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.
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.
MindSystem is a data locker ransomware created for educational purposes which do not restrict its usage by malicious intenders. It has all ransomware functionalities that allow it to penetrate the system, modify various Windows settings and encrypt valuable data with the help of AES-256 cipher algorithm. All corrupted files receive the file extension .mind and remain unusable as long as they are encrypted. Then it drops a ransom note that appears automatically on the infected PC screen. At this point, it has warning function not extortion function, and data decryption is possible by opening a file created by the ransomware.
This article aims to help you with the removal of all MindSystem ransomware files installed on the PC. If by accident .mind files remain encrypted after using the decryption file, the instructions below provide alternative data recovery approaches that are considered to be efficient.
Threat Summary
Name
MindSystem
Type
Ransomware
Short Description
The ransomware encrypts files on your computer system and shows a ransom note afterward.
Symptoms
This ransomware virus will encrypt your files and place the .mind extension on each one of them.
Distribution Method
Spam Emails, Email Attachments
Detection Tool
See If Your System Has Been Affected by MindSystem
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.
Distribution of MinSystem Ransomware
If the MindSystem payload gets into hackers’ hands, they are likely to use standard ways for its distribution. Most often the ransomware arrives in a spam email that has an attachment. The attachment pretends to be an important document as an invoice or a message from courier so it can mislead the user to interact with the file. However, the file contains malicious code that can infect the PC with MindSystem ransomware once it is opened by the user. Most ransomware distribution campaigns rely on Microsoft Word documents that have embedded ransomware payloads.
Corrupted links may also be used for ransomware distribution. Once hackers inject the malicious code in a website, they can again present it in a spam email or send it as a personal message on some social media networks like Facebook, Twitter, WhatsApp, etc. Even popular websites may be mirrored and used as a mean of ransomware distribution.
MindSystem Ransomware Attack in Detail
The ransomware is currently associated with a file called MindSystemNotRansomWare.exe that triggers the attack and controls all following system modifications. We remind that at this point MindSystem ransomware is supposed to be used only for educational purposes. However, its code can be leaked or released in dark net marketplaces. Thus cyber criminals will be able to purchase MindSystem malware code. Hopefully, such mistakes won’t occur because the ransomware is fully developed with all needed modules for a successful infection.
MindSystem can modify various system settings to ensure its persistent presence on the host. Generally, by adding new values in some registry keys like Run and RunOnce, the threat is able to start automatically at each Windows start. These keys are also used for the display of the ransom message at the end of the attack. Other registry modifications can disable some security features and prevent the user from shutting down the system of logging off his user account profile.
Data Encryption Process of MindSystem
The ransomware has an encryption module that utilizes AES-256 cipher algorithm that modifies all file types that are predefined in its code. Once it changes the original code of the files, they get the extension .mind and remain unusable. Being created for educational purposes, MindSystem ransomware is considered to create a file that contains the decryption key and locate it on a visible destination like the Desktop. However, if the threat is used by extortionists, its code will be changed, and only bad guys will possess the decryption key that will recover .mind files. Thus they have the chance to demand a ransom payment from infected users.
After encryption MindSystem drops a JPG on the PC and displays it automatically on the screen. The whole text on the image reads:
[Your files has been encrypted by MindSystem Ransomware]
To Recover them, just use the decryptor with your unique key For education only! MindSystem 2017
Remove MindSystem Ransomware and Restore Your Files
The most secure way to remove MindSystem ransomware of your system is running a valid anti-malware tool. Another option is trying to eliminate the ransomware manually. There are efficient steps provided below that will help you either way. In case that the created decryption key is not working one of the steps below is dedicated to alternative data recovery approaches that will help with the .mind files restore.
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.
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.
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.
MindSystem may remain persistent on your system and may re-infect it. We recommend you to download SpyHunter and run free scan to remove all virus files on your PC. This saves you hours of time and effort compared to doing the removal yourself.
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.
Preparation before removing MindSystem.
Before starting the actual removal process, we recommend that you do the following preparation steps.
Make sure you have these instructions always open and in front of your eyes.
Do a backup of all of your files, even if they could be damaged. You should back up your data with a cloud backup solution and insure your files against any type of loss, even from the most severe threats.
