How to remove Moscovium Ransomware and decrypt .m0sC0v1um files

What is Moscovium Ransomware

Moscovium Ransomware is a highly damaging type of malware that operates by encrypting data and demanding a ransom in exchange for the decryption key. This devious program appends a unique extension, .m0sC0v1um, to the encrypted files, making them inaccessible to users without the proper key. Typically, a file that was once named document.docx would be altered to document.docx.m0sC0v1um, signifying the encryption. The ransomware uses advanced cryptographic algorithms to secure the files, albeit the specifics of which algorithm are employed, whether symmetric or asymmetric, are not immediately disclosed by the attackers. After encrypting the victim’s data, Moscovium leaves a ransom note in the form of a text file named !!!_DECRYPT_INSTRUCTIONS_!!!.txt on the desktop, providing the unfortunate user with instructions for recovery.

While encountering Moscovium ransomware can be a disheartening experience, it is crucial to know that, as of now, there are no public decryption tools available for these .m0sC0v1um files. The attackers typically demand a payment in cryptocurrency, such as Bitcoin, for the decryption key, warning victims against trying to decrypt the data manually—a process often fraught with difficulty and the risk of data loss. Despite the absence of decryption tools, victims are strongly advised against paying the ransom, as this provides no guarantee of data recovery and only supports the illegal activities of cybercriminals. Instead, the best course of action is to remove the ransomware using a trusted antivirus solution to prevent further encryption activity. To ensure data safety, regularly backing up files on external or cloud storage is always recommended, allowing restoration in cases where ransomware has infiltrated a system.

How Moscovium Ransomware infects computers

Moscovium Ransomware typically infiltrates computers through deceptive tactics such as phishing emails and social engineering. Cybercriminals craft emails that appear legitimate, often impersonating well-known organizations or contacts, and include malicious attachments or links. When unsuspecting users open these attachments or click on the links, the ransomware is activated, initiating the infection process. Moscovium can also spread through compromised websites, drive-by downloads, or bundled software found on untrustworthy download sites. Additionally, the ransomware may exploit vulnerabilities in outdated software or operating systems to gain access. Once inside the system, Moscovium encrypts files, appending them with the “.m0sC0v1um” extension, and demands a ransom for decryption, thereby causing significant data loss and disruption.

1. Download Moscovium Ransomware Removal Tool
2. Get decryption tool for .m0sC0v1um 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 Moscovium Ransomware

Moscovium Ransomware files:


!!!_DECRYPT_INSTRUCTIONS_!!!.txt
{randomname}.exe


Moscovium Ransomware registry keys:

no information

How to decrypt and restore .m0sC0v1um files

Use automated decryptors

Download Kaspersky RakhniDecryptor

Use the following tool from Kaspersky called Rakhni Decryptor, that can decrypt .m0sC0v1um 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 .m0sC0v1um 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 Moscovium 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 .m0sC0v1um 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 Moscovium 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. Moscovium 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