This article has been created in order to explain what is .mich files virus and how to remove it from your computer, plus how to restore .mich encrypted files.
The .mich files virus is a new variant of the LockCrypt ransomware, whose primary goal is to encrypt the files on your computer and then ask victims to pay ransom to get them to work again. The virus sets the .mich file extension to all of the files it encrypts and may also drop a ransom note with information on how to pay the ransom, likely in BitCoin or other cryptocurrencies. If your computer has been infected by the .mich files virus, we advise you to read this article and learn more about this malware and how to remove it from your computer plus how to restore files that have been encrypted on your computer without having to pay ransom.
Threat Summary
| Name | .mich Files Virus |
| Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
| Short Description | A variant of LockCrypt ransomware. Aims to encrypt the files on your PC and then ask you to pay ransom to get them back. |
| Symptoms | The files are encrypted with the .mich file extension added to them as a suffix. |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments, Executable files |
| Detection Tool |
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Malware Removal Tool
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User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss .mich Files 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. |
.mich Files Virus – How Does It Infect
Similar to the previous variant of LockCrypt ransomware which used brute-forcing attacks, this version of the virus may be spread via exploits that utilize RDP (Remote Desktop Protocol) on the victim’s computer. These exploits take advantage of:
- Weak passwords and lack of two-factor authentication for RDP access.
- The allowing of incoming RDP connections from any IP address on the net.
- Users usually login after a lot of failed login attempts, instead of being locked out.
According to reports, the previous versions of LockCrypt ransomware were also reported to be connected to Satan ransomware in some way, which is the result of a virus that is advertised as an RaaS (Ransomware-as-a-service).
The main methods via which such malicious files may be delivered onto servers and computers are via web links or files. Such objects can be encountered in multiple different types of locations, the crooks use to get inexperienced victims to click on, such as:
- Malicious e-mail attachments or fake buttons that often imitate big companies or organizations.
- Malicious files, posing as legitimate installers, setup wizards, cracks, key generators, patches or other license activators for software.
- Malicious browser redirects to the infection URL as a result of the victim having adware or other forms of PUPs that cause browser redirects without any consent.
LockCrypt .mich Virus – Activity
Once the .mich files ransomware has already infected your computer, the malware may begin to drop it’s malicious payload files. These files are primarily malicious modules that perform different activities without you even realizing it. They are often randomly named and may reside in the following Windows directories:
- %AppData%
- %Local%
- %LocalLow%
- %Roaming%
- %Temp%
Once the files are dropped, the .mich files variant of LockCrypt ransomware may perform different unwanted activities on the victim’s computer among which may be to modify the Windows Registry sub-keys by adding custom value entries with data In them. This data may point to the actual location of the malicious files, especially if the value entries have the following locations:
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
In addition to this, the .mich ransomware may also make sure that the shadow volume copies on your computer are permanently gone, so that you cannot recover the files in it without these copies. The .mich variant of LockCrypt(https://sensorstechforum.com/remove-lockcrypt-ransomware-restore-1btc-files/), may use the following types of commands as an administrator in Windows Command prompt to delete the copies and disable system recovery:
→ bcdedit /set bootstatuspolicy ignoreallfailures
bcdedit /set recoveryenabled No
bcdedit /set {default} bootstatuspolicy ignoreallfailures
bcdedit /set {default} recoveryenabled No
vssadmin delete shadows /for={volume} /oldest /all /shadow={ID of the Shadow} /quiet
After this has been done, .mich files virus may drop a .txt file containing it’s ransom note, which gave 24 hours deadline to pay for the decryption of your files in BitCoins via writing to anonymous e-mail.
