Gergana has completed a bachelor degree in Marketing from the University of National and World Economy. She has been with the STF team for three years, researching malware and reporting on the latest infections. She believes that in times of constantly evolving dependency of network connected technologies, people should spread the word not the war.
Gergana has completed a bachelor degree in Marketing from the University of National and World Economy. She has been with the STF team for three years, researching malware and reporting on the latest infections. She believes that in times of constantly evolving dependency of network connected technologies, people should spread the word not the war.
Gergana has completed a bachelor degree in Marketing from the University of National and World Economy. She has been with the STF team for three years, researching malware and reporting on the latest infections. She believes that in times of constantly evolving dependency of network connected technologies, people should spread the word not the war.
Note! Your computer might be affected by Mystic and other threats.
Threats such as Mystic 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
Gergana has completed a bachelor degree in Marketing from the University of National and World Economy. She has been with the STF team for three years, researching malware and reporting on the latest infections. She believes that in times of constantly evolving dependency of network connected technologies, people should spread the word not the war.
Mystic ransomware takes over targeted systems to find predefined files and encrypt them by utilizing strong cipher algorithm. It doesn’t append a specific extension to corrupted files just makes them completely unusable. The Mystic ransomware infection can be noticed at its end when it drops a ransom note ransom.txt on the Desktop. The message is left by hackers who demand payment of 1.01 Bitcoin in exchange for decryptor and the unique decryption key that is believed to restore data.
This article is created to inform infected users about the damage caused by Mystic ransomware and help them with the removal process. The guide at the end of the article suggests alternative data recovery methods.
Threat Summary
Name
Mystic
Type
Ransomware, Cryptovirus
Short Description
Encrypts the files on the infected computer. Demands ransom payoff in BitCoin.
Symptoms
The files are encrypted and stated in a list in the ransom.txt ransom message.
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.
Mystic Ransomware – Delivery Techniques
Different methods can be used for Mystic payload distribution. Generally, hackers choose some of the following approaches:
Spam email messages – the malicious file is usually hidden in an attachment or injected into a webpage that is presented as a link. Links land on the corrupted web page that is set to download and install the ransomware automatically.
Fake notifications of software updates – be careful and inspect pop-ups thoroughly when they prompt the installation of new software versions
Hacked or hacker-controlled download sites like BitTorrent
Installation set ups of different types of free software that mimic legitimate applications
Mystic Ransomware – Detailed Analysis
Mystic ransomware may implement techniques that stop currently active PC protection and penetrates the system unnoticeably. The threat is triggered by a single executable file that navigates all system modifications during the attack. For the complete infection Mystic ransomware may need additional files that are likely to be created or dropped in the following Windows folders:
%AppData%
%Temp%
%Roaming%
%UserProfile%
Have in mind that sometimes malicious files are obfuscated and appear as legitimate system files, so if you choose tо remove the threat manually you need to have some computer knowledge to find all ransomware associated files. Otherwise, some leftovers can remain on the system, and it will continue to be infected with Mystic.
