This article has been created to explain what are Mac ransomware types of viruses, how to remove them and how you can try and restore files, encrypted by such virus on your Mac.
Ransomware infections have been going around for some time now and they have been spreading at an alarming rate. What is interesting is that during the past few years we have also seen ransomware viruses designed to attack Mac systems as well. While some of the viruses like the [wplinkpreview url=”https://sensorstechforum.com/remove-mac-ransomware-solved-padlock-icon-lock/”]Padlock virus were from the screenlocker type, some viruses, like [wplinkpreview url=”https://sensorstechforum.com/remove-ransomware-osx-keranger-from-mac-computers/”]KeRanger we have also detected to directly encrypt the files on the Macs that were compromised. In this article we aim to explain in detail how you can deal with ransomware viruses for Macs and how you can try and recover your files if you have not made a backup.
How Does a Mac Ransomware Virus Encrypt Your Files
Encryption by theory is basically the process of enciphering data so that only users with access can unlock and read this data. This means that when a ransomware virus infects your Mac, it will run a set of scripts and processes that will attack the file structure of your files. Usually, there are a lot of encryption algorithms and they have evolved over the past few years, but the main ones in use by ransomware viruses are RSA (rivest-shamir adleman) and AES(advanced encryption standard) algorithms. They aim to either overwrite the file or delete it and create it’s encrypted copy on the victim’s compuer. Then, the ransomware virus creates a decryption key which is either a symmetric key or a private key. The newest trend with ransomware viruses nowadays is to use combination of several encryption algorithms to make decryption this more difficult. For more info on how ransomware encryption works, you can check the following article underneath:
How to Try and Recover Encrypted Files on Your Mac (Methods)
After we have explained to you what encryption is, now it is time to explain what options do you have to get them to work once again. In the accordion below, we have created different methods that aim to help you by explaining what you can do to try and recover your files. To lift your hope, we will say that based on the type of virus which demolished your files and on the situation at hand, you may recover all your files, but do not raise your hopes that high, because you may also not be able to recover your data. And before you begin reading about the decryption methods underneath, we recommend that you try and use the method that is most appropriate for your situation. Let’s start!
| Method | By using a Data Recovery App. |
| Appropriate Situation | When there is no decryption available for the ransomware, but you can still use Windows to install and run software. |
| Instructions Difficulty | Easy |
In some cases, the easiest methods to cope with file encryption is to go around it and focus on your Mac’s drive. In order for this to succeed, it is important that you should not refresh your Mac or wipe your drive anew, because this will significantly decrease your chances of recovering files. Furthermore, you should also know that there are many data recovery programs out there, but we have decided to use what we believe is a tool that is very capable of doing the job for you – Stellar Phoenix Mac Data Recovery Pro. For more information on the program, you can read our software review of it underneath:
Here is how you can try and restore your files by using this program:
Step 1: Download Stellar Phoenix Mac Data Recovery by clicking on the button below:
Step 2: Open the downloaded file on you Mac’s Browser.
Step 3: Install Stellar Phoenix Mac Data Recovery. Accept any agreements if prompted.
Step 4: Wait for the program to start, after which select what types of files you wish to recover and click Next:
Step 5: Select the recovery location to an external drive or your default Macintosh Hard Drive (Macintosh HD) and click on Scan:
Step 6: Select the disk which you want to scan by clicking on It to mark it. You can also select an external drive which is affected and you can also tick the “Deep Scan” option which will take significantly more time, but will look to recover files in higher detail and we highly recommend ticking it. After you have selected your preferences, click on the Scan button:
Step 7: Wait for the scan to complete. It may take some time:
Step 8: After the scan has finished, simply select the files you want to recover and then click on the “Recover” button:
At this point, the program will begin recovering your files and when it has finished in doing that, it will notify you of this by asking you where you want to save a backup copy.
| Method | By using Apple iCloud. |
| Appropriate Situation | When you have copies of your files in iCloud drive. |
| Instructions Difficulty | Easy |
Step 1: Sign in to iCloud.
Step 2: Open the Settings.
Step 3: When you enter the Settings, scroll down and you will see the the “Advanced” menu. On it, click on “Restore Files”, like shown below:
Step 4: You will see a list of files to restore. Mark them with your mouse and then click on “Restore”.
