How to remove MRCR1 ransomware virus

MRCR1 ransomware virus has been defeated

MRCR1 virus, also known as Merry X-Mas! ransomware, ruined winter holiday season for many computer users. Victims learned about the infection from a pop-up ^[1] that congratulated them with Christmas and gave them a horrible present – encrypted files. The malware uses a custom encryption algorithm and appends .MRCR1 file extension to all targeted files. Then, it leaves a ransom note where victims learn that they have to transfers some money within 4 days to get the decryption software. However, purchasing the suspicious tool from the hackers is unnecessary. Emsisoft specialists created a decryption tool that helps victims to recover their files after ransomware attack. Before downloading this tool, you have to start MRCR1 removal first. While ransomware resides on your computer, it can encrypt your files again. Scan your device with FortectIntego or other reputable malware removal tool.

MERRY CHRISTMAS
ALL SERVER DATA ENCRYPTED!
3 days 23:59:59 0109
TIME AFTER ALL FILES WILL BE DELETED
Your ID
Now you need to pay to recover your data
After money transfer, you will receive the decryptor
Contacts
TELEGRAM @comodosecurity
Email comodosec@yandex.com
Any attempts to return your files with the third-party tools can be fatal for your encrypted files! The most part of the third-party software change data within the encrypted file to restore it but this causes damage to the files. Finally, it will be impossible to decrypt your files! There are several plain steps to restore your files, but if you do not follow them we will not be able to help you!

Above you can see the ransom note that is deployed on the computer automatically as a file called YOUR_FILES_ARE_DEAD.HTA. HTA is better known as HTML-type format and refers to a Microsoft Windows program that is capable of running a variety of media files ^[2]. The hackers have probably chosen this particular format because it is easily customizable and lightweight so that it can be quickly downloaded on the computer. While the contents of this note are quite frightening, you should not panic if you see it on your PC, despite how disastrous the situation may look. Yes, the virus really encrypts files with a complex algorithm ^[3] leaving them inaccessible, but that does not mean that this code cannot be bypassed some other way. In fact, the virus experts have already come up with numerous free decryption tools helping decode similar programs. Though such tool has not been invented for the MRCR1 malware just yet, there are alternative data recovery solutions that may help get this data back. Frankly, you are never not obliged to pay for the files and support the cyber criminals. If you are in no life-or-death demand to recover some particularly important files, you should remove MRCR1 from your computer without hesitation.

Protecting your computer from ransomwarea attack

Not all of us find computer security maintenance enjoyable. In fact, most of the users consider it rather boring and, sometimes, overwhelming activity. Unfortunately, this is one of the main factors that influence the growth of the malware distribution. Viruses like MRCR1 are only looking for less protected systems that are easy to infect. Thus, we advise you to consider computer protection very carefully. You should avoid visiting unfamiliar and obscure websites, downloading unverified software or clicking on random “claim your prize,” “you have won!” and similar ads ^[4]. Besides, it is highly probable that MRCR1 also employs one or several malicious spam campaigns to infect users through email. So, in addition to all of the already mentioned security precautions, you should stay away from suspicious emails as well.

Best way to remove MRCR1 virus

Some users infected with MRCR1 virus are ready to throw their computers away since they are not able to use them probably anymore. Luckily, such radical actions are not necessary. The MRCR1 removal will be sufficient enough to get your system back on track again. Besides, complete virus extermination is a crucial part of data recovery. If you do not remove MRCR1 from the device properly, it might recover itself and continue encrypting files. Thus, make sure all the virus files are eliminated from the computer before you begin data recovery.