malware programs like , , or that can detect and remove malware, PUPs, or even fix damaged files on some Windows devices.
For complete Masodas ransomware removal, you should enter Safe Mode with Networking, as malware might interfere with the operation of the security application. Once inside, perform a full system scan - it will ensure that all the malicious components of the ransomware are gone.
[GI=method-1]Run Safe Mode with Networking to disable malicious processes on your Windows computer system:
[GI=method-2]If you are looking for ways to deactivate the activities of ransomware, try booting your machine with System Restore configuration:
If you are willing to restore some data that was encrypted by the ransomware virus, try using this piece of software.
Windows Previous Versions feature might help you with file recovery:
Try using this feature for files and documents that have been encrypted by Masodas ransomware virus.
Use Shadow Explorer as it might allow you to restore some files:
If the ransomware virus did not eliminate Shadow Volume Copies of your blocked documents, you should give this method a try.
No official Masodas ransomware decryptor has been released yet. However, try STOPdecrypter as it works for many versions of ransomware virus that come from the Djvu/STOP family.
Download STOPdecrypter from here -
Report it and recover your files
Report it
Report the attack even if you do not expect the files back: insurers and banks ask for the report number, and police use the contacts in the note to link cases.
- United States
- FBI IC3 · FTC ReportFraud
- United Kingdom
- Report Fraud (formerly Action Fraud) · NCSC
- Australia
- ReportCyber (ASD)
- EU countries
- Europol: national reporting sites
Give the victim ID, the note and the date the files were encrypted. A business that holds personal data may also have to notify its data protection authority, in the EU within 72 hours.
Make the next attack harmless
Masodas could only hurt the files that had no second copy, and the signs (files that end in .masodas and no longer open) showed exactly which ones those were.
The 3-2-1 rule fixes that:
- three copies
- two media
- one disconnected
A practical version for a home PC: OneDrive or another cloud backup with version history, plus an external disk that you plug in once a week for File History and then unplug. Test a restore now and then by opening a few files from the backup on another device.
Details, schedules and what not to back up are in our 3-2-1 backup guide for Windows.
Protect your privacy - employ a VPN
There are several ways how to make your online time more private - you can access an incognito tab.
However, there is no secret that even in this mode, you are tracked for advertising purposes. There is a way to add an extra layer of protection and create a completely anonymous web browsing practice with the help of VPN. This software reroutes traffic through different servers, thus leaving your IP address and geolocation in disguise.
Besides, it is based on a strict no-log policy, meaning that no data will be recorded, leaked, and available for both first and third parties. The combination of a secure web browser and VPN will let you browse the Internet without a feeling of being spied or targeted by criminals.
No backups? No problem. Use a data recovery tool
If you wonder how data loss can occur, you should not look any further for answers - human errors, malware attacks, hardware failures, power cuts, natural disasters, or even simple negligence.
In some cases, lost files are extremely important, and many straight out panic when such an unfortunate course of events happen. Due to this, you should always ensure that you prepare proper data backups on a regular basis.
If you were caught by surprise and did not have any backups to restore your files from, not everything is lost. is one of the leading file recovery solutions you can find on the market - it is likely to restore even lost emails or data located on an external device.
Questions about Masodas ransomware
How do I open .masodas files?
You cannot open them by renaming or with another program, because the content of files ending in .masodas has been encrypted. The only ways back are a working decryptor for the family, or clean copies from elsewhere:
- OneDrive versions
- File History
- an offline backup drive
- Previous Versions if the ransomware did not delete them
Identify the family first by uploading the ransom note and one encrypted file to ID Ransomware or No More Ransom. Avoid websites and programs that promise to open any encrypted file; they do not work and some are scams.
Is there a free Masodas decryptor?
We last checked on 6 October 2026, and for Masodas no free decryptor is known. We check No More Ransom, which collects free tools from police and security companies, and the decryptor pages of the major antivirus vendors. A working decryptor exists only when the encryption has a flaw or the keys were leaked or seized.
Ignore sites and videos that offer a "Masodas decryptor" for download or for a fee: these are usually scams or malware. Real decryptors are free and come from known security companies or law enforcement. Keep the encrypted files in case a tool appears later.
