Maak is a ransomware that arises from the STOP/DJVU family of malware. It spreads over the internet via spam email campaign, cracked software, malicious file download, web injection, botnet, and so on. Malware researchers observed that Maak or any variants from Stop/DJVU malware clan are aiming on enterprise networks. The moment user executes Maak, it drops several malicious files on the computer and create registry entries to run the code on Windows start up.
During the attack, this ransomware checks the computer’s keyboard layout and see if it belongs to any country that is part of the Commonwealth of Independent States. After which, Maak searches the drive for computer user’s files including spreadsheet, documents, photos, images, databases, archives, drawings, and so on. Then, the virus uses asymmetric encryption technique to lock the target files and deny access. To inform victims and provide instructions, Maak leaves a ransom note that directs victims to specific websites where they need to follow the steps in order to have access to Maak decryption key. Below is an excerpt from the ransom note:
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.
Avoiding Maak virus infection
This ransomware virus spreads in the same way as other threats from the same group. As such, the tools and methods needed to avoid the contamination are pretty much the same. Here are some of the of it.
Install Security Programs – Antivirus and anti-malware applications play a vital role in preventing Maak contamination. It can block malicious sites and files from reaching the computer. These security applications also alerts the computer users if some bad files or processes are detected on the computer, thus, users can remove the source before it further harms the system.
Avoid Suspicious Emails – Although Maak may arrive the inbox while pretending as a document from a valid organization, the recipient can easily spot that it is bogus. First, it contains irrelevant information or unexpected inquiry. Second, the message forces the user to open the attached file using misleading context.
Stay Away from Piracy – Websites that host pirated applications and media are the common sources of Maak ransomware infection. Downloading and installing the dubious software could be the major source, hence, a simple visit to such website can trigger the installation of Maak ransomware via the drive-by-download script.
| Threat Name | Maak Ransomware, STOP/DJVU |
|---|---|
| Threat Type | Crypto-virus, File Locker, Encryption Virus |
| File Extension | .maak |
| Ransomware Note File | _readme.txt |
| Attacker’s email | helpmanager@mail.ch restoremanager@airmail.cc |
Backup your files
One important step before proceeding with the procedures below is to backup your files. Ransomware attacks are not the same. Each has its own unique set of payloads, aside from encrypting the files with a complex method. Others tend to delete the infected files after a certain period, while others keep them concealed in hidden places. In addition, ransomware decryption tools are not guaranteed to be perfect, and there are instances where files suffer from damages during the decryption process.
So, it is better to create a backup copy of your entire Maak-encrypted files right now.
Maak Ransomware Removal Guide
The first thing to do is remove the Maak virus before attempting the decryption. Remember that as long as the ransomware is active, it will repeatedly encrypt the files on the compromised computer.
Instant Removal : Scan the computer with antivirus program
Combo Cleaner is a trusted computer security and optimization tool equipped with a powerful virus and malware detection engine. This program can get rid of ransomware like Maak through this procedure.
1. Download the application from the following page:
2. Save the file to your preferred location.
3. Double-click the downloaded file CCSetup.exe and install with the default settings.
4. At the end of the setup process, click Finish to run Combo Cleaner.
5. The tool will update the database file; please wait for this process to complete.
6. To begin checking for threats like Maak, click on the Start Scan button. Wait for this scan to finish.
7. At the end of the scan process, click on Remove all threats to delete Maak, including all harmful objects from the computer.
To fully optimize the features of antivirus and privacy scanners, users may have to upgrade to the premium version.
Please continue with the succeeding removal procedures if you are comfortable manually getting rid of the ransomware and malicious items linked to it.
Manual Removal : Steps to get rid of Maak
Infection with the Maak ransomware virus is dangerous to the system because it can inject files that run each time Windows starts. To prevent malicious files from loading, the Windows operating system must run with minimal processes, and this can be done through SafeMode With Networking.
The procedure may require you to close the browser or restart the computer; therefore, we are suggesting to Bookmark or Print this page.Step 1 : Start Windows in Safe Mode With Networking
The method of running Windows in Safe Mode before deleting files, ending system processes, and virus scanning is effective in getting rid of Maak. This routine can prevent most viruses and malware from loading, making it easier to detect and remove them.
1. On the Windows Search bar, please type msconfig.
2. Select and open System Configutation on the list of found results.
3. Once you are in the System Configuration window, go to the Boot tab.
4. Under the Boot Options area, please check Safe Boot so that it starts in Safe Mode after restarting.
5. Next, select Network. This will allow Windows to boot in Safe Mode with Networking.
6. Lastly, click on Apply and OK to save the changes.
7. Please restart Windows. The system should run in Safe Mode after the reboot.
Do not forget to restore the normal boot process of Windows after this process. Simply repeat the method above, and this time, uncheck the Safe Boot option to run Windows normally.Step 2 : Scan the Computer with Sophos Home Antivirus
Ransomware files are placed deeply into the system and on various locations, thus, thorough scanning is vital to totally remove Maak virus. Aside from our suggested tool, you may also run your own security program.
To remove Maak ransomware files, scanning the computer with this efficient antivirus tool is suggested. This scanner does not just uncover known threats like viruses or malware, it is also effective in discovering hazardous ransomware like Maak.
1. Please click on the link below to download the program.
2. After downloading, locate the file SophosInstall.exe in the Downloads folder.
3. Install by double-clicking on the file.
4. If it prompts "Do you want to allow this app to make changes on your device?" please click Yes.
5. Next, it will display the Terms and Conditions page. Click the Install button to begin.
6. Run the installation with the default settings. Please note that an internet connection is required in order to download important updates.
