How to remove Messec Ransomware and decrypt .messec files

What is Messec Ransomware

Messec Ransomware is a type of virus, a malicious software that encrypts files on a victim’s computer, rendering them inaccessible. The primary goal of Messec, like other ransomware, is to demand a ransom from the victim in exchange for the decryption of the affected files. Once Messec infects a computer, it encrypts the files and appends the .messec extension to each filename. For example, a file originally named 1.jpg would be renamed to 1.jpg.messec. The specific encryption algorithm used by Messec ransomware is not explicitly mentioned in the search results. However, ransomware typically uses strong encryption algorithms, such as AES (Advanced Encryption Standard) or RSA (Rivest-Shamir-Adleman), to encrypt files. Messec creates a ransom note named READ_ME.txt in every directory containing encrypted files. The note informs the victim that their files have been encrypted and provides instructions on how to pay the ransom to recover the files. The attackers offer to decrypt three files for free as proof of their decryption capability. The ransom amount is $100, with an additional $25 for each subsequent hour.

Decrypting .messec files without the specific decryption key is typically not possible due to the strong encryption used by the ransomware. The best course of action is to restore the files from a backup if one is available. If a backup is not available, victims can try using general-purpose data recovery tools, but success is not guaranteed. Paying the ransom is generally not recommended, as there is no guarantee that the attackers will provide a working decryption key, and it encourages further criminal activity. In the absence of a specific decryption tool for Messec, victims should regularly check websites of cybersecurity firms like Avast and Emsisoft, which often release free decryption tools for various types of ransomware.

How Messec Ransomware infects computers

Messec, like other ransomware, typically infects computers through various channels. These include fake software updates, peer-to-peer (P2P) networks, third-party downloaders, Trojans, software vulnerabilities, and more. Cybercriminals often succeed when users unknowingly download and run the ransomware on their computers. They use various file types, such as PDFs, executable files, archives, ISO files, JavaScript files, and MS Office documents, to distribute the ransomware.

1. Download Messec Ransomware Removal Tool
2. Get decryption tool for .messec 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 Messec Ransomware

Messec Ransomware files:


READ_ME.txt
{randomname}.exe


Messec Ransomware registry keys:

no information

How to decrypt and restore .messec files

Use automated decryptors

Download Kaspersky RakhniDecryptor

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