MNS CRYPTOLOCKER ransomware / virus (Feb 2017 update) - Decryption Steps Included

by Julie Splinters - - 2017-02-23 | Type: Ransomware

MNS CRYPTOLOCKER virus Removal Guide

Description Quick solution Instructions Prevention

What is MNS CRYPTOLOCKER ransomware virus?

MNS Cryptolocker and Cryptolocker. Do they hail from the same family?

MNS Cryptolocker virus has emerged as a new file-encrypting malware. Like any ordinary sample of this category, it threatens victims to pay the money in exchange for the locked files. The malware employs AES algorithm to encode personal data. Due to the complexity, decrypting the files without obtaining the decryption tool remains a challenge. This virus is entitled as an alternative version of introduced CryptoLocker. Lately, there has been quite an increase of viruses belonging to this ransomware family ^[1]. It raises speculations whether it is the related virus or just an imitation designed by other cyber criminals. Fake or not, it does not change the fact that it encodes personal files. We recommend you to remove MNS Cryptolocker immediately. You can do it with the assistance of FortectIntego.

CryptoLocker ransomware family has gained notorious fame after continuously terrorizing the virtual community since 2013. What is more, analysts suspect that it has made over $300 million ^[2]. Amid the speculations that the original version has been terminated, its duplicates with similar titles are continuously emerging. Even though not all imitations are as destructive as the original version, they still are able to wreak havoc. What is more, in response to the growing ransomware market the law enforcement institution such as the FBI presented a stunning advice: if you get infected with MNS Cryptolocker or any other crypto-malware, it would be better to transfer the money ^[3]. The statement has surely reverberated in the virtual community. Such attitude might explain why new file-encrypting viruses keep emerging and the entire cyber business is booming. Furthermore, there are relatively few reports about the returned data. Likewise, it is futile to rely on the felons‘ sense of conscience. Instead, proceed to the elimination, specifically, MNS Cryptolocker removal.

All your file locked with MNS CryptoLocker:
send 0.2 btc to adress 19o4meegqhmdswffskcdgm8rjt16cca33xqfor decrypt your files send your uniq and btc wallet from wich paid
to email alex.vas@dr.com
after we receive bitcoins and yor email, we contact with you

Besides the US, this virus targets the European region. It demands 0.2 BTC which is approximately 235 dollars at the moment. The crooks made sure that the files are not easily decryptable as they used the standard encryption of AES ^[4]. Note that it is a common strategy for the crooks to alarm and scare users that there is no other choice rather than pay the money. Let us proceed to the termination of MNS Cryptolocker malware.

Is MNS Cryptolocker related to CryptoLocker? MNS Cryptolocker is named after CryptoLocker virus - but are these viruses related?

The transmission of the crypto-malware

It is likely that you have been assaulted with this malware after recklessly opening an infected spam email. Various fake and counterfeited invoice documents and tax reports have been popular among cyber criminals. Especially the risk to get infected boosts during the holidays ^[5]. Similarly, your device might have been victimized by MNS Cryptolocker hijack after you opened such email or visited a web page enhanced with exploit kits. Some felons opt for this method as it provides fewer chances for the victims to defend themselves. That is why we recommend you to install a security application to lower the risk of such infections.

How quickly can I eliminate MNS Cryptolocker ransomware?

If you are looking for an efficient solution, install an anti-spyware application, e.g. FortectIntego or Malwarebytes. Either of these tools will remove MNS Cryptolocker from the device. Update the program and start the scan. The software also helps detect exploit kits, the ominous carriers of the ransomware. If you cannot finish MNS Cryptolocker removal due to certain computer issues, take a look at the below-indicated guidelines which might be of use. After the cyber infection is eradicated, proceed to the file-recovery guidelines.

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What to do if failed?
If you failed to fix virus damage using Fortect Intego, submit a question to our support team and provide as much details as possible.

Fortect Intego has a free limited scanner. Fortect Intego offers more through scan when you purchase its full version. When free scanner detects issues, you can fix them using free manual repairs or you can decide to purchase the full version in order to fix them automatically.

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Alternative Software

Different software has a different purpose. If you didn’t succeed in fixing corrupted files with Fortect, try running SpyHunter 5.

Download SpyHunter 5 Review »

Malwarebytes

Alternative Software

Different software has a different purpose. If you didn’t succeed in fixing corrupted files with Intego, try running Combo Cleaner.

