How to remove Moresa ransomware

Moresa ransomware is a file locking malware offers contacting the bad actors via Telegram

Moresa is a virus that belongs to the file-locking malware category, commonly known as ransomware. These type of viruses focus on money extortion by encrypting users' personal data and then demanding ransom for the decryption tool that is only accessible to hackers. This malware belongs to STOP/Djvu ransomware family – one of the most prolific cryptoviruses in the wild.

Moresa ransomware, just as its predecessors like Norvas, Browec, Guvara, and others, uses AES^[1] encryption algorithm to lock up all data on the device, although it skips system and other vital files that are needed for the OS to operate. Once the encoding process is complete, all databases, pictures, documents, etc. are marked with .moresa file extension and become unreachable to victims.

Users can then access a ransom note _readme.txt that explains that the only way to retrieve files is by paying $980 – $490 ransom in Bitcoin or another cryptocurrency. The message also notes the contact emails vengisto@india.com or vengisto@firemail.cc. Unlike most previous variants, Moresa ransomware also provides Telegram account that users can use to contact cybercriminals – @datarestore.

There are several ways the malicious payload of Moresa ransomware might be distributed, including spam emails, exploit kits,^[2] fake updates, via brute-forcing, etc. Nevertheless, most of the recent STOP variants are typically hosted on malicious file-sharing sites, where users download software cracks or pirated applications.

Soon after the infiltration, Moresa ransomware performs a variety of system changes, including the deletion of Shadow Volume Copies, which consequently complicates the recovery process. Additionally, the virus may change Windows startup repair and interfere with anti-virus software, which could complicate Moresa ransomware removal.

After file encryption, Moresa virus displays the following message:

ATTENTION!

Don't worry my friend, 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-aSdhfTOs1G
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:
vengisto@firemail.cc

Reserve e-mail address to contact us:
vengisto@india.com

Support Telegram account:
@datarestore

Your personal ID:

As evident, cybercriminals offer a discount of 50%, but you should not hurry to pay them regardless. You should not fund their illegal business – it will only prompt them to create more ransomware and infect more people. Also, you might even lose your money, as there is no guarantee that Moresa authors will send you the decryptor, even after providing the test decryption service.

Before you proceed with alternative file recovery methods, you should remove Moresa ransomware from your PC. To do that, use reputable security software in Safe Mode with Networking. After that, we recommend scanning your device with FortectIntego to restore system files to its previous state.

Stay away from software cracks and dangerous third-party file-sharing sites

The best solution for ransomware would be not to get infected in the first place. Nevertheless, people often neglect security researchers'^[3] warnings and proceed to browse the internet carelessly. While it is true that no protection means will defend you from ransomware or other malware 100%, taking up measures will reduce the chance of infection tremendously. Follow these tips:

• Install security software with real-time protection feature
• Be aware of spam emails, especially those that include attachments that ask for macros to be enabled
• Backup all your files on a regular basis
• Install software updates as soon as security patches are out (make sure you set updates to automatic)
• Never download application cracks or keygens, along with pirated software
• Use ad-blockers, especially on high-risk sites, such as porn, gambling, file-sharing, etc.
• Protect all your accounts with a strong password and use two-factor authentication.

Delete Moresa ransomware from your PC before proceed to file recovery

Before you attempt to recover your files, you need to make sure Moresa ransomware removal is performed successfully. To do that, download and install reputable anti-virus application and perform a full system scan in Safe Mode with Networking. Be aware that not all AV engines can detect the malicious payload of Moresa virus, so a scan of a few different programs might be needed (nevertheless, never use two anti-virus applications at the same time, or it might create problems).

Once you remove Moresa ransomware, you can start thinking about file recovery. Connect your backup device, or copy all the data from a virtual backup server. If you have no backups, you have a few other options: use third-party recovery software, try STOPdecrypter, or wait till official decryption tool is released. Please check the bottom sections of these alternative solutions.