How to remove MAGA Ransomware and decrypt .MAGA files

What is MAGA Ransomware

MAGA Ransomware is a type of malicious software that encrypts files on an infected computer and demands a ransom for their decryption. This ransomware is part of the Dharma family, known for appending a unique combination of identifiers to each file name to signify that they have been encrypted. Specifically, it adds an extension that includes the victim’s unique ID, an attacker’s email address, and the .MAGA file extension, transforming a file like document.docx into something like document.docx.id-J0CFK89P.[MAGA24@cyberfear.com].MAGA. For encryption, MAGA utilizes sophisticated algorithms that convert the files into an unreadable form, making it almost impossible to access them without a specific decryption key. The ransomware drops a ransom note within the infected system, typically as a pop-up message and as a text file named MAGA_info.txt, which instructs the victim to contact the attacker via email for file recovery instructions and warns against seeking third-party help.

Unfortunately, there are currently no free decryption tools available for files encrypted by MAGA ransomware. The encryption methods used by this ransomware are quite advanced, and recovery of encrypted files is not feasible without the decryption key held by the attackers. Victims are advised against paying the ransom, as it does not guarantee that the decryption keys will be provided by the criminals, which could result in further loss of data or financial resources. If affected by MAGA ransomware, the best course of action is to remove the ransomware using legitimate antivirus software to prevent further damage. For decryption of .MAGA files, the use of backups (if available) is encouraged, as restoring files from a secure backup is currently the most reliable way to regain access to the affected data. Regularly backing up important data and employing robust security measures can mitigate potential damage from such ransomware attacks.

How MAGA Ransomware infects computers

MAGA Ransomware, a variant from the notorious Dharma family, primarily infiltrates computers through several avenues, exploiting both user behavior and system vulnerabilities. One common method is through malicious email attachments or links, where unsuspecting users are tricked into opening files or clicking on links that initiate the ransomware download. Additionally, it spreads via compromised Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) services, often targeting systems with weak or easily guessed passwords, allowing attackers to gain unauthorized access. Software vulnerabilities are another entry point, with attackers leveraging outdated software to execute the ransomware payload. Users who download software or media from unofficial or pirated sources also risk infection, as these files can be bundled with the ransomware. Lastly, malicious advertisements or deceptive websites can prompt downloads or direct users to malicious sites, further facilitating the spread of this harmful ransomware.

1. Download MAGA Ransomware Removal Tool
2. Get decryption tool for .MAGA 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 MAGA Ransomware

MAGA Ransomware files:


MAGA_info.txt
{randomname}.exe


MAGA Ransomware registry keys:

no information

How to decrypt and restore .MAGA files

Use automated decryptors

Download Kaspersky RakhniDecryptor

Use the following tool from Kaspersky called Rakhni Decryptor, that can decrypt .MAGA 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 .MAGA 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 MAGA 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 .MAGA 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 MAGA 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. MAGA 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