A ransomware crypto-virus that goes by the name of Mahasaraswati is spreading around the Web. The email left for victims with instructions to pay the ransom is located in India, although the origin of the ransomware and its creator is unknown. The virus locks files and puts an extension ending in mahasaraswati@india.com.xtbl to each file. The money demanded as a ransom is 3 Bitcoins. To see how to remove this ransomware and how you could restore your files, you should read the article carefully.
Threat Summary
| Name | Mahasaraswati |
| Type | Ransomware |
| Short Description | The ransomware encrypts files with an extension ending in mahasaraswati@india.com.xtbl and demands a ransom of 3 BitCoins. |
| Symptoms | The ransomware will encrypt files on your computer. Two files named How to decrypt your files are created, containing the instructions for payment. |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments, Executable Files |
| Detection Tool |
See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware
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| User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss Mahasaraswati. |
| Data Recovery Tool | Windows Data Recovery by Stellar Phoenix Notice! This product scans your drive sectors to recover lost files and it may not recover 100% of the encrypted files, but only few of them, depending on the situation and whether or not you have reformatted your drive. |
Mahasaraswati Ransomware – Delivery
Mahasaraswati ransomware is delivered in a few ways. As other modern ransomware viruses, this one also uses spam emails as the main delivery method. The emails have files as attachments that have the malware code inside them. In some rare cases, the body of the email itself might activate malicious code.
Getting infected with the ransomware is also possible through social media websites or via file-sharing services. These mediums might also spread malware code disguised as an executable or a file of a useful app. The best prevention tactic against any ransomware is to avoid any and all suspicious files. Do not click, open or download files that seem fishy.
Mahasaraswati Ransomware – Information
Mahasaraswati is the name of a ransomware crypto-virus. The ransomware is presented as a program for making your computer secure as if IT professionals are offering you help. The creators of the ransomware try to push the whole thing as a service. They offer not only to unlock your files but also put a good anti-malware on your PC.
The truth is that the virus just encrypts your files and asks a ransom, although the ransom note is written in a clever way. For every day, you do not pay the money to revert the changes, the sum increases with 2 Bitcoins.
A picture and a text file with the same name are created after the encryption process is complete. Both files are named How to decrypt your files.
Both the .txt and .jpeg files contain instructions for the ransom payment and can be found in every directory with encrypted files. The .txt can be previewed in the picture below:
Both of the files read the following:
Good morning, dear friend!
We are writing to inform you that our team of network security specialists has analyzed your system and has identified vulnerabilities in the protection. We kindly draw your attention that defensive operation on your computer is not running properly, and now the whole database is at risk. All your files are encrypted and can not be accepted back without our professional help. Obviously vulnerability analysis, troubleshooting, decoding the information and then ensuring safety are not a simple matter. And so our high-grade and quick service is not free.
Please note that today the price of your files recovery is 3 Bitcoins, but next day it will cost 5 Bitcoins.
You should buy bitcoins here https://localbitcoins.com/faq
Read the paragraphs:
1. How to buy Bitcoins?
2. How do I send Bitcoins and how can I pay with Bitcoins after buying them?The Bitcoin wallet for payment is –
After the transfer of bitcoins please send email with screenshot of the payment page.
We does not advise you to lose time, because the price will encrese with each passing day.
As proof of our desire and readiness to help you, we can decipher a few of your files for test.
To check this you can upload any encrypted file on web site dropmefiles.com, size no more than 10 MB
(only text file or a photo) and send us a download link. Certainly after payment we guarantee prompt solution
of the problem, decrypt the database to return to its former condition and consultation how to secure the rules of the system safety.Kind regards, Saraswati.
The ransom note cleverly written and tries to trick you that the ransomware creators are IT professionals trying to help you. Like something else has locked your files, and for them to unlock them, you need to pay 3 Bitcoins within one day. 3 Bitcoins equals to 1350 US dollars estimated from the time of this article being written. According to the instructions, the price for decryption will increase with 2 Bitcoins with each day that passes.
Do NOT pay the ransom or even think of paying. Doing this will give funds to the owner of the ransomware, which will probably be used to create a stronger virus or support other criminal activities. No way is there to know if you will get your files decrypted or if you will be contacted back in the first place.
