Meds ransomware: what it is and how to remove it
Meds is a STOP/Djvu ransomware variant that encrypts files with RSA encryption and demands $980 (or $490 discounted) in Bitcoin. No decryptor exists; restore from backups instead of paying.
Facts checked October 5, 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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Meds ransomware: summary
| Name | Meds |
|---|---|
| Malware type | Cryptovirus, ransomware |
| Malware family | STOP/Djvu – this is one of the most prominent ransomware families. Over 150 variants of this malware were released to date |
| Appended file marker | Pictures, databases, videos, documents, PDF, and other personal files are marked with .meds extension |
| Ransom note | _readme.txt ransom note is dropped into all the ransomware-affected file folders |
| Contact | gorentos@bitmessage.ch or gerentoshelp@firemail.cc |
| 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 17 more facts
| Ransom size | Victims are offered to pay a deducted ransom of $490 if they contact cybercriminals within 92 hours of the encryption process. After that, the decryption tool price doubles to $980 |
|---|---|
| Performs changes | Encrypts personal files Deletes Shadow Volume Copies Alters Windows hosts file Modifies Windows registry Executes Shell commands Connects to a remote server Starts VaultSvc service Injects data-stealing module, etc. |
| File recovery | Unfortunately, STOPDecrypter does not work for Meds ransomware. Users can request help from Dr.Web (the security company might be able to recover some file types for €150) or use third-party tools along with Windows Previous Versions feature in the attempt to recover the encrypted data. For full guide on file recovery, please check this article |
| Detection names | No Microsoft detection name is known |
| Encrypted file extension | .meds |
| Decryptor | No free decryptor is known for this variant; check No More Ransom (nomoreransom.org) for updates |
| Distribution | Not recorded in the old report |
| Damage | Not recorded in the old report |
| Type | File-encrypting ransomware |
| Symptoms | Files renamed with a new extension, a ransom note left in folders and a Windows Security "Threats found" notification |
| Evidence | 6 write-ups by security sites; no sample analysed yet |
| Encrypted files | .meds |
| Attacker contacts | gorentos@bitmessage.ch |
| Free decryptor | No free decryptor is known (checked 5 October 2026) |
| First seen | 20 September 2019 |
| Microsoft Defender name | Trojan:Win32/CryptInject.BE!MTB |
| Facts checked | 5 October 2026 |
What antivirus programs call Meds
Microsoft Defender reports Meds as Trojan:Win32/CryptInject.BE!MTB.
In a Defender name, the part before the colon is the category, the part after it is the platform, and the part after the slash is the family Microsoft assigned. A suffix after ! is an internal Microsoft marker, not a different threat.
Generic labels such as Agent, GenericKD or Malware.AI only say that a file looks malicious, not what it does; our guide to antivirus detection names shows how to read them.
- File extension:
.meds - Note file:
_readme.txt - Contact:
gorentos@bitmessage.ch
From our report of Sep 2019 · not reviewed since
More from our earlier report on Meds
- To delete malware and all its modules, you should pick reliable security software that can detect all ransomware components.
- We also recommend scanning the machine with for best results
The Meds ransomware note
ATTENTION!
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-sTWdbjk1AY
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:
gerentoshelp@firemail.cc
How to remove Meds 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 Meds 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
Meds encrypts everything it can reach, including drives and shares you connect later. Cut the network first: cable out, or Wi-Fi off from the taskbar.
Then unplug every USB stick and backup disk and pause cloud sync, so the encrypted versions do not replace your online copies. Do not reconnect any of them until the ransomware is removed from the Windows 11 or Windows 10 PC.
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
Copy
_readme.txtand one or two files ending in.medsto a USB stick, and leave the originals where they are.From another device, upload the note and a sample file to ID Ransomware or No More Ransom's Crypto Sheriff, which name the family from the note, the extension and the file structure.
Write down the contact address and your personal ID from the note, because a decryptor or the police may ask for them.
Warning: Never contact the attackers from the infected Windows 11 or Windows 10 PC.
