A ransomware virus using the .m0on file extension to encrypt files has been reported to cause havoc on user PC’s. The virus is also known as Crypute and uses the Advanced Encryption Standard(AES) algorithm to encrypt videos, pictures, audio files and documents of importance to the computers it infects. At the moment there are several methods by which the .m0on ransomware may spread and users are warned not to open various e-mail attachments as well as perform checks on any URLs they deem suspicious. In case of infection with this ransomware, experts advise victims to focus on removing the ransomware and restoring the files yourself instead of making the ransom payoff.
Threat Summary
Name |
M0on |
Type | Ransomware |
Short Description | The malware encrypts users files using a strong encryption algorithm, making direct decryption possible only via a unique decryption key available to the cyber-criminals. |
Symptoms | The user may witness ransom notes and “instructions”. Changed file names and the file-extension .m0on has been used. |
Distribution Method | Via an Exploit kit, Dll file attack, malicious JavaScript or a drive-by download of the malware itself in an obfuscated manner. |
Detection Tool |
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User Experience | Join our forum to Discuss M0on. |
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. |
M0on Ransomware – Further Information
How Does M0on Spread?
To cause an infection, M0on may use two primary types of techniques – via URLs or files. In case the virus uses files to infect users, it is widely believed to take advantage of e-mail spam and use it against the interests of the user. The spammers may send an e-mail pretending to be of utmost importance for the user in order to convince him to open the e-mail attachment which may usually pretend to be an executable concealed behind a fake document.
But this does not mean that URL infections are not also present in phishing mails. We have even had cases where the e-mails have malicious URLs that are modified so that they resemble fake LinkedIn or PayPal buttons, just like an original e-mail.
What Does M0on Ransowmare Do After Infection
After the user has clicked on the malicious URL or downloaded and executed the fake malicious file, infection Is commenced and the malware connects to the remote host of the cyber-criminals and downloads the payload if the malicious executable is not the actual payload which is less likely.
Then, the .m0on file extension ransomware uses a very particular trick up it’s sleeve. It may delete the shadow copies on the infected computer to eliminate any chance of backup on the compromised computer:
Not only this, but the .m0on variant of CryPute can support most of the commonly used file extensions to encrypt user files, for example:
- Video files.
- Files associated with Microsoft Office.
- Adobe files (Reader, Photoshop, Illustrator, Elements, etc.)
- Audio file formats.
- Database files.
- Virtual machine files.
→ .3dm, .3g2, .3gp, .aaf, .accdb, .aep, .aepx, .aet, .ai, .aif, .arw, .as, .as3, .asf, .asp, .asp, .aspx, .asx, .avi, .bat, .bay, .bmp, .cc, .cdr, .cer, .class, .class, .cpp, .cr2, .crt, .crw, .cs, .csv, .dat, .db, .dbf, .dcr, .der, .dll, .dng, .doc, .docb, .docm, .docx, .dot, .dotm, .dotx, .dwg, .dxf, .dxg, .efx, .eps, .erf, .exe, .fla, .flv, .htm, .idml, .iff, .indb, .indd, .indl, .indt, .inx, .jar, .java, .jpeg, .jpg, .jsp, .kdc, .lnk, .m3u, .m3u8, .m4u, .max, .mdb, .mdf, .mef, .mid, .mov, .mp3, .mp4, .mpa, .mpeg, .mpg, .mrw, .msg, .nef, .nes, .nrw, .odb, .odc, .odm, .odp, .ods, .odt, .orf, .p12, .p7b, .p7c, .pdb, .pdf, .pef, .pem, .pfx, .php, .php, .plb, .pmd, .png, .pot, .potm, .potx, .ppam, .ppj, .pps, .ppsm, .ppsx, .ppt, .pptm, .pptx, .prel, .prproj, .ps, .psd, .pst, .ptx, .qq, .r3d, .ra, .raf, .rar, .raw, .rb, .rcb, .rtf, .rw2, .rwl, .sdf, .sldm, .sldx, .sql, .sr2, .srf, .srw, .svg, .swf, .tif, .txt, .vcf, .vob, .wav, .wb2, .wma, .wmv, .wpd, .wps, .x3f, .xla, .xlam, .xlk, .xll, .xlm, .xls, .xlsb, .xlsm, .xlsx, .xlt, .xltm, .xltx, .xlw, .xml, .xqx, .zip
After encryption the files have their names changed to completely randomly written “n”, “m”, “o” and “0” letter in between the “%” symbol sign. The encrypted files also have the .m0on file extension added as a suffix after them, for example:
After encryption, the virus is reported to drop a ransom note to notify the victim of the situation.
Remove M0on Ransomware and Restore Encrypted Files
In order to remove M0on ransomware we advise you to follow our removal instructions posted below. In case you are having issues on performing the removal manually, we urge you to try the automatic removal manual which will not only remove the main executable of moon ransomware, located in the %Temp% folder, but also take care of other sub-files and objects that are malware-related.
After removing the virus, we advise you to make copies of the encrypted files and try to restore those files with alternative methods, like the ones we suggested in step “2. Restore files encrypted by M0on” below.
- Step 1
- Step 2
- Step 3
- Step 4
- Step 5
Step 1: Scan for M0on with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall M0on 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:
Step 3: Clean any registries, created by M0on 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 M0on there. This can happen by following the steps underneath:
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 M0on
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by M0on.
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 M0on 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.
M0on-FAQ
What is M0on Ransomware?
M0on 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 M0on 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 M0on Infect?
Via several ways.M0on 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 M0on 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 .M0on files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .M0on 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 .M0on files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".M0on" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .M0on 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 M0on 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 M0on ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .M0on 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 M0on 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 M0on Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this M0on 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 M0on 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.
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