The Mahasaraswati ransomware encrypts files of different types. It is certain that documents and pictures are going to be encrypted. Those are still one of the most precious files to users as they have valuable information on them or family photos. The encryption process of the ransomware encrypts the following file extensions:
→.html, .jpg, .jpg2, .pdf, .png, .ppt, .pptm, .pptx, .bmp, .doc, .docm, .docx, .docxml, .docz, .gif, .rtf, .tar, .targz, .targz2, .txt, .xlmv, .xls, .xlsm, .xlsx, .xml, .tarlzma, .tarxz
The list of file extensions shown above is probably incomplete, but these are the main file that will be encrypted. After the encryption process is done, all files will have the same extension – .id-[The ID of the infected user]. mahasaraswati@india.com.xtbl.
Mahasaraswati ransomware might delete Shadow Volume Copies from the Windows Operating System. You should still check this as there could be different versions of the ransomware in the wild.
Remove Mahasaraswati Ransomware and Restore mahasaraswati@india.com.xtbl Files
If your computer is infected with the Mahasaraswati ransomware, you should have at least some experience in removing viruses. You should get rid of this ransomware fast as it can spread deeper through the network and infect more files. The recommended action is to remove the ransomware and follow the step-by-step instructions provided below.
- Step 1
- Step 2
- Step 3
- Step 4
- Step 5
Step 1: Scan for Mahasaraswati with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall Mahasaraswati and related malware from Windows
Here is a method in few easy steps that should be able to uninstall most programs. No matter if you are using Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista or XP, those steps will get the job done. Dragging the program or its folder to the recycle bin can be a very bad decision. If you do that, bits and pieces of the program are left behind, and that can lead to unstable work of your PC, errors with the file type associations and other unpleasant activities. The proper way to get a program off your computer is to Uninstall it. To do that:
Follow the instructions above and you will successfully delete most unwanted and malicious programs.
Step 3: Clean any registries, created by Mahasaraswati on your computer.
The usually targeted registries of Windows machines are the following:
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
You can access them by opening the Windows registry editor and deleting any values, created by Mahasaraswati there. This can happen by following the steps underneath:
Tip: To find a virus-created value, you can right-click on it and click "Modify" to see which file it is set to run. If this is the virus file location, remove the value.
Before starting "Step 4", please boot back into Normal mode, in case you are currently in Safe Mode.
This will enable you to install and use SpyHunter 5 successfully.
Step 4: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove Mahasaraswati
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by Mahasaraswati.
Method 1: Use STOP Decrypter by Emsisoft.
Not all variants of this ransomware can be decrypted for free, but we have added the decryptor used by researchers that is often updated with the variants which become eventually decrypted. You can try and decrypt your files using the instructions below, but if they do not work, then unfortunately your variant of the ransomware virus is not decryptable.
Follow the instructions below to use the Emsisoft decrypter and decrypt your files for free. You can download the Emsisoft decryption tool linked here and then follow the steps provided below:
1 Right-click on the decrypter and click on Run as Administrator as shown below:
2. Agree with the license terms:
3. Click on "Add Folder" and then add the folders where you want files decrypted as shown underneath:
4. Click on "Decrypt" and wait for your files to be decoded.
Note: Credit for the decryptor goes to Emsisoft researchers who have made the breakthrough with this virus.
Method 2: Use data recovery software
Ransomware infections and Mahasaraswati aim to encrypt your files using an encryption algorithm which may be very difficult to decrypt. This is why we have suggested a data recovery method that may help you go around direct decryption and try to restore your files. Bear in mind that this method may not be 100% effective but may also help you a little or a lot in different situations.
Simply click on the link and on the website menus on the top, choose Data Recovery - Data Recovery Wizard for Windows or Mac (depending on your OS), and then download and run the tool.
Mahasaraswati-FAQ
What is Mahasaraswati Ransomware?
Mahasaraswati is a ransomware infection - the malicious software that enters your computer silently and blocks either access to the computer itself or encrypt your files.
Many ransomware viruses use sophisticated encryption algorithms to make your files inaccessible. The goal of ransomware infections is to demand that you pay a ransom payment to get access to your files back.
What Does Mahasaraswati Ransomware Do?
Ransomware in general is a malicious software that is designed to block access to your computer or files until a ransom is paid.
Ransomware viruses can also damage your system, corrupt data and delete files, resulting in the permanent loss of important files.
How Does Mahasaraswati Infect?
Via several ways.Mahasaraswati Ransomware infects computers by being sent via phishing emails, containing virus attachment. This attachment is usually masked as an important document, like an invoice, bank document or even a plane ticket and it looks very convincing to users.
