How to remove Meduza ransomware

Meduza ransomware – a cryptovirus which is urging victims to pay 0.08 bitcoin for acquiring the decryption key needed to unlock encrypted data

Meduza ransomware is a cryptovirus which typically denies access to important data and requires the specific amount of bitcoin to recover the connection to it. This ransomware-type virus has the same operating principle as hundreds of other ransomware, so it encrypts files and adds .[btc2018@tutanota.de].meduza or similar extension to mark data which can't be opened or used. Additionally, it drops the copy of a ransom note called as How-To-Recover-Your-Files.html which announces that user's files are infected and requires sending a special payment to decrypt this data. Users are urged to contact the cybercriminals via greystars@protonmail.com. However, the email address, just like the amount of the ransom, might vary.

To encrypt target files, the virus is using an AES algorithm^[1]. Due to its unique functionality, it is almost impossible to decrypt damaged data, even if you are a true tech expert. Typically, the decryption key is stored on a remote server and can only be reached by its owners.

No matter how hard it seems to lose your images, business documents, and similar data, we do not recommend paying the ransom as it usually turns out to be a trick to swindle the money from naive victims. Beware that cybercriminals often leave users scammed as soon as they receive their money.^[2] As an alternative, you should remove Meduza ransomware from your computer system and then use one of the data recovery methods provided at the end of this post. For virus removal, we advise using FortectIntego.

The ransom note of the virus:

All your files have been encrypted!

How to recover your files?
All your files have been encrypted by RSA and AES due to a security problem on your PC. You have to pay for decryption of Bitcoins.

If you want to restore them. You must send 0.08 bitcoin to my bitcoins address [Link]
After payment, we will send you the decryption tool that will decrypt all your files.
Please write us to the email [email address].
Your decrypt code is [ransom numbers]
Please write the decrypt code in the title of your email message. And don’t forgot to write the transfer accounts info.
[…]
Attention!
1.Do not rename encrypted files.
2.Do not try to decrypt your data using third party software.It may cause permanent data loss.

It is unknown which hackers' group is hiding behind Meduza ransomware. However, the ransom note and other facts related to this ransomware have been reminding us WannaCry, Petya, and many other ransomware viruses. If you happen to run into this malware, note that time is very important while dealing with it. The more you wait, the more files can be encrypted. Besides, according to the latest tendencies, your computer system might be forced to start mining cryptocurrency.^[3] 

To prevent the money loss, do not pay the money, especially when the virus is still on your computer. To prevent the loss of personal data, you should initiate Meduza ransomware removal as soon as you find a suspicious extension added to your data. For that, use a professional anti-malware tool, such as FortectIntego. After the elimination is done, you can try using trustworthy decryption tools in order to recover infected data. At the moment, there is no official decrypter.

Distribution of the ransomware spreading and avoiding techniques

According to IT professionals^[4], the most common way for this ransomware-type virus to enter the system is related to spam. These kinds of messages come with a harmful attachment which is already included in the email message as an important document, such as invoice, an image, etc. However, once opened, the virus is activated and starts its damaging activity. 

To avoid serious ransomware infections, follow these guidelines:

• If you receive any suspicious email, you need to double check it before opening. If you have any doubts, you should better eliminate the email for your safeness. Do not get tricked by shady and dubious senders.
• Try to avoid visiting suspicious-looking sites and links. Once entered, they might try to initiate infiltration of a ransomware-type virus behind your back.
• Consider installing a professional security tool. An antivirus will protect your system, scan it, and alert if some harmful components are trying to infect your PC.

Eliminate Meduza ransomware with the special guide

To remove Meduza ransomware virus from the system and prevent its leftover files and other components, you need professional help. We advise using an anti-malware software, such as FortectIntego, SpyHunterCombo Cleaner, or MalwarebytesMalwarebytes. The process might take a while due to the infected security system. However, if you follow all elimination steps given down below, you should get a chance to disable your malware and let the anti-malware program do its job.

After the elimination process is finished, we recommend taking care of system backups to prevent the negative effect of ransomware in the future. You can easily save your data on external hard drives, USB keys, and similar storage solutions. However, before you proceeded with this task, take care of the Meduza removal.