How to remove MuskOff Ransomware and decrypt .MuskOff files

What is MuskOff Ransomware

MuskOff Ransomware is a malicious program based on the Chaos Ransomware, which encrypts files on the victim’s computer and demands payment for their decryption. It was discovered by researchers during a routine inspection of new malware submissions to the VirusTotal platform. MuskOff Ransomware appends the .MuskOff extension to the filenames of encrypted files. For example, a file originally named 1.jpg would appear as 1.jpg.MuskOff after encryption. Ransomware generally uses strong encryption algorithms, such as AES or RSA, to encrypt files. After encrypting files, MuskOff Ransomware creates a ransom note named read_it.txt. The note states that the victim’s files have been encrypted and demands payment in Bitcoin for their decryption. The cybercriminals request 1500 USD in BTC, but the amount listed in BTC (0.1473766) is worth over 5000 USD at the time of writing.

Decrypting .MuskOff files depends on the availability of a decryption tool or the recovery of the encryption key. If a decryption tool is not available, the only solution is to recover the encrypted files from a backup, if one is available. It is essential to maintain regular backups of important data and store them in multiple separate locations to ensure data safety. There is no mention of any specific decryption tools for MuskOff Ransomware. However, some organizations, like Avast, offer free ransomware decryption tools for various ransomware strains. It is important to note that not all ransomware can be decrypted, and the availability of a decryption tool depends on the specific ransomware variant.

How MuskOff Ransomware infects computers

Ransomware typically spreads through phishing emails, malicious attachments, compromised websites, or exploiting vulnerabilities in software or operating systems. In the case of MuskOff, the specific infection method is not yet discovered.

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

MuskOff Ransomware files:


read_it.txt
{randomname}.exe


MuskOff Ransomware registry keys:

no information

How to decrypt and restore .MuskOff files

Use automated decryptors

Download Kaspersky RakhniDecryptor

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