Maas Ransomware Removal Guide

Maas Ransomware disables Task Manager and then encrypts pictures, documents, and other data that could be of value to you. After encrypting the described files, the malicious application should show a ransom note via which hackers ask to pay $980 or $490 in exchange for decryption tools. It is said that such tools could unlock all enciphered data. While it is true that often only special decryption tools can decrypt data of specific ransomware, there are no guarantees that hackers will provide them. Paying the ransom does not guarantee it as it is up to hackers if the promised tools get to be delivered. We advise not to pay the ransom if you cannot or do not want to risk losing your money in vain. Our specialists recommend deleting Maas Ransomware too. If you want to know why or how to do so, we encourage you to read the rest of the article and check the removal instructions placed below.

At first, we should talk about how Maas Ransomware could be spread. Our researchers say that the malicious application might travel with email attachments, installers spread through unreliable file-sharing websites, and pop-ups or ads. Thus, it is likely that users could be tricked into launching the malware and that it might happen if they are careless while surfing the Internet. Whenever you receive emails from unknown sources or emails that carry files that you did not expect to get, you should either ignore such messages or scan data attached to them with a reliable antimalware tool. To avoid downloading infected files, it is advisable to keep away from questionable file-sharing web pages, pop-ups, and ads. Additionally, we advise ensuring that your browser, operating system, and other software is up to date because outdated tools can be exploited to distribute threats like Maas Ransomware.

What if Maas Ransomware gets in? As said earlier, the malware should block the infected device’s Task Manager. It probably does so to prevent users from killing the malware’s process and interfering with the encryption process that should start shortly after the malicious application gets in. During this process, the threat should encipher all targeted files with a robust encryption system and append the .maas extension, for example, kittens.jpg.maas. Later, the infection should drop a text file called _readme.txt. Inside this file, you should see a message saying: “Don't worry, you can return all your files!” Its text should explain that you can purchase decryption tools if you get in touch with Maas Ransomware’s creators. The ransom note also suggests sending one single file for free decryption. Usually, cybercriminals offer such services to convince users to pay the ransom.

Paying the ransom might be a bad idea because you cannot be sure that hackers will send what they promise. They may claim that it is in their interest to deliver decryption tools to keep a good reputation, but you cannot really trust people who make a living from ruining someone’s files. If you think so too, we advise not to contact them. Our researchers also recommend deleting Maas Ransomware because the new files that you might yet create could be at risk as long as the infection stays on your system. You could try to remove it manually by following the instructions located below. However, we cannot guarantee that they will help you erase all the malware’s files. Thus, it might be faster and safer to delete Maas Ransomware with a reliable antimalware tool.

Get rid of Maas 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 and PersonalID.txt, right-click them, and select Delete.
11. Check these locations:
    %LOCALAPPDATA%
    %USERPROFILE%\Local Settings\Application Data
12. Find the malware’s created folders with random names, e.g., 0215171b-ba55-7xal-a49s-c2fk4162159c, right-click them, and choose Delete.
13. Navigate to this location: %WINDIR%\System32\Tasks
14. Find a task titled Time Trigger Task, right-click it, and select Delete.
15. Close File Explorer.
16. Tap Win+R.
17. Type Regedit and click Enter.
18. Go to: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
19. Identify the malware’s created value name, e.g., SysHelper, right-click this value name, and press Delete.
20. Close Registry Editor.
21. Empty Recycle Bin.
22. Restart the computer.