MoneyIsTime is a newly identified ransomware. The ransomware attacks the computer system, and encrypts all files. A string of random characters and the “.moneyistime” extension is added to the encrypted files, which cannot be executed normally anymore.
Victims of the ransomware will also discover a ransom note, titled “README.TXT,” which provides payment instructions and encourages the victim to write to moneyistime@mailum.com. However, getting in touch with ransomware operators is not a good idea, for several reasons. First, there is no guarantee you will receive a decryption key, even if you pay the demanded ransom. Second, by paying cybercriminals, you are only fuelling further malicious campaigns, enabling them to continue with their operations.
MoneyIsTime Summary
| Name | MoneyIsTime |
| File Extension | .moneyistime |
| Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
| Short Description | The ransomware encrypts files on your computer system and demands a ransom to be paid to allegedly recover them. |
| Ransom Demanding Note | README.TXT |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments |
| Detection Tool |
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MoneyIsTime Virus File – How Did It Infect My PC?
.MoneyIsTime Virus File is distributed via a payload dropper that initiates the malicious script for this ransomware variant. The ransomware could distribute its payload file on social media and file-sharing services, as seen in previous such campaigns. Freeware available for download on multiple software platforms and torrent sites could also be hiding the malicious script for the cryptovirus.
Shortly said, the ransomware encrypts your files and displays specific ransomware instructions inside a ransom note, called README.TXT.
The note states the following:
YOUR FILES ARE ENCRYPTED
Your files, documents, photos, databases and other important files are encrypted.
If you found this document in a zip, do not modify the contents of that archive! Do not edit, add or remove files from it!
You are not able to decrypt it by yourself! The only method of recovering files is to purchase an unique decryptor.
Only we can give you this decryptor and only we can recover your files.
To be sure we have the decryptor and it works you can send an email: moneyistime@mailum.com
decrypt one file for free.
But this file should be of not valuable!
Do you really want to restore your files?
Write to email: moneyistime@mailum.com
Download the (Session) messenger (hxxps://getsession.org) in messenger :ID”0585ae8a3c3a688c78cf2e2b2b7df760630377f29c0b36d999862861bdbf93380d”
Attention!
* Do not rename or edit encrypted files and archives containing encrypted files.
* Do not try to decrypt your data using third party software, it may cause permanent data loss.
* Decryption of your files with the help of third parties may cause increased price (they add their fee to our) or you can become a victim of a scam.
What to Do?
We advise against following these instructions and paying the ransomware criminals.
The extortionists want you to pay a ransom for the alleged restoration of your files, as seen in most ransomware infection cases. .MoneyIsTime Virus File ransomware could make entries in the Windows Registry to achieve persistence, and could launch or repress processes in a Windows system. All encrypted files will receive the .pomoch45 extension.
Audio, video, image files as well as documents, backups and banking data can be encrypted by the ransomware, as a result of its instrusion.
The MoneyIsTime Virus File could be set to erase all the Shadow Volume Copies from the Windows operating system with the help of the command:
→vssadmin.exe delete shadows /all /Quiet
If your computer device is infected with malware of any type or you have suspicions of instrusion, continue reading to see what actions you could take.
Remove MoneyIsTime Ransomware
If your computer got infected with the MoneyIsTime ransomware, you should have at least a bit of experience in removing malware. You should get rid of this ransomware as quickly as possible before it gets the opportunity to spread further and infect other computers. You can remove the ransomware by following the removal steps below.
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Step 1: Scan for MoneyIsTime with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall MoneyIsTime 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 MoneyIsTime 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 MoneyIsTime 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 MoneyIsTime
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by MoneyIsTime.
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 MoneyIsTime 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.
MoneyIsTime-FAQ
What is MoneyIsTime Ransomware?
MoneyIsTime 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 MoneyIsTime 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 MoneyIsTime Infect?
Via several ways.MoneyIsTime 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 MoneyIsTime 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 .MoneyIsTime files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .MoneyIsTime 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 .MoneyIsTime files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".MoneyIsTime" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .MoneyIsTime 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 MoneyIsTime 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 MoneyIsTime ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .MoneyIsTime 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 MoneyIsTime 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 MoneyIsTime Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this MoneyIsTime 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 MoneyIsTime 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.
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