How to remove Mgyhzbjyhux ransomware

Mgyhzbjyhux ransomware – crypto-malware that threatens to publish personal data if ransom is not paid

Mgyhzbjyhux ransomware is a new variant of an extensive malware family known as Snatch, which typically targets corporate networks and businesses via unprotected Remote Desktop connections exposed to the internet. Once inside, the malware performs file encryption with the help of the AES^[1] algorithm and appends .mgyhzbjyhux extension to pictures, music, videos, documents, databases, and other data located on local and networked drives.

To redeem access to personal files, victims require a unique key that is only accessible to malicious actors behind the Mgyhzbjyhux ransomware. As evident, they do not want to provide it for free and use it as an extortion mechanism in order to make users pay bitcoins. Hackers leave a ransom note HOW TO RESTORE YOUR FILES.TXT behind, which explains what happened and asks users to send an email at mediatorforyou@mail.fr or doctorhelp2120@cock.li with the particular extension.

Snatch ransomware family is among the largest ones that specialize in the “big game hunting” tactic; others include Maze, DoppelPaymer, or Clop. Threat actors behind the Mgyhzbjyhux file virus are known to be using brute-force tactics after scanning the internet for vulnerable Remote Desktop connections. Thus, while the targets are picked based on availability, attacks are most commonly performed against companies rather than individuals.

As soon as the attackers break into the system, they move laterally by using the domain controller until they acquire an administrative account. During this time, they do not deploy Mgyhzbjyhux ransomware for file locking process, but rather snoop around and look for data to be extracted. These files typically consist of secret corporate documents that should not be accessed by the public.

Finally, Mgyhzbjyhux ransomware is installed on the network via human actions, security software disabled, and backups removed (if the attackers managed to access them). As for the general functionality of the virus, it also deletes Shadow Volume Copies, modifies the Windows registry, and performs other changes for the file encryption process to be successful. These changes might also disrupt the normal operation of Windows, even after Mgyhzbjyhux ransomware removal is performed (to remediate the OS, we recommend using FortectIntego repair software).

During the file encryption process, malware might reboot the system into Safe Mode so that security software would fail to stop the intrusion and data compromise. The most commonly targeted file types include PDF, MS Office documents, and other relevant items.

As soon as the encryption is finished, victims can find a ransom note HOW TO RESTORE YOUR FILES.TXT, which is dropped on various places on the infected system. The note claims the following:

Hello! All your files are encrypted and only we can decrypt them.
Contact us:

mediatorforyou@mail.fr or doctorhelp2120@cock.li
Write us if you want to return your files – we can do it very quickly!

The header of letter must contain extension of encrypted files.

We always reply within 24 hours. If not – check spam folder, resend your letter or try send letter from another email service (like protonmail.com).

Attention!
Do not rename or edit encrypted files: you may have permanent data loss.

To prove that we can recover your files, we am ready to decrypt any three files (less than 1Mb) for free (except databases, Excel and backups).

HURRY UP!
If you do not email us in the next 48 hours then your data may be lost permanently.

As evident, malicious actors are using various hints that are meant to make victims decide to pay the ransom. For example, they claim that the decryption service is guaranteed and that they offer a free test decryption service as a means of proof that the .mgyhzbjyhux file decryptor is functional. On the other hand, they also claim that users only have 48 hours to decide before the required AES key is depleted from their servers – a sense of urgency is created in such a way.

However, paying criminals is quite risky, as some victims might never retrieve the required key. As a result, they might not only lose access to their files but also money that they pay to criminals.

Instead, security researchers^[2] advise to restore data from backups and remove Mgyhzbjyhux ransomware from the infected computers and networks. For the purpose, a powerful anti-malware should be used – we recommend SpyHunterCombo Cleaner or MalwarebytesMalwarebytes, although other powerful solutions should work as well.

Dangers of ransomware: businesses and companies are forced to pay ransom due to additional extortion techniques

There are several ways of how to restore .mgyhzbjyhux files without paying ransom – backups, recovery software, free decryption tools available from security experts, etc. The attackers, however, want to ensure that the ransom is paid, regardless of accessibility to alternative decryption methods.

Mgyhzbjyhux ransomware developers attack corporations to obtain the maximum amount of profit, although they spend more time when engaging in these attacks. Unlike malware strains such as Kasp or Geno, corporate-focused infections are more targeted but also count on larger ransom sums for the decryption solution.

Most companies, however, retain backups on a regular basis as the security procedure, rendering malware infection much less effective. To increase the possibility of the payment, crooks are now employing a different technique – they harvest sensitive information after the break-in, and then threaten to expose it online if the ransom demands are not met in time. For this reason, many companies are forced to pay ransoms despite having access to locked files.^[3]

The correct way to remove Mgyhzbjyhux files virus

Typically, anti-malware software can detect and stop the intrusion of malware. However, since the Mgyhzbjyhux virus is installed manually by attackers, such defenses might get disabled. Otherwise, the payload of this variant is recognized by various security programs as follows:^[4]

• Gen:Variant.Ransom.GoRansom.2
• Ransom:Win64/Snatch.A!MTB
• W32/DelShad.BL!tr.ransom
• A Variant Of Win64/Filecoder.BL
• Trojan.Win32.DelShad.4!c, etc.

In case no backups were retained, it is important to make a copy of the encrypted data before Mgyhzbjyhux ransomware removal is performed. Only then a full system scan should be initiated after each of the affected computers is disconnected from the network.

After you remove Mgyhzbjyhux ransomware, you can restore all data from backups or refer to the section below for alternative methods. Unfortunately, cybercriminals might not hesitate to publish the stolen information during intrusion if they do not receive the payment.