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
For Meds, no free decryptor is known (checked 5 October 2026). Search the family name in the No More Ransom decryption tools list and in the free decryptors of Emsisoft, Avast and Kaspersky, because new tools appear years after an attack.
Important: Keep the encrypted files even if nothing works today, and do not pay before every free option is ruled out: payment does not guarantee a working key.
Decryptors run on Windows 11 and Windows 10, but only after the ransomware itself is removed.
Full procedure with screenshots: Ransomware: first steps, finding a decryptor and recovering files
Step 4: Remove the ransomware before you restore or decrypt
Restoring or decrypting files while Meds still runs lets it encrypt them again. Run a Full scan in Windows Security > Virus & threat protection > Scan options, then the Microsoft Defender Antivirus (offline scan).
If the ransomware blocks Windows Security, start Safe Mode with Networking and scan from there. Some families install a password stealer as well, so let both scans finish on Windows 11 or 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
Open Command Prompt as administrator and run
vssadmin list shadows. If it lists copies dated before the attack, right-click a folder with encrypted files in File Explorer, choose Properties > Previous Versions, and open or restore a version from before that date.ShadowExplorer, a free tool, shows the same copies when the tab is empty or hidden. Most current families delete shadow copies, so an empty list is normal, but the check takes two minutes on Windows 11 or Windows 10.
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
Restore from an external backup, File History or OneDrive's version history, choosing a date before the attack. Connect the backup drive only after the scans are clean, or the ransomware encrypts it too.
If there is no backup, file recovery software can sometimes find the deleted originals, because some ransomware writes an encrypted copy and deletes the original file.
Stop writing to the drive and try recovery on Windows 11 or Windows 10 before new files overwrite the space.
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 Sep 2019 · outdated details corrected in October 2026
Meds ransomware is a crypto-locking malware that is used to blackmail users in paying money for the recovery tool
Meds ransomware is a type of malware that focuses on money extortion - it replaces regular personal files with the ones that have .meds extension appended.
This guarantees that victims are unable to access any pictures, music, video, document, database, and other personal files - they need a unique key to unlock them. The key is generated during the asymmetric encryption process and is sent off to a remote server controlled by hackers.
Meds virus also drops a ransom note _readme.txt, which is essentially a message from hackers. Victims are asked to pay the ransom of $980 or $490 to retrieve the key needed to decrypt Meds ransomware files. Unfortunately, STOPDecrypter, a tool that was useful for previous STOP/Djvu variant decryption, is no longer functional, and chances of recovering data without paying criminals is relatively low.
Regardless, users should avoid contacting Meds ransomware authors, as there is no guarantee that they will send the required tool. Experts advise users to avoid using gorentos@bitmessage.ch or gerentoshelp@firemail.cc emails to contact cybercriminals as well and rather focus on Meds ransomware removal process.
While most of the ransomware viruses delete themselves as soon as they perform the encryption process on the host machine, Meds virus might leave some traces or modules that will keep encrypting the incoming files and harvest the all the information entered by the victim. That is why Meds ransomware removal should be performed as soon as the symptoms of the infection become apparent.
In 2019, multiple AV engines recognized Meds ransomware under the following names:
We suggest using to remove Meds ransomware damage. Additionally, after you terminate the infection, you should also head to C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc folder on your Windows machine and delete the file called "hosts." This will allow you to enter security-related sites once again.
- TR/AD.InstaBot.wrdas
- Trojan.PWS.Stealer.26685
- Win32/Trojan.Ransom.111
- Trojan.MalPack.GS
- Trojan-Ransom.Win32.Stop.dk
- Trojan:Win32/CryptInject.BE!MTB
- Win32:Malware-gen, etc.
From our report of Sep 2019 · not reviewed since
Meds ransomware can be injected into the machine via software cracks, although other methods are used by malware authors as well
Illegal software activation tools that can crack the otherwise-paid program (for example, Windows operating system, MS Office suite, video games such as Grand Theft Auto V, FIFA, Far Cry V, etc.) have been popular among users for years, and, even though most of them are aware of dangers that lie on crack and pirated software sites, the download rate of such programs does not diminish.