.mich Files Virus – Encryption Information
In order to encrypt the files on the infected computer, Mich ransomware is very careful not to encrypt files in the important Windows directories that may damage the functioning of your PC. Other than that, the .mich version of LockCrypt may scan for the following list of files to encrypt them:
→ .incpas, .mp4, .pab, .st6, .sas7bdat, .wmv, .backup, .drf, .ibank, .3ds, .odg, .cer, .tif, .cs, .dotx, .7z, .png, .bak, .ibz, .db3, .pbl, .3fr, .dxf, .nk2, .bkp, .mdf, .svg, .xlm, .3dm, .pct, .java, .pot, .sxi, .ibd, .sxw, .pspimage, .ppt, .kbx, .ppsm, .ndd, .txt, .pdb, .say, .backupdb, .fla, .swf, .asx, .accdt, .mp3, .ycbcra, .erf, .cr2, .pfx, .potx, .qby, .sqlite, .blend, .class, .pat, .odp, .gray, .qbw, .tib, .thm, .htm, .mos, .rm, .key, .std, .tlg, .lua, .pst, .sqlitedb, .grey, .cdr4, .dc2, .ce1, .ps, .tex, .eml, .xlam, .pages, .st8, .jar, .st7, .potm, .sdf, .db-journal, .pcd, .aspx, .rwl, .kpdx, .fmb, .xlr, .gry, .kc2, .oil, .moneywell, .xlk, .sti, .accdr, .oth, .c, .xml, .nd, .mdb, .pem, .erbsql, .bpw, .ffd, .ost, .pptm, .dwg, .zip, .qbm, .cdx, .des, .dng, .pdd, .cfp, .nyf, .cgm, .sldm, .xla, .odf, .raf, .crw, .mef, .raw, .x11, .nsd, .fff, .design, .dcs, .ptx, .al, .ns2, .bik, .back, .accdb, .nwb, .cpi, .ads, .odt, .sqlite3, .docm, .drw, .pl, .nx2, .fpx, .rdb, .otp, .msg, .accde, .agdl, .php, .csv, .py, .rtf, .ach, .sda, .ddd, .asf, .dotm, .cmt, .h, .hbk, .xlsx, .s3db, .tga, .wav, .iif, .dxb, .sql, .db, .sd0, .bgt, .djvu, .jpg, .doc, .craw, .mpg, .sxd, .kdc, .jpeg, .psafe3, .flac, .dtd, .act, .qba, .vob, .cdrw, .eps, .bkf, .mdc, .rar, .mov, .cdf, .m4v, .ab4, .bank, .pps, .cib, .dot, .dgc, .exf, .flv, .xlsb, .ddrw, .adb, .srw, .plc, .csh, .xls, .fxg, .otg, .pas, .xlt, .indd, .rwz, .xltx, .apj, .stw, .xltm, .orf, .ott, .qbb, .max, .cls, .obj, .docx, .dcr, .cdr3, .qbx, .pdf, .nef, .ots, .srt, .ddoc, .rat, .phtml, .m, .dbx, .nxl, .avi, .p12, .awg, .dbf, .ns3, .mmw, .prf, .wallet, .rw2, .jin, .odc, .qbr, .ppsx, .ns4, .wpd, .wps, .nsh, .dxg, .fhd, .dac, .wb2, .nrw, .odb, .ait, .jpe, .odm, .sldx, .fdb, .acr, .war, .oab, .sxc, .cpp, .r3d, .hpp, .asm, .st5, .stx, .xis, .dds, .xlsm, .p7c, .cdr5, .3g2, .mrw, .sr2, .html, .cdr, .idx, .st4, .bdb, .kdbx, .nsg, .der, .ods, .myd, .nop, .ppam, .pptx, .yuv, .xlw, .mfw, .nsf, .csl, .php5, .p7b, .crt, .asp, .srf, .jsp, .cdr6, .sxm, .iiq, .3gp, .ce2, .arw, .bay, .ai, .sxg, .psd, .3pr, .fh, .pef, .x3f, .sik, .bpp, .vmdk, .spi, .bup, .cvt, .bb, .fkc, .tjl, .dbk, .swp, .fb, .vib, .dtb, .bke, .old, .bkc, .jou, .rpb, .abk, .sav, .bkn, .tbk, .fbw, .vrb, .spf, .bk, .sbk, .umb, .ac, .vbk, .wbk, .mbk
Extensions list Source: Bleeping Computer
Each of the files which becomes encrypted starts carrying the .mich file extension to it, and may appear like the following:
Remove .mich Files Virus and Restore Encrypted Files
In order for you to make sure that this ransomware virus is permanently gone from your computer, you can go ahead and follow the removal instructions for .mich files virus we have prepared underneath this article. They are divided in manual or automatic removal methods. If manual removal is something you do not feel confident in doing, security experts strongly recommend downloading and running a scan of your PC by using an advanced anti-malware software. It’s primary purpose is to completely secure your PC and protect it against future malware infections as well.
If you want to restore files that have been encrypted by .mich files virus, we recommend that you follow the alternative methods for file recovery underneath. Located In step “2. Restore files encrypted by .mich Files Virus” ,they may not be 100% guarantee you will be able to restore all your data, but may help you recover as many files as possible. We will keep track of this virus, since it’s previous variants were decryptable, this is why we recommend that you check up on this article often as we will update it when new information becomes available.
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 .mich Files Virus with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall .mich Files 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 .mich Files 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 .mich Files 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 .mich Files Virus
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by .mich Files 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 .mich Files 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.
.mich Files Virus-FAQ
What is .mich Files Virus Ransomware?
.mich Files 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 .mich Files 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 .mich Files Virus Infect?
Via several ways..mich Files 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 .mich Files 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 ..mich Files Virus files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the ..mich Files 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 ..mich Files Virus files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore "..mich Files Virus" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore ..mich Files 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 .mich Files 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 .mich Files Virus ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important ..mich Files 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 .mich Files 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 .mich Files Virus Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this .mich Files 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 .mich Files 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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