MAOS Ransomware. How to decrypt .maos files?

If you cannot open your images, documents, or files and also see the .maos extension on them, your computer is surely infected with Maos ransomware. It pertains to STOP/Djvu ransomware family

Maos ransomware encrypts personal documents located on the victim’s computer with the extension “.maos” and after that leaves the ransom note in each folder which contains encrypted files. The instructions are placed on the victim’s PC in the “readme.txt” file. Its task is generally similar to other samples of the same family: Manw, Mbtf, Mppn.

What is Maos Ransomware?

Maos is file-encrypting ransomware that prevents regular access to your text files, Excel tables, videos and photos by encrypting them. It marks the ciphered files with the “.maos” extension. Then Maos ransomware adds a ransom note (readme.txt) to each folder. In it, you can see the instructions to pay the ransom ($490-$980 in Bitcoin) to a specified Bitcoin wallet. The AES-256 or RSA-1028 cipher it uses to cipher the files is not decryptable with modern computers. Even quantum PCs that currently exist will spend thousands of years to find the decryption key.

How dangerous is the Maos ransomware?

When Maos ransomware appears on your PC, it will scan your system for photos, videos, and also important documents. It [ciphers all widespread file formats- .psd, .doc, .docx, .xls, .xlsx, .pdf, .jpeg, .png, et cetera. When these files are found, the ransomware will cipher them and also change their extension to “.maos” to ensure that you understand what happened.

After the Maos ransomware encrypted the data on your PC, it will generate the last “readme.txt” file on the main screen. In addition to the money transferring instructions, the victims also see the emails to contact the cybercriminals – datarestorehelp@airmail.cc and support@fishmail.top.

Here is the ransom note that the Maos ransomware shows to its victims:

ATTENTION!

Don't worry, you can return all your files!
All your files like pictures, databases, documents and other important are encrypted with strongest encryption and unique key.
The only method of recovering files is to purchase decrypt tool and unique key for you.
This software will decrypt all your encrypted files.
What guarantees you have?
You can send one of your encrypted file from your PC and we decrypt it for free.
But we can decrypt only 1 file for free. File must not contain valuable information.
You can get and look video overview decrypt tool:
https://we.tl/t-fhnNOAYC8Z
Price of private key and decrypt software is $980.
Discount 50% available if you contact us first 72 hours, that's price for you is $490.
Please note that you'll never restore your data without payment.
Check your e-mail "Spam" or "Junk" folder if you don't get answer more than 6 hours.

To get this software you need write on our e-mail:
support@fishmail.top

Reserve e-mail address to contact us:
datarestorehelp@airmail.cc

How did the Maos ransomware get on my computer?

The Maos ransomware spreads by placing websites to get hacked programs or games. They keep their eye on all hype topics which can be chosen to spread ransomware. New games releases, new popular movies – Maos creators make whatever to get their victims on that. One of the most common methods these burglars apply is one-day websites with torrent downloading links. However, pursuing the modern trends is not the single tactic these criminals utilize. Ways that have already become standard, such as email spamming, are likewise normal for STOP/Djvu ransomware distribution.

The example of email spamming that may lead to Maos ransomware injection

Avoiding this ransomware does not require a lot of initiative. Considering the ordinary rules of computer hygiene will considerably minimize all hazards. Remember that opening all files you get on email is not a good option. Even worse situation is to allow macros in Microsoft Office documents. But it is far better to stop the malware intrusion at the moment when you have just opened the email message. Inspecting the sender’s address can point out a lot about what you can expect, and when you see the thing like “support@amazon.com”– it is likely a genuine email. On the other hand, stuff that tries to resemble Amazon or FedEx shipping notice, but uses the email address of “amazonspurrot1363@gmail.com”– should make you be on the alarm. Above, you can see the illustration of such a message.

Illegal sources of various digital things require some extra description. Breaking copyright regulation surely throws you to the chance of being fined. However, utilizing torrent trackers or third-party sites to download “free” programs also exposes you to various malware. Nobody can control undisclosed individuals who launch the torrent seeding or release the hacked program version on the site with pirated program.

Maos virus removal instructions.

This guide below shows how to use Trojan Killer Portable³ for Maos virus detection and removal:

Restore the files encrypted by the Maos ransomware

In most cases, it’s impossible to recover the files encrypted by the Maos ransomware because the private key needed to unlock the encrypted files is only available through cybercriminals. However, we’ve listed one option you can use to recover your files below.

Warning! Make sure you remove the ransomware from your system first, otherwise, it will repeatedly encrypt your files.

If your files were encrypted with an offline key, there is a chance you can recover them by using Emsisoft Decryptor for the STOP/Djvu decryption tool. Follow the below guide to recover your files using the Emsisoft Decryptor for STOP/Djvu.

1. You can download Emsisoft Decryptor for STOP Djvu by clicking this link.
2. When the decryptor has finished downloading, double-click on “decrypt_STOPDjvu.exe” to run this program on your computer.
3. Click the “Decrypt” button to start the decryption process for Maos files. The screen will switch to a status view, informing you about your files’ current process and decryption status.
4. The decryptor will inform you once the decryption process will be finished. If you require the report for your records, you can save it by clicking the “Save log” button.

If the Emsisoft Decryptor can’t decrypt your .maos files and you do not plan on paying the ransom, it is advised that you make an image of the encrypted drives so that you can decrypt them in the future.

Your computer should now be free of the Maos ransomware infection. However, suppose your current antivirus allowed this malicious program on your computer. In that case, you might want to consider purchasing the full-featured version of Trojan Killer to protect against these types of threats in the future.

Remove MAOS Ransomware Virus (DECRYPT .maos FILES)

Name: MAOS Virus

Description: MAOS Virus is a STOP/DJVU family of ransomware-type virus. It encrypts files, video, photos, documents. Encrypted files can be tracked by a specific maos extension. MAOS ransomware asks victims for a ransom fee about $490 - $980 in Bitcoin.

Offer price: 480

Currency: $

Operating System: Windows

Application Category: Virus

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