Moncrypt ransomware: what it is and how to remove it
Moncrypt ransomware - the cryptocurrency extortion-based virus that marks files using .moncrypt file appendix and demands people to pay up in the lengthy ransom note delivered as a text file.
The ransom demanding message appears in a text file named HOW TO RECOVER ENCRYPTED FILES.txt and as typical Scarab virus developers' message it delivers instructions for test decryption, information about the particular price of the decryption tool and notes what not to do.
Facts checked October 7, 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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Moncrypt ransomware: summary
| Distribution | Ransomware payload file gets loaded on the machine when the user opens an infected email attachment from the notification supposedly sent from a legitimate sender. This infiltration happens when malicious macro viruses get enabled and triggered once the document or PDF is opened on the targeted computer. Such malicious attachment can also get included in pirated software packages and on websites injected with malicious scripts |
|---|---|
| Damage | Malware like this manages to infiltrate the system and run in the background silently. There are many places where ransomware can install programs, add files, or alter existing entries. These changes affect the persistence of the threat itself and recovery or elimination processes |
| Name | Moncrypt ransomware |
| Family | Scarab virus |
| Encryption methods | AES-256 and RSA-2048[1] army grade encryption algorithms get employed for file locking that allows changing the original code of the chosen image, document or video file |
| File marker | .moncrypt is the appendix that appears at the end of every file locked by the threat. When the encryption is done all affected data get this marker that comes after the original name and file type disclosing extension |
| 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 12 more facts
| Ransom note | named HOW TO RECOVER ENCRYPTED FILES.txt; the text is quoted in full below |
|---|---|
| Contact emails | moncoin@protonmail.com, moncoin@india.com |
| Detection names | No Microsoft detection name is known |
| Encrypted file extension | .moncrypt |
| Decryptor | No free decryptor is known for this variant; check No More Ransom (nomoreransom.org) for updates |
| Type | File-encrypting ransomware |
| Symptoms | Files renamed with a new extension and a ransom note left in folders |
| Evidence | 4 write-ups by security sites; no sample analysed yet |
| Encrypted files | .moncrypt |
| Free decryptor | No free decryptor is known (checked 7 October 2026) |
| First seen | 12 February 2020 |
| Facts checked | 7 October 2026 |
- File extension:
.moncrypt - Note file:
named HOW TO RECOVER ENCRYPTED FILES.txt
From our report of Feb 2020 · not reviewed since
More from our earlier report on Moncrypt ransomware
- HOW TO RECOVER ENCRYPTED FILES.TXT - file with the ransom demanding message that provides information about the encryption process for the victim and contact information needed for people who decide to pay up.
- This note from criminals also includes the offer of the test decryption that should encourage people to contact cyber criminals even more
- Moncrypt ransomware removal is achievable if you use proper anti-malware tools designed to clean such threats and other malware programs.
- By running the AV tool, you can get rid of the malware and other associated programs or files running on the PC
- When ransomware affects folders on the system and security or recovery functions, the only way to reverse this damage is to use a system optimizer or repair program like that can find and fix virus damage on the machine without causing additional issues
How Moncrypt ransomware behaves
From our report of Feb 2020 · not reviewed since
Moncrypt ransomware is the version of file-encrypting Scarab ransomware virus
Moncrypt ransomware - the cryptocurrency extortion-based virus that marks files using .moncrypt file appendix and demands people to pay up in the lengthy ransom note delivered as a text file.
The ransom demanding message appears in a text file named HOW TO RECOVER ENCRYPTED FILES.txt and as typical Scarab virus developers' message it delivers instructions for test decryption, information about the particular price of the decryption tool and notes what not to do.
Even though this message states about risks related to third-party software and decryption methods, you should ignore all the claims and promises and terminate the threat instead of trusting these extortionists.
Moncrypt ransomware virus is one of the most dangerous types of threats because it damages files and involves direct blackmailing. Since there is no particular ransom amount that could be specified for all victims, you cannot be sure how small or how big it gets.
Typically it can differ from hundreds to thousands of dollars in the form of cryptocurrency and depend on the value of data that got encrypted on the system. However, paying the demanded amount is not the best option no matter how important those files are for you.
There is no reason to trust the claims about the decryption tool, it is possible that your machine will get more affected instead when ransomware creators send you a malware-filled program or file via the email when you ask for the decryption opportunity.
Moncrypt ransomware starts the attack with the encryption process. It scans the machine to find files that can be encrypted, and those commonly used images, documents, video, or audio files get encrypted using an army-grade algorithm that makes data useless and unopenable.
