How to remove MEMZ Ransomware and decrypt .MEMZ files

What is MEMZ Ransomware

MEMZ Ransomware is a type of malicious software that encrypts files on a victim’s computer, rendering them inaccessible without a decryption key. It appends the .MEMZ extension to the filenames of encrypted files and generates a ransom note titled HOW TO DECRYPT FILES.txt which is placed in every folder containing encrypted files. The ransom note typically instructs victims to pay a ransom, often in Bitcoin, to receive the decryption key necessary to unlock their files. It includes contact information for the ransomware operators, usually an email address and sometimes a Twitter handle, and threatens permanent data loss to coerce victims into paying. MEMZ ransomware uses robust encryption algorithms, making it nearly impossible to decrypt the files without the specific decryption key held by the attackers. As of the latest information, there are no known decryption tools available that can universally decrypt files affected by MEMZ ransomware without the original decryption key. If a computer is infected with MEMZ ransomware, the recommended steps include isolating the infected device to prevent the ransomware from spreading to other systems, identifying the specific ransomware variant, and checking for any available decryption tools.

As of the latest updates, there are no specific decryption tools available for MEMZ ransomware that can universally decrypt files without the original decryption key. This is largely due to the secure encryption algorithms used by the attackers. The options for decrypting files affected by MEMZ ransomware are limited:

• Backup Restoration: If backups were made prior to infection and stored in a secure location (not connected to the network), files can be restored from these backups.
• Shadow Copies: Sometimes, Windows creates shadow copies of files that can be restored using tools like Shadow Explorer. However, many ransomware variants attempt to delete these copies.
• Ransomware Decryption Tools: While specific tools for MEMZ are not available, victims can monitor sites like No More Ransom for any future developments in decryption tools.
• Professional Help: Engaging a cybersecurity expert or firm can provide more options, though success is not guaranteed without the decryption key.

MEMZ Ransomware (image)

MEMZ Ransomware (ransom note)

How MEMZ Ransomware infects computers

MEMZ ransomware typically infiltrates computers through several common vectors:

Malicious Spam Emails: These emails contain deceptive links or attachments that, when clicked or opened, initiate the ransomware download.
Deceptive Ads or Fake Error Messages: Clicking on these can redirect users to malicious websites that automatically download ransomware.
Software Bundling: MEMZ can be bundled with legitimate software, installing silently during the setup of another program.
Peer-to-Peer (P2P) Networks and Software Cracking Tools: Downloading software from these sources can often lead to inadvertent malware infections.

To prevent infection by MEMZ ransomware, it is crucial to avoid clicking on links or downloading attachments from unknown or suspicious emails, keep software and operating systems up-to-date, use reputable antivirus and anti-malware solutions with real-time protection, and regularly back up important data to external drives or cloud storage that is not always connected to the network.

1. Download MEMZ Ransomware Removal Tool
2. Get decryption tool for .MEMZ 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 MEMZ Ransomware

MEMZ Ransomware files:


HOW TO DECRYPT FILES.txt
{randomname}.exe


MEMZ Ransomware registry keys:

no information

How to decrypt and restore .MEMZ files

Use automated decryptors

Download Kaspersky RakhniDecryptor

Use the following tool from Kaspersky called Rakhni Decryptor, that can decrypt .MEMZ files. Download it here:

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 .MEMZ 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 MEMZ 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 .MEMZ 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.

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 MEMZ Ransomware, in future

1. Get special anti-ransomware software

Use ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware

ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware Dashboard

ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware Alert

ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware Blocked

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.

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. MEMZ 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.