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. |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments, Executable files |
| Detection Tool |
See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware
Download
Malware Removal Tool
|
User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss Mystic. |
| 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. |
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.
Gergana Ivanova
Highly motivated writer with 5+ years of experience writing for ransomware, malware, adware, PUPs, and other cybersecurity-related issues. As a writer, I strive to create content that is based on thorough technical research. I find joy in the process of creating articles that are easy to understand, informative, and useful. Follow me on Twitter (@IRGergana) for the latest in the field of computer, mobile, and online security.
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Attention! SensorsTechForum strongly recommends that all malware victims should look for assistance only by reputable sources. Many guides out there claim to offer free recovery and decryption for files encrypted by ransomware viruses. Be advised that some of them may only be after your money.
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.
About the Mystic Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Mystic 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 Mystic 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.
References
1. How to Recognize Spam Emails with Ransomware
2. How Does Ransomware Encryption Work?
3. How to Decrypt Ransomware Files
4. Ransomware Getting Greedier and Bigger, Attacks Increase by 40%
5. 1 in 5 Americans Victim of Ransomware
How to Remove Mystic from Windows.
Step 1: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove Mystic
1. Hold Windows Key + R.
2. The "Run" Window will appear. In it, type "msconfig" and click OK.
3. Go to the "Boot" tab. There select "Safe Boot" and then click "Apply" and "OK".
4. When prompted, click on "Restart" to go into Safe Mode.
5. You can recognise Safe Mode by the words written on the corners of your screen.
Step 2: Uninstall Mystic and related software 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:
1. Hold the Windows Logo Button and "R" on your keyboard. A Pop-up window will appear.
2. In the field type in "appwiz.cpl" and press ENTER.
3. This will open a window with all the programs installed on the PC. Select the program that you want to remove, and press "Uninstall"
Follow the instructions above and you will successfully uninstall most programs.
Step 3: Clean any registries, created by Mystic 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 Mystic there. This can happen by following the steps underneath:
1. Open the Run Window again, type "regedit" and click OK.
2. When you open it, you can freely navigate to the Run and RunOnce keys, whose locations are shown above.
3. You can remove the value of the virus by right-clicking on it and removing it.
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: Scan for Mystic with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
1. Click on the "Download" button to proceed to SpyHunter's download page.
2. After you have installed SpyHunter, wait for it to update automatically.
3. After the update process has finished, click on the 'Malware/PC Scan' tab. A new window will appear. Click on 'Start Scan'.
4. 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.
Video Guide for Automatic and Fast Removal
Step 5 (Optional): 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 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.
1. Download the recommended Data Recovery software by clicking on the link underneath:
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.
Step 6: How to Restore Files Encrypted by Ransomware (Video Guide)
Get rid of Mystic from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall Mystic and remove related files and objects
1. Hit the ⇧+⌘+U keys to open Utilities. Another way is to click on “Go” and then click “Utilities”, like the image below shows:
2. Find Activity Monitor and double-click it:
3. In the Activity Monitor look for any suspicious processes, belonging or related to Mystic:
4. Click on the "Go" button again, but this time select Applications. Another way is with the ⇧+⌘+A buttons.
5. In the Applications menu, look for any suspicious app or an app with a name, similar or identical to Mystic. If you find it, right-click on the app and select “Move to Trash
”.
6. Select Accounts, after which click on the Login Items preference.
Your Mac will then show you a list of items that start automatically when you log in. Look for any suspicious apps identical or similar to Mystic. Check the app you want to stop from running automatically and then select on the Minus (“-“) icon to hide it.
7. Remove any left-over files that might be related to this threat manually by following the sub-steps below:
- Go to Finder.
- In the search bar type the name of the app that you want to remove.
- Above the search bar change the two drop down menus to “System Files” and “Are Included” so that you can see all of the files associated with the application you want to remove. Bear in mind that some of the files may not be related to the app so be very careful which files you delete.
- If all of the files are related, hold the ⌘+A buttons to select them and then drive them to “Trash”.
In case you cannot remove Mystic via Step 1 above:
In case you cannot find the virus files and objects in your Applications or other places we have shown above, you can manually look for them in the Libraries of your Mac. But before doing this, please read the disclaimer below:
1: Click on "Go" and Then "Go to Folder" as shown underneath:
2: Type in "/Library/LauchAgents/" and click Ok:
3: Delete all of the virus files that have similar or the same name as Mystic. If you believe there is no such file, do not delete anything.
You can repeat the same procedure with the following other Library directories:
→ ~/Library/LaunchAgents
/Library/LaunchDaemons
Tip: ~ is there on purpose, because it leads to more LaunchAgents.
Step 3 (Optional): 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 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.
1. Download the recommended Data Recovery software by clicking on the link underneath:
Simply click on the link and on the website menus on top, choose Data Recovery - Data Recovery Wizard for Windows or Mac (depending on your OS), and then download and run the tool.
Mystic FAQ
What is Mystic ransomware and how does it work?
Mystic 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 algorithm how 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.
How does Mystic ransomware infect my computer?
Via several ways.Mystic Ransomware infects computers by being sent via phishing e-mails, 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.
After you download and execute this attachment, a drive-by download occurs and your computer is infected with the ransomware virus.
Another way, you may become a victim of Mystic 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 .Mystic files?
You can't. At this point the .Mystic files are encrypted. You can only open them once they are decrypted.
Decryptor did not decrypt my data. What now?
Do not panic and backup the files. If a decryptor did not decrypt your .Mystic files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
One way to restore files, encrypted by Mystic ransomware is to use a decryptor for it. But since it's a new virus, advised that the decryption keys for it may not be out yet and available to the public. We will update this article and keep you posted as soon as this decryptor is released.
How Do I restore ".Mystic" files (Other Methods)?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .Mystic files.
These methods are in no way 100% guarantee that you will be able to get your files back. But if you have a backup, your chances of success are much greater.
How do I get rid of Mystic ransomware virus?
The safest way and the most efficient one for the removal of this ransomware infection is the use a professional anti malware software. It will scan for and locate Mystic ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .Mystic files.
Also, keep in mind that viruses like Mystic ransomware also install Trojans and keyloggers that can steal your passwords and accounts. Scanning your computer with an anti-malware software will make sure that all of these virus components are removed and your computer is protected in the future.
What to Do If nothing works?
There is still a lot you can do. If none of the above methods seem to work for you, then try these methods:
- Try to find a safe computer from where you can can login on your own line accounts like One Drive, iDrive, Google Drive and so on.
- Try to contact your friends, relatives and other people so that they can check if they have some of your important photos or documents just in case you sent them.
- Also, check if some of the files that were encrypted it can be re-downloaded from the web.
- Another clever way to get back some of your files is to find another old computer, a flash drive or even a CD or a DVD where you may have saved your older documents. You might be surprised what will turn up.
- You can also go to your email account to check if you can send any attachments to other people. Usually what is sent the email is saved on your account and you can re-download it. But most importantly, make sure that this is done from a safe computer and make sure to remove the virus first.
More tips you can find on our forums, where you can also asks any questions about your ransomware problem.
How to 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.
