The Mr. Dec virus has been discovered in a small attack campaign. While the initial strains do not feature advanced code it is expected that future versions will be much more dangerous. The affected files are renamed with random extensions, read more about the threat in our removal guide.
SIDENOTE: This post was originally published in May 2018. But we gave it an update in August 2019.
Threat Summary
| Name | Mr. Dec |
| Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
| Short Description | The ransomware encrypts sensitive information on your computer system with the .[random-extension] extensions 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
Download
Malware Removal Tool
|
User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss Mr. Dec. |
| 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. |
Mr. Dec Virus — Update August 2019
A recent attack wave using the Mr. Dec ransomware has been detected. However instead of the nae attributed to the ransomware the majority of user complaints are for “you are unlucky the terrible virus”. It is very possible that the original hackers or another criminal group have taken on the threat and created a new version taking on this name.
Given the fact that in this month this version has been used in an attack campaign we assume that possibly new functionality or changes to the behavior pattern have been made. The ransomware note or lockscreen may read warning messages that are designed in a different way than before, possibly with the message you are unlucky the terrible virus has captured your files.
Mr. Dec Virus – Distribution Ways
The Mr. Dec virus has been identified in a very small attack campaign that does not give out the primary distribution tactics. As such we expect that the most common methods are going to be used.
Future Mr. Dec virus campaigns can utilize SPAM email messages that rely on social engineering tactics. They use text and graphics that have been hijacked from legitimate sites, products and services in order to blackmail the recipients into infecting themselves. This is done by either attaching the file directly to the messages or hyperlinking the relevant in the body contents. In connection with this payloads can be spread using them. Two of the most popular examples include the following:
- Software Installers — The criminals behind the threat can embed the relevant virus code in application installers. Usually the most popular ones are used: creativity suites, system utilities, productivity apps, office programs and even computer games.
- Infected Documents — Using similar mechanisms the hackers may embed scripts that lead to the Mr. Dec infection. Practically all document types can be affected: text files, presentations, databases or spreadsheets. Once they are opened by the victims a notification message will appear asking the users to enable the built-in macros. If they do this then the infection will begin.
Another possibility would be the use of browser hijackers. They represent malicious web browser plugins that are made for the most popular applications: Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome, Internet Explorer, Opera, Safari and Microsoft Edge. Their main goal is to redirect the victims to a hacker-controlled site by changing the browser’s default settings — home page, search engine and new tabs page. Afterwards the Mr. Dec virus infection follows. These strains are usually found on the relevant web browser plugin repositories. The hackers typically make use of fake developer credentials and user reviews along with an elaborate description with the promise of adding new useful features or otherwise changing the browsing experience.
Other delivery methods include the use of web scripts that come in various forms and can even affect legitiamte and well-known sites through compromised ad and affiliate networks. The most common forms are all manners of pop-ups, redirects, in-body hyperlinks and other scripts.
Mr. Dec Virus – In-Depth Analysis
The Mr. Dec virus appears to be a newly created ransomare that does not originate from any of the well-known malware families. This means that either the threat has been created by by its operators or it has been bought from the underground markets. Whatever its origins it appears that the captured samples are test versions or the initial builds. This means that many of the essential virus features are not yet integrated. If the first attacks are successful then future versions will likely be developed.
The initial infection can begin with an information gathering engine. It is programmed to harvest various types of strings in advance. The harvested campaign metrics can be used to optimize the attacks by registering the installed hardware components and certain operating system strings. The same engine can be used to harvest personally-identifiable about the victims that can expose their identity. Example strings include their name, address, telephone number, geographic location, interests, passwords and account credentials.
The information can be processed by the stealth protection module which protects the malicious executable from any applications or services that can interfere with its correct execution. Examples include anti-virus products, sandbox environments and virtual machine hosts.
The Mr. Dec virus can be programmed into modifying the Windows Registry entries related either to the user-installed applications or the operating system itself. When the virus modifies application entries certain services or functions can be rendered non-working. Windows-related entries can lead to overall performance issues.
This is also used to set the Mr. Dec virus as a persistent threat. This means that the virus will start automatically once the computer boots and access to certain menu options will be blocked. This includes the recovery boot menu. In such cases the only way to recover the infected machines is by using a quality anti-spyware solution, read our removal instructions for further information. To make recovery more difficult the threat can also be configured to delete the Shadow Volume Copies of the affected data. This means that data recovery is possible with the use of a professional application.
Advanced versions of the Mr. Dec virus can also be used with a malware network connection to the hacker-controlled servers. It is used in order to harvest the acquired personal data, as well as spy upon the victims in real time. Such methods are widely used in a Trojan-like manner that allow the controllers to overtake control of the machines. They are also among that main methods that are used to deploy additional threats.
We remind our readers that many of the updated ransomware threats at some point add browser hijacker like code that can interact with web browsers and other user-installed applications. This includes the likes of tracking cookies, plugins and other malicious software without the victim’s consent and knowledge.
Mr. Dec Virus – Encryption Process
The associated ransomware engine with the Mr. Dec virus is fully functional even with the test versions that were captured by the analysts. Like other popular ransomware threats it uses a strong cipher (AES) that is used to encrypt sensitive user data. It uses a built-in list that affects the following data:
- Archives
- Backups
- Documents
- Databases
- Images
- Videos
- Music
Instead of using a generic rename template the Mr. Dec virus processes the affected data with a random extension which follows the following formula: .[ID]
A ransomware note is crafted in a file called Decoding help.hta that contains the following message:
You are unlucky! The terrible virus has captured your files! For decoding please contact by email mr.dec@protonmail.com or mr.dec@tutanota.com
Your
ID ***** ID
1. In the subject line, write your ID.
2. Attach 1-2 infected files that do not contain important information (less than 2 mb)
3. Attach the file with the location c:\Windows\DECODE KEY.KEY
are required to generate the decoder and restore the test file.
Hurry up! Time is limited!
Attention!!!
At the end of this time, the private key for generating the decoder will be destroyed. Files will not be restored!
0·1·19·28
Remove Mr. Dec Virus and Restore .[random-extension] Files
If your computer system got infected with the Mr. Dec 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.
Follow Me:
- Step 1
- Step 2
- Step 3
- Step 4
- Step 5
Step 1: Scan for Mr. Dec with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall Mr. Dec 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 Mr. Dec 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 Mr. Dec 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 Mr. Dec
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by Mr. Dec.
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 Mr. Dec 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.
Mr. Dec-FAQ
What is Mr. Dec Ransomware?
Mr. Dec 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 Mr. Dec 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 Mr. Dec Infect?
Via several ways.Mr. Dec 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 Mr. Dec 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 .Mr. Dec files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .Mr. Dec 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 .Mr. Dec files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".Mr. Dec" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .Mr. Dec 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 Mr. Dec 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 Mr. Dec ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .Mr. Dec 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 Mr. Dec 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 Mr. Dec Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Mr. Dec 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 Mr. Dec 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.