How to remove Mango Ransomware and decrypt .mango files

What is Mango Ransomware

Mango Ransomware is a sophisticated type of malware belonging to the Phobos ransomware family, identified during routine security inspections. This malware encrypts files on the infected system and appends a unique file extension to each compromised file, dramatically altering its filename. Specifically, it appends a combination of a unique ID specific to the victim, the cybercriminal’s email address, and the extension .mango to the original filenames. For example, a file initially named picture.jpg would be altered to picture.jpg.id[unique_id].email[mango@onionmail.com].mango. The encryption algorithm employed by Mango Ransomware is complex and highly efficient, making decryption without the proper key extremely challenging. Upon encrypting the files, the ransomware generates two types of ransom notes: one displayed in a pop-up window titled info.hta and another created as a text file named info.txt deposited onto the desktop and within all encrypted directories.

Decryption tools specifically for Mango Ransomware are currently unavailable, rendering the decryption of compromised files a difficult endeavor. The ransom note within the info.hta file demands a ransom payment in Bitcoin in exchange for the decryption key, and the note generally includes instructions for purchasing Bitcoin and making the payment. Victims are often encouraged to send several encrypted files to the attackers for free decryption as a demonstration of their ability to restore the data. However, security experts strongly advise against paying the ransom, as this does not guarantee that cybercriminals will provide the necessary decryption key. In the absence of a decryptor, victims are recommended to use reputable data recovery tools like Stellar Data Recovery Pro or restore them from a previously created backup. The most effective strategy for mitigating the impact of ransomware attacks remains regular data backups and preventive measures to avoid infection.

How Mango Ransomware infects computers

Mango Ransomware, part of the notorious Phobos family, typically infiltrates computers through vulnerable Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) services, commonly leveraging brute-force and dictionary attacks to gain unauthorized access. Once a system is compromised, the ransomware disables the firewall and executes its malicious payload to encrypt files, rendering them inaccessible without the decryption key. Additionally, Mango can be distributed via phishing emails, malicious attachments, dubious download sources, and fake software updates, making unsuspecting users the primary vectors of infection. The ransomware appends a unique ID, the cybercriminal’s email, and a “.mango” extension to the encrypted files, and drops ransom notes demanding Bitcoin payments for decryption tools. Due to its sophisticated encryption algorithms and persistence mechanisms, removing Mango Ransomware is challenging, and paying the ransom does not guarantee data recovery.

1. Download Mango Ransomware Removal Tool
2. Get decryption tool for .mango 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 Mango Ransomware

Mango Ransomware files:


info.hta
{randomname}.exe


Mango Ransomware registry keys:

no information

How to decrypt and restore .mango files

Use automated decryptors

Download Kaspersky RakhniDecryptor

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