Without a doubt, malware authors are quick to utilize the popularity of crack tools - they often insert fake cracks to infect users with ransomware or other computer threats. In some cases, cracks work as intended, but also download and install the malicious payload in the background.
Therefore, using crack tools and keygens is extremely unsafe, and users should avoid sites that host them. Nevertheless, if you are willing to risk your online security and computer safety, you should at least scan the executable with anti-virus software or tools like Virus Total. Note that cracks will often be flagged malicious due to its fundamental feature - cracking the software to bypass the license requirement.
Meds ransomware can also be installed via other methods, including spam email attachments (malicious .zip, .js, .rar, .html, .doc files), exploit kits, unprotected RDP, adware bundles, and other methods. To protect yourself, make sure you pay attention to your time online, equip your computer with comprehensive security software, patch system as necessary, and backup all your personal files regularly.
From our report of Sep 2019 · not reviewed since
Meds ransomware encryption and operation process
Before Meds ransomware starts the file encryption process, it performs various changes to the operating system.
Before that, however, the malware creates an executable under a random name and places it into the %AppData% folder. This file is then launched to perform all the changes to the system.
To launch with every Windows boot, the virus alters registry database and spawns a new service under the name VaultSvc. Meds ransomware then performs other changes, such as hosts file modification, removal of Shadow Volume Copies, etc. Finally, once all the required modules are executed, the malware starts a scan - it looks for files to encrypt.
Typically, the data that Meds ransomware looks for is the most commonly used file types - .pdf, .doc, .gif, .jpg, .mpeg, .mp4, etc.
Malware uses asymmetric encryption algorithm to lock all personal files, meaning that the key required to lock data is public, while the one that is needed for decryption is different and is in the possession of hackers. Nevertheless, both of these keys are mathematically connected, hence the same key cannot be used to unlock other victims' files.
After the encryption process, Meds ransomware appends each of the files with .meds - a symptom that is hardly unnoticeable by the victims. Files modified in such a way are no longer accessible, and at that time users are asked to pay for the decryption key that hackers can provide.
From our report of Sep 2019 · not reviewed since
Hackers behind Meds ransomware ask for a ransom in Bitcoin - do not trust them
Threat actors who launched Meds ransomware are sophisticated individuals, but, at the same time, they are willing to use their knowledge for malicious deeds, such as infecting thousands of users with malware. However, they also do not care about the well-being of their victims, as they are only interested in money, which is usually asked being paid in Bitcoin - a digital cryptocurrency.
Unlike stealthy malware, Meds ransomware does not hide its presence, since hackers are eager for users to pay the ransom. They ensure that victims would find out what happened to their files immediately by placing a message into a text file, which reads:
Note how crooks are offering a 50% discount - it is a mere trick in order to create a sense of urgency and make users pay the ransom as soon as possible. However, industry experts and security community discourage from doing so, as Meds virus authors might simply ignore you and never send the required tool that can unlock the encrypted files.
Moreover, while we cannot say that the criminals will not send you Meds ransomware decryptor, be aware that the risk of losing your money as well is there, so do it at your own risk.
If you decided not to pay for Meds ransomware decryption tool, we suggest you try other methods if no backups were previously prepared. For example, you can try using third-party recovery software, as it might be able to retrieve data that is not yet overwritten from your hard drive.
Additionally, Windows Previous Versions feature might be a way to recover files one-by-one. Finally, Dr.Web offers a partial file decryption service by offering Rescue Pack (not free).
Finally, security researchers are constantly working on Meds ransomware decryption tools. To check for updates on that, visit the following websites:
- https://www.nomoreransom.org/en/index.html
- https://id-ransomware.malwarehunterteam.com/
- https://www.emsisoft.com/ransomware-decryption-tools/
From our report of Sep 2019 · outdated details corrected in October 2026
If you don't remove Meds ransomware, sensitive details might be leaked by cybercriminals
Since Meds virus belongs to Djvu/STOP ransomware family, it might be packed with various features.