Download Combo Cleaner Review »

Getting rid of MNS CRYPTOLOCKER virus. Follow these steps

Manual removal using Safe Mode

If you can’t remove MNS Cryptolocker because it is blocking you, you need to reboot your computer to Safe Mode with networking:

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.

Remove MNS CRYPTOLOCKER using System Restore

If Safe Mode with networking does not block the ransomware, you can also try the following guide:

Step 1: Reboot your computer to Safe Mode with Command Prompt
Windows 7 / Vista / XP
1. Click Start → Shutdown → Restart → OK.
2. When your computer becomes active, start pressing F8 multiple times until you see the Advanced Boot Options window.
3. Select Command Prompt from the list
Windows 10 / Windows 8
1. Press the Power button at the Windows login screen. Now press and hold Shift, which is on your keyboard, and click Restart..
2. Now select Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Startup Settings and finally press Restart.
3. Once your computer becomes active, select Enable Safe Mode with Command Prompt in Startup Settings window.
Step 2: Restore your system files and settings
1. Once the Command Prompt window shows up, enter cd restore and click Enter.
2. Now type rstrui.exe and press Enter again..
3. When a new window shows up, click Next and select your restore point that is prior the infiltration of MNS CRYPTOLOCKER. After doing that, click Next.
4. Now click Yes to start system restore.
Once you restore your system to a previous date, download and scan your computer with FortectIntego and make sure that MNS CRYPTOLOCKER removal is performed successfully.

Bonus: Recover your data

Guide which is presented above is supposed to help you remove MNS CRYPTOLOCKER from your computer. To recover your encrypted files, we recommend using a detailed guide prepared by 2-spyware.com security experts.

If your files are encrypted by MNS CRYPTOLOCKER, you can use several methods to restore them:

Recover your data

Using Data Recovery Pro to recover files encrypted by MNS Cryptolocker

Data Recovery Pro is a well known tool which helps people recover their lost files. If you don’t have backups of your encrypted files, this program might be your last chance of recovering them.

Download Data Recovery Pro;
Follow the steps of Data Recovery Setup and install the program on your computer;
Launch it and scan your computer for files encrypted by MNS CRYPTOLOCKER ransomware;
Restore them.

Try Windows Previous Versions method

For this method to work, System Restore should has been enabled before infiltration of this ransomware. If you are sure that it was enables, you can use the method to recover your separate files.

Find an encrypted file you need to restore and right-click on it;
Select “Properties” and go to “Previous versions” tab;
Here, check each of available copies of the file in “Folder versions”. You should select the version you want to recover and click “Restore”.

What is ShadowExplorer?

It is a program which restores the lost data based on the shadow volume copies generated automatically by the operating system. It has been reported that MNS Cryptolocker removes these copies, so your chances of recovering the files can decrease. If you are still willing to try this method, follow the guide:

Download Shadow Explorer (http://shadowexplorer.com/);
Follow a Shadow Explorer Setup Wizard and install this application on your computer;
Launch the program and go through the drop down menu on the top left corner to select the disk of your encrypted data. Check what folders are there;
Right-click on the folder you want to restore and select “Export”. You can also select where you want it to be stored.

Finally, you should always think about the protection of crypto-ransomwares. In order to protect your computer from MNS CRYPTOLOCKER and other ransomwares, use a reputable anti-spyware, such as FortectIntego, SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner or Malwarebytes

How to prevent from getting ransomware

Stream videos without limitations, no matter where you are

There are multiple parties that could find out almost anything about you by checking your online activity. While this is highly unlikely, advertisers and tech companies are constantly tracking you online. The first step to privacy should be a secure browser that focuses on tracker reduction to a minimum.

Even if you employ a secure browser, you will not be able to access websites that are restricted due to local government laws or other reasons. In other words, you may not be able to stream Disney+ or US-based Netflix in some countries. To bypass these restrictions, you can employ a powerful Private Internet Access VPN, which provides dedicated servers for torrenting and streaming, not slowing you down in the process.

Data backups are important – recover your lost files

Ransomware is one of the biggest threats to personal data. Once it is executed on a machine, it launches a sophisticated encryption algorithm that locks all your files, although it does not destroy them. The most common misconception is that anti-malware software can return files to their previous states. This is not true, however, and data remains locked after the malicious payload is deleted.

While regular data backups are the only secure method to recover your files after a ransomware attack, tools such as Data Recovery Pro can also be effective and restore at least some of your lost data.

About the author

Julie Splinters - Anti-malware specialist

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