An infection with the dangerous .maxicrypt virus leads to serious security issues. Victims can restore and protect their computers by following our complete removal guide.
Remove .maxicrypt virus and Restore PC
Manual Removal Guide
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Distribution of .maxicrypt virus
The .maxicrypt virus is a new virus which has been sighted in a limited attack campaign. At the moment the security researchers cannot determine the primary infection strategy. We presume that the most widely used tactics are going to be employed.
Among them are the email messages created in an automated way and sent to large lists of potential victims. The .maxicrypt virus can be directly attached to the messages. This is one of the easiest way for the criminals to attempt the infection. However a lot of email hosting providers usually capture the signatures of the virus and as such discard such messages or label them as dangerous or spam. Other infection methods related to this one is the option of inserting hyperlinks in the body content of the messages. The links are usually labeled as leading to a familiar website or a file of user interest. Redirects can redirect to hacker-controlled sites, infected payloads or other instances that can lead to an .maxicrypt virus infection.
The computer criminals behind the malware can create malicious sites or download portals which distribute malware of different kinds, including the .maxicrypt virus. A popular option is the use of infected documents which may be of different types ‒ spreadsheets, rich text documents, presentations and databases. They are modified to initiate the virus once the built-in scripts are run. Usually when the files are opened a notification will ask the users to run the macros (scripts). If this is done the infection follows.
The hacker-controlled sites are specialist portals that have been created either manually or automatically by the criminals behind the .maxicrypt virus. They can either directly distribute the threat by initiating various scripts or automated operations or link to such instances. Redirects are usually caused by email interaction, ad networks or other browsing activity. However one of the main sources is the availability of browser hijackers. They are malicious addons made for the most popular web browsers ‒ Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome, Internet Explorer, Opera, Microsoft Edge and Safari. Once installed they not only infect the users with the malware, but also redirect the victims to a hacker-controlled site. Depending on the configuration the browser hijackers can also steal sensitive information such as any stored passwords, account credentials, history, bookmarks, form data and settings.
Impact of .maxicrypt virus
Security researchers uncovered a new malware threat known as the Maxicrypt ransowmare or the .maxicrypt virus. The initial code analysis shows that it bears no correlation with any of the known malware families, meaning that it is probably devised from scratch. No information about the identity of the hacker or criminal collective is available.
The collected samples showcase only a base engine with a ransomware component. It is suspected that updated versions might include other additions such as a Trojan module. Such components allow the hacker operators to spy on the victims in real time, as well as record their mouse movement and keystrokes. If configured properly the .maxicrypt virus can follow the behavior patterns of the advanced threats which consists of a two-component infection strategy:
- Data Harvesting ‒ Most complex attacks begin with a thorough information harvesting process which aims to extract as much data as possible. Depending on the configuration this may include system data (hardware components, operating system version and installed applications) and the individual user settings. Several checks can be performed to prevent discovery by sandbox and debugging environments, as well as virtual machines.
- Persistent Installation ‒ If the .maxicrypt virus is installed in such a way the infection engine will actively monitor all user interactions and prevent manual removal methods.
A Stealth installation can commence if the virus engine has engaged in a full information harvesting process. Through it the malware can judge what security precautions have been taken as well as interrupt, shut down or delete them. In other cases (this depends on the exact computer and the general behavior pattern) the virus can delete itself if it considers that the anti-virus software cannot be bypassed.
Once all prerequisite steps have been taken the ransomware component contained in the .maxicrypt virus is launched. Like other similar threats it seeks to encrypt as many user data as possible: archives, documents, images, videos, photos, databases and etc. Once all files have been processed they are renamed with the .maxicrypt extension. Depending on the hacker configuration the hacker’s contact email may also be embedded ‒ the samples collected so far showcase that the first wave attacks utilize [email protected].
The ransomware note is generated in a How to restore your data.TXT file which reads the following message:
MaxiCrypt
===
YOUR FILES ARE ENCRYPTED!
Your personal ID
R0g000000015ulOw*****BfcY8liLDPY
Your documents, photos, databases, save games and other important data was encrypted.
Data recovery the necessary decryption tool. To get the decryption tool, should send an email to:
[email protected] or [email protected]
In a letter to include Your personal ID (see the beginning of this document).
In the proof we have decryption tool, you can send us 1 file for test decryption.
Next, you need to pay for the decryption tool.
In response letter You will receive the address of Bitcoin wallet which you need to perform the transfer of funds.
