Masodas Ransomware Removal Guide

Masodas Ransomware is one of the STOP Ransomware variants that encipher files with a secure encryption algorithm and shows a ransom note asking to pay a sum of 490 US dollars. Such a price might seem vast, and we do not recommend paying it if you do not think you can risk losing it in vain. Unfortunately, there is a possibility the money could be lost for no reason as there are no guarantees the hackers behind this malware will deliver their promised decryption tools. However, our researchers inform us that there is a free decryption tool for STOP Ransomware that might also work on files affected by Masodas Ransomware or other threats from the same family. Thus, if you have no wish to pay a ransom, you could try to search for the free decryption tool, or you could replace enciphered files with backup copies you may store somewhere safe. One way or the other, we recommend erasing Masodas Ransomware first. To learn how to delete it, you should check the instructions located below this article.

The first thing we ought to explain about Masodas Ransomware, is how such a threat might be distributed. In many cases, similar malicious applications are spread with malicious software installers, unreliable email attachments, and content alike. It might be difficult to tell whether your encountered file is dangerous or not, especially if it looks like a legit installer or a simple text document. Therefore, you should not let the appearance of a file trick you, but instead always scan data coming from unreliable sources with a reliable security tool even if it does not look malicious to you. Unreliable sources are websites offering pirated software or unknown freeware, Spam emails or emails from unknown senders, irritating pop-up messages, and so on. Needless to say that it is best not to interact with questionable data, but if you think you have to, it is best to scan it with a trustworthy antimalware tool first.

If Masodas Ransomware gets in, the malware should encrypt pictures, photos, text files, and various other documents with a robust encryption algorithm. Because of this, such data should become unreadable, which is why victims ought to become unable to open it. All affected files can be recognized immediately as they all should have a second extension called .masodas, for example, raindrops.jpg.masodas. Another sign that ought to show that a system got infected with Masodas Ransomware is a ransom note called _readme.txt that should claim a user has to buy decryption tools to get his files back. The starting price is a sum of 490 US dollars. It is a discounted price since the note ought to say the full amount is 980 US dollars and a victim may have to pay it if he does contact the malware’s developers in 72 hours. It is said that those who approach the hackers can also send a small file of no value for free decryption.

It is essential to understand that while the malicious application’s developers can prove they have the decryption tools they promise, there are still no guarantees they will deliver them as agreed. If you think it is possible the hackers could scam you and do not wish to take any chances, we recommend against paying a ransom. Instead, you could restore your files from backup copies or search for the earlier mentioned STOP Ransomware decryption tool. As for erasing Masodas Ransomware, you should get rid of it with a reliable antimalware tool of your choice or manually, by following the instructions located below.

Get rid of Masodas Ransomware

1. Tap Ctrl+Alt+Delete.
2. Pick Task Manager.
3. Select the Processes tab.
4. Look for a process associated with the malware.
5. Select the process and click End Task.
6. Leave Task Manager.
7. Tap Win+E.
8. Go to these locations:
   %TEMP%
   %USERPROFILE%\Downloads
   %USERPROFILE%\Desktop
9. Find the malicious file opened before the system got infected, right-click it, and select Delete.
10. Search for files named _readme.txt, right-click them, and select Delete.
11. Check this location: %LOCALAPPDATA%
12. See if you can find the malware’s copy with a random name, e.g., 0215171b-ba55-7xal-a49s-c2fk4162159c, right-click it and choose Delete.
13. Close File Explorer.
14. Empty Recycle Bin.
15. Restart the computer.