For example, some variants were seen being distributed along with info-stealing malware. In some cases, researchers found the virus installing additional modules that allow data harvesting directly from Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, Mozilla Firefox, or another browser.
Therefore, Meds ransomware removal is mandatory to protect all the incoming files from encryption, as well as stop cybercriminals from stealing sensitive data from the device. For that, you should employ powerful security software and perform a full system scan.
In some cases, you might not be able to use an anti-malware program, as Meds ransomware might interfere with it. In such a case, enter Safe Mode and perform a full scan from there - check below on how to do that.
Only after you remove Meds ransomware, you can start the file recovery process. If you think that your personal data has been compromised, call your bank and ask for advice; change passwords for all your accounts.
From our report of Sep 2019 · outdated details corrected in October 2026
Visual Meds ransomware removal guide
Meds ransomware is a virus that belongs to the newer versions of STOP/Djvu.
Not only is it no longer decryptable with tools that used to help victims in some cases, but it is also packed with new features and improvements.
To prevent users from visiting websites that could advise them on what to do after Meds ransomware infection, malicious actors decided to modify the Windows "hosts" file - it includes a list of most popular security-focused websites around the web. Thus, this complicates the termination of the virus, as reaching the required instructions becomes more difficult.
Luckily, cybercriminals can not block victims from using YouTube, as the links for each video is generated separately. We prepared the video guide for users who cannot access our website or those who have general troubles with Meds ransomware removal. Please check out the visual instructions in the below-video:
[GI=method-1]If Meds ransomware is tampering with your security software, access Safe Mode with Networking as follows:
[GI=method-2]System Restore can also be useful for malware termination:
Recovery software does not use the encrypted files to restore them, but rather searches for untouched copies on the hard drive/solid-state drive. If no information is written on top of the space where the data was previously residing, the recovery process will be successful.
Windows Previous Versions Feature might be able to help you when trying to recover files encrypted by Meds virus
If you had System Restore enabled, you could use Windows Previous Versions feature in order to retrieve files on-by-one.
ShadowExplorer could recover all the lost data under certain cicrumstances
If ransomware did not delete Shadow Volume Copies, you should try using ShadowExplorer - this tool should be able to recover all your files.
No decryptor was available in 2019.
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
Meds could only hurt the files that had no second copy, and the signs (files that end in .meds 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.
Do not let government spy on you
The government has many issues in regards to tracking users' data and spying on citizens, so you should take this into consideration and learn more about shady information gathering practices.
Avoid any unwanted government tracking or spying by going totally anonymous on the internet.
You can choose a different location when you go online and access any material you want without particular content restrictions. You can easily enjoy internet connection without any risks of being hacked by using VPN.
Control the information that can be accessed by government any other unwanted party and surf online without being spied on. Even if you are not involved in illegal activities or trust your selection of services, platforms, be suspicious for your own security and take precautionary measures by using the VPN service.
Backup files for the later use, in case of the malware attack
Computer users can suffer from data losses due to cyber infections or their own faulty doings.
Ransomware can encrypt and hold files hostage, while unforeseen power cuts might cause a loss of important documents. If you have proper up-to-date backups, you can easily recover after such an incident and get back to work. It is also equally important to update backups on a regular basis so that the newest information remains intact - you can set this process to be performed automatically.
When you have the previous version of every important document or project you can avoid frustration and breakdowns. It comes in handy when malware strikes out of nowhere. Use for the data restoration process.
Questions about Meds ransomware
How do I open .meds files encrypted by Meds ransomware?
You cannot open .meds files without the private decryption key controlled exclusively by the attackers. Meds ransomware uses asymmetric encryption, which requires a unique mathematical key to decrypt each victim's files. Files renamed with the .meds extension (such as document.txt.meds) are completely inaccessible until decrypted.
The ransom note _readme.txt demands payment in Bitcoin for the decryption key and tool. Your only reliable recovery option is restoring from backups created on external drives or cloud storage before the infection occurred.