Step 5: Wait for iCloud to restore your files and after it’s ready click on “Done”.
After the recovery is complete, you should be able to find the restored files on your iCloud drive. This can also help if you have accidentally deleted files from your iCloud drive as well.
| Method | By using Apple Time Machine |
| Appropriate Situation | When you have setup Time Machine. |
| Instructions Difficulty | Easy |
Step 1: Open Time Machine by clicking on the refresh icon on the top right and clicking on “Enter Time Machine”.
Step 2: Either navigate to previous versions of your Mac in different time or choose a restore point from the bars on the bottom right, next to the navigation arrows:
Step 3: Select a file, you want to restore by marking it with your mouse. Use the bottom-right arrows to select the date from which you want to restore it. After you have done this, click on the Restore button on the bottom right of your screen and the files will automatically restore:
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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Attention! SensorsTechForum strongly recommends that all malware victims should look for assistance only by reputable sources. Many guides out there claim to offer free recovery and decryption for files encrypted by ransomware viruses. Be advised that some of them may only be after your money.
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.
About the Mac Ransomware Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Mac Ransomware 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 Mac Ransomware 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.
References
1. How to Recognize Spam Emails with Ransomware
2. How Does Ransomware Encryption Work?
3. How to Decrypt Ransomware Files
4. Ransomware Getting Greedier and Bigger, Attacks Increase by 40%
5. 1 in 5 Americans Victim of Ransomware
- Guide 1: How to Remove Mac Ransomware from Windows.
- Guide 2: Get rid of Mac Ransomware from Mac OS X.
How to Remove Mac Ransomware from Windows.
Step 1: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove Mac Ransomware
1. Hold Windows Key + R.
2. The "Run" Window will appear. In it, type "msconfig" and click OK.
3. Go to the "Boot" tab. There select "Safe Boot" and then click "Apply" and "OK".
4. When prompted, click on "Restart" to go into Safe Mode.
5. You can recognise Safe Mode by the words written on the corners of your screen.
Step 2: Uninstall Mac Ransomware and related software 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:
1. Hold the Windows Logo Button and "R" on your keyboard. A Pop-up window will appear.
2. In the field type in "appwiz.cpl" and press ENTER.
3. This will open a window with all the programs installed on the PC. Select the program that you want to remove, and press "Uninstall"
Follow the instructions above and you will successfully uninstall most programs.
Step 3: Clean any registries, created by Mac Ransomware 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 Mac Ransomware there. This can happen by following the steps underneath:
1. Open the Run Window again, type "regedit" and click OK.
2. When you open it, you can freely navigate to the Run and RunOnce keys, whose locations are shown above.
3. You can remove the value of the virus by right-clicking on it and removing it.
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: Scan for Mac Ransomware with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
1. Click on the "Download" button to proceed to SpyHunter's download page.
2. After you have installed SpyHunter, wait for it to update automatically.
3. After the update process has finished, click on the 'Malware/PC Scan' tab. A new window will appear. Click on 'Start Scan'.
4. After SpyHunter has finished scanning your PC for any files of the associated threat and found them, you can try to get them removed automatically and permanently by clicking on the 'Next' button.
Video Guide for Automatic and Fast Removal
Step 5 (Optional): Try to Restore Files Encrypted by Mac Ransomware.
Ransomware infections and Mac Ransomware 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.
1. Download the recommended Data Recovery software by clicking on the link underneath:
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.
Step 6: How to Restore Files Encrypted by Ransomware (Video Guide)
Get rid of Mac Ransomware from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall Mac Ransomware and remove related files and objects
1. Hit the ⇧+⌘+U keys to open Utilities. Another way is to click on “Go” and then click “Utilities”, like the image below shows:
2. Find Activity Monitor and double-click it:
3. In the Activity Monitor look for any suspicious processes, belonging or related to Mac Ransomware:
4. Click on the "Go" button again, but this time select Applications. Another way is with the ⇧+⌘+A buttons.
5. In the Applications menu, look for any suspicious app or an app with a name, similar or identical to Mac Ransomware. If you find it, right-click on the app and select “Move to Trash
”.
