Ventsislav has been covering the latest malware, software and newest tech developments at SensorsTechForum for 3 years now. He started out as a network administrator. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for discovery of new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management and then Network Administration, he found his passion within cybersecrurity and is a strong believer in basic education of every user towards online safety.
Ventsislav has been covering the latest malware, software and newest tech developments at SensorsTechForum for 3 years now. He started out as a network administrator. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for discovery of new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management and then Network Administration, he found his passion within cybersecrurity and is a strong believer in basic education of every user towards online safety.
Ventsislav has been covering the latest malware, software and newest tech developments at SensorsTechForum for 3 years now. He started out as a network administrator. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for discovery of new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management and then Network Administration, he found his passion within cybersecrurity and is a strong believer in basic education of every user towards online safety.
Note! Your computer might be affected by Mobef and other threats.
Threats such as Mobef may be persistent on your system. They tend to re-appear if not fully deleted. A malware removal tool like SpyHunter will help you to remove malicious programs, saving you the time and the struggle of tracking down numerous malicious files. SpyHunter’s scanner is free but the paid version is needed to remove the malware threats. Read SpyHunter’s EULA and Privacy Policy
Ventsislav has been covering the latest malware, software and newest tech developments at SensorsTechForum for 3 years now. He started out as a network administrator. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for discovery of new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management and then Network Administration, he found his passion within cybersecrurity and is a strong believer in basic education of every user towards online safety.
Ransomware that uses different encryption techniques, named Mobef has been reported to ask ransom money to give infected users access to the files it encrypts on their computers. Unlike other ransomware infections, Mobef may employ the DES encryption algorithm, suggesting that the malware writers behind it wanted to create a virus that is different and less familiar to researchers and users. However, users should know that unlike AES, the DES algorithm is weaker against brute forcing attacks and file decryption may be possible.
Threat Summary
Name
Mobef
Type
Ransomware
Short Description
The ransomware encrypts files with the RSA algorithm and AES-128 ciphers and asks a ransom for decryption.
Symptoms
Files are encrypted and become inaccessible. A ransom note with instructions for paying the ransom shows as a .txt file.
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.
Mobef Ransomware – Distribution
To spread across the web, Mobef is believed to utilize an exploit kit which is quite dangerous. Examples of different exploit kit attacks you may see by visiting the following article. This is why users with non regularly patched software and without experience in browsing and using e-mails safely may be the most likely victims. This may happen via a drive by download when the user has clicked on a malicious web link, such as the one on an example spam e-mail below:
Mobef Ransomware – The Threat In Detail
Once the ransomware has been executed on your computer, it may have the following executables:
33.tmp.exe
Ransom.Mobef.A.exe
Tmp.exe
Those files may be the executables which encrypt the user data, and this very ransomware may create custom registry entries for them in the following Windows Registry Key:
After doing so, upon system boot, Mobef ransomware may begin to encrypt files that are most widely and commonly used. The encrypted data is with a strong AES and a bit outdated DES encryption algorithms. The ransomware is reported by Symantec Researchers to scan for and encrypt files with the following file extensions:
Furthermore, Mobef uses a text file to notify the user and may drop it on the user’s desktop. The text file name contains the date of the infection after which the ”-INFECTION” part is added to the name of the file. It contains the following ransom instructions:
→ “YourID: {CUSTOM NUMERICAL USER ID} PC: {PC NAME} USER: {USERNAME} Hey Your files are now encrypted. I have the key to decrypt them back. I will give you a decrypter if you pay me. Email me at: [email protected] or [email protected] If you don’t get a reply or if both emails die, then contact me using a guaranteed, foolproof Bitmessage: download it form here https://github.com/mailchuck/PyBitmessage/releases/download/v0.5.8/Bitmessage- 0.5.8.exe Run it, click New Identity and then send me a message at {BITMESSAGE BITCOIN ADDRESS} Cheers”Source:Bleeping Computer
Not only this, but the ransomware may change the wallpaper of the infected user with the very same ransom message:
Users who have had their files encrypted report seeing two types of files in the folders where their files were encrypted:
The ransom note text file.
A .key file which most likely contains either the public or the private key for the files.
Remove Mobef Ransomware and Restore the Encrypted Files
The removal of Mobef may be rather simple if done via an anti-malware software which will automatically discover the malicious files and remove them. There is also the manual option of finding the malicious .tmp, .exe and other files and deleting them permanently. But then again, you should also make sure to clean up your registry entries.
