How to remove M142 HIMARS Ransomware and decrypt .M142HIMARS files

What is M142 HIMARS Ransomware

M142 HIMARS Ransomware is a member of the notorious MedusaLocker family, designed to encrypt valuable data and demand a ransom for its release. It strategically appends the .M142HIMARS extension to compromised files, effectively blocking users from accessing their own information. Using sophisticated RSA and AES encryption algorithms, this ransomware makes it incredibly challenging for victims to restore their data without assistance from the attackers. Upon encryption, the ransomware changes the victim’s desktop wallpaper and introduces a ransom note named READ_NOTE.html, which is typically placed in every folder containing affected files. The note threatens the victim, highlighting that any unauthorized attempts to decrypt files will jeopardize the data further. Alarmingly, the note pressures victims to act quickly, often stipulating a 72-hour deadline before the ransom amount increases, urging contact via provided email addresses or a Tor chat link.

Despite the severity and intricacy of M142 HIMARS Ransomware, there is currently no known decryption tool capable of reversing its encryption without the help of the cybercriminals who engineered it. The encryption methods involved are so complex that even highly skilled cybersecurity professionals struggle to crack them without the original decryption key, which the attackers hold. While paying the ransom might seem like a tempting solution, it’s a risky endeavor, as there’s no guarantee that the decryption key will be provided once payment is made, and it might even attract further attacks. If affected, the ideal course of action is to disconnect from all networks immediately, report the incident to authorities, and consult cybersecurity experts to explore possible recovery avenues. Regular backups serve as the most effective defense, allowing the restoration of previous versions of files and mitigating the impact of such ransomware attacks.

How M142 HIMARS Ransomware infects computers

M142 HIMARS Ransomware infiltrates computers through a variety of deceptive methods commonly used by cybercriminals. This ransomware often disguises itself within pirated software, key generators, or cracking tools, enticing users to unknowingly execute the malware. Additionally, it can spread through malicious email attachments or links, masquerading as legitimate communications to exploit unsuspecting recipients. Cybercriminals might also employ compromised websites, peer-to-peer networks, and third-party downloaders to deliver this ransomware, often taking advantage of vulnerabilities in outdated software or operating systems. Once executed, M142 HIMARS encrypts files and demands a ransom, causing significant disruption and potential data loss. To mitigate these risks, users should maintain updated software, use reliable security tools, and exercise caution when handling unsolicited emails or downloads.

1. Download M142 HIMARS Ransomware Removal Tool
2. Get decryption tool for .M142HIMARS files
3. Recover encrypted files with Stellar Data Recovery Professional
4. Restore encrypted files with Windows Previous Versions
5. Restore files with Shadow Explorer
6. How to protect from threats like M142 HIMARS Ransomware

M142 HIMARS Ransomware files:


READ_NOTE.html
{randomname}.exe


M142 HIMARS Ransomware registry keys:

no information

How to decrypt and restore .M142HIMARS files

Use automated decryptors

Download Kaspersky RakhniDecryptor

Use the following tool from Kaspersky called Rakhni Decryptor, that can decrypt .M142HIMARS files. Download it here:

Download RakhniDecryptor

There is no purpose to pay the ransom because there is no guarantee you will receive the key, but you will put your bank credentials at risk.

Dr.Web Rescue Pack

Famous antivirus vendor Dr. Web provides free decryption service for the owners of its products: Dr.Web Security Space or Dr.Web Enterprise Security Suite. Other users can ask for help in the decryption of .M142HIMARS files by uploading samples to Dr. Web Ransomware Decryption Service. Analyzing files will be performed free of charge and if files are decryptable, all you need to do is purchase a 2-year license of Dr.Web Security Space worth $120 or less. Otherwise, you don’t have to pay.

If you are infected with M142 HIMARS Ransomware and removed from your computer, you can try to decrypt your files. Antivirus vendors and individuals create free decryptors for some crypto-lockers. To attempt to decrypt them manually, you can do the following:

Use Stellar Data Recovery Professional to restore .M142HIMARS files

1. Download Stellar Data Recovery Professional.
2. Click Recover Data button.
3. Select the type of files you want to restore and click Next button.
4. Choose the location where you would like to restore files from and click Scan button.
5. Preview found files, choose ones you will restore and click Recover.

Download Stellar Data Recovery Professional

Using Windows Previous Versions option:

1. Right-click on infected file and choose Properties.
2. Select Previous Versions tab.
3. Choose a particular version of the file and click Copy.
4. To restore the selected file and replace the existing one, click on the Restore button.
5. In case there are no items in the list, choose an alternative method.

Using Shadow Explorer:

1. Download Shadow Explorer program.
2. Run it, and you will see a screen listing of all the drives and the dates that shadow copy was created.
3. Select the drive and date that you want to restore from.
4. Right-click on a folder name and select Export.
5. In case there are no other dates in the list, choose an alternative method.

If you are using Dropbox:

1. Login to the Dropbox website and go to the folder that contains encrypted files.
2. Right-click on the encrypted file and select Previous Versions.
3. Select the version of the file you wish to restore and click on the Restore button.

How to protect computer from viruses, like M142 HIMARS Ransomware, in future

1. Get special anti-ransomware software

Use ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware

Famous antivirus brand ZoneAlarm by Check Point released a comprehensive tool, that will help you with active anti-ransomware protection, as an additional shield to your current protection. The tool provides Zero-Day protection against ransomware and allows you to recover files. ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware is compatible with all other antiviruses, firewalls, and security software except ZoneAlarm Extreme (already shipped with ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware) or Check Point Endpoint products. The killer features of this application are: automatic file recovery, overwrite protection that instantly and automatically recovers any encrypted files, file protection that detects and blocks even unknown encryptors.

Download ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware

2. Back up your files

As an additional way to save your files, we recommend online backup. Local storage, such as hard drives, SSDs, flash drives, or remote network storage can be instantly infected by the virus once plugged in or connected to. M142 HIMARS Ransomware uses some techniques to exploit this. One of the best services and programs for easy automatic online backup is iDrive. It has the most profitable terms and a simple interface. You can read more about iDrive cloud backup and storage here.

3. Do not open spam e-mails and protect your mailbox

Malicious attachments to spam or phishing e-mails are the most popular method of ransomware distribution. Using spam filters and creating anti-spam rules is good practice. One of the world leaders in anti-spam protection is MailWasher Pro. It works with various desktop applications and provides a very high level of anti-spam protection.

Download MailWasher Pro