6. Select Accounts, after which click on the Login Items preference.
Your Mac will then show you a list of items that start automatically when you log in. Look for any suspicious apps identical or similar to Mac Ransomware. Check the app you want to stop from running automatically and then select on the Minus (“-“) icon to hide it.
7. Remove any left-over files that might be related to this threat manually by following the sub-steps below:
- Go to Finder.
- In the search bar type the name of the app that you want to remove.
- Above the search bar change the two drop down menus to “System Files” and “Are Included” so that you can see all of the files associated with the application you want to remove. Bear in mind that some of the files may not be related to the app so be very careful which files you delete.
- If all of the files are related, hold the ⌘+A buttons to select them and then drive them to “Trash”.
In case you cannot remove Mac Ransomware via Step 1 above:
In case you cannot find the virus files and objects in your Applications or other places we have shown above, you can manually look for them in the Libraries of your Mac. But before doing this, please read the disclaimer below:
1: Click on "Go" and Then "Go to Folder" as shown underneath:
2: Type in "/Library/LauchAgents/" and click Ok:
3: Delete all of the virus files that have similar or the same name as Mac Ransomware. If you believe there is no such file, do not delete anything.
You can repeat the same procedure with the following other Library directories:
→ ~/Library/LaunchAgents
/Library/LaunchDaemons
Tip: ~ is there on purpose, because it leads to more LaunchAgents.
Step 3 (Optional): Try to Restore Files Encrypted by Mac Ransomware.
Ransomware infections and Mac Ransomware 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.
1. Download the recommended Data Recovery software by clicking on the link underneath:
Simply click on the link and on the website menus on top, choose Data Recovery - Data Recovery Wizard for Windows or Mac (depending on your OS), and then download and run the tool.
Mac Ransomware FAQ
What is Mac Ransomware ransomware and how does it work?
Mac Ransomware 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 algorithm how 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.
How does Mac Ransomware ransomware infect my computer?
Via several ways.Mac Ransomware Ransomware infects computers by being sent via phishing e-mails, 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.
After you download and execute this attachment, a drive-by download occurs and your computer is infected with the ransomware virus.
Another way, you may become a victim of Mac Ransomware 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 .Mac Ransomware files?
You can't. At this point the .Mac Ransomware files are encrypted. You can only open them once they are decrypted.
Decryptor did not decrypt my data. What now?
Do not panic and backup the files. If a decryptor did not decrypt your .Mac Ransomware files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
One way to restore files, encrypted by Mac Ransomware ransomware is to use a decryptor for it. But since it's a new virus, advised that the decryption keys for it may not be out yet and available to the public. We will update this article and keep you posted as soon as this decryptor is released.
How Do I restore ".Mac Ransomware" files (Other Methods)?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .Mac Ransomware files.
These methods are in no way 100% guarantee that you will be able to get your files back. But if you have a backup, your chances of success are much greater.
How do I get rid of Mac Ransomware ransomware virus?
The safest way and the most efficient one for the removal of this ransomware infection is the use a professional anti malware software. It will scan for and locate Mac Ransomware ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .Mac Ransomware files.
Also, keep in mind that viruses like Mac Ransomware ransomware also install Trojans and keyloggers that can steal your passwords and accounts. Scanning your computer with an anti-malware software will make sure that all of these virus components are removed and your computer is protected in the future.
What to Do If nothing works?
There is still a lot you can do. If none of the above methods seem to work for you, then try these methods:
- Try to find a safe computer from where you can can login on your own line accounts like One Drive, iDrive, Google Drive and so on.
- Try to contact your friends, relatives and other people so that they can check if they have some of your important photos or documents just in case you sent them.
- Also, check if some of the files that were encrypted it can be re-downloaded from the web.
- Another clever way to get back some of your files is to find another old computer, a flash drive or even a CD or a DVD where you may have saved your older documents. You might be surprised what will turn up.
- You can also go to your email account to check if you can send any attachments to other people. Usually what is sent the email is saved on your account and you can re-download it. But most importantly, make sure that this is done from a safe computer and make sure to remove the virus first.
More tips you can find on our forums, where you can also asks any questions about your ransomware problem.
How to 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.