Additional damages that Mystic can cause are Windows Registry modifications, and Shadow Volume copies wipe. In the common case ransomware enters the Window Registry editor to employ some changes of the Run and RunOnce keys. These keys manage all processes that start automatically at each Windows start. Once Mystic crypto virus adds its specific values in the keys mentioned above, its persistence increases. The same keys may be used for the automatic display of the ransom note – ransom.txt that reads the following:
Your computer has been hacked and your files have been locked. You have 5 days left to recover your files so quickly follow recovery process below. Recovery Process in 3 easy steps (Automated System. No human intervention. Works 24/365): 1) Buy 1.01 BitCoin Approx 280$. (Easiest buying option is www(.)localbitcoins.com) and goto the following website: http//qgpkqxybsm6hk72j.onion.cab/pay/Yf88dLhhOET*y3KgCBZAt8dyB1T5M53CPv1OAPAH1umkBP0D*Y18NTwTkRGL2Q+p5b8026+RnpQYESZmwzXx7g4OGhAU+Ir8SQ*F9bPNcw5GtIszOto8qMgeoAe5KvYUHspID6fPKWYzsbJr0rt66*7neFr7Nfx6lvjQSrx08TrJb53eNPXfPv057CeGmY8ZGdDUaKvWJOYzVMDnoq1jhP1OHhyDkhFaYAsJXEugq4VTDCp8XrInOUhRu4JW3kyxYz5AMUY0r93ftMer9RGasLA9*Kbj25gX9M3XYxA+unfEJJRpLTuTzRVmTrVQlg79QjINAhYvr4ZQn81NoplZ7g== 2) Send payment of 1.01 Bitcoin to the address in the website given above. 3) In approx 15 minutes after making the payment to the bitcoin address, Go back to the above website. If payment is successful then you will receive unlock instructions. Don’t delete or modify this ransom file till recovery of files as no recovery is possible without this file. This file is on your desktop for future use. List of files which have been locked are given below. — MYSTIC
Shadow volume copies are copies of the original files stored on the PC that serve as a backup option. Mystic can delete them to prevent the recovery of encrypted files. This can be done with a single command entered in the Command Prompt:
→ vssadmin.exe delete shadows /all /quiet
Mystic ransomware authors may have designed it to establish a connection with a server controlled by them once the malicious payload is started on the PC. Such a consequence can grant them private access to the infected machine which makes it extremely vulnerable to other malware attacks. Furthermore, your privacy is also at risk because of possible credentials thefts.
Mystic Ransomware – Data Encryption
Mystic has a built in encryption module that modifies the original code of each file that is mentioned in its target data list. During the encryption, users may witness system slowdowns as well as processes that use an increased amount of memory. For the encryption, Mystic ransomware is believed to use strong cipher algorithm like AES or RSA in order to make decryption process more difficult. Like the majority of data locker ransomware, Mystic is likely to target frequently used file formats that store valuable information. Thus once it penetrates the system, its encryption module can affect documents, videos, photos, images, music, projects, databases, archives, etc. Mystic ransomware doesn’t mark corrupted data with particular extension instead it generates a list of all encrypted files in its ransom note. Encrypted files remain unusable until the unique decryption key is applied to the decryptor. Unfortunately, the key is possessed by crooks who demand a ransom payment of 1.01 BTC for it. At the moment of creating this article, this amount equals to 3855.07 US Dollars not $280 as mentioned in the ransom note. This is an insane sum of money, so we recommend you to look for alternative data recovery solutions first and avoid investments in further cyber criminals’ misuses.
Remove Mystic Ransoware and Restore Data
Mystic ransomware should be eliminated as soon as possible from the infected system. Otherwise, it will corrupt all new files. Even worse is the chance to spread itself to all devices that are connected to the same network as the infected machine. The detailed guide below provides Mystic ransomware removal instructions. After the removal backup all encrypted files and check step “Restore files encrypted by Mystic” for alternative data recovery solutions.
Note! Your computer system may be affected by Mystic 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 Mystic. 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 Mystic follow these steps:
1. Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove Mystic 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 Mystic on your PC
Find files created by Mystic
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.
IMPORTANT! Before starting the Automatic Removal below, 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.
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 Mystic with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool and back up your data
1. Install SpyHunter to scan for Mystic and remove them.2. Scan with SpyHunter, Detect and Remove Mystic. 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 Mystic
Try to Restore Files Encrypted by Mystic
Ransomware infections and Mystic 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:
Gergana has completed a bachelor degree in Marketing from the University of National and World Economy. She has been with the STF team for three years, researching malware and reporting on the latest infections. She believes that in times of constantly evolving dependency of network connected technologies, people should spread the word not the war.
Gergana has completed a bachelor degree in Marketing from the University of National and World Economy. She has been with the STF team for three years, researching malware and reporting on the latest infections. She believes that in times of constantly evolving dependency of network connected technologies, people should spread the word not the war.
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 Mystic and remove them.
Back up your data to secure it from malware in the future.
