What is Monro?
Monro is virus-extortionist that was developed by the same people that are responsible for spreading infamous Dharma ransomware. In order to infiltrate victims’ computers, virus mostly uses scam emails containing malicious files and once the user opens this file, the encryption process starts. Monro ransomware may also be hidden in pirated software, games, cracks, phishing sites, and various fake updates (Adobe flash update). Following the successful penetration, the virus encodes most of the stored data, so the victim will not be able to use them until they are decrypted. To do so, the user is forced to pay a ransom. Our team recommends you not to pay anything since nobody can guarantee that they will fulfill their end of the bargain. The practice shows that cybercriminals just ignore people after payment is done. In this article, you can learn how to remove Monro ransomware and decrypt .monro files.
In order to encode victim’s data, Monro Ransomware uses AES encryption algorithm. Under this method, the private ID key required for data recovery is created during the encryption process. All affected files will be appended with “.id-[victim’s_ID].[icrypt@cock.li].monro” extension. For example, myfamily.jpg turns into myfamily.id-5C472I00.[icrypt@cock.li].monro. Once encryption process is done, it creates 2 files: Info.hta and FILES ENCRYPTED.txt. Both of them contain instructions on how to decrypt your files.
Here’s text from Monro pop-up window which is launched automatically (Info.hta):
All your files have been encrypted!
All your files have been encrypted due to a security problem with your PC. If you want to restore them, write us to the e-mail icrypt@cock.li
Write this ID in the title of your message 1E857D00
In case of no answer in 24 hours write us to theese e-mails:icrypt@cock.li
You have to pay for decryption in Bitcoins. The price depends on how fast you write to us. After payment we will send you the decryption tool that will decrypt all your files.
Free decryption as guarantee
Before paying you can send us up to 1 file for free decryption. The total size of files must be less than 1Mb (non archived), and files should not contain valuable information. (databases,backups, large excel sheets, etc.)
How to obtain Bitcoins
The easiest way to buy bitcoins is LocalBitcoins site. You have to register, click ‘Buy bitcoins’, and select the seller by payment method and price.
hxxps://localbitcoins.com/buy_bitcoins
Also you can find other places to buy Bitcoins and beginners guide here:
hxxp://www.coindesk.com/information/how-can-i-buy-bitcoins/
Attention!
Do not rename encrypted files.
Do not try to decrypt your data using third party software, it may cause permanent data loss.
Decryption of your files with the help of third parties may cause increased price (they add their fee to our) or you can become a victim of a scam.
Still, Monro ransomware does very sophisticated encryption, but it does not damage, move or delete your files, which means you have a chance to restore your personal data. For this, the first thing you got to do – to completely remove Monro ransomware from your computer in order to exclude reinfection. You may take advantage of the benefits of an automated removal tool that will do it for you. Or you may use our manual guide, but keep in mind that this way is only recommended for experienced users.
How to remove Monro from your computer?
You may try to use anti-malware tool to remove Monro ransomware from your computer. Newly advanced ransomware detection technology is able to run an instant ransomware scan, which is perfect to protect your computer in case of a new ransomware attack.
How to decrypt .monro files?
Once you’ve removed the virus, you are probably thinking of recovering files from encryption. Let’s take a look at possible ways of decrypting your data.
Recover data with Data Recovery
- Download and install Data Recovery
- Select drives and folders with your files, then click Scan.
- Choose all the files in a folder, then press on Restore button.
- Manage export location.
Restore data with automated decryption tools
Unfortunately, due to the novelty of Monro ransomware, there are no available automatic decryptors for this encryptor yet. Still, there is no need to invest in the malicious scheme by paying a ransom. You are able to recover files manually.
You can try to use one of these methods in order to restore your encrypted data manually.
Restore data with Windows Previous Versions
This feature is working on Windows Vista (not Home version), Windows 7 and later versions. Windows saves copies of files and folders which you can use to restore data on your computer. In order to restore data from Windows Backup, take following steps:
- Open My Computer and search for the folders you want to restore;
- Right-click on the folder and choose Restore previous versions option;
- The option will show you the list of all the previous copies of the folder;
- Select restore date and the option you need: Open, Copy and Restore.
Restore the system with System Restore
You can always try to use System Restore in order to roll back your system to its condition before infection infiltration. All the Windows versions include this option.
- Type restore in the Search tool;
- Click on the result;
- Choose restore point before the infection infiltration;
- Follow the on-screen instructions.