How to remove Master ransomware virus

BTCWare Master virus is now decryptable

Master ransomware virus is a malicious program that is created by BTCware ransomware developers^[1]. The malicious file-encrypting virus received such name based on extensions that it appends to corrupted files.

The malicious program modifies files by distorting their structure with the help of a specific encryption algorithm that uses a public key, and once the procedure is finished, files can be restored only with the help of a private key.

The ransomware is known to be using the following extensions to mark encrypted files: [BM-NBM1DiE52wgzUUnzcRPwjMjPEcV4qfpr@bitmessage.ch].master, .[help@onyon.info].master and .[niga@westcost.xyz].master. After encrypting all of the target files, the virus drops !#_RESTORE_FILES_#!.inf file on the desktop. This file says:

[WHAT HAPPENED]
Your important files produced on this computer have been encrypted due to a security problem
If you want to restore them, write us to the email: BM-NBM1DiE52wgzUUnzcRPwjMjPEcV4qfpr@bitmessage.ch or makedonskiy@gmx.com
You have to pay for decryption in Bitcoins. The price depends on how fast you write to us.

The malicious program introduces the “free decryption” option as well. However, it doesn’t mean that malware authors provide some super offer for the lucky ones – they just suggest testing the decryptor by giving an opportunity to decrypt three files that all take less than 1 Mb of space.

As soon as the virus infiltrates the target computer system, it spawns a lot of processes, and one of them is meant to delete Volume Shadow Copies^[2]. One of the best ways to restore files is to use a backup.

Sadly, not many computer users feel the need of creating a backup; however, they understand the importance of such data copy only when it is too late. If your files were encrypted, we suggest deleting the virus ASAP using anti-malware tools like FortectIntego. Please, do not try to remove Master ransomware on your own because you can easily overlook some malicious files. Leaving them on the system can put your security at risk.

Decrypt .master extension files for free

On June 30th, the developer of this ransomware posted an announcement online, stating his plans to leak the private key for the Master ransomware virus. On July 5th, Michael Gillespie, who is a reputable malware researcher, updated his BTCWare decryptor and now victims can restore their files for free.

The author of this infamous ransomware is known to be publishing decryption keys right before releasing new BTCWare versions. The latest version is called Aleta ransomware^[3], and currently it cannot be decrypted using any third-party decryption tools. More information about the latest virus activity can be found on Virus Activity site^[4].

Unfortunately, due to a bug in the ransomware, files smaller than 10Mb can not be decrypted perfectly. However, the decrypter works perfectly on files larger than 10Mb.

To download the decrypter for Master, see data recovery instructions provided below.

Distribution of BTC Ware malware

Before you remove Master virus, you might want to finish reading the article and find out how to do it properly. However, what is also imperative is to acquire knowledge about malware distribution. Having such kind of knowledge can help you to block malware attacks.

These malicious viruses most frequently are distributed via mail spam. To prevent installing malware that comes in the form of an email message, do not open messages sent by strangers or companies/organizations that you have no business with at the moment. Especially stay away from messages that provide eye-catching deals or simply urge you to open documents that seem to be important (for instance, tax refunds, subpoenas, invoices, resumes, etc.)

Some ransomware viruses also attack victims via unsecured Remote Desktop ports and some viruses also spread via malware-laden ads. Remember to use extremely complex passwords for RDP and stay away from sites that seem to be insecure or simply vague. Finally, protect the computer or computer network by installing legitimate security software.

Delete Master ransomware virus and restore your files

The first and foremost thing you must do is to remove Master virus right away. To eliminate this dangerous ransomware from your computer, employ a reliable malware removal tool. Our team suggests using FortectIntego, although you can use a different reputable software as well.

Malware analysts have promising news regarding decryption of .master file extension files, and it is believed that sooner or later they are going to come up with a free decrypter for this ransomware. Before it appears, you should eliminate the virus using Master ransomware removal guidelines provided below.