If You have no bitcoins
* Create a Bitcoin wallet: https://blockchain.info/ru/wallet/new
* Purchase Bitcoin: https://localbitcoins.com/ru/buy_bitcoins or http://www.coindesk.com/information/how-can-i-buy-bitcoins (Visa/MasterCard, etc.)
When money transfer is confirmed, You will receive the decrypter file for Your computer.
After starting the program-interpreter, all Your files will be restored.
Attention!
* Do not attempt to remove a program or run the anti-virus tools
* Attempts to decrypt the files will lead to loss of Your data
* Decoders other users is incompatible with Your data, as each user unique encryption key
===
We recommend that all users abstain from communicating with the hackers and use our full .maxicrypt virus removal guide below to recover their data and delete the active infections.
Remove .maxicrypt virus and Restore PC
WARNING! Manual removal of the .maxicrypt virus requires being familiar with system files and registries. Removing important data accidentally can lead to permanent system damage. If you don’t feel comfortable with manual instructions, download a powerful anti-malware tool that will scan your system for malware and clean it safely for you.
SpyHunter anti-malware tool will diagnose all current threats on the computer. By purchasing the full version, you will be able to remove all malware threats instantly. Additional information about SpyHunter / Help to uninstall SpyHunter
.maxicrypt virus – Manual Removal Steps
Start the PC in Safe Mode with Network
This will isolate all files and objects created by the ransomware so they will be removed efficiently. The steps bellow are applicable to all Windows versions.
1. Hit the WIN Key + R
2. A Run window will appear. In it, write msconfig and then press Enter
3. A Configuration box shall appear. In it Choose the tab named Boot
4. Mark Safe Boot option and then go to Network under it to tick it too
5. Apply -> OK
Remove .maxicrypt from Windows
Here’s a way to remove the program. This method will work regardless if you’re on Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista or XP. Simply selecting the program and pressing delete won’t work, as it’ll leave a lot of small files. That’s bad because these leftovers can linger on and cause all sorts of problems. The best way to delete a program is to uninstall it. Here’s how you can do that:
1. Hold the “Windows” button (It’s between CTRL and Alt on most keyboards) and press “R”. You’ll see a pop-up window.
2. In the textbox, type “appwiz.cpl”, then press“ Enter ”.
3. The “Programs and features” menu should now appear. It’s a list of all the programs installed on the PC. Here you can find the program, select it, and press “Uninstall“.
Remove .maxicrypt Virus From Your Browser
Before resetting your browser’s settings, you should know that this action will wipe out all your recorded usernames, passwords, and other types of data. Make sure to save them in some way.
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1. Start Mozilla Firefox. In the upper right corner, click on the Open menu icon and select “Add-ons“.
2. Inside the Add-ons Manager select “Extensions“. Search the list of extensions for suspicious entries. If you find any, select them and click “Remove“.
3. Click again on the Open menu icon, then click “Options“.
4. In the Options window, under “General” tab, click “Restore to Default“.
5. Select “Search” in the left menu, mark the unknown search engine and press “Remove”.
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1. Start Google Chrome. On the upper-right corner, there a “Customize and Control” menu icon. Click on it, then click on “Settings“.
2. Click “Extensions” in the left menu. Then click on the trash bin icon to remove the suspicious extension.
3. Again in the left menu, under Chrome, Click on “Settings“. Go under “On Startup” and set a new page.
4. Afterward, scroll down to “Search“, click on “Manage search engines“.
5. In the default search settings list, find the unknown search engine and click on “X“. Then select your search engine of choice and click “Make default“. When you are ready click “Done” button in the right bottom corner.
2. In the “Manage add-ons” window, bellow “Add-on Types“, select “Toolbars and Extensions“. If you see a suspicious toolbar, select it and click “Remove“.
3. Then again in the “Manage Add-ons” window, in “Add-on Types“, Select “Search Providers“. Chose a search engine and click “Set as default“. Select the unknown search engine and click “Remove and Close”.
4. Open the Tools menu, select “Internet Options”.
5. In the “General” tab, in “Home page”, enter your preferred page. Click “Apply” and “OK”.
Repair Windows Registry
1. Again type simultaneously the WIN Key + R key combination
2. In the box, write regedit and hit Enter
3. Type the CTRL+ F and then write the malicious name in the search type field to locate the malicious executable
4. In case you have discovered registry keys and values related to the name, you should delete them, but be careful not to delete legitimate keys
Click for more information about Windows Registry and further repair help
