M4N1F3STO is a ransomware of the screenlocker variety. It will not encrypt your files, but lock your computer screen, deeming it inaccessible. As it is a ransomware, it demands for a ransom to be paid, and a ransom message is written on the lock screen. To see how to remove this ransomware and how you can unlock your screen, read the article in full.
Threat Summary
| Name | M4N1F3STO |
| Type | Ransomware, Screenlocker |
| Short Description | The ransomware lock your screen and display a ransom message with instructions for paying. |
| Symptoms | The ransomware will lock your desktop screen and demand 0.3 Bitcoins to unlock it. |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments |
| Detection Tool |
See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware
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Malware Removal Tool
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User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss M4N1F3STO. |
| 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. |
M4N1F3STO Ransomware – Spread
M4N1F3STO ransomware might be spreading in various ways. Commonly, there is a payload file which executes the malicious actions. In that way, your computer becomes infected. You can see the analysis of VirusTotal of the executable file, which contains the payload, from the image below:
M4N1F3STO ransomware might be distributing that payload file on social media websites and file-sharing networks. A number of legitimate applications could contain the malicious payload script. Lots of freeware and bundled applications could be presented as useful on the Internet, but hide in themselves the malicious script in question. Do not open files from dubious sources like emails and links, especially not right after you download them. First, you should do a scan with a security tool and check their size and signatures for anything suspicious. You should read the tips for ransomware prevention from the forum topic.
M4N1F3STO Ransomware – Technical Analysis
The M4N1F3STO virus is not a cryptovirus, and will not encrypt your files. In spite of that it is still ransomware and features a lockscreen. While your screen is locked, you will not be able to access your computer device.
M4N1F3STO ransomware can create entries in the Windows Registry to achieve perseverance. These registry entries are designed to make the virus launch automatically with each start of the Windows Operating System. In that way, the lockscreen remains and you won’t be able to get past it.
On that lockscreen, there is also a message conveyed. The message includes the instructions and demands of the cybercriminals for unlocking your PC, which also concludes the ransom. You can view the ransom message and that lockscreen just here below:
The ransom note reads the following:
I want to play a game with you. Let me explain the rules:
Your personal files are being deleted. Your photos, videos, documents, etc…
But, don’t worry! It will only happen if you don’t comply.
However I’ve already encrypted your personal files, so you cannot access therm.Every hour I select some of them to delete permanently,
therefore I won’t be able to access them, either.
Are you familiar with the concept of exponential growth? Let me help you out.
It starts out slowly then increases rapidly.
During the first 24 hour you will only lose a few files,
the second day a few hundred, the third day a few thousand, and so on,If you turn off your computer or try to close me, when i start the next time
you will het 1000 files deleted as punishment.
Yes you will want me to start next time, since I am the only one that
is capable to decrypt your personal data for you.Now, let’s start and enjoy our little game together!”
1GmGBH9ra2dqA8CgRg8a8Rngx4qHb2hLDW
Send 0,3 bitcoins to this adress to unlock your Pc with your email adress.
Your can purchase bitcoins from localbitcoins
A malware researcher has found the unlock code with which to unlock the screen, so you do not have to pay the ransom sum of 0.3 Bitcoins (which amounts to nearly 235 US dollars).
You can view the unlock code in the following picture:
After successfully typing the password, another short message will appear. It looks like this:
Also, it is a lie that you will lose some of your files if time passes, so you should be able to unlock your computer, no matter when you learn about the unlock code. You should NOT under any circumstances pay the cybercriminals. This will only support them financially.
Remove M4N1F3STO Ransomware
If your computer got infected with the M4N1F3STO ransomware virus, you should have some experience in removing malware. You should get rid of this ransomware as fast as possible before it can have the chance to spread further and infect more computers. You should remove the ransomware and follow the step-by-step instructions guide given below.
- Step 1
- Step 2
- Step 3
- Step 4
- Step 5
Step 1: Scan for M4N1F3STO with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall M4N1F3STO 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 M4N1F3STO 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 M4N1F3STO 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 M4N1F3STO
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by M4N1F3STO.
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 M4N1F3STO 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.
M4N1F3STO-FAQ
What is M4N1F3STO Ransomware?
M4N1F3STO 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 M4N1F3STO 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 M4N1F3STO Infect?
Via several ways.M4N1F3STO 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 M4N1F3STO 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 .M4N1F3STO files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .M4N1F3STO 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 .M4N1F3STO files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".M4N1F3STO" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .M4N1F3STO 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 M4N1F3STO 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 M4N1F3STO ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .M4N1F3STO 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 M4N1F3STO 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 M4N1F3STO Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this M4N1F3STO 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 M4N1F3STO 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.
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