Mallox ransomware descriptionOverview of the ransom notesRECOVERY INFORMATION.txtFILE RECOVERY.txtRansomware SummaryRansomware distribution tactics and ways to stay protectedRemove MALLOX Ransomware Virus and Restore Your Data
To illustrate how files are renamed during the computer attack, see this example: files previously named 1.jpg, 2.png and 3.docx will be renamed to 1.jpg.mallox, 2.png.mallox, 3.docx.mallox. The malware also runs additional process to stop various services and programs in order to encrypt files associated with them. Another notable detail about this ransomware is that it stops GPS-related programs, which could mean that the virus possibly targets organizations working with critical infrastructure sectors. This ransomware also steals information about the computer and sends it to its Command&Control server. Previous versions of this malware also claimed to have a data leak website, where the criminals would upload names of victimized companies and threaten to publish stolen data if the victims refused to pay a ransom.
Overview of the ransom notes
RECOVERY INFORMATION.txt
The most recent samples of Mallox ransomware dropped a ransom note named RECOVERY INFORMATION.TXT, which contains information on how to get a decryption tool from the cybercriminals. The note instructs to send an email to the provided email addresses: mallox.israel@mailfence.comor mallox@tutanota.com. Interestingly, the latter email is also used in BOZON ransomware ransom note. The note then explains that the computer user should include the personal ID string provided in the ransom note, as well as some encrypted files when contacting the criminals via email. They promise to decrypt some files and tell the price of full data decryption service. However, the note mentions that one should not send any valuable files for test decryption.
FILE RECOVERY.txt
Other Mallox ransomware samples dropped FILE RECOVERY.txt file, which contained slightly different information. Unlike the previous example, this ransom note asks to install TOR browser and contact the cybercriminals via provided .onion website. In order to login to the portal, the user has to specify the private key, which is provided in the ransom note. The website contains a chat window along with information panel, which includes client information (victim’s ID, weight of the files, size of hdd, blog link, test decryption status), payment details (decryption tool price, amount paid, and the date of last transaction). Finally, there is a space to leave direct link to file to be decrypted by cybercriminals, along with a notification that the file cannot be larger than 3MB in size. Our research revealed that the criminals typically ask $1000, $2000 or larger sums of money for Mallox file decryption tool. If you have been affected by this malware, we strongly recommend for you to remove MALLOX ransomware virus using professional software like INTEGO Antivirus. Feel free to use the removal instructions provided below the article for guidance. In addition, you may want to download RESTORO, which is a good tool for repairing virus damage on Windows OS files.
Ransomware Summary
Ransomware distribution tactics and ways to stay protected
Reports show that Mallox ransomware is commonly distributed via phishing email trying to lure users into opening the email attachment. Therefore, computer user should be extremely vigilant and inspect each email with caution. If you have the slightest suspicion that the email sender isn’t the person or a company that the message claims to be from, do not interact with the email contents. Especially do not click on provided URLs or included attachments. Award-winning antivirus solution for your PC. Robust security software that provides robust 24/7 real-time protection, Web Shield that stops online threats/malicious downloads, and Prevention engine that wards off Zero-Day threats. Keep your PC safe and protected against ransomware, Trojans, viruses, spyware and other forms of dangerous programs. Additionally, this malware is known to target companies individually, and the way cybercriminals do it via cybersecurity vulnerabilities available in database servers. Additionally, they can use brute force and dictionary attacks to break into those systems and infect them. Speaking of safety measures that need to be taken in order to protect yourself from Mallox ransomware attack, we recommend following these suggestions by our team:
Be careful when checking your email. Keep your systems and devices protected with firewall and antivirus 24/7. Consider investing in cybersecurity training for your employees. Create data backups regularly. Enable automatic software and system updates on computers.
Remove MALLOX Ransomware Virus and Restore Your Data
In order to remove Mallox ransomware virus from the system, take some precautionary measures. The guide provided below explains how to prepare the computer for malware removal. If you’re undecided on which AV brand to trust when removing malicious files, consider INTEGO Antivirus option. Once Mallox virus is removed, you can download RESTORO to repair damaged Windows system files. The best option for data recovery is data backups. OUR GEEKS RECOMMEND Our team recommends a two-step rescue plan to remove ransomware and other remaining malware from your computer, plus repair caused virus damage to the system: GeeksAdvice.com editors select recommended products based on their effectiveness. We may earn a commission from affiliate links, at no additional cost to you. Learn more. Get INTEGO ANTIVIRUS for Windows to remove ransomware, Trojans, adware and other spyware and malware variants and protect your PC and network drives 24/7. This VB100-certified security software uses state-of-art technology to provide protection against ransomware, Zero-Day attacks and advanced threats, Intego Web Shield blocks dangerous websites, phishing attacks, malicious downloads and installation of potentially unwanted programs. Use INTEGO Antivirus to remove detected threats from your computer. Read full review here. RESTORO provides a free scan that helps to identify hardware, security and stability issues and presents a comprehensive report which can help you to locate and fix detected issues manually. It is a great PC repair software to use after you remove malware with professional antivirus. The full version of software will fix detected issues and repair virus damage caused to your Windows OS files automatically. RESTORO uses AVIRA scanning engine to detect existing spyware and malware. If any are found, the software will eliminate them. Read full review here.
Alternative software recommendations
Malwarebytes Anti-Malware
Method 1. Enter Safe Mode with Networking
Before you try to remove the virus, you must start your computer in Safe Mode with Networking. Below, we provide the easiest ways to boot PC in the said mode, but you can find additional ones in this in-depth tutorial on our website – How to Start Windows in Safe Mode. Also, see a video tutorial on how to do it: Instructions for Windows XP/Vista/7 users Instructions for Windows 8/8.1/10 users Now, you can search for and remove MALLOX ransomware virus files. It is very hard to identify files and registry keys that belong to the ransomware virus, Besides, malware creators tend to rename and change them repeatedly. Therefore, the easiest way to uninstall such type of a computer virus is to use a reliable malware removal program. In addition, we suggest trying a combination of INTEGO Antivirus (removes malware and protects your PC in real-time) and RESTORO (repairs virus damage to Windows OS files).
Method 2. Use System Restore
In order to use System Restore, you must have a system restore point, created either manually or automatically. Instructions for Windows XP/Vista/7 users Instructions for Windows 8/8.1/10 users After restoring the system, we recommend scanning the system with antivirus or anti-malware software. In most cases, there won’t be any malware remains, but it never hurts to double-check. In addition, we highly recommend checking ransomware prevention guidelines provided by our experts in order to protect your PC against similar viruses in the future. Removing spyware and malware is one step towards cybersecurity. To protect yourself against ever-evolving threats, we strongly recommend purchasing a Premium version of Malwarebytes Anti-Malware, which provides security based on artificial intelligence and machine learning. Includes ransomware protection. See pricing options and protect yourself now.
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