Another way you may become a victim of Mahasaraswati is if you download a fake installer, crack or patch from a low reputation website or if you click on a virus link. Many users report getting a ransomware infection by downloading torrents.
How to Open .Mahasaraswati files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .Mahasaraswati files are encrypted. You can only open them once they are decrypted using a specific decryption key for the particular algorithm.
What to Do If a Decryptor Does Not Work?
Do not panic, and backup the files. If a decryptor did not decrypt your .Mahasaraswati files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".Mahasaraswati" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .Mahasaraswati files.
These methods are in no way 100% guaranteed that you will be able to get your files back. But if you have a backup, your chances of success are much greater.
How To Get Rid of Mahasaraswati Virus?
The safest way and the most efficient one for the removal of this ransomware infection is the use a professional anti-malware program.
It will scan for and locate Mahasaraswati ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .Mahasaraswati files.
Can I Report Ransomware to Authorities?
In case your computer got infected with a ransomware infection, you can report it to the local Police departments. It can help authorities worldwide track and determine the perpetrators behind the virus that has infected your computer.
Below, we have prepared a list with government websites, where you can file a report in case you are a victim of a cybercrime:
Cyber-security authorities, responsible for handling ransomware attack reports in different regions all over the world:
Germany - Offizielles Portal der deutschen Polizei
United States - IC3 Internet Crime Complaint Centre
United Kingdom - Action Fraud Police
France - Ministère de l'Intérieur
Italy - Polizia Di Stato
Spain - Policía Nacional
Netherlands - Politie
Poland - Policja
Portugal - Polícia Judiciária
Greece - Cyber Crime Unit (Hellenic Police)
India - Mumbai Police - CyberCrime Investigation Cell
Australia - Australian High Tech Crime Center
Reports may be responded to in different timeframes, depending on your local authorities.
Can You Stop Ransomware from Encrypting Your Files?
Yes, you can prevent ransomware. The best way to do this is to ensure your computer system is updated with the latest security patches, use a reputable anti-malware program and firewall, backup your important files frequently, and avoid clicking on malicious links or downloading unknown files.
Can Mahasaraswati Ransomware Steal Your Data?
Yes, in most cases ransomware will steal your information. It is a form of malware that steals data from a user's computer, encrypts it, and then demands a ransom in order to decrypt it.
In many cases, the malware authors or attackers will threaten to delete the data or publish it online unless the ransom is paid.
Can Ransomware Infect WiFi?
Yes, ransomware can infect WiFi networks, as malicious actors can use it to gain control of the network, steal confidential data, and lock out users. If a ransomware attack is successful, it could lead to a loss of service and/or data, and in some cases, financial losses.
Should I Pay Ransomware?
No, you should not pay ransomware extortionists. Paying them only encourages criminals and does not guarantee that the files or data will be restored. The better approach is to have a secure backup of important data and be vigilant about security in the first place.
What Happens If I Don't Pay Ransom?
If you don't pay the ransom, the hackers may still have access to your computer, data, or files and may continue to threaten to expose or delete them, or even use them to commit cybercrimes. In some cases, they may even continue to demand additional ransom payments.
Can a Ransomware Attack Be Detected?
Yes, ransomware can be detected. Anti-malware software and other advanced security tools can detect ransomware and alert the user when it is present on a machine.
It is important to stay up-to-date on the latest security measures and to keep security software updated to ensure ransomware can be detected and prevented.
Do Ransomware Criminals Get Caught?
Yes, ransomware criminals do get caught. Law enforcement agencies, such as the FBI, Interpol and others have been successful in tracking down and prosecuting ransomware criminals in the US and other countries. As ransomware threats continue to increase, so does the enforcement activity.
About the Mahasaraswati Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Mahasaraswati how-to removal guide included, is the outcome of extensive research, hard work and our team’s devotion to help you remove the specific malware and restore your encrypted files.
How did we conduct the research on this ransomware?
Our research is based on an independent investigation. We are in contact with independent security researchers, and as such, we receive daily updates on the latest malware and ransomware definitions.
Furthermore, the research behind the Mahasaraswati ransomware threat is backed with VirusTotal and the NoMoreRansom project.
To better understand the ransomware threat, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.
As a site that has been dedicated to providing free removal instructions for ransomware and malware since 2014, SensorsTechForum’s recommendation is to only pay attention to trustworthy sources.
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