Be patient as this could take a while.
Step 1: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove MindSystem
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
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”, tick “Network” and then click “Apply” and “OK”.
Tip: Make sure to reverse those changes by unticking Safe Boot after that, because your system will always boot in Safe Boot from now on.
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: Clean any registries, created by MindSystem on your computer.
The usually targeted registries of Windows machines are the following:
You can access them by opening the Windows registry editor and deleting any values, created by MindSystem 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.
Step 3: Find files created by MindSystem
For Windows 8, 8.1 and 10. For Windows XP, Vista, and 7.
For Newer Windows Operating Systems
1: On your keyboard press + R and write explorer.exe in the Run text box and then click on the Ok button.
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.
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:
1: Click on the Start Menu icon (usually on your bottom-left) and then choose the Search preference.
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.
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 “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 MindSystem with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
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.
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.
If any threats have been removed, it is highly recommended to restart your PC.
Step 5 (Optional): Try to Restore Files Encrypted by MindSystem.
Ransomware infections and MindSystem 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 reccomended Data Recovery software by clicking on the link underneath:
2. On the download page, click on the “Download” button:
3. Click on “Save File” button:
4. Accept all agreements and click “Next”:
5. After all the “Next” steps, click on “Install” and then wait for the installation to complete:
6.Run the software. Click on the location to scan for missing or deleted files and click on “Scan”:
7. Wait for the scan to complete, it may take some time. Be advised that this scan is not 100% guaranteed to recover all files, but it does have some chance to get your data back:
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.
MindSystem may remain persistent on your system and may re-infect it. We recommend you to download SpyHunter and run free scan to remove all virus files on your PC. This saves you hours of time and effort compared to doing the removal yourself.
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.
Preparation before removing MindSystem.
Before starting the actual removal process, we recommend that you do the following preparation steps.
Make sure you have these instructions always open and in front of your eyes.
Do a backup of all of your files, even if they could be damaged. You should back up your data with a cloud backup solution and insure your files against any type of loss, even from the most severe threats.
Be patient as this could take a while.
Step 1: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove MindSystem
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
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”.
Tip: Make sure to reverse those changes by unticking Safe Boot after that, because your system will always boot in Safe Boot from now on.
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: Clean any registries, created by MindSystem on your computer.
The usually targeted registries of Windows machines are the following:
You can access them by opening the Windows registry editor and deleting any values, created by MindSystem 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.
Step 3: Find files created by MindSystem
For Windows 8, 8.1 and 10. For Windows XP, Vista, and 7.
For Newer Windows Operating Systems
1: On your keyboard press + R and write explorer.exe in the Run text box and then click on the Ok button.
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.
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:
1: Click on the Start Menu icon (usually on your bottom-left) and then choose the Search preference.
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.
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 “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 MindSystem with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
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.
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.
If any threats have been removed, it is highly recommended to restart your PC.
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.
MindSystem may remain persistent on your system and may re-infect it. We recommend you to download SpyHunter and run free scan to remove all virus files on your PC. This saves you hours of time and effort compared to doing the removal yourself.
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.
Preparation before removing MindSystem.
Before starting the actual removal process, we recommend that you do the following preparation steps.
Make sure you have these instructions always open and in front of your eyes.
Be patient as this could take a while.
Step 1: Uninstall MindSystem and related software from Windows
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
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 2: Clean your Browsers from MindSystem.
Remove an extension from Mozilla FirefoxRemove an extension from Google Chrome Remove an extension from Internet Explorer Remove an extension from Microsoft Edge
1. Start Mozilla Firefox. Open the menu window
2. Select the “Add-ons” icon from the menu.
3. Select the unwanted extension and click “Remove“
4. After the extension is removed, restart Mozilla Firefox by closing it from the red “X” button at the top right corner and start it again.
1. Start Google Chrome and open the drop menu
2. Move the cursor over “Tools” and then from the extended menu choose “Extensions“
3. From the opened “Extensions” menu locate the unwanted extension and click on its “Remove” button.
4. After the extension is removed, restart Google Chrome by closing it from the red “X” button at the top right corner and start it again.