This fact frustrates people because they cannot even know what is in the affected document or video when they cannot recall the particular content from the file name only.
Once the ransomware message HOW TO RECOVER ENCRYPTED FILES.txt appears on the screen and Moncrypt ransomware developers directly demand payment from victims, people can know what happened actually and what to do to get those files back. However, the following message should be ignored instead because criminals are not going to decrypt your data, as many examples of ransomware attacks show:
Moncrypt ransomware creators demand the payment in Bitcoins or a different type of cryptocurrency because this is a popular and powerful thing on the dark web. Cybercriminals that hide behind this shady program are not focused on helping victims, so when you pay, they may demand additional sums or even infect the machine and damage your data repeatedly. You cannot predict what happens once you contact malware creators.
The sooner you get to remove this malware the better because encryption is the first, but not the only process that virus runs on the system. When ransom demand is sent out threat affects many system processes that can be helpful for recovery or malware termination to ensure that victims have fewer options as possible.
When you consider choosing the method that helps you to remove Moncrypt ransomware, rely on anti-malware tools that can detect and eliminate such threats without any issues. Anti-malware tools should work the best because such engines are based in finding possibly malicious files, programs that pose danger on the device.
Make sure to get rid of the virus as soon as possible, so you can fix the damage that Moncrypt ransomware caused in such places as:
Also, startup preferences, settings, registry entries get altered by the Moncrypt ransomware, other processes get launched in the background. To fix these issues, you should go through crucial parts of the settings and essential folders, files. Such manual intervention can cause other issues and damage functions or features, so rely on professional repair tools or optimizers like .
When you manage to terminate Moncrypt ransomware completely, you should ensure that the machine is virus-free and can run normally again. Once you are sure, rely on data backups from external devices or cloud service and replace affected documents, images, databases with safe copies.
You can find a few additional options below the article for the data recovery. Unfortunately, the decryption tool is not developed or released by researchers yet, so rely on AV tools and file backups.
- %AppData%
- %Local%
- %LocalLow%
- %Roaming%
- %Temp%
From our report of Feb 2020 · not reviewed since
Corrupted files trigger the drop of the ransomware payload
Malspam campaigns and similar techniques involving malicious code spreading files and direct infiltration of malware designed to spread cryptovirus around.
In most cases, malicious actors use embedded files with malware and attach those files to email messages.
Posing as legitimate companies, services, and other senders that people can be familiar with, criminals distribute these infected files. Once the email is disguised as a safe-looking notification, files get opened and downloaded on devices without any questions. Files can pose as:
Experts note that this infiltration can also include other malware, secondary payloads, and threat attempts to complete a variety of malicious activities. Paying attention to received emails, cleaning email boxes more often, and keeping reliable AV tools for the protection of the system can be the way to avoid cryptovirus infections.
- receipts;
- order confirmation;
- invoices;
- bank messages;
- documents regarding financial information from other services like PayPal or eBay.
From our report of Feb 2020 · not reviewed since
Terminate the additional Moncrypt malware processes and clean the machine
Moncrypt ransomware virus is the threat that contaminates the system and affects many components of the machine it gets on.
The virus can be invisible for a good amount of time and alter essential parts of the computer to keep the malware running and damaging the machine. It activates various malicious processes and relies on modules that trigger processes needed for the recovery of data.
You need to remove Moncrypt ransomware using anti-malware tools because this way, your device gets thoroughly checked and cleaned. or can perform the cleaning for you and detect other additional malware or potentially unwanted programs. Follow the system scan results and suggestions displayed after the check.
As for the virus damage and additional issues caused by the threat after Moncrypt ransomware removal, get a system program like that can check issues regarding system settings and folders, files.
[GI=method-1]Reboot the machine in Safe Mode and then run AV tool to remove Moncrypt ransomware from the system fully
[GI=method-2]Get rid of the threat with the help of System Restore feature that allows recovering the machine in a previous state
This program can restore data affected by the threat, or accidentally deleted files
Moncrypt ransomware encrypted data can be restored using Windows Previous Versions feature
When you enable System Restore, Windows Previous Versions can be employed as a method for file restoring
ShadowExplorer is the system function that can be helpful after the Moncrypt ransomware encryption
When Shadow Volume Copies are left untouched, you can rely on ShadowExplorer and restore encrypted data
Moncrypt ransomware decryption tool is not developed yet
The Moncrypt ransomware note
All your files have been encrypted due to a security problem with your PC.
