This article aims to help you remove the MOON DECRYPTOR ransomware virus from your computer and restore files that have been encrypted with the .fmoon file extension added.
A new ransomware virus, calling itself MOON or MOON DECRYPTOR has been detected by malware researchers to encrypt files on computers it infects, adding the .fmoon file extension. The virus aims to use the AES and RSA ciphers in order to generate unique decryption keys stored in a decrypter for which the user must pay a hefty ransom to receive. If you are one of the victims of MOON DECRYPTOR ransomware, we strongly advise you to read this article and learn how to remove it and get your files back without having to pay anything.
Threat Summary
| Name | .fmoon Virus |
| Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
| Short Description | Virus from the file encryption kind. Renders your files temporarily useless until you pay a hefty ransom fee to get them back. |
| Symptoms | The files are no longer openable with an added .fmoon file extension to them. A “decryptor” pops up with instructions how to pay a ransom fee to get the files back. |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments, Executable files |
| Detection Tool |
See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware
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Malware Removal Tool
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User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss .fmoon Virus. |
| 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. |
How Does MOON DECRYPTOR Spread
In order for this ransomware virus to infect unsuspecting users, the cyber-crooks may trick them into opening an infection file or a web link. Such objects may be spread into multiple different methods, the most often used of which is to infect computers via e-mail spam. Such infection process is usually conducted with the classic social engineering technique – deceiving potential victims that they have received an important file, like an invoice, letter of confirmation, bank account statement, hijacked account report or other type of important file. The messages accompanying the file are also deceptive, for example:
Besides via e-mail, this ransomware virus may also be spread via multiple different methods, for instance if it has been uploaded online as a fake setup of software, game patch, crack or any other seemingly legitimate type of program.
MOON DECRYPTOR – Analysis
Once this virus has been activated on your computer system, it may immediately drop it’s malicious files on the user’s computer. As soon as it drops those virus, the ransomware may immediately focus on modifying your computer system, more particularly insert processes in Windows Task Manager, the usage of which may result in MOON DECRYPTOR to obtaind administrative permissions on your computer. The virus may also modify the Windows Registry Editor of the infected computer, more specifically attack the Run and RunOnce registry keys:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
In addition to this, MOON DECRYPTOR ransomware may also delete your shadow volume copy backed up files, by using a batch file which it executes without your knowledge. The commands it may insert in the background are the following:
In addition to this, the virus also sets a ransom note, named MOON DECRYPTOR which appears like the following:
Image Source: id-ransomware.blogspot.bg
Text from the image:
MOON DECRYPTOR
WHAT HAPPENED ???
Oops all your data are encrypted !!
This is a ransomware AES 256 + RS A 1024!! Look at Wikipedia for morę informations
Please pay before 20 minutes oryour datalll be lost forever. I’ll delete a file per minutę after!
Copy and past this link in Internet Explorer or Firefox :
https://10.10.3.1/panel/decipher.php
and enter your informations :
Your UUID :
Encrypted key iBtSvjYAVWaJslcc4Hn/nMIMrg+bUgA0W4g***
If you obtain your passord, take it here and click on RECOVER
button {RECOVER}
MOON DECRYPTOR – Encryption Process
For the file encryption, MOON ENCRYPTOR uses a strong combination of the following encryption algorithms:
- AES (Advanced Encryption Standard).
- RSA (Rivest-Shamir-Adleman).
The AES cipher is used by this virus to encrypt the data in the files themselves. But no all the data of the files is encrypted, only blocks of it. The AES cipher generates decryption keys which are in turn encrypted with the RSA cipher, generating unique private and public keys, that are required for the decryption of the files.
The MOON DECRYPTOR virus targets primarily important files on your computer, such as documents, videos, audio files and other types of files. The file extensions targeted may be most of the following:
→ “PNG .PSD .PSPIMAGE .TGA .THM .TIF .TIFF .YUV .AI .EPS .PS .SVG .INDD .PCT .PDF .XLR .XLS .XLSX .ACCDB .DB .DBF .MDB .PDB .SQL .APK .APP .BAT .CGI .COM .EXE .GADGET .JAR .PIF .WSF .DEM .GAM .NES .ROM .SAV CAD Files .DWG .DXF GIS Files .GPX .KML .KMZ .ASP .ASPX .CER .CFM .CSR .CSS .HTM .HTML .JS .JSP .PHP .RSS .XHTML. DOC .DOCX .LOG .MSG .ODT .PAGES .RTF .TEX .TXT .WPD .WPS .CSV .DAT .GED .KEY .KEYCHAIN .PPS .PPT .PPTX ..INI .PRF Encoded Files .HQX .MIM .UUE .7Z .CBR .DEB .GZ .PKG .RAR .RPM .SITX .TAR.GZ .ZIP .ZIPX .BIN .CUE .DMG .ISO .MDF .TOAST .VCD SDF .TAR .TAX2014 .TAX2015 .VCF .XML Audio Files .AIF .IFF .M3U .M4A .MID .MP3 .MPA .WAV .WMA Video Files .3G2 .3GP .ASF .AVI .FLV .M4V .MOV .MP4 .MPG .RM .SRT .SWF .VOB .WMV 3D .3DM .3DS .MAX .OBJ R.BMP .DDS .GIF .JPG ..CRX .PLUGIN .FNT .FON .OTF .TTF .CAB .CPL .CUR .DESKTHEMEPACK .DLL .DMP .DRV .ICNS .ICO .LNK .SYS .CFG”Source:fileinfo.com
To the files locked by MOON DECRYPTOR, the file extenson .fmoon is added, making them appear like the example below:
→ New Text Document.txt.fmoon
Remove MOON Ransomware and Restore .fmoon Encrypted Files
In order to remove this ransomware from your computer, we strongly suggest that you focus on backing your files beforehand. After doing so, you can go ahead and follow the instructions for the removal below. They are divided in manual and automatic and for maximum effectiveness, security experts always recommend removing viruses, like MOON automatically using the specific removal software for this purpose.
If you want to restore your files, in the event that they have been encrypted by MOON DECRYPTOR virus, you can go ahead and follow the alternative file recovery methods below in step “2. Restore files encrypted by .fmoon Virus.” They are specifically designed to help you recover as many files as possible without having to pay any form of ransom.
Ventsislav Krastev
Ventsislav is a cybersecurity expert at SensorsTechForum since 2015. He has been researching, covering, helping victims with the latest malware infections plus testing and reviewing software and the newest tech developments. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for learning new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management, Network Administration and Computer Administration of System Applications, he found his true calling within the cybersecrurity industry and is a strong believer in the education of every user towards online safety and security.
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Step 1: Scan for .fmoon Virus with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall .fmoon Virus 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 .fmoon Virus 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 .fmoon Virus 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 .fmoon Virus
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by .fmoon Virus.
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 .fmoon Virus 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.
.fmoon Virus-FAQ
What is .fmoon Virus Ransomware?
.fmoon Virus 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 .fmoon Virus 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 .fmoon Virus Infect?
Via several ways..fmoon Virus 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 .fmoon Virus 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 ..fmoon Virus files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the ..fmoon Virus 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 ..fmoon Virus files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore "..fmoon Virus" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore ..fmoon Virus 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 .fmoon Virus 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 .fmoon Virus ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important ..fmoon Virus 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 .fmoon Virus 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 .fmoon Virus Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this .fmoon Virus 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 .fmoon Virus 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.
How to recognize trustworthy sources:
- Always check "About Us" web page.
- Profile of the content creator.
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