How to remove Major Ransomware and decrypt .onix, .air, .orion or .legacy files

What is Major Ransomware

Major is a file-encryption virus classified as ransomware. Once installed, it encrypts the entirety of files stored on the system that remain unlocked until a ransom is paid. The recent version of the virulent program appends brand new .Air extension to each file that consists of a unique ID number and e-mail address of intruders at the end. After encryption, the inflicted file would like like this: 1.mp4.33868453691972502380.ex_parvis@aol.com.AIR. Previously, the ransomware used: .onix, .cube, .mars, .orion and .legacy extensions with similar naming pattern. After the process is finished, the program will, therefore, create an HTML or text file (READ_ME.txt, TRY_TO_READ.html) and change the wallpaper of the desktop.

Both HTML and wallpaper display the details on how to restore the lost data. Virus developers insist that any manual attempts to decrypt the data will result in permanent deletion. Also, they do not recommend using third-parties decryption tools, instead, it is advised to send them an e-mail by attaching an assigned ID number that is mentioned at the bottom of the message. After that, they will supposedly offer to purchase the unique key that will access the restricted data. Nonetheless, paying is quite risky and does not ensure that they will give your files back. Unfortunately, decryption tools are not always capable of unlocking the data. The only possible way to restore the files is by using an external backup if there is one. Either way, you can delete Major Ransomware from your computer to prevent further privacy leaks.

How Major Ransomware infected your computer

Ransomware infections are typically spread via Trojans, spam campaigns, untrustworthy download channels, fake cracking tools, and forged updaters. To illustrate, trojans are a type of malware designed to cause so=called chain infections. Spam campaigns are largely-abused to bombard users with deceptive messages. These messages usually comprise attached files or suspicious links that, when opened, can result in trojan infections that will subsequently install ransomware or other dreadful pieces. The range of files may differ between executables, Microsoft Office, PDF documents, and JavaScript files. Doubtful file-hosting websites, P2P sharing networks (BitTorrent, eMule, Gnutella, etc.) are also likely to cause multiple malware infections. Fake software cracking tools that are meant to bypass licensed programs also make sense. Fake updaters convince users that their software is outdated and has to be updated, therefore installing malware instead of the promised updates. In order to evaporate Major Ransomware, you should follow the steps attached in the article below.

1. Download Major Ransomware Removal Tool
2. Get decryption tool for .onix, .air, .orion or .legacy 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 Major Ransomware

Major Ransomware files:


ssvchost.exe
Decrypt Instructions.txt
{randomfilename}.exe


Major Ransomware registry keys:

no information

How to decrypt and restore .onix, .air, .orion or .legacy files

Use automated decryptors

Download Kaspersky RakhniDecryptor

Use following tool from Kaspersky called Rakhni Decryptor, that can decrypt .onix, .air, .orion or .legacy 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 .onix, .air, .orion or .legacy files by uploading samples to Dr. Web Ransomware Decryption Service. Analyzing of 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 Major Ransomware and removed it 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 .onix, .air, .orion or .legacy files

1. Download Stellar Data Recovery Professional.
2. Click Recover Data button.
3. Select type of files you want to restore and click Next button.
4. Choose 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 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 is no items in the list choose alternative method.

Using Shadow Explorer:

1. Download Shadow Explorer program.
2. Run it and you will see 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 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 Major 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 storages, such as hard drives, SSDs, flash drives or remote network storages can be instantly infected by the virus once plugged in or connected to. Major 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 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 is 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 very high level of anti-spam protection.

Download MailWasher Pro