MP3 ransomware encrypts all important data on the computer. Cybercriminals ask to pay money for file recovery, the claim is generated on the pop-up window and in the “RESTORE_FILES_INFO.txt” text file. Documents, photos, videos, and etc, cannot be opened with any program because the virus has locked PC files by adding the “.MP3” extension.
How does a computer become infected with MP3 Ransomware?
According to Berkeley security office[1] all crypto-ransomware infection methods are similar. MP3 ransomware usually spread through phishing emails. Victims get emails from faked well-trusted companies like FedEx, DHL, etc with malicious attachments or inserted bad links. Also, hackers know that computer users like to use torrent networks like uTorrent for free illegal stuff and download loads of it. All files from there are extremely dangerous to open because none of them are protected and safe.
Another popular method is cracked premium software, first of all, it is against a law to use this kind of program or “free” license key generators. Cybercriminals jailbreak stuff and upload it online for free usage, also same persons spread computer viruses and trojans. Need to be mention one of the newest MP3 virus distribution ways are through social media and online message applications
What is MP3 Ransomware?
MP3 ransomware do not damage victims files, virus encrypts computer data with advanced RSA[2] and AES[3] algorithms. On video, music, excel, word files have newly appeared extension .MP3 and this data is unusable without decryption.
Name | MP3 virus |
Ransomware family | TeslaCrypt ransomware |
Extension | .MP3 |
Damage level | High |
Ransom note | RESTORE_FILES_INFO.txt |
Ransom amount | From $500 (In Crypto) |
Contact | workplus111@protonmail.com or worker400@airmail.cc |
Symptoms | The file extension has changed from project.docx to project.docx.MP3 |
Virus removal (auto) | Free remove with Malwarebytes |
File recovery (auto) | Free scan with EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard Pro |
System fix (auto) | *Bonus free system scan with Restoro |
TeslaCrypt ransomware family all versions (0l0lqq) encrypts files, meanwhile, all computer data are locked by the MP3 virus, ransom note – “RESTORE_FILES_INFO.txt” is generated in the same directory. Cybercriminals demand to corporate by paying money for a decryption tool. As proof, they offer to decrypt one not important document for free. The victim is scared if money won’t be transferred, all files will be published publicly online. All collaboration should be done through workplus111@protonmail.com or worker400@airmail.cc emails.
NOTE – no guarantee that the criminals will decrypt lost data. It is a big chance to be scammed twice.
Remove MP3 Ransomware
To stop further harm MP3 virus must be removed from the computer system. Locked files will stay encrypted even after ransomware removal. To make data useable again need to decrypt them.
1Step Backup Locked Files
Recommended to do a backup of encrypted files. A copy should be saved in separate storage like a USB flash or portable hard drive. This step will ensure that the virus removal and decryption process won’t damage data.
2Step MP3 Ransomware Removal
A) Start Windows in safe mode with the command prompt.
- cd restore and press Enter;
- rstrui.exe and press Enter.
B) Do system restore:
- Click “Next”;
- Choose on data before data rare locked and click “Next”;
- Final step – click “Finish”.
IMPORTANT in any circumstances highly recommended to download a free trial of Malwarebytes to make sure that MedusaLocker ransomware was removed successfully. Virus name detection database[4] of threat.
MP3 Virus Deleted Files Recovery
NOTE MP3 virus must be successfully removed before data recovery. It is no guarantee that files will be recovered with any program, our team provides one of the most powerful data recovery tool on the market, it will scan all your lost data for free.
MP3 ransomware-free recovery guide.
Total Time: 3 minutes
Step 1
Download and install by data recovery tool EaseUs Data recovery wizard pro. (free download)
1. Click on the download bar.
2. Click “Open”.
Step 2
1. Click “Yes”.
2. Click “Install Now”.
Step 3
Click “Start Now”.
Step 4
Select a hard drive with lost files.
Step 5
To check if it is possible to recover lost data, on the file, click right mouse key for a preview.
If the file recovery didn’t work for you, use the premium Restoro app, for a free system scan to identify and repair Windows OS damage.
FAQ
How to get rid of the MP3 virus?
For free automatic removal of TeslCrypt family ransomware use Malwarebytes.
Removing MP3 ransomware, my files will be usable again?
No, it will protect not yet locked files, to get back files needed decryption.
How to prevent infection of MP3 Ransomware?
A – use trustful antivirus software
B – Do a backup
Do MP3 damage my files?
No, data in files are not damaged, it is locked and needs to be decrypted.
Virus developers must be reported to local police or cybercrime departments.
- In the United States – On Guard Online website.
- In the United Kingdom – Action Fraud website.
- In Australia – SCAMwatch website.
- In Canada – Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.
- In France – Agence nationale de la sécurité des systèmes d’information
- In Germany – Bundesamt für Sicherheit in der Informationstechnik website.
- In Ireland – An Garda Síochána website.
- In New Zealand – Consumer Affairs Scams website.
- In India – Indian National Cybercrime Reporting Portal.
- In Pakistan – National Response Centre For Cyber Crime.
References
^1 | Ransomware infection ways – Berkeley security office |
---|---|
^2 | RSA encryption algorithm – wikipedia |
^3 | AES encryption algorithms – wikipedia |
^4 | Virus name detection database – VirusTotal |