How to remove Muhstik (QNAPCrypt) Ransomware and decrypt .muhstik files

What is Muhstik Ransomware

Muhstik Ransomware is nasty cipher virus, that encrypts user data on QNAP NAS network drives using AES-256 (CBC mode) + SHA256 algorithms, and then requires a ransom of 0.045 – 0.09 BTC (currently ~$700) to return the files. According to researchers, this program is not directly related to eCh0raix Ransomware, although there is a certain external similarity. After finishing encryption procedure, malware adds .muhstik extension to affected files. Ransomware places README_FOR_DECRYPT.txt ransom note file in folders with encrypted data, with following message:

The malware first checks the system language and does not start encryption on systems with Russian, Belorus or Ukranian languages. At the moment, there is a public decryption tool called EmsiSoft Decrypter for Muhstik available. It is able to decrypt files encrypted by most versions of this virus. If it is unable to recover the data, full recovery is only possible with the help of backups. Instructions on this page will help you remove Muhstik Ransomware and decrypt .muhstik files in Windows 10, Windows 8 or Windows 7, Linux or Mac.

How Muhstik Ransomware infected your PC

Muhstik Ransomware virus spreads via infected websites. On infected sites, JSCoinminer is detected, a Web attack is conducted on visitors’ computers. Can be also distributed by hacking through an unprotected RDP configuration, using email spam and malicious attachments, fraudulent downloads, exploits, web injections, fake updates, repackaged and infected installers. Virus assigns certain ID with the victims, that is used to name those files and supposedly to send decryption key. In order to prevent infection with this type of threats in future we recommend you to use SpyHunter 5 or Norton Antivirus.

How to remove Muhstik Ransomware manually

It is not recommended to remove Muhstik Ransomware manually, for safer solution use Removal Tools instead.

Muhstik Ransomware files:


README_FOR_DECRYPT.txt
{randomname}.exe


Muhstik Ransomware registry keys:

no information

How to decrypt and restore .muhstik files

Use automated decryptors

Use following tool from EmsiSoft called EmsiSoft Decrypter for Muhstik, that can decrypt .muhstik files. Download it here:

Download EmsiSoft Decrypter for Muhstik

Read the following guide on how to use this tool to decrypt your data in a proper way: >>How to use the Emsisoft Decrypter for Muhstik.

*Note: This decryption tool was designed to run on Windows systems. If you are unable to access the files on or copy data to a Windows-based system, you may try this Python script, which should run from any operating system that supports running Python.

If you are infected with Muhstik Ransomware and removed it 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 .muhstik 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 is no items in the list choose 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 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 Muhstik 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

Regardless of success of protection against ransomware threats, you can save your files using simple online backup. Cloud services are quite fast and cheap nowadays. There is more sense using online backup, than creating physical drives, that can get infected and encrypted when connected to PC or get damaged from dropping or hitting. Windows 10 and 8/8.1 users can find pre-installed OneDrive backup solution from Microsoft. It is actually one of the best backup services on the market, and has reasonable pricing plans. Users of earlier versions can get acquainted with it here. Make sure to backup and sync most important files and folders in OneDrive.

3. Do not open spam e-mails and protect your mailbox

Malicious attachments to spam or phishing e-mails is 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 very high level of anti-spam protection.

Download MailWasher Pro