Mosk Ransomware

Mosk Ransomware adds the .mosk extension to users' photos, documents, and other files that could be valuable or precious. Unfortunately, this malicious application does not only mark victims’ data but also encrypts it. As a result, enciphered files cannot be opened because computers can no longer read them. Restoring such data to the way it was is possible, but obtaining the means needed for it might be not. That is because only the malware’s creators might have the decryption tools you would need to restore your files, and they ask for a considerable sum of money in return. Hackers are not people you should trust, which is why we advise not to deal with them if you fear it could end up hazardously. At first, we recommend learning more about this threat by reading the rest of this article.

One of the things you might be interested in, whether you have encountered Mosk Ransomware or not, is how it could be distributed. Our researchers say that this malicious application might be spread through weaknesses like unsecured RDP (Remote Desktop Protocol) connections. Also, it might be delivered to targeted victims via email, or users could download it unknowingly while visiting untrustworthy file-sharing web pages.

Therefore, protecting your system from malicious applications like Mosk Ransomware might require not only strengthening your computer but also being more careful while surfing the Internet. To enhance your system, we recommend updating outdated software, applying security patches regularly, and changing weak passwords. By saying you should be more cautious while browsing, we mean that you should never interact or open material obtain from unreliable sources. Whether it is an installer or an email attachment from someone you do not know, it is safer to scan such data with a reliable antimalware tool of your choice.

The malware needs to create a couple of copies of its launcher as well as Registry entry that would allow it to launch itself automatically after an infected system restarts. Afterward, Mosk Ransomware should start encrypting files considered to be private. Each enciphered file ought to get a second extension that we mentioned at the beginning of this article. For example, a file titled flowers.jpg would become flowers.jpg.mosk after getting encrypted. You should know that removing the additional extension would not change anything. Once encrypted, your data should become unusable. Soon after the encryption, users should notice the malicious application’s ransom note titled _readme.txt. Inside of it, there ought to be a message saying all files can be decrypted with a special decryption tool and a unique decryption key.

The bad news is that hackers want to get a payment in return for providing decryption means. They ask to pay 490 US dollars, which is not a small sum, and if you do not pay it in 72 hours, they ask to pay 980 US dollars instead. Either way, by agreeing to pay, you may risk losing a substantial amount of money, because you cannot be sure that the Mosk Ransomware’s developers will do as they promise and send you the needed decryption means. If you have no intention to risk your money or have other means to get your files back, for example, backup copies, we advise not to deal with hackers.

Lastly, our researchers say that it would be safest not to leave Mosk Ransomware on your system. Apparently, it might be able to launch itself automatically every time you restart or turn on the infected device. Every time it restarts, there is a risk it could begin encrypting files. It may not affect data that was already enciphered, but it could encrypt files transferred from backup or newly created/downloaded data. To remove Mosk Ransomware manually, you could use the instructions located at the end of this paragraph. If you think the task is a bit too complicated or you want to check your device for other possible threats too, we recommend scanning your computer with a reliable antimalware tool. Once the scanning is done, it should provide a deletion button and clicking it ought to erase Mosk Ransomware and other detected threats.

Restart the computer in Safe Mode

Windows 8/Windows 10

1. Tap Win+I for Windows 8 or open Start menu for Windows 10.
2. Press the Power button.
3. Click and hold Shift, then click Restart.
4. Pick Troubleshoot and choose Advanced Options.
5. Go to Startup Settings and click Restart.
6. Press F5 and restart the PC.

Windows XP/Windows Vista/Windows 7

1. Navigate to Start, select Shutdown options, and pick Restart.
2. Press and hold F8 when the PC starts restarting.
3. Mark Safe Mode with Networking.
4. Select Enter and log on.

Eliminate Mosk Ransomware

1. Click Win+E.
2. Find these paths:
   %TEMP%
   %USERPROFILE%\Downloads
   %USERPROFILE%\Desktop
3. Find the malicious application’s launcher (suspicious file that you downloaded recently).
4. Right-click it and select Delete.
5. Navigate to:
   %LOCALAPPDATA%
   %USERPROFILE%\Local Settings\Application Data
6. Look for folders with long names made from random characters that should contain malicious .exe files, for example, 0115174b-bd55-4caf-a89a-d8ff8132151f.
7. Right-click the malicious folders and press Delete.
8. Go to %WINDIR%\System32\Tasks and find a task called Time Trigger Task.
9. Right-click Time Trigger Task and press Delete.
10. Locate files titled _readme.txt, right-click them, and select Delete.
11. Exit File Explorer.
12. Press Win+R.
13. Type Regedit and press Enter.
14. Go to this path: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
15. Locate a value name called SysHelper, right-click it, and press Delete.
16. Exit Registry Editor.
17. Empty Recycle bin.
18. Restart the system.