1. Start Internet Explorer: 2. Click on the gear icon labeled ‘Tools’ to open the drop menu and select ‘Manage Add-ons’
3. In the ‘Manage Add-ons’ window.
4. Select the extension you want to remove and then click ‘Disable’. A pop-up window will appear to inform you that you are about to disable the selected extension, and some more add-ons might be disabled as well. Leave all the boxes checked, and click ‘Disable’.
5. After the unwanted extension has been removed, restart Internet Explorer by closing it from the red ‘X’ button located at the top right corner and start it again.
1. Start Edge
2. Open the drop menu by clicking on the icon at the top right corner.
3. From the drop menu select “Extensions”.
4. Choose the suspected malicious extension you want to remove and then click on the gear icon.
5. Remove the malicious extension by scrolling down and then clicking on Uninstall.
Step 3: Clean any registries, created by MindSystem on your computer.
The usually targeted registries of Windows machines are the following:
You can access them by opening the Windows registry editor and deleting any values, created by MindSystem 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.
IMPORTANT! 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 MindSystem with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
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.
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.
If any threats have been removed, it is highly recommended to restart your PC.
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.
MindSystem may remain persistent on your system and may re-infect it. We recommend you to download Combo Cleaner and run free scan to remove all virus files on your Mac. This saves you hours of time and effort compared to doing the removal yourself.
Combo Cleaner’s scanner is free but the paid version is needed to remove the malware threats. Read Combo Cleaner’s EULA and Privacy Policy
Preparation Phase:
Before starting to follow the steps below, be advised that you should first do the following preparations:
Backup your files in case the worst happens.
Make sure to have a device with these instructions on standy.
Arm yourself with patience.
Step 1: Uninstall MindSystem and remove related files and objects
OFFER
Manual Removal Usually Takes Time and You Risk Damaging Your Files If Not Careful!
We Recommend To Scan Your Mac with Combo Cleaner
Keep in mind, that Combo Cleaner needs to purchased to remove the malware threats. Click on the corresponding links to check Combo Cleaner’s EULA and Privacy Policy
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 MindSystem:
Tip: To quit a process completely, choose the “Force Quit” option.
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 MindSystem. 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 MindSystem. 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”.
Step 2: Remove MindSystem – related extensions from your Mac’s browsers
Remove a toolbar from Mozilla FirefoxRemove a toolbar from Google Chrome Remove an extension from Safari and reset it.
1. Start Mozilla Firefox. Open the menu window
2. Select the “Add-ons” icon from the menu.
3. Select the Extension and click “Remove“
4. After the extension is removed, restart Mozilla Firefox by closing it from the red “X” in the top right corner and start it again.
1. Start Google Chrome and open the drop menu
2. Move the cursor over “Tools” and then from the extended menu choose “Extensions“
3. From the opened “Extensions” menu locate the add-on and click on the garbage bin icon on the right of it.
4. After the extension is removed, restart Google Chrome by closing it from the red “X” in the top right corner and start it again.
1. Start Safari
2. After hovering your mouse cursor to the top of the screen, click on the Safari text to open its drop down menu.
3. From the menu, click on “Preferences“
4. After that, select the ‘Extensions’ Tab
5. Click once on the extension you want to remove.
6. Click ‘Uninstall’
A pop-up window will appear asking for confirmation to uninstall the extension. Select ‘Uninstall’ again, and the MindSystem will be removed.
How to Reset Safari
IMPORTANT: Before resetting Safari make sure you back up all your saved passwords within the browser in case you forget them.
Start Safari and then click on the gear leaver icon.
Click the Reset Safari button and you will reset the browser.
Step 3: Scan for and remove MindSystem files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as MindSystem, the recommended way of eliminating the threat is by using an anti-malware program. Combo Cleaner offers advanced security features along with other modules that will improve your Mac’s security and protect it in the future.
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.
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For Windows 8, 8.1 and 10.
For Windows XP, Vista, and 7.
Remove an extension from Mozilla Firefox
Remove an extension from Google Chrome
Remove an extension from Internet Explorer
Remove an extension from Microsoft Edge
Remove an extension from Safari and reset it.