The decryption of files encoded with DES and AES algorithms is almost impossible, not before a flaw in the code is found. This is why we advise you to follow the step-by-step restoration instructions below that contain alternative methods which go around the direct decryption. In the meantime, you can follow our security forum or updates on our blog in case a free decryption method surfaces.
Note! Your computer system may be affected by Mobef and other threats. Scan Your PC with SpyHunter SpyHunter is a powerful malware removal tool designed to help users with in-depth system security analysis, detection and removal of threats such as Mobef. Keep in mind, that SpyHunter’s scanner is only for malware detection. If SpyHunter detects malware on your PC, you will need to purchase SpyHunter’s malware removal tool to remove the malware threats. Read our SpyHunter 5 review. Click on the corresponding links to check SpyHunter’s EULA, Privacy Policy and Threat Assessment Criteria.
To remove Mobef follow these steps:
1. Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove Mobef files and objects
OFFER
Manual Removal Usually Takes Time and You Risk Damaging Your Files If Not Careful!
We Recommend To Scan Your PC with SpyHunter
Keep in mind, that SpyHunter’s scanner is only for malware detection. If SpyHunter detects malware on your PC, you will need to purchase SpyHunter’s malware removal tool to remove the malware threats. Read our SpyHunter 5 review. Click on the corresponding links to check SpyHunter’s EULA, Privacy Policy and Threat Assessment Criteria
Boot Your PC Into Safe Mode
1. For Windows XP, Vista and 7. 2. For Windows 8, 8.1 and 10. Fix registry entries created by malware and PUPs on your PC.
For Windows XP, Vista and 7 systems:
1. Remove all CDs and DVDs, and then Restart your PC from the “Start” menu. 2. Select one of the two options provided below:
– For PCs with a single operating system: Press “F8” repeatedly after the first boot screen shows up during the restart of your computer. In case the Windows logo appears on the screen, you have to repeat the same task again.
– For PCs with multiple operating systems: Тhe arrow keys will help you select the operating system you prefer to start in Safe Mode. Press “F8” just as described for a single operating system.
3. As the “Advanced Boot Options” screen appears, select the Safe Mode option you want using the arrow keys. As you make your selection, press “Enter“.
4. Log on to your computer using your administrator account
While your computer is in Safe Mode, the words “Safe Mode” will appear in all four corners of your screen.
Step 1: Open up the Start Menu.
Step 2: Click on the Power button (for Windows 8 it is the little arrow next to the “Shut Down” button) and whilst holding down “Shift” click on Restart.
Step 3: After reboot, a blue menu with options will appear. From them you should choose Troubleshoot.
Step 4: You will see the Troubleshoot menu. From this menu choose Advanced Options.
Step 5: After the Advanced Options menu appears, click on Startup Settings.
Step 6: From the Startup Settings menu, click on Restart.
Step 7: A menu will appear upon reboot. You can choose any of the three Safe Mode options by pressing its corresponding number and the machine will restart.
Some malicious scripts may modify the registry entries on your computer to change different settings. This is why cleaning your Windows Registry Database is recommended. Since the tutorial on how to do this is a bit long and tampering with registries could damage your computer if not done properly you should refer and follow our instructive article about fixing registry entries, especially if you are unexperienced in that area.
2. Find files created by Mobef on your PC
Find files created by Mobef
1. For Windows 8, 8.1 and 10. 2. For Windows XP, Vista, and 7.
For Newer Windows Operating Systems
Step 1:
On your keyboard press + R and write explorer.exe in the Run text box and then click on the Ok button.
Step 2:
Click on your PC from the quick access bar. This is usually an icon with a monitor and its name is either “My Computer”, “My PC” or “This PC” or whatever you have named it.
Step 3:
Navigate to the search box in the top-right of your PC’s screen and type “fileextension:” and after which type the file extension. If you are looking for malicious executables, an example may be “fileextension:exe”. After doing that, leave a space and type the file name you believe the malware has created. Here is how it may appear if your file has been found:
N.B. We recommend to wait for the green loading bar in the navination box to fill up in case the PC is looking for the file and hasn’t found it yet.