Is there a decryptor available for Meds ransomware?
No known decryptor exists for Meds ransomware. Meds is a variant of the STOP/Djvu ransomware family, and while STOPDecrypter existed for earlier variants, it no longer works on Meds. Security researchers have not successfully broken the Meds encryption.
Dr.Web (a security company) may recover some file types for a fee of €150, but this only works for specific file formats and offers no guarantee. No free decryption tool is available.
Should I pay the ransom to decrypt my files?
No. You should not pay the ransom. Although Meds attackers offer a 50% discount if you contact within 92 hours (reducing $980 to $490), payment provides no guarantee of file recovery. Many victims who pay never receive a working decryption tool.
Paying funds criminal operations and ensures you will receive more extortion attempts. Security experts and law enforcement universally advise against paying ransomware demands. Focus on malware removal and file recovery alternatives instead.
Do paid decryption services or data recovery companies work for Meds ransomware?
Paid decryption services have limited success with Meds ransomware. Only Dr.Web has reportedly recovered some file types for €150, but this only works on specific formats and is not guaranteed. Most data recovery companies cannot decrypt Meds because the private key is exclusively held by attackers.
Your best chance of recovering files is if you have backups on external drives or cloud storage that were not connected to your computer during the infection. Without backups, recovery prospects are extremely poor.
How did Meds ransomware get on my PC?
Meds spreads through several methods including software cracks and keygens, malicious email attachments (especially infected .zip, .rar, .doc, .js, .html files), unprotected Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) access, exploit kits, and adware bundles.
The malware executes its payload without warning, creates an executable in the %AppData% folder, and modifies system settings to ensure persistence. Users downloading pirated software or opening suspicious email attachments are at highest risk.
Was my personal data stolen by Meds ransomware?
Meds ransomware injects a data-stealing module alongside its encryption process. This module is designed to harvest information entered by victims, such as keystrokes and login credentials.
Whether your specific data was exfiltrated is unknown, but assume it was accessed during the infection. Monitor your accounts for fraudulent activity, identity theft, and unauthorized access. Change all passwords immediately, particularly for accounts used on the infected computer.
Is Meds ransomware different from other ransomware with similar names?
Yes. Meds is a specific variant within the STOP/Djvu ransomware family, which has over 150 variants released to date. Each variant uses a slightly different encryption key and encryption process.
Meds is distinguished by the .meds file extension and the _readme.txt ransom note. Other STOP variants have different extensions (.stop, .djvu, .zes, etc.) and may differ in ransom amounts and contact information, though the underlying encryption algorithm is similar.
What encryption method does Meds use and can it be broken?
Meds uses asymmetric encryption with a 2048-bit RSA algorithm, which is mathematically secure and unbreakable without the private key. The public key used for encryption is mathematically linked to the private key held by attackers, but deriving the private key from the public key is computationally infeasible.
Each victim receives a unique key pair, so files encrypted by different victims cannot be decrypted with the same tool. No mathematical shortcut exists to bypass this encryption.
What is the typical ransom amount for Meds ransomware?
Meds typically demands $980 USD in Bitcoin, but offers a 50% discount of $490 if you contact the attackers within 92 hours of infection. The ransom is negotiable, and attackers may adjust demands based on perceived victim wealth.
Contact emails are gorentos@bitmessage.ch with a reserve address of gerentoshelp@firemail.cc. However, even at the discounted rate, payment offers no guarantee of file recovery, and security experts advise against paying any ransom.
Will Fortect remove Meds?
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 Meds, 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
- Virus Total: c2716fcc735a4f1b9fce29cb1dc20a26969b71f615e2b119e9680f015379d286 (read October 5, 2026)
- Krebs on Security: Software Cracks: A Great Way to Infect Your PC (read October 5, 2026)
- Wikipedia: Exploit kit (read October 5, 2026)
- CISA: StopRansomware (read October 5, 2026)
- No More Ransom (read October 5, 2026)