A particularly dangerous ransomware has arisen from the depths of the internet, going by the name of DecryptorMax. The questionable cyber threat is reported to replicate several files in the infected user PC and scan for various files to encrypt them. The ransomware then leaves a ransom note notifying the user that they should pay if they wish to receive the decryption key and software.
| Name | DecryptorMax Ransomware |
| Type | Ransomware |
| Short Description | Reported to encrypt user data and ask for ransom. |
| Symptoms | The user has unfamiliar extensions and his/her files are corrupt. A ransom message with instructions may be seen. |
| Distribution Method | Malicious URLs, Spam mails, Targeted attacks |
| Detection Tool | Download Malware Removal Tool, to See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware |
| User Experience | Join our forum to discuss about DecryptorMax Ransomware. |
DecryptorMax Ransomware – How Did I Get Infected?
One way to become a victim of this ransomware infection is to open spam mail with a malicious attachment in it. Usually spam mails go in campaigns and they infect users on a massive scale. This particular threat may feature a message pretending to be from a well-known recipient such as Windows, Apple or someone important. The message may contain several attachments, one of which may be the malware itself, in the following file extensions:
→.bat, .exe, .bin, .html,
Another way of getting this ransomware is via targeted attacks by social media or other software as well as physical access to the victim’s computer. What is more, this particular ransomware may also come in malicious links in case the user has a browser hijacker or other unwanted adware causing redirects to third-party sites.
DecryptorMax Ransomware – More About It
Once activated on the user PC, the ransomware may create several files that may be with .dll and .exe extensions in the following folders:
→%appdata%
%temp%
%Local%
%Users%
%SystemDrive%
Once it has created all the necessary files to infect the user PC, a ransomware trojan may create registry values to make them run on start up. This can happen by creating an entry in the following key:
→HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run\
After executing its files, the ransomware may have a lot of features, such as firewall and antivirus disabling and others. The main feature however may be its scanning mechanisms that look for files with all sorts of extensions, main of which may be:
→.doc, .docx, .pdf, .jpg, .mp3, .mp4, .avi, .txt, .vdi
Once discovered, the ransomware may encrypt thousands of files with a strong encryption algorithm, the ransomware may leave a ransom note, reported by virus researchers to be the following:
→“Your documents, photos, databases and other important files have been encrypted with a military grade encryption algorithm.
The only way to decrypt your files is with a unique decryption key stored remotely in our servers.
All your files are now unusable until you decrypt them. You have 24 hours to pay the release of your decryption key. After 24 hours have passed your decryption key will be erased and you will never be able to restore your files.”
Some affected users have also reported to see instructions on how to pay online anonymously. Either way security engineers recommend not to pay the ransom and to seek other alternatives such as the removal and decryption instructions after this article.
Removing DecryptorMax Ransomware
In order to remove this ransomware, you should follow the step-by-step tutorial provided after this article. It is highly advisable to use an advanced anti-malware program that will discover every file associated with this malware and to scan your PC in Safe Mode in order to isolate the threat and remove it before starting to decrypt the files.
It is also recommended to copy the encrypted data to another device before scanning with anti-malware scanner since the malware may have scripts that could damage or delete the files after it has been removed from the user PC.
1. Boot Your PC Into Safe Mode
1. For Windows 7,XP and Vista.
2. For Windows 8, 8.1 and 10.For Windows XP, Vista, 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: Òhe 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 the Start Menu
Step 2: Whilst holding down Shift button, click on Power and then click on Restart.
Step 3: After reboot, the aftermentioned menu will appear. From there you should choose Troubleshoot.
Step 4: You will see the Troubleshoot menu. From this menu you can choose Advanced Options.
Step 5: After the Advanced Options menu appears, click on Startup Settings.
Step 6: Click on Restart.
Step 7: A menu will appear upon reboot. You should choose Safe Mode by pressing its corresponding number and the machine will restart.
