This article will aid you to remove MauriGo virus in full. Follow the ransomware removal instructions provided at the end of the article.
The MauriGo virus is a dangerous threat that is being operated by an unknown hacker or criminal collective. It follows the standard behavior tactics associated with most common ransomware by encrypting sensitive data with the .encrypted extension.
Threat Summary
| Name | MauriGo |
| Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
| Short Description | The ransomware encrypts files with the .encrypted extension on your computer system and demands a ransom to be paid to allegedly recover them. |
| Symptoms | The ransomware will encrypt your files with a strong encryption algorithm. |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments |
| Detection Tool |
See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware
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User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss MauriGo. |
| 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. |
MauriGo Virus – Distribution Ways
The MauriGo virus is distributed mainly via spam email messages. The computer hackers behind it use various strategies in order to coerce the victims into interacting with the dangerous elements. One of the ways is to send hyperlinks that lead to the dangerous files. The other method is to directly attach them to the email messages. In combination with this the hackers can also use payloads, two of the most popular ones are the following:
- Software Installers — MauriGo virus code can be embedded in various applications by the criminals. They are made by taking the legitimate installers from the official vendor site and modifying them with the malware code. Usually popular apps are chosen such as system utilities, creativity solutions and even computer games.
- Documents — MauriGo virus samples can be inserted into files of different types such as rich text documents, spreadsheets or presentations. When they are opened by the victims a notification prompt appears which asks the victims to enable the built-in scripts (macros). If this is done the infection begins.
Browser hijackers are the other possible carriers. They represent malware web browser plugins made compatible with the most popular software: Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome, Internet Explorer, Safari, Opera and Microsoft Edge. As soon as they are installed onto the victim device the default settings are changed in order to redirect the users to a malware page: default home page, new tabs page and search engine.
MauriGo Virus – In-Depth Analysis
At the moment there is no information about the criminals behind it. It is reported that the initial infection was detected on April 12 2017 with several follow-up campaigns.
The malware engines follows a set of hardcoded instructions that are set to make system recovery difficult. One of the first actions is to delete the found shadow volume copies of sensitive user data. In order to restore the affected files the users will need to use data recovery software, refer to our instructions for more information.
Other changes include the set up of a persistent state of execution which automatically starts the malware every time the computer is booted. Modifications can be made to the Windows Registry. If the changes are made to existing entries then the users will be unable to run certain applications or system services. Overall computer performance may also be impacted.
If changes are made to the main code then additional components can be loaded. An example addon is a data harvesting module that can be launched right after the infection is initiated. It can be programmed into harvesting strings that can be classified into two main categories:
- Anonymous Metrics — They are primarily used to judge how effective the attack is. The data sets contain details about the hardware components and certain operating system metrics.
- Personal Data — Private information is defined as data that can directly expose the users identity. Example strings can include a person’s name, address, phone number, interests, location, passwords and account credentials.
The harvested information can be pooled into a stealth protection module that can be used to stop any applications that might interfere with the MauriGo virus. Such examples are anti-virus products, debug environments and virtual machine hosts.
MauriGo Virus – Encryption Process
Once all components have executed correctly the ransomware engine is started. Like other similar threats it uses a powerful cipher in order to encrypt and rename sensitive user data. One of the captured malware samples reveal that the following extensions are being targeted:
.3gp, .7z, .apk, .avi, .bmp, .cdr, .cer, .chm, .conf, .css, .csv, .dat, .db, .dbf, .djvu, .dbx, .docm, doc,
.epub, .docx, .fb2, .flv, .gif, .gz, .iso .ibooks, .jpeg, .jpg, .key, .mdb .md2, .mdf, .mht, .mobi .mhtm, .mkv,
.mov, .mp3, .mp4, .mpg .mpeg, .pict, .pdf, .pps, .pkg, .png, .ppt .pptx, .ppsx, .psd, .rar, .rtf, .scr, .swf,
.sav, .tiff, .tif, .tbl, .torrent, .txt, .vsd, .wmv, .xls, .xlsx, .xps, .xml, .ckp, .zip, .java, .py, .asm, .c,
.cpp, .cs, .js, .php, .dacpac, .rbw, .rb, .mrg, .dcx, .db3, .sql, .sqlite3, .sqlite, .sqlitedb, .psd, .psp, .pdb,
.dxf, .dwg, .drw, .casb, .ccp, .cal, .cmx, .cr2.
As a consequence all victim data is renamed with the .encrypted extension. A ransomware note is crafted in a file called READ_TO_DECRYPT.txt that reads the following:
‘The important files on your computer have been encrypted with military grade AES-256 bit encryption.
Your documents, videos, images and other forms of data are now inaccessible, and cannot be unlocked without the decryption key.
This key is currently being stored on a remote server.
To acquire this key, please follow the instructions below before the time runs out. ([RANDOM DATE] – you have 7 days)
Prices to recover yoor files from :
1 machine on your network : 0.7 BTC
Half machines on your network (randomly chosen): 2.6 BTC
All machines on your network : 5 BTC
The BTC must be sent to this address : 19CMTC6U9KMHAn34iKXvofkA2ulNMcd823
Your hostname : [YOUR DEVICE NAME] Your identification number (it is the same for all PC encrypted on your network): ***
After you’ve send payment to our address, please go to our website (via normal browser):
xxxx://ldqu4hxg2gx6af7j.onion[.]plus/id/***
xxxx://ldqu4hxg2gx6af7j.onion[.]link/id/***
xxxx://ldqu4hxg2gx6af7j.tor2web[.]ch/id/***
If it doesn’t work please download Tor Browser on their official page and use this link instead: xxxx://ldqu4hxg2gx6af7j[.]onion/id/***
Once on the website, leave a simple comment to warn us.
After that we will reply with your decryption key(s) as soon as possible.
To demonstrate our sincerity, you can upload 2 encrypted file on the website and we will decrypt it.
Also please understand that we don’t want to taint the reliability of your business. Make a reasonable choice.
Note that if you fail to take action within this time window (7 days), the decryption key will be destroyed and access to your files will be
permanently lost.
Where to buy bitcoins (BTC) ?
Bitcoin is a popular crypto-currency. We advise you to buy coins on https://localbitcoins.com/ because of its speed and anonymity.
You will can pay with Western Union. Wire Transfer…
Of course there are much other ways to get bitcoins (ex: Coinbase), simply type on google “how to buy bitcoins”.’
Remove MauriGo Virus and Restore .encrypted Files
If your computer system got infected with the MauriGo ransomware virus, you should have a bit of experience in removing malware. You should get rid of this ransomware as quickly as possible before it can have the chance to spread further and infect other computers. You should remove the ransomware and follow the step-by-step instructions guide provided below.
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 MauriGo with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall MauriGo 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 MauriGo 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 MauriGo 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 MauriGo
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by MauriGo.
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 MauriGo 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.
MauriGo-FAQ
What is MauriGo Ransomware?
MauriGo 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 MauriGo 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 MauriGo Infect?
Via several ways.MauriGo 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 MauriGo 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 .MauriGo files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .MauriGo 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 .MauriGo files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".MauriGo" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .MauriGo 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 MauriGo 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 MauriGo ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .MauriGo 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 MauriGo 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 MauriGo Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this MauriGo 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 MauriGo 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.