What is MONETA Ransomware
MONETA is a cryptovirus from the Phobos family which became popular in the last weeks of December of this year. This is a cryptic virus that comes to your computer encrypts user data of various formats, such as office documents, video, audio, other multimedia, much more. After encryption, this changes the extension of these files to .MONETA. Of course, after the changes are made, the files become unusable for further use.
As well as many other similar cryptovirus, MONETA comes through gaps in the settings of the user network, which arise due to the lack of Web anti-virus software or other programs that can prevent the penetration of such threats. You can also come as an attachment to a spam mailing list or as a false update for the program and utility. However, we recommend that you remove MONETA ransomware using our recommendations, which are listed below.
The virus also creates a special text file info.txt that contains information about the methods of redemption, below you can read its contents:
ATTENTION!!!!
Unfortunately for you, a major IT security weakness left you open to attack, your files have been encrypted with ciphers more advanced than those used for diplomatic communications, you can spend days and months searching for a magical way to decrypt your files, but rest assured we are the only people who can help you recover your files, there is no free tool
If you want to restore them, install ICQ software on your PC hxxps://icq.com/windows/ or on your mobile phone search in Appstore / Google market “ICQ”
Write to our ICQ @Monetadicavallo hxxps://icq.im/Monetadicavallo
Write this ID in the title of your message –
Free decryption as guarantee
Before paying you can send us up to 5 files for free decryption. The total size of files must be less than 4Mb (non archived), and files should not contain valuable information. (databases,backups, large excel sheets, etc.)
Attention!
Do not rename encrypted files.
Do not try to decrypt your data using third party software, it may cause permanent data loss.
Decryption of your files with the help of third parties may cause increased price (they add their fee to our) or you can become a victim of a scam.
In the note, the attackers recommend that users pay a ransom in the equivalent of bitcoins, this is done in order to avoid prosecution by law enforcement agencies. Of course, paying a few hundred dollars is expensive. We do not advise you to pay. You need to familiarize yourself with our recommendations, which are listed below, in order to remove MONETA ransomware 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 MONETA 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
MONETA Removal Guide
Remember that you need to remove MONETA 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:
- Download MONETA Removal Tool.
- Remove MONETA from Windows (7, 8, 8.1, Vista, XP, 10) or Mac OS (Run system in Safe Mode).
- Restore .MONETA files
- How to protect PC from future infections.
How to remove MONETA ransomware automatically:
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 MONETA ransomware Removal Guide
Here are step-by-step instructions to remove MONETA from Windows and Mac computers. Follow these steps carefully and remove files and folders belonging to MONETA. First of all, you need to run the system in a Safe Mode. Then find and remove needed files and folders.
Uninstall MONETA 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 data at the moment
Windows 7/Vista:
- Restart the computer;
- Press Settings button;
- Choose Safe Mode;
- Find programs or files potentially related to MONETA by using Removal Tool;
- Delete found files;
Windows 8/8.1:
- Restart the computer;
- Press Settings button;
- Choose Safe Mode;
- Find programs or files potentially related to MONETA by using Removal Tool;
- Delete found files;
Windows 10:
- Restart the computer;
- Press Settings button;
- Choose Safe Mode;
- Find programs or files potentially related to MONETA by using Removal Tool;
- Delete found files;
Windows XP:
- Restart the computer;
- Press Settings button;
- Choose Safe Mode;
- Find programs or files potentially related to MONETA by using Removal Tool;
- Delete found files;
Mac OS:
- Restart the computer;
- Press and Hold Shift button, before system will be loaded;
- Release Shift button, when Apple Recoo appears;
- Find programs or files potentially related to MONETA by using Removal Tool;
- 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.
- Download and install Stellar Data Recovery
- Choose drives and folders with your data, then press Scan.
- Select all the files in a folder, then click on Restore button.
- Manage export location. That’s it!
Restore encrypted files using Recuva
There is an alternative program, that may help you to Recover files – Recuva.
- Run the Recuva;
- Follow instructions and wait until scan process ends;
- 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
SpyHunter is a reliable antimalware removal tool application, that is able to protect your PC and prevent infection from the start. The program is designed to be user-friendly and multi-functional.