2. Remove DecryptorMax Ransomware with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
1. Install SpyHunter to scan for and remove DecryptorMax Ransomware.2. Scan with SpyHunter to Detect and Remove DecryptorMax Ransomware.
It is highly 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.
Step 2: Guide yourself by the download instructions provided for each browser.
Step 3: After you have installed SpyHunter, wait for it to automatically update.
Step1: After the update process has finished, click on the ‘Scan Computer Now’ button.
Step2: After SpyHunter has finished scanning your PC for any DecryptorMax Ransomware files, click on the ‘Fix Threats’ button to remove them automatically and permanently.
Step3: Once the intrusions on your PC have been removed, it is highly recommended to restart it.
3. Remove DecryptorMax Ransomware with Malwarebytes Anti-Malware
1. Install Malwarebytes Anti-Malware to scan for and remove DecryptorMax Ransomware. 2. Scan your PC with MalwareBytes to remove all DecryptorMax Ransomware associated files automatically.Step 2: A pop-up window will appear. Click on the ‘Save File’ button. If it does not, click on the Download button and save it afterwards.
Step 3: After you have downloaded the setup, simply open it.
Step 4: The installer should appear. Click on the ‘Next’ button.
Step 5: Check the ‘I accept the agreement’ check circle if not checked if you accept it and click the ‘Next’ button once again.
Step 6: Review and click on ‘Next’ on the following 4 steps that will appear afterwards and after that click on the ‘Install’ button.
Step 7: After the installation process has completed click on the ‘Finish’ button and check the ‘Launch MalwareBytes AntiMalware’ check box.
Step 2: Wait for the software to update and then click on the blue ‘Scan Now’ button. If it doesnt start updating automatically, click on the blue ‘Update Now’ highlighted text.
Step 3: At this point, after clicking the ‘Scan Now’ button, the system should start scanning your PC. It may take a while but be patient – it is worth it.
Step 4: After the scan has been complete and all of the threats have been identified, click on the ‘Remove Selected’ button to detelete them permanently.
Step 5: Once the scan has completed, MalwareBytes will prompt you to restart your computer. It is recommended to save all your data you are working on before restarting.
4. Remove DecryptorMax Ransomware with STOPZilla AntiMalware
1. Install STOPZilla Anti Malware to scan for and remove DecryptorMax Ransomware. 2. Scan your PC with STOPZilla Anti Malware to remove all DecryptorMax Ransomware associated files completely.Step 2: A pop-up window will appear. Click on the ‘Save File’ button. If it does not, click on the Download button and save it afterwards.
Step 3: After you have downloaded the setup, simply open it.
Step 4: The installer should appear. Click on the ‘Next’ button.
Step 5: Check the ‘I accept the agreement’ check circle if not checked if you accept it and click the ‘Next’ button once again.
Step 6: Review and click on the ‘Install’ button.
Step 7: After the installation process has completed click on the ‘Finish’ button.
Step 2: Wait for the software to automatically scan and then click on the ‘Repair Now’ button. If it does not scan automatically, click on the ‘Scan Now’ button.
Step 3: After the removal of all threats and associated objects, you should Restart your PC.
5. Back up your data to secure it against attacks in the future
Security engineers recommend that you back up your files immediately, preferably on an external memory carrier in order to be able to restore them. In order to protect yourself from DecryptorMax Ransomware (For Windows Users) please follow these simple steps:
1. For Windows 7 and earlier 1. For Windows 8, 8.1 and 10 1. Enabling the Windows Defense Feature (Previous Versions)1-Click on Windows Start Menu
2-Type Backup And Restore
3-Open it and click on Set Up Backup
4-A window will appear asking you where to set up backup. You should have a flash drive or an external hard drive. Mark it by clicking on it with your mouse then click on Next.
5-On the next window, the system will ask you what do you want to backup. Choose the ‘Let Me Choose’ option and then click on Next.
