MORT ransom Trojan leverages the power of modern cyber-encryption. It keeps data hostage until after the victims purchase the decryption remedy. The encryption it applies is really strong; it is strong enough to withstand any brute-forcing available with the most powerful computing power.
MORT ransomware is often referred to as .MORT encryption plague. This marks it as a variant of GlobeImposter 2.0 and distinguishes from other infections bearing the same name.
To this end, the ransomware communicates with its victims. It is understood why: the extorters, to get what they want, need to say what they want. The easiest way for ransomware is to speak through the device already hacked. That is why the MORT, just like any other ransomware, does not proceed with its encryption at once. It does not linger, though. The preliminary is reserved for scanning routine, which actually only discards a couple of essential file formats. Such an exemption ensures the system remains functional and able to connect to the web. The victims are able to read the file how_to_back_files.html
MORT ransom Trojan drops how_to_back_files.html into Desktop. The file is also available in any directory which files have been hit by the encryption. The message informs the users on what is going on. It says the encryption has affected files on your PC, also offers to decrypt three files for free to ensure the decryption is possible. Finally, the ransomware states that you need to buy bitcoins and send them to their wallet. In exchange, they promise to deliver the decryption key.
Transferring any funds to the crooks behind the .MORT ransom is not the best option, to say the least. While there is no magic wand in our disposal, the procedures outlined below hopefully remove the .MORT ransomware impacts.
Automatic removal of MORT ransomware
The benefits of using the automatic security suite to get rid of this infection are obvious: it scans the entire system and detects all potential fragments of the virus, so you are a few mouse clicks away from a complete fix.
- Download and install recommended malware security suite
- Select Start Computer Scan feature and wait until the utility comes up with the scan report. Proceed by clicking on the Fix Threats button, which will trigger a thorough removal process to address all the malware issues compromising your computer and your privacy.
Restore files locked by MORT file virus
new Locky variant aka MORT ransomware represents a unique category of malicious software whose attack surface reaches beyond the operating system and its components, which is why removing the virus itself is a part of the fix only. As it has been mentioned, it encrypts one’s personal information, so the next phase of the overall remediation presupposes reinstating the files that will otherwise remain inaccessible.
-
Launch data recovery software
Similarly to the rest of its fellow-infections, MORT file virus most likely follows an operational algorithm where it erases the original versions of the victim’s files and actually encrypts their copies. This peculiarity might make your day, because forensics-focused applications like Data Recovery Pro are capable of restoring the information that has been removed. As the virus further evolves, its modus operandi may be altered – in the meanwhile, go ahead and try this.
-
Take advantage of Volume Shadow Copy Service
This technique is based on using the native backup functionality that’s shipped with Windows operating system. Also referred to as Volume Snapshot Service (VSS), this feature makes regular backups of the user’s files and keeps their most recent versions as long as System Restore is on. MORT ransomware hasn’t been found to affect these copies therefore the restoration vector in question is strongly recommended. The two sub-sections below highlight the automatic and manual workflow.
- a) Use Shadow Explorer
Shadow Explorer is an applet that provides an easy way of retrieving previous versions of files and folders. Its pro’s include an intuitive interface where the computer’s entire file hierarchy is displayed within one window. Just pick the hard disk volume, select the object or directory to be restored, right-click on it and choose Export. Follow the app’s prompts to get the job done.
- b) Use file properties
Essentially, what the above-mentioned Shadow Explorer tool does is it automates the process that can otherwise be performed manually via the Properties dialog for individual files. This particular approach is more cumbrous but just as effective as its software-based counterpart, so you can proceed by right-clicking on a specific file, which has been encrypted by MORT file virus, and selecting Properties in the context menu. The tab named Previous Versions is the next thing to click – it displays available versions of the file by date of the snapshot creation. Pick the latest copy and complete the retrieval by following the prompts.
-
Data backups work wonders
Ransomware like MORT file virus isn’t nearly as almighty and destructive in case you run regular file backups to the cloud or external data media. The virus itself can be completely removed in a matter of minutes, and the distorted information can then be just as easily recovered from the backup. Luckily, this is a growing trend, so ransom Trojans are hopefully going to become less subversive in the near future.
Verify thoroughness of the removal
Having carried out the instructions above, add a finishing touch to the security procedure by running an additional computer scan to check for residual malware activity