Now you should send us email with your personal identifier.
This email will be as confirmation you are ready to pay for decryption key.
You have to pay for decryption in Bitcoins. The price depends on how fast you write to us.
After payment we will send you the decryption tool that will decrypt all your files.
Contact us using this email address: moncoin@protonmail.com
Free decryption as guarantee!
Before paying you can send us up to 3 files for free decryption.
The total size of files must be less than 10Mb (non archived), and files should not contain
valuable information (databases, backups, large excel sheets, etc.).
If you are waiting for a message from us for more than 12 hours, check spam folder.
Attention!
* Do not rename encrypted files.
* Do not try to decrypt your data using third party software, it may cause permanent data loss.
* Decryption of your files with the help of third parties may cause increased price
(they add their fee to our) or you can become a victim of a scam.
How to remove Moncrypt 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 Moncrypt ransomware 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
Unplug the network cable or turn off Wi-Fi, and disconnect USB drives, external disks and network shares, so Moncrypt ransomware cannot reach more files. Pause OneDrive, Google Drive or Dropbox sync, because synced folders upload the encrypted copies over the good ones.
Leave the PC on but offline while you read the next steps, since a restart can let the ransomware run again. This applies to Windows 11 and Windows 10 alike.
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
Your files now end in
.moncryptand the instructions are innamed HOW TO RECOVER ENCRYPTED FILES.txt. Save both to a USB stick, a copy of the note and two small encrypted files, before anything else.On another device, check them with ID Ransomware or Crypto Sheriff: the family name decides which decryptor, if any, can help. Keep the note's ID and contact line for your report.
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
Our last check found that for Moncrypt ransomware, no free decryptor is known (checked 7 October 2026). Look again yourself in the No More Ransom list and the free decryptor pages of Emsisoft, Avast and Kaspersky, which add new families every year.
A decryptor needs the ransomware gone first, or it encrypts the files again. Keep at least one copy of the encrypted files on an external drive, even if no tool works yet.
Full procedure with screenshots: Ransomware: first steps, finding a decryptor and recovering files
Step 4: Remove the ransomware before you restore or decrypt
Removing Moncrypt ransomware does not bring the files back, but it has to come first. Start with Defender's Full scan, then the offline scan from the same Scan options page, which checks the disk before Windows loads.
If the scan cannot start, use Safe Mode with Networking. Delete the ransom notes only after you have saved a copy, because removal tools sometimes leave them behind on Windows 11 and 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
Windows keeps shadow copies for restore points and backups, and some ransomware fails to delete them.
vssadmin list shadowsin an administrator Command Prompt tells you at once whether any exist.If they do, right-click the folder that held your files, open Properties > Previous Versions, select a version from before the attack, and click Open to check it before you Restore or copy the files out. Windows 11 and Windows 10 both have the tab.
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
A backup made before the attack is the surest way back. Connect it only once the PC is clean, then restore from File History, Windows Backup, OneDrive's Restore your OneDrive or your own external copies.
Without a backup, try file recovery: the originals that Moncrypt ransomware deleted may still be on the disk until something overwrites them. Install nothing new on the drive you want to recover from on the Windows 11 or Windows 10 PC.
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.
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.
Protect the files you restore
Restore only after the scans are clean and the PC no longer shows files that end in .moncrypt and no longer open; otherwise the restored copies can be damaged again.
Then build a backup that survives the next infection:
- one copy in the cloud with version history
- one on an external drive that is disconnected between backups
- the working copy on the PC
Version history matters because a backup that syncs damaged files overwrites the good ones.
How to do this with the tools built into Windows: the 3-2-1 backup rule on Windows.
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 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 can also be effective and restore at least some of your lost data.
Questions about Moncrypt ransomware
How do I open .moncrypt files?
You cannot open them by renaming or with another program, because the content of files ending in .moncrypt has been encrypted. The only ways back are a working decryptor for the family, or clean copies from elsewhere:
- OneDrive versions
- File History
- an offline backup drive
- Previous Versions if the ransomware did not delete them
Identify the family first by uploading the ransom note and one encrypted file to ID Ransomware or No More Ransom. Avoid websites and programs that promise to open any encrypted file; they do not work and some are scams.
Should I pay the ransom in named HOW TO RECOVER ENCRYPTED FILES.txt?
