Msop Ransomware

What is Msop Ransomware?

Msop Ransomware is not the kind of threat that you would ever consider to be harmless. It does not try to disguise itself because that is not something that cybercriminals behind this malware need to do. Sure, they need to execute this malware silently, so that your personal files could be corrupted without disturbance, but once that is done, the threat needs to reveal itself. The purpose of this threat is to push victims into paying a ransom in return for a tool that, allegedly, could be used to decrypt files. Therefore, once files are corrupted, the infection immediately introduces you to a file named “_readme.txt.” We discuss the contents of this text file further in the report. We also discuss how the infection spreads, and how to keep your operating system protected against it in the future. Most important, we discuss how to delete Msop Ransomware, and we are almost certain that you have found this article because you already know just how important the removal of this threat is.

How does Msop Ransomware work?

Msop Ransomware is likely to spread using inconspicuous security backdoors. For example, the attackers behind this threat could create a highly misleading message and send it to you via email. As you might know already, lists containing millions of email addresses are available online. These lists are created during data breaches or using virtual scams set up to gather personal information. Of course, by using these publicly available lists, the attackers behind Msop Ransomware are pretty much attacking blindly. However, if the recipient is tricked into opening the misleading email, and if they do not understand that the attached file is not some harmless document, malware can be executed silently. That is how Zobm Ransomware, Grod Ransomware, Mbed Ransomware, and other well-known threats can be spread as well. It is notable that these threats belong to the STOP Ransomware family, to which the Msop variant belongs to as well. A free STOP Decryptor has been created, but it does not always work with the most recent variants. If you decide to install such a tool, make sure you are cautious.

If you cannot use a legitimate decryptor to restore the files corrupted by Msop Ransomware – and they should have the “.msop” extension added to their names – and if you do not have backup copies stored outside the computer to use as replacements, you might see no other option but to obey cybercriminals. They use the “_readme.txt” file to inform you that you need to obtain a decryption tool that costs $490. This, allegedly, is just half of the original ransom of $980, but do not be fooled – you are not offered a good deal. $490 is still too much for a tool whose existence you cannot even confirm. Do you think that cybercriminals would keep their promise and provide you with a decryptor as soon as you contact them (at datarestorehelp@firemail.cc or datahelp@iran.ir) and pay the ransom? Unfortunately, our Anti-Spyware-101.com research team does not think that that would happen.

How to delete Msop Ransomware

You do not have many options when it comes to Msop Ransomware. You can try using a free decryptor created by malware researchers, you can replace the corrupted files using backups, you can accept the loss of files, or you can follow the instructions of cybercriminals. Of course, we do not recommend doing the latter because we really do not think that cybercriminals would give you the decryptor, and we do not want you communicating with them and wasting money. Hopefully, you can use a legitimate decryptor or replace the files using backups. Speaking of backups, ALWAYS backup important files because that is the surest way to keep them safe. Of course, you want to have your operating system protected too, and we advise implementing anti-malware software for that. You can also use it to have Msop Ransomware removed automatically, which is very useful, considering that eliminating this malware manually can be very difficult.

Removal Guide

1. Locate the launcher of the threat (unknown location/name).
2. Right-click the file and choose Delete.
3. Launch Explorer (tap Win+E) keys and enter %WINDIR%\System32\Tasks\ into the field at the top.
4. Right-click the task named Time Trigger Task and then select Delete.
5. Enter %HOMEDRIVE% into the field at the top.
6. Right-click and Delete the file named _readme.txt.
7. Right-click and Delete the folder named SystemID.
8. Enter %LOCALAPPDATA% (or %USERPROFILE%\Local Settings\Application Data\) into the field at the top.
9. Right-click and Delete the {unique long name} folder that contains a malicious .exe file.
10. Launch Run (tap Win+R keys) and enter regedit into the dialog to launch Registry Editor.
11. Go to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run.
12. Right-click and Delete the value named SysHelper (should be linked to the .exe file in step 9).
13. Empty Recycle Bin and then use a legitimate malware scanner to see if leftovers exist. Download Removal Tool100% FREE spyware scan and
    tested removal of Msop Ransomware*