How to remove Maze Ransomware and decrypt .maze files

What is Maze Ransomware

Maze Ransomware is a cryptovirus, whose activity occurred in the second half of September of this year. This cryptovirus encrypts user files that are in the system. It can be audio files, video, multimedia, archives, office documents, much more. It is also worth noting that after encryption, these files become unusable for further use. It is worth noting that first of all it is aimed at English-speaking users, However, judging by the analysis, it has spread throughout the world. It is also impossible not to say that I am using the RSA+ChaChaCha algorithm. Like many other crypto viruses, it changes the files’ extension to .maze. We draw your attention to the fact that recently there have been reports that now Maze can encrypt files via virtual machines to circumvent detection.

So Maze creates a special text note that contains detailed information about the purchase. Here’s what it looks like:

Attention!
I what happened?
All your files, documents, photos, databases, and other important data are safely encrypted with reliable algorithms.
You cannot access the files right now. But do not worry. You have a chance! it is easy to recover in a few steps.
I How to get my files back?
The only method to restore your files is to purchase a unique for you private key which is securely stored on our servers. To contact us and purchase the key you have to visit our website in a hidden tor network.
There are general 2 ways to reach us:
1) [Recommended] using hidden tor network.
a) Download a special tor browser: https://www.torproject.org/
b) install the tor Browser.
c) open the tor Browser.
d) open our website in the tor browser: http://aoacugmutagkwctu.onion/
e) Follow the instructions on this page.
2) if you have any problems connecting or using tor network
a) open our website: https://mazedecrypt.top/
b) Follow the instructions on this page.
warning: the second (2) method can be blocked in some countries. That is why the first (1) method is recommended to use.
on this page, you will see instructions on how to make a free decryption test and how to pay.
Also it has a live chat with our operators and support team.
I what about guarantees?
we understand your stress and worry.
so you have a free opportunity to test a service by instantly decrypting for free three files on your computer! if you have any problems our friendly support team is always here to assist you in a live chat!
HIS IS A SPECIAL BLOCK WITH A PERSONAL AND CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION! DO NOT TOUCH IT WE NEED IT TO IDENTIFY AND AUTHORIZE YOU
–BEGIN MAZE KEY—
!S>hjeWJMxURMMBWs«RPmpfJxycWeEm2om4A2cN+mv4gkUymkTAN!vA./bWi^WrHMiV-kHHUUkl.Mk JBWIHVIff I I BIWUU4UUUW4UIIJI MR D3U9cxfm:L
zbnjew^QCxURNMBXYsXKPmpr3x8cweEmzdm4A/cH+mv4gKU«mKTANlvA-/bWiTEhw+HpR7z5hjew3QCx0RNMBXYsXKF!mDf 3x8cweEngom4A7cH+mv4ak03mkTANlww6V{iiE<7rQAniJsKk' a^^g^fcLi^Qtjj^Q^li^xouipDYtOL/QVWdCukSURFeYf sHXAEylAu0wk81 //x5rGvg2eXDf JBrQythz5hjew3QCxORNMBXYsXKPmpf 3x8cweEmzom4A7cH+mv4gk08mkTANlww6wi iE H^ ENDMAZEKEY

Also it changes the wallpaper:

Here’s the payment website:

Judging by the note, Maze Ransomware’s scammers are aimed at English-speaking users, because the note is written in English. However, judging by the latest data, Maze has already spread around the world. Attackers demand a ransom for decrypting files. The size of the ransom can reach several hundred dollars. Of course, you do not need to pay anything, because this is a trick. In fact, there is no guarantee that fraudsters will actually return your money to you. The best way for you is to try to remove Maze Ransomware yourself and decrypt your files.

Well, there are 2 options for solving this problem. The first is to use an automatic removal utility that will remove the threat and all instances related to it. Moreover, it will save you time. Or you can use the Manual Removal Guide, but you should know that it might be very difficult to remove Maze ransomware manually without a specialist’s help.

If for any reason you need to recover deleted or lost files, then check out our article Top 5 Deleted File Recovery Software

Maze Removal Guide

Remember that you need to remove Maze Ransomware first and foremost to prevent further encryption of your files before the state of your data becomes totally useless. And only after that, you can start recovering your files. Removal must be performed according to the following steps:

1. Download Maze Removal Tool.
2. Remove Maze from Windows (7, 8, 8.1, Vista, XP, 10) or Mac OS (Run system in Safe Mode).
3. Restore .Maze files
4. How to protect PC from future infections.

How to remove Maze ransomware automatically:

Download Removal Tool

Norton is a powerful antivirus that protects you against malware, spyware, ransomware and other types of Internet threats. Norton is available for Windows, macOS, iOS and Android devices. We recommend you to try it.

If you’re Mac user – use this.

Manual Maze ransomware Removal Guide

Here are step-by-step instructions to remove Maze from Windows and Mac computers. Follow these steps carefully and remove files and folders belonging to Maze. First of all, you need to run the system in a Safe Mode. Then find and remove needed files and folders.

Uninstall Maze from Windows or Mac

Here you may find the list of confirmed related to the ransomware files and registry keys. You should delete them in order to remove virus, however it would be easier to do it with our automatic removal tool. The list:

no information

Windows 7/Vista:

1. Restart the computer;
2. Press Settings button;
3. Choose Safe Mode;
4. Find programs or files potentially related to Maze by using Removal Tool;
5. Delete found files;

Windows 8/8.1:

1. Restart the computer;
2. Press Settings button;
3. Choose Safe Mode;
4. Find programs or files potentially related to Maze by using Removal Tool;
5. Delete found files;

Windows 10:

1. Restart the computer;
2. Press Settings button;
3. Choose Safe Mode;
4. Find programs or files potentially related to Maze by using Removal Tool;
5. Delete found files;

Windows XP:

1. Restart the computer;
2. Press Settings button;
3. Choose Safe Mode;
4. Find programs or files potentially related to Maze by using Removal Tool;
5. Delete found files;

Mac OS:

1. Restart the computer;
2. Press and Hold Shift button, before system will be loaded;
3. Release Shift button, when Apple Mazeo appears;
4. Find programs or files potentially related to Maze by using Removal Tool;
5. Delete found files;

How to restore encrypted files

You can try to restore your files with special tools. You may find more detailed info on data recovery software in this article – recovery software. These programs may help you to restore files that were infected and encrypted by ransomware.

Restore data with Stellar Data Recovery

Stellar Data Recovery is able to find and restore different types of encrypted files, including removed emails.

1. Download and install Stellar Data Recovery
2. Choose drives and folders with your data, then press Scan.
3. Select all the files in a folder, then click on Restore button.
4. Manage export location. That’s it!

Download Stellar Data Recovery

 

Restore encrypted files using Recuva

There is an alternative program, that may help you to recover files – Recuva.

1. Run the Recuva;
2. Follow instructions and wait until scan process ends;
3. Find needed files, select them and Press Recover button;

How to prevent ransomware infection?

It is always rewarding to prevent ransomware infection because of the consequences it may bring. There are a lot of difficulties in resolving issues with encoders viruses, that’s why it is very vital to keep a proper and reliable anti-ransomware software on your computer. In case you don’t have any, here you may find some of the best offers in order to protect your PC from disastrous viruses.

Malwarebytes

Download Removal Tool

SpyHunter is a reliable antimalware removal tool application, that is able to protect your PC and prevent the infection from the start. The program is designed to be user-friendly and multi-functional.