Not before you have tried everything else. Identify the family from named HOW TO RECOVER ENCRYPTED FILES.txt and one encrypted file, check No More Ransom for a free decryptor, and look for clean copies in OneDrive, backups and Previous Versions.
Paying funds further attacks, may be illegal if the group is sanctioned, and is no promise of a working key: many victims get partial or broken decryption. If you consider paying for business-critical data, involve the police and a professional incident responder first, and never pay through intermediaries who promise their own decryption.
Is there a free Moncrypt ransomware decryptor?
We last checked on 7 October 2026, and for Moncrypt ransomware no free decryptor is known. We check No More Ransom, which collects free tools from police and security companies, and the decryptor pages of the major antivirus vendors. A working decryptor exists only when the encryption has a flaw or the keys were leaked or seized.
Ignore sites and videos that offer a "Moncrypt ransomware decryptor" for download or for a fee: these are usually scams or malware. Real decryptors are free and come from known security companies or law enforcement. Keep the encrypted files in case a tool appears later.
Can a data-recovery company decrypt my files for a fee?
Only if a decryptor already exists or the company pays the attackers for you. Some "ransomware recovery" services advertise that they can decrypt families with no known flaw; in practice they negotiate with the attackers and add their own fee. Others use the same free tools listed on No More Ransom.
Before you hire anyone, ask in writing how they will recover the files, whether they will contact the attackers and what happens if they fail. A legitimate service answers clearly. If a free decryptor exists for your family, you can run it yourself.
How did Moncrypt ransomware get on my computer?
The way Moncrypt ransomware spreads has not been documented yet, so look at your own recent activity. On home PCs, ransomware most often comes with cracked programs, game cheats, key generators and fake updates, or with an e-mail attachment that was opened. On business networks, attackers usually log in through Remote Desktop with a stolen or guessed password.
Think back to what was downloaded or installed in the days before files that end in .moncrypt and no longer open, and check the Downloads folder and Installed apps sorted by date. Keep anything suspicious for your report, but do not run it again.
Did Moncrypt ransomware steal my files or passwords?
We do not know yet. Nothing published so far shows data theft by Moncrypt ransomware, but the only confirmed sign is files that end in .moncrypt and no longer open, which says nothing about what happened before. Many current ransomware attacks copy files or run a password stealer first, so it is wise to act as if they did.
From a clean device, change the passwords that were saved in the browsers on this PC, starting with e-mail and banking, sign out of all sessions and turn on two-step verification. Watch bank statements and account activity for the next few weeks.
Is Moncrypt ransomware the same as other ransomware with a similar name?
Not necessarily. Ransomware names come from the file extension, the note or a word in the code, so unrelated families often end up with similar names, and one family can appear under several names. The difference matters: a decryptor or advice for one family does not fit another and can damage files.
Compare the ending added to your files and the exact name of the note with the summary table at the top of this guide, then upload the note and one encrypted file to ID Ransomware from a clean device. If the result names another family, follow the guide for that family instead.
What does named HOW TO RECOVER ENCRYPTED FILES.txt tell me about the ransomware?
Quite a lot. The file name named HOW TO RECOVER ENCRYPTED FILES.txt, the wording, the contact addresses and the format of the personal ID are typical for each family. Uploading the note together with one encrypted file to ID Ransomware or No More Ransom's Crypto Sheriff usually names the family within seconds.
That name decides your options: some families have free decryptors, some can be partially recovered, and some cannot be decrypted at all. The note's claims about stolen data should be taken seriously but not at face value.
Should I reinstall Windows after the .moncrypt attack?
Reinstalling removes the ransomware but not the encryption: your files ending in .moncrypt stay encrypted afterwards. So first copy the encrypted files and the ransom note to a separate drive, in case a decryptor appears later. Then decide:
- a clean-up with an offline scan is often enough for home PCs
- while a full reset is safer if remote access was involved
- scans keep finding new items
Restore your backups only after the PC is clean, and change passwords from another device.
Will Fortect remove Moncrypt ransomware?
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 Moncrypt ransomware, 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
- NYTimes: Ransomware Attacks Grow, Crippling Cities and Businesses Hackers are locking people out of their networks and demanding big payments to get back in. New data shows just how common and damaging the attacks have become. The former Denver headquarters of C (read October 7, 2026)
- Virusai: Virusai (read October 7, 2026)
- CISA: StopRansomware (read October 7, 2026)
- No More Ransom (read October 7, 2026)
- FTC: How to recognize, remove and avoid malware (read October 7, 2026)