What is Marlboro?
Marlboro is the name of ramsomware virus designed to scare and force users to pay a ransom. There is another name of ransomware – DeMarlboro. Like other similar types of viruses, Marlboro encrypts files on the infected computer and appends .oops file extension to the name of all the encrypted data. It’s operating under the same scheme like other ransomware. Two files (_HELP_Recover_Files_.html and DecryptFiles.exe) are being created and placed in each folder with infected files. The ransom note is displayed on the desktop as well. The bottom line is this: to decrypt your files, you should pay ransom (.2 Bitcoin ~$160).
This is what text file _HELP_Recover_Files_.html contains:
Interesting fact is that Marlboro uses more simple encryption algorithm – XOR, although claims to the contrary. Also, unlike other programs, decrypter is delivered with ransomware. After paying, program connects to the server to verify the payment. If these conditions will be met, your data will be recovered. However, you should not be pushed about by malefactors because the victims, who paid them, were ignored. In this way, you only might inspire them to continue their business. Especially when the recovery tool has been developed by Emisoft. Coming up, we’ll tell you on how to remove Marlboro Ransomware and decrypt .oops files for free.
To prevent suсh kinds of the menaces as Marlboro Ransomware in the future follow these tips:
- Adjust your email anti-spam settings to filter out all the potentially unsafe incoming messages.
- Make sure, the attachments with the following extensions: .js, .vbs, .docm, .hta, .exe, .cmd, .scr, and .bat. place in the black list
- Rename the vssadmin.exe process to protect Shadow Volume Copies of your files from removal.
- Raise the level of protection of your Firewall. It can prevent ransomware from connecting with its server.
- Do not forget to backup your files regularly. This will facilitate process of decrypting files in case of infection.
- Install antimalware tool because it can detect ransomware in advance and remove the malware before the infection.
How Marlboro infects your PC?
Marlboro ransomware spreads via phishing emails. Ordinarily, cybercriminals distribute their product via spam emails with fake header information that might inspire trust like Amazon, DHL or FedEx. Most of these emails are disguised themselves as invoices, scanned documents from office, bills, information about failed payment. In this way, the forged messages are attached with the malicious archive containing this dreadful virus. Inside the archive, mainly ZIP archive, is executable file (HTA, JS, or WSF scripts) once launching which the Marlboro ransomware begins to operate. First, it starts running a scan for data then encrypts the targeted files using XOR algorithm. It also can get into your system through fake software updates, torrent (P2P) networks, and trojans. Therefore, be very wary when opening files downloaded from suspicious emails or untrusted sources. Do not rush in these moments since you can compromise your system.
After finishing infiltrating process, Marlboro performs following steps:
- Marlboro make a connection with its Command and Control server in order to receive configuration data and other information about your computer.
- Marlboro changes your computer’s settings to make it run automatically whenever Windows starts up.
- Marlboro is seeking for certain type of data and encrypting it with it’s encryption algorithm.
How to remove Marlboro from your computer?
The best and easiest way to remove Marlboro from your computer is to use special anti-malware program that has this threat in its database. As stated above, you need proper and reliable anti-malware program, that’s why we recommend you to use SpyHunter.
It scans your computer and detects various threats like Marlboro, then completely removes it. One of the best features of this program – large threat’s database. SpyHunter’s newly advanced ransomware detection technology is able to run an instant ransomware scan and show you a message about detection. After deep scanning of your system, it will easily find and delete Marlboro. Use this removal tool to get rid of Marlboro for FREE.
How to decrypt .oops files encrypted by Marlboro?
Once you’ve removed 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.
Decrypt .oops 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.