How to remove MaxCat Ransomware and decrypt your files

What is MaxCat Ransomware

MaxCat Ransomware is a type of malware designed to infiltrate computers and encrypt critical files, rendering them inaccessible to the user unless a ransom is paid. Malware is based on Chaos ransomware family. This ransomware specifically targets various file types, appending unique 4-character random extensions to encrypted files. It employs strong encryption algorithms to encrypt the files, making it exceedingly difficult for victims to recover their data without the appropriate decryption keys, usually held by the attackers. When this ransomware successfully executes its payload, it generates a ransom note typically named read_it.txt and saves it within the affected directories. This note often contains instructions for victims on how to contact the perpetrators and make payment in exchange for a decryption key. Moreover, victims are commonly pressured to act swiftly, as the ransom amount may increase over time or the decryptor could be permanently deleted after a specified period.

In terms of decryption, victims of MaxCat Ransomware are faced with significant challenges as there are currently no publicly available decryption tools specifically designed for this variant. Efforts to decrypt files without the attackers' assistance are largely futile due to the strength of the encryption employed. Some cybersecurity researchers and companies work tirelessly to analyze malware strains and develop decryption solutions, but until such a tool emerges for MaxCat Ransomware, victims may find themselves at a crossroads of either paying the ransom or losing their data permanently. It’s crucial for users to regularly back up important files and maintain a secure environment to mitigate the risks associated with ransomware. For those affected, reporting the incident to authorities and seeking assistance from cybersecurity professionals may be the best course of action, despite the painful situation they face. Awareness and education about how ransomware operates can also help in preventing future infections.

How MaxCat Ransomware infects computers

MaxCat Ransomware primarily spreads through malicious email attachments, often disguised as legitimate files or documents to lure unsuspecting users. Once the user opens the infected attachment, the ransomware executes a script that downloads and installs the malicious payload onto the system. It can also propagate via compromised websites or exploit kits that leverage vulnerabilities in outdated software. Additionally, attackers often utilize social engineering tactics to trick users into enabling macros in Microsoft Office documents, which are frequently used to deliver the ransomware. Once activated, MaxCat encrypts files and demands a ransom for the decryption key, leaving victims in a precarious situation as they scramble to recover their data. To mitigate the risk of infection, maintaining updated antivirus software and exercising caution with unsolicited email communications is essential.

1. Download MaxCat Ransomware Removal Tool
2. Get decryption tool for encrypted 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 MaxCat Ransomware

MaxCat Ransomware files:


read_it.txt
{randomname}.exe


MaxCat Ransomware registry keys:

no information

How to decrypt and restore encrypted files

Use automated decryptors

Download Kaspersky RakhniDecryptor

Use following tool from Kaspersky called Rakhni Decryptor, that can decrypt encrypted 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 encrypted 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 MaxCat 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 encrypted 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 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 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 MaxCat 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. MaxCat 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