This article aims to show you how to fully remove the Moloko Trojan.Miner threat from your computer and secure it against future infections as well.
The Moloko Miner Trojan is the type of threat you do not want on your computer. It’s primary purpose is to run a process on your Windows Task Manager which connects you in a cryptocurrency mining pool and begins to mine for the currency Monero. This crypto is well known for being one of the most private cryptocurrencies out there, preventing authorities from tracking down who is actually performing the mining process. So the result of having this Trojan on your PC is a very slow performance and heightened usage of your CPU. If this Trojan is on your computer for a long time, it is likely that it may even damage your computer, preventing it from turning on again. This is why it is advisable to read this article and learn how to detect and remove the Moloko miner Trojan from your computer effectively.
Threat Summary
Name | Moloko Trojan.Miner |
Type | Miner Trojan |
Short Description | Infects your computer after which begins mining for the crypto currency Monero by using your CPU resources. |
Symptoms | A suspicious or hidden process, named moloko.exe running on your computer in a stealthy manner. |
Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments, Executable files, Malicious browser redirects |
Detection Tool |
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User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss Moloko Trojan.Miner. |
How Does Moloko miner Trojan Infect Your PC
Just like other miner Trojans, such as the Bitcoin miner, the Moloko Trojan may infect your computer in a multitude of ways. Latest reports are that some torrent websites, like ThePirateBay may use such scripts to mine your computer for cryptocurrencies, so one possible method is to infect your computer by visiting a suspicious web site which may cause a malicious redirect to a web page which infects the machine automatically.
Another method of infection, which accounts to a big percentage of Trojan infections is known as malspam and features fake e-mails with malicious e-mail attachments embedded within them. Such messages may contain the infection file of the Moloko Trojan.Miner, which may pretend to be a legitimate infection file, such as:
- Invoice.
- Banking Statement.
- Receipt.
- Purchase letter.
An example of such malicious message can be the e-mail from the image below:
In addition to this, the malware may also infect your computer via fake setups, program installers, key generators or license activators.
Moloko Trojan.Miner – Further Information
Once this malware infects your computer, it drops the malicious file of the virus, called moloko.exe. It has the following location:
→ %UserProfile%\AppData\Roaming\Vatico\moloko.exe
Then, the miner may connect to one of many Monero mining pools. Mining pool is an inner network which brings together multiple different devices in order to use their processing power to mine more of the cryptocurrency. Moloko may connect you to such mining pool, reported by malware researchers to be via port 8050 (tcp/udp).
Immediately after doing so, the moloko.exe process can be seen on your Windows Task Manager. The program may begin to take over 90% of your system’s resources.
After doing so, your computer may become extremely slow, since it is calculating complex mathematical problems in order to mine the crypto currencry Monero. It is known for being used by many criminals who do their business online, primarily because it is completely private.
So, the bottom line is that while this Trojan steals from your system’s resources, it generates profits to the cyber-criminal who has infected you with it. This plus the fact that the infection is a Trojan Horse and can also steal information from your computer are the primary reasons why you should immediately take actions to remove Moloko Trojan.Miner it permanently.
How to Remove Moloko Trojan.Miner from Your Computer
Even though there many be many methods that help to remove this virus, we advise you to follow the removal instructions below. They are specifically designed to firstly isolate the Moloko virus and then remove it. However, if manual removal may represent difficulty for you and you do not know If you have removed Moloko entirely, experts strongly recommend using an advanced anti-malware software which will automatically deal with Moloko miner Trojan.
- Step 1
- Step 2
- Step 3
- Step 4
- Step 5
Step 1: Scan for Moloko Trojan.Miner with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall Moloko Trojan.Miner 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 Moloko Trojan.Miner 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 Moloko Trojan.Miner 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 Moloko Trojan.Miner
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by Moloko Trojan.Miner.
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 Moloko Trojan.Miner 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.
Moloko Trojan.Miner-FAQ
What is Moloko Trojan.Miner Ransomware?
Moloko Trojan.Miner 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 Moloko Trojan.Miner 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 Moloko Trojan.Miner Infect?
Via several ways.Moloko Trojan.Miner 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 Moloko Trojan.Miner 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 .Moloko Trojan.Miner files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .Moloko Trojan.Miner 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 .Moloko Trojan.Miner files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".Moloko Trojan.Miner" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .Moloko Trojan.Miner 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 Moloko Trojan.Miner 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 Moloko Trojan.Miner ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .Moloko Trojan.Miner 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 Moloko Trojan.Miner 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 Moloko Trojan.Miner Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Moloko Trojan.Miner 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 Moloko Trojan.Miner 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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