How did Masodas get on my computer?
The way Masodas spreads has not been documented yet, so look at your own recent activity. On home PCs, ransomware most often comes with cracked programs, game cheats, key generators and fake updates, or with an e-mail attachment that was opened. On business networks, attackers usually log in through Remote Desktop with a stolen or guessed password.
Think back to what was downloaded or installed in the days before files that end in .masodas and no longer open, and check the Downloads folder and Installed apps sorted by date. Keep anything suspicious for your report, but do not run it again.
Should I pay the ransom?
We advise against it, and so do the FBI, Europol and national cyber agencies. Payment does not guarantee a working tool: some attackers never reply, some tools damage files, and some variants have no decryptor at all. Paying also funds further attacks and can make you a target again.
Before considering payment, try every recovery option in this guide and report the attack. Companies must involve their legal adviser and insurer, because payments to sanctioned groups can be illegal. If files are truly irreplaceable, store the encrypted copies and wait; decryptors sometimes appear later.
Can a data-recovery company decrypt my files for a fee?
Only if a decryptor already exists or the company pays the attackers for you. Some "ransomware recovery" services advertise that they can decrypt families with no known flaw; in practice they negotiate with the attackers and add their own fee. Others use the same free tools listed on No More Ransom.
Before you hire anyone, ask in writing how they will recover the files, whether they will contact the attackers and what happens if they fail. A legitimate service answers clearly. If a free decryptor exists for your family, you can run it yourself.
Did Masodas steal my files or passwords?
We do not know yet. Nothing published so far shows data theft by Masodas, but the only confirmed sign is files that end in .masodas and no longer open, which says nothing about what happened before. Many current ransomware attacks copy files or run a password stealer first, so it is wise to act as if they did.
From a clean device, change the passwords that were saved in the browsers on this PC, starting with e-mail and banking, sign out of all sessions and turn on two-step verification. Watch bank statements and account activity for the next few weeks.
Is Masodas the same as other ransomware with a similar name?
Not necessarily. Ransomware names come from the file extension, the note or a word in the code, so unrelated families often end up with similar names, and one family can appear under several names. The difference matters: a decryptor or advice for one family does not fit another and can damage files.
Compare the ending added to your files and the exact name of the note with the summary table at the top of this guide, then upload the note and one encrypted file to ID Ransomware from a clean device. If the result names another family, follow the guide for that family instead.
What does _readme.txt tell me about the ransomware?
Quite a lot. The file name _readme.txt, the wording, the contact addresses and the format of the personal ID are typical for each family. Uploading the note together with one encrypted file to ID Ransomware or No More Ransom's Crypto Sheriff usually names the family within seconds.
That name decides your options: some families have free decryptors, some can be partially recovered, and some cannot be decrypted at all. The note's claims about stolen data should be taken seriously but not at face value.
Should I reinstall Windows after the .masodas attack?
Reinstalling removes the ransomware but not the encryption: your files ending in .masodas stay encrypted afterwards. So first copy the encrypted files and the ransom note to a separate drive, in case a decryptor appears later. Then decide:
- a clean-up with an offline scan is often enough for home PCs
- while a full reset is safer if remote access was involved
- scans keep finding new items
Restore your backups only after the PC is clean, and change passwords from another device.
Will Fortect remove Masodas?
Fortect scans Windows for malware and unwanted programs and repairs the system files and settings they change, and its free scan shows what it finds on your PC before you decide anything.
For Masodas, follow the plan above as well: the browser steps take back permissions and settings that no scanner treats as a threat, and uninstalling the program that brought it removes the source.
Run Microsoft Defender's full scan and, if anything was found, its offline scan as a second opinion. If the symptoms are gone after the plan and both scans are clean, there is nothing more to do.
Sources
- Reddit: MASODAS File? How to restore my files? (read October 6, 2026)
- Trend Micro: Command and Control [C&C] Server (read October 6, 2026)
- CISA: StopRansomware (read October 6, 2026)
- No More Ransom (read October 6, 2026)
- FTC: How to recognize, remove and avoid malware (read October 6, 2026)