For Older Windows Operating Systems
In older Windows OS’s the conventional approach should be the effective one:
Step 1:
Click on the Start Menu icon (usually on your bottom-left) and then choose the Search preference.
Step 2:
After the search window appears, choose More Advanced Options from the search assistant box. Another way is by clicking on All Files and Folders.
Step 3:
After that type the name of the file you are looking for and click on the Search button. This might take some time after which results will appear. If you have found the malicious file, you may copy or open its location by right-clicking on it.
Now you should be able to discover any file on Windows as long as it is on your hard drive and is not concealed via special software.
Use SpyHunter to scan for malware and unwanted programs
3. Scan for malware and unwanted programs with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Scan your PC and Remove Mobef with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool and back up your data
1. Install SpyHunter to scan for Mobef and remove them.2. Scan with SpyHunter, Detect and Remove Mobef. Back up your data to secure it from malware in the future.
Step 1: Click on the “Download” button to proceed to SpyHunter’s download page.
It is recommended to run a scan before purchasing the full version of the software to make sure that the current version of the malware can be detected by SpyHunter. Click on the corresponding links to check SpyHunter’s EULA, Privacy Policy and Threat Assessment Criteria.
Step 2: Guide yourself by the download instructions provided for each browser.
Step 3: After you have installed SpyHunter, wait for it to update automatically.
Step 1: After the update process has finished, click on the ‘Malware/PC Scan’ tab. A new window will appear. Click on ‘Start Scan’.
Step 2: 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.
Step 3: If any threats have been removed, it is highly recommended to restart your PC.
Back up your data to secure it against attacks in the future
IMPORTANT! Before reading the Windows backup instructions, we highly recommend to back up your data with a cloud backup solution and insure your files against any type of loss, even from the most severe threats. We recommend you to read more about it and to download SOS Online Backup.
4. Try to Restore files encrypted by Mobef
Try to Restore Files Encrypted by Mobef
Ransomware infections and Mobef aim to encrypt your files using an encryption algorithm which may be very difficult to decrypt. This is why we have suggested several alternative methods that may help you go around direct decryption and try to restore your files. Bear in mind that these methods may not be 100% effective but may also help you a little or a lot in different situations.
Method 1: Scanning your drive’s sectors by using Data Recovery software. Another method for restoring your files is by trying to bring back your files via data recovery software. Here are some suggestions for preferred data recovery software solutions:
Method 2: Trying Kaspersky and EmsiSoft’s decryptors. If the first method does not work, we suggest trying to use decryptors for other ransomware viruses, in case your virus is a variant of them. The two primary developers of decryptors are Kaspersky and EmsiSoft, links to which we have provided below:
To restore your data in case you have backup set up, it is important to check for Volume Shadow Copies, if ransomware has not deleted them, in Windows using the below software:
Method 4: Finding the decryption key while the cryptovirus sends it over a network via a sniffing tool.
Another way to decrypt the files is by using a Network Sniffer to get the encryption key, while files are encrypted on your system. A Network Sniffer is a program and/or device monitoring data traveling over a network, such as its internet traffic and internet packets. If you have a sniffer set before the attack happened you might get information about the decryption key. See how-to instructions below:
Ventsislav has been covering the latest malware, software and newest tech developments at SensorsTechForum for 3 years now. He started out as a network administrator. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for discovery of new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management and then Network Administration, he found his passion within cybersecrurity and is a strong believer in basic education of every user towards online safety.
Ventsislav has been covering the latest malware, software and newest tech developments at SensorsTechForum for 3 years now. He started out as a network administrator. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for discovery of new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management and then Network Administration, he found his passion within cybersecrurity and is a strong believer in basic education of every user towards online safety.
Ransomware that uses different encryption techniques, named Mobef has been reported to ask ransom money to give infected users access to the files it encrypts on their computers. Unlike other ransomware infections, Mobef may employ the DES encryption algorithm, suggesting that the malware writers behind it wanted to create a virus that is different and less familiar to researchers and users. However, users should know that unlike AES, the DES algorithm is weaker against brute forcing attacks and file decryption may be possible.
“YourID: {CUSTOM NUMERICAL USER ID}
1. For Windows XP, Vista and 7.
2. For Windows 8, 8.1 and 10.
Fix registry entries created by malware and PUPs on your PC.
1. Install SpyHunter to scan for Mobef and remove them.
Back up your data to secure it from malware in the future.