6-Click on ‘Save settings and run backup’ on the next window in order to protect your files from possible attacks by DecryptorMax Ransomware.
2-In the window type ‘filehistory’ and press Enter
3-A File History window will appear. Click on ‘Configure file history settings’
4-The configuration menu for File History will appear. Click on ‘Turn On’. After its on, click on Select Drive in order to select the backup drive. It is recommended to choose an external HDD, SSD or a USB stick whose memory capacity is corresponding to the size of the files you want to backup.
5-Select the drive then click on ‘Ok’ in order to set up file backup and protect yourself from DecryptorMax Ransomware.
1- Press Windows button + R keys.
2- A run windows should appear. In it type ‘sysdm.cpl’ and then click on Run.
3- A System Properties windows should appear. In it choose System Protection.
5- Click on Turn on system protection and select the size on the hard disk you want to utilize for system protection.
6- Click on Ok and you should see an indication in Protection settings that the protection from DecryptorMax Ransomware is on.
Restoring a file via Windows Defense feature:
1-Right-click on the encrypted file, then choose Properties.
2-Click on the Previous Versions tab and then mark the last version of the file.
3-Click on Apply and Ok and the file encrypted by DecryptorMax Ransomware should be restored.
Restoring Your Files
There are several methods to restore files encrypted by ransomware. One of them is to use one of Kaspersky`s decryption software:
http://support.kaspersky.com/viruses/utility
Another and more tech savvy method is to use python and cado-nfs in Linux:
https://sensorstechforum.com/restore-files-encrypted-via-rsa-encryption-remove-cryptowall-and-other-ransomware-manually/
Ventsislav Krastev
Ventsislav is a cybersecurity expert at SensorsTechForum since 2015. He has been researching, covering, helping victims with the latest malware infections plus testing and reviewing software and the newest tech developments. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for learning new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management, Network Administration and Computer Administration of System Applications, he found his true calling within the cybersecrurity industry and is a strong believer in the education of every user towards online safety and 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.
- Guide 1: How to Remove DecryptorMax Ransomware from Windows.
- Guide 2: Get rid of DecryptorMax Ransomware from Mac OS X.
How to Remove DecryptorMax Ransomware from Windows.
Step 1: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove DecryptorMax Ransomware
Step 2: Uninstall DecryptorMax Ransomware 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:
Follow the instructions above and you will successfully uninstall most programs.Step 3: Clean any registries, created by DecryptorMax Ransomware 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 DecryptorMax Ransomware 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: Scan for DecryptorMax Ransomware with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 5 (Optional): Try to Restore Files Encrypted by DecryptorMax Ransomware.
Ransomware infections and DecryptorMax Ransomware 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 top, choose Data Recovery - Data Recovery Wizard for Windows or Mac (depending on your OS), and then download and run the tool.
Get rid of DecryptorMax Ransomware from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall DecryptorMax Ransomware 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:
- 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 DecryptorMax Ransomware 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:
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 DecryptorMax Ransomware.
Ransomware infections and DecryptorMax Ransomware 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 top, choose Data Recovery - Data Recovery Wizard for Windows or Mac (depending on your OS), and then download and run the tool.
DecryptorMax Ransomware FAQ
What is DecryptorMax Ransomware ransomware and how does it work?
DecryptorMax Ransomware 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 DecryptorMax Ransomware ransomware infect my computer?
Via several ways.DecryptorMax Ransomware 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 DecryptorMax Ransomware 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 .DecryptorMax Ransomware files?
You can't. At this point the .DecryptorMax Ransomware 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 .DecryptorMax Ransomware files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
One way to restore files, encrypted by DecryptorMax Ransomware 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 ".DecryptorMax Ransomware" files (Other Methods)?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .DecryptorMax Ransomware 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 DecryptorMax Ransomware 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 DecryptorMax Ransomware ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .DecryptorMax Ransomware files.
Also, keep in mind that viruses like DecryptorMax Ransomware 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.
