This article will aid you to remove Manifestus ransomware efficiently. Follow the ransomware removal instructions given at the end of the article.
Manifestus is a ransomware that is believed to be another version of M4N1F3STO ransomware, while both might stem from DetoxCrypto. Your files will be encrypted with the .fucked extension being placed on all files when the process is complete. Manifestus loads a ransom note and a separate window with another message. Read on to see what ways you can try out to restore your data.
Threat Summary
| Name | Manifestus |
| Type | Ransomware |
| Short Description | The ransomware encrypts files on your computer and displays a ransom message afterward. |
| Symptoms | The ransomware will encrypt your files and put the .fucked extension on them when the encryption process is finished. You will then see a ransom note and a small window with a separate message. |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments |
| Detection Tool |
See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware
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Malware Removal Tool
|
User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss Manifestus. |
| 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. |
Manifestus Ransomware – Distribution Methods
Manifestus ransomware could be distributed through various methods. The payload file which executes the malicious script of the ransomware that infects your computer system is seen in the wild. You can see the malware analysis of the VirusTotal website for that executable for the Manifestus virus, from the screenshot down here:
Manifestus ransomware might additionally be distributing the very same payload file on file-sharing and social media websites. Lots of freeware programs could be promoted as useful on the Internet, but it may hide the malicious script for this cryptovirus. Refrain from opening files from dubious sources such as emails and links, especially without scanning them after the download. Beforehand, you should always do a scan with a security program and check their size and signatures for anything that seems suspicious. You might be interested to read the ransomware preventing tips from the topic in our forum.
Manifestus Ransomware – Detailed Description
Manifestus is a ransomware and also a cryptovirus. It will encrypt files on your computer device appending the same extension to them. It seems to be a version of M4N1F3STO ransomware and thus might have the same code for decryption, although this one seems a bit more sophisticated. Malware researchers believe that both of the viruses stem from the DetoxCrypto ransomware.
Manifestus ransomware could make entries in the Windows Registry to achieve persistence. Those registry entries are usually designed in a way that will start the virus automatically with each launch of the Windows Operating System.
The ransom note will appear inside of a window box. The message states what the demands of the cyber crooks for the ransom price are, along with more instructions and demands for decrypting your data. You can view the ransom note in the snapshot below:
That ransom message reads the following:
Your personal files are encrypted by Manifestus
Your documents, photos, databases and other important files ha ye been encrypted with strongest
encryption and unique key, generated for this computer.
The single copy of the private key, with will allow you to decrypt the files, located on a secret server on the internet, the server will destroy the key after a time specified in this window. After that, nobody and never will be able to restore files…
To obtain the private key for this computer, which will automatically decrypt files, you need to pay 0,2 bitcoins or 160 USD Dollars to the bitcoin adress specified below with your email address to send you the decryption key.
If you do not have bitcoins you can buy them from www.localbitcoins.com.
Thank you!
Bitcoin Address: 1GmGBH9ra2dqABCgRg8a8Rngx4qHb2hLDW
If you already purchased the key enter it here:
The cybercriminals have written in that ransom note, that the price which is demanded decryption is 0,2 Bitcoins or 160 US dollars. You should NOT in any case pay those cyber crooks. Your files might not get recovered, and nobody can guarantee of that. Furthermore, giving money to the crooks will most probably result in supporting them financially and act as a stimulus for them to create more ransomware or do other criminal activities.
Another message open in a separate window can be seen while the ransomware pops up its ransom note. That message reads the following:
Windows Update
Please do not restart or shutdown your pc during this operation.
Your system32 will be damaged, and this will brick you pc.
Thank You!
Jhon Woddy, Microsoft
For the moment, there is no specific list of file extensions which the Manifestus ransomware searches to encrypt. However, all files which do get encrypted will have the extension .fucked appended to them.
The Manifestus cryptovirus is very likely to erase the Shadow Volume Copies from the Windows operating system by utilizing the command given here:
→vssadmin.exe delete shadows /all /Quiet
Read further to find out what kind of methods you can try out to potentially restore some of your files.
Remove Manifestus Ransomware and Restore .fucked Files
If your computer got infected with the Manifestus 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 Manifestus with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall Manifestus 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 Manifestus 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 Manifestus 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 Manifestus
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by Manifestus.
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 Manifestus 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.
Manifestus-FAQ
What is Manifestus Ransomware?
Manifestus 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 Manifestus 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 Manifestus Infect?
Via several ways.Manifestus 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 Manifestus 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 .Manifestus files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .Manifestus 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 .Manifestus files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".Manifestus" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .Manifestus 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 Manifestus 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 Manifestus ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .Manifestus 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 Manifestus 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 Manifestus Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Manifestus 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 Manifestus 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.