7. After finishing the installation, you must login to the dashboard. If you already have a Sophos account, please login. Otherwise, please enter your details and click on the Create Account button.
8. Once you are in the Sophos Home console, click the Scan button to start checking the computer for Maak components.
9. Scanning may take a while; please wait for this process to finish.
10. After scanning the computer, Sophos Home will start cleaning or deleting files infected with Maak.
11. You may now close Sophos Home. The computer is now free from Maak, as well as associated malware and viruses.
The above procedures should have totally eliminated Maak ransomware. However, if you find that there are still remnants of the virus, please proceed to the next steps below.
Step 3 : Double Check with Windows Security Apps
Microsoft Windows has a built-in security application that you can use to double-check if your computer is still infected with Maak. For Windows 10/11 users, please run Windows Security.
Windows 10 / 11 Instructions:
Windows Security is a free tool that was built to help you remove Maak, viruses, and other malicious items from Windows 10/11 systems. Follow these procedures to scan your computer with the tool:
1. Tap or click the Search charm and search for Windows Security
2. Click Open to run the program.
3. On the Dashboard, click Virus and threat protection from the sidebar.
4. On the right panel, click on Scan Options to see different levels of checking the computer.
5. Next, please select Full Scan button.
6. Lastly, click on the Scan now button to start scanning for the presence of Maak. The process may take a while to complete.
7. After the scan, Delete/Quarantine identified threats, whether they were relevant to Maak or not. You may now restart Windows to complete the virus removal process.
For Windows 8.1 and Windows 7, you can scan the computer for free with the Microsoft Malicious Software Removal Tool (MSRT 64-Bit). It is a stand-alone virus scanner tool that targets prevalent malware groups.Recover Files from Maak Ransomware Infection
In this section, we will provide ways to decrypt files infected with Maak ransomware. Aside from dedicated decryption software and common tools, other options for file recovery are provided. As much as we can, we will update this area whenever a new and more suitable decryption tool becomes available.
Find a suitable Maak decryption tool from Emsisoft
This service from Emsisoft is helpful in unlocking encrypted files without paying a ransom. The page provides a list of ransomware decryption tools. All you have to do is look for the specific tool and start recovering the Maak-encrypted file.
How to protect the computer from Maak ransomware?
After the ransomware is removed, it is important to prevent similar incidents from happening again. To effectively protect the computer, the user must know how Maak ransomware was able to infect it. To minimize the possibility of infection, staying away from the common sources of this virus is crucial.
How does ransomware infect your computer?
The method of infecting the computers was found to be similar to that of other common viruses. Ransomware like Maak is seen to have efficient deployment via spam email messages, web injectors, malicious software installers, misleading online advertisements, and Trojan Downloaders.
Once the virus is executed, it immediately infects the system. Then, Maak ransomware communicates with a remote server so that a unique key can be generated for a specific computer. After acquiring the key, it starts to decrypt target files using a complex method that is almost unbreakable. In the final stage of the attack, Maak ransomware demands ransom money in exchange for the decryption tool. To further understand the attack scheme, we have included an infographic below.
What are the essential things to do?
Do a Regular File Back-up - Always backup your data on a separate storage devices such as external hard drives, optical discs, or online backup services.
Keep Your Software Updated - Make sure that you have the latest software updates especially on the operating system. Recent updates often contain vital security patches to help protect the computer against all forms of threats.
Install a Security Program - Protect the computer with effective anti-virus application using efficient real-time scanning. Regularly run a complete scan to check the computer for presence of malware.
Protect your files with Controlled Folder Access (Windows 10/11)
For Windows 10/11 users, aside from protecting the computer using anti-virus or anti-malware programs, one way to protect against ransomware attacks is by using Controlled Folder Access. This feature of Windows Defender Security Center may not prevent the Maak ransomware infection, but it can protect folders and files in general. Follow the steps to enable Controlled Folder Access in Windows 10/11.
1. Go to Windows Search and type Windows Security.
2. Open Windows Security to see all the options.
3. Click Virus and Threat Protection, either on the sidebar or on the main panel.
4. Scroll down to the "Ransomware Protection" area, and click on Manage Ransomware Protection.
5. In the "Controlled Folder Access" section, turn the slider to On. This will enable the feature and protect the folder against Maak virus or any type of ransomware.
6. Click on Protected Folders to see the list of included folders. If Windows displays a message, "Do you want to allow this app to make changes to your device?" please click Yes to proceed.
7. Click on the Add a Protected Folders button to include additional folders. Make sure that folders with important files are included in the list.
Troubleshooting Guide
Certain programs may be blocked by the Controlled Folder Access feature. To fix the issue, simply have the specific program whitelisted.
1. Under the "Controlled Folder Access" section, click Allow an app through Controlled folder access.
2. If Windows displays the message "Do you want to allow this app to make changes to your device?" click Yes to continue.
3. Next, click the Add an allowed app button.
4. Lastly, click on the Recently blocked app and remove the program from the list of blocked applications.
This Controlled Folder Access feature is one way to protect files against Maak ransomware. Other important things to do to keep files safe against ransomware are early prevention, like keeping programs updated, installing an efficient security program, and doing regular file backups on a separate media drive.
System Compatibility Notice
We ensured that our method to get rid of Maak is compatible with the majority of Microsoft operating systems (Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows 8, Windows 10, and Windows 11). To prevent complicated steps, the commands used in the instructions are common, useful, and tested. If you encounter any compatibility problems when following this tutorial, please message us or leave your comment below, and we will reply and make the required modifications.
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