Read this article to learn how to remove montana ransomware and how to possibly recover files.
Read this article to learn how to get rid of malicious files installed by montana ransomware and how to potentially restore files without paying the ransom.
montana Virus Summary
| Name | montana |
| File Extension | .montana |
| Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
| What is It? | A ransomware that encodes your important files and asks you to pay a ransom to recover them. |
| Symptoms | All .montana files cannot be opened due to changes applied to their code. You are asked to contact hackers and pay a ransom for a data decryption tool. |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments, Executable Files, Hacked Websites |
| Removal | To effectively remove active montana Virus virus infections, we recommend that you use an advanced anti-malware tool. Download
Malware Removal Tool
|
User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss montana 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. |
More Information About the montana Ransomware Virus
The montana virus is a dangerous malware threat that has recently been discovered by security engineers. It is created by an unknown hacking group and designed to infiltrate end-user computers. As only a few samples have been collected, we suspect that the attack campaign may be a test release or an initial release with only a limited number of targets.
This particular malware can be spread using typical infection techniques. The virus code can be placed directly in small executable files or embedded in various Internet scripts. However, most of the related threats typically employ the use of payload carriers — data that when started will start the infection. The malicious code can be placed in macro-infected documents: they can be presentations, databases, spreadsheets, and text documents. When these files are opened by the users, a prompt will be opened asking them to run the scripts. If this is done the malware will be started automatically. A similar mechanism is the creation of malicious application installers: they are of software that is commonly downloaded from the Internet: this may include office programs, system utilities, productivity programs, and others. They are made by embedding the virus code in the original setup files.
All of these files can be distributed to the target users by relying on manipulative tactics — they will attempt to make the victims believe that they are accessing safe and legitimate content. The most common scenarios that are used by the hacking groups are the creation and sending out of template-based email messages. They impersonate notifications, documents, and letters from well-known services ad companies. The virus code and files are either attached directly or linked in them. A similar strategy is used with hacker-controlled pages — not only the overall design can be faked, but the criminals may use self-signed security certificates as well. The virus-infected files can be uploaded to file-sharing networks, the most popular example is BitTorrent. By using fake or stolen credentials the files can be uploaded and linked in online communities like social networks, forums, chat rooms, and others.
At the start of the montana virus infection, the built-in actions as commanded in the attack campaign parameters will be started. This can vary not only from campaign to campaign but also depending on the individual computer characteristics. To determine if something should be run or not an initial information gathering procedure can be started: it can hijack personal user’s information, individual hardware components present, and certain operating system values. The collected information can be used to generate a unique identifier for each compromised machine. In addition, the acquired personal users’ information can be used for purposes such as identity theft or financial abuse.
Other dangerous behavior that is part of most ransomware threats is the boot changes — the virus will be installed as a persistent threat which means that the virus will be started every time the computer is powered on. Additionally, in this step the recovery menu access can be blocked, this makes most manual guides non-working.
What may follow next are Windows Registry value changes — they can modify existing values or create new ones for the malware. Some of the consequences include performance issues, data loss, unexpected errors and the inability to run certain services. Advanced ransomware threats similar to the .montana virus can also modify essential files — by deleting shadow volume copies, backups, and etc. Ransomware samples can also start a security bypass module. It will search the system for any installed applications that safeguard the computer against viruses. The list includes anti-virus programs, firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and virtual machine hosts. Depending on the actual configuration these engines can be either bypassed or entirely removed.
The actual encryption phase will start when every other module has finished running. It will use a built-in list of target file types to choose what kind of data will be affected. A powerful cipher will be used to process the target data and they will be renamed with the .montana extension. The !HELP!.txt ransom note will be created in folders where there are affected files. These files will contain blackmail instructions. Discovered infections should be removed as soon as possible to prevent further infections.
Remove montana Virus – Try Restoring Files
In order to Remove montana ransomware, we strongly recommend that you read the instructions in this article. Experts suggest that the best way towards fully erasing montana Virus is to follow the removal steps that are underneath in combination with downloading an advanced malware removal tool. Such software will scan your computer for any malware and make sure that it’s fully gone from it.
Martin Beltov
Martin graduated with a degree in Publishing from Sofia University. As a cyber security enthusiast he enjoys writing about the latest threats and mechanisms of intrusion.
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Step 1: Scan for montana Virus with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall montana 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 montana 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 montana 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 montana Virus
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by montana 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 montana 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.
montana Virus-FAQ
What is montana Virus Ransomware?
montana 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 montana 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 montana Virus Infect?
Via several ways.montana 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 montana 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 .montana Virus files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .montana 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 .montana Virus files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".montana Virus" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .montana 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 montana 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 montana Virus ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .montana 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 montana 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 montana Virus Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this montana 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 montana 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.
- Make sure that real people are behind the site and not fake names and profiles.
- Verify Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter personal profiles.