How to Kill M3gac0rtx Ransomware (Crypto-Malware/Ransomware)

What is M3gac0rtx ransomware? And how does it carry out its attack?

M3gac0rtx ransomware is a newly discovered file-encrypting malware that is reported to be a new variant of Megac0rtx ransomware. This new variant adds a “.m3gac0rtx” extension to every file it encrypts. Once it carries out its attack, M3gac0rtx ransomware will drop its malicious payload in the system. This payload is the one that connects the computer to a remote server controlled by the attackers. It is where it downloads its other components that will be used in its attack.
Modifications are also made in the Windows Registry where M3gac0rtx ransomware alters registry keys and sub-keys like Run and RunOnce in order to achieve a persistent attack in the system. And since its attack is now persistent, M3gac0rtx ransomware can automatically run on every system boot. After that, it starts encrypting its targeted files using a sophisticated encryption algorithm. Once the encryption is done, it adds the .M3gac0rtx suffix to all the affected files and opens a file named “!-!_README_!-!.rtf” which contains a lengthy ransom note. Here are some parts of the ransom note:
“Your companies network has been breached and infected with MegaCortex Malware.
We ensure that the only way to retrieve your data swiftly and securely is with our software.
Restoration of your data requires a private key which only we possess.
Don’t waste your time and money purchasing third party software, without the private key they are useless.
To confirm that our decryption software works email to us 2 files from random computers.
You will receive further instructions after you send us the test files.
After receiving payment we will provide you decryptor including it full source code and necessary assistance if needed.
Contact emails:
[email protected]
or
[email protected]”
How is the payload file of M3gac0rtx ransomware disseminated online?
The malicious payload of M3gac0rtx ransomware could spread using several distribution techniques. It could use exploit kits or hack into Remote Desktop Protocol accounts. Aside from that, it could also spread via fake software updates, torrent files, deceptive downloads, as well as spam emails. This is why you have to be careful on what you download online and make sure to keep both your antivirus programs and operating system updated.
Kill M3gac0rtx ransomware and its malicious files and processes from your computer by following the removal steps provided below and the advanced steps that follows.
Step 1: First, you have to stop the malicious process of M3gac0rtx ransomware by opening the Task Manager. To do that, simply tap Ctrl + Shift + Esc keys on your keyboard.
Step 2: Under the Task Manager, switch to the Processes tab and find suspicious-looking process that takes up most of your CPU’s resources and is most likely related to M3gac0rtx ransomware.

Step 3: After that, close the Task Manager.
Step 4: Tap Win + R, type in appwiz.cpl and click OK or tap Enter to open Programs and Features under Control Panel.
Step 5: Under the list of installed programs, look for M3gac0rtx ransomware or anything similar and then uninstall it.

Step 6: Next, close Control Panel and tap Win + E keys to launch File Explorer.
Step 7: Navigate to the following locations below and look for M3gac0rtx ransomware’s malicious components such as “!-!_README_!-!.rtf”, [random].exe and other suspicious files, then delete all of them.

%TEMP%
%WINDIR%\System32\Tasks
%APPDATA%\Microsoft\Windows\Templates\
%USERPROFILE%\Downloads
%USERPROFILE%\Desktop

Step 8: Close the File Explorer.
Before you proceed to the next steps below, make sure that you are tech savvy enough to the point where you know exactly how to use and navigate your computer’s Registry. Keep in mind that any changes you make will highly impact your computer. To save you the trouble and time, you can just use [product-name], this system tool is proven to be safe and excellent enough that hackers won’t be able to hack into it. But if you can manage Windows Registry well, then by all means go on to the next steps.
Step 9: Tap Win + R to open Run and then type in regedit in the field and tap enter to pull up Windows Registry.

Step 10: Navigate to the following path:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\Desktop\
HKEY_USERS\.DEFAULT\Control Panel\Desktop\
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce

Step 11: Delete the registry keys and sub-keys created by M3gac0rtx ransomware.
Step 12: Close the Registry Editor and empty the Recycle Bin.
Try to recover your encrypted files using the Shadow Volume copies
Restoring your encrypted files using Windows’ Previous Versions feature will only be effective if M3gac0rtx ransomware hasn’t deleted the shadow copies of your files. But still, this is one of the best and free methods there is, so it’s definitely worth a shot.
To restore the encrypted file, right-click on it and select Properties, a new window will pop-up, then proceed to Previous Versions. It will load the file’s previous version before it was modified. After it loads, select any of the previous versions displayed on the list like the one in the illustration below. And then click the Restore button.

Complete the removal process of M3gac0rtx ransomware by using a trusted and reliable program like [product-name]. Refer to the following guidelines on how to use it.
Perform a full system scan using [product-code]. To do so, follow these steps:

Turn on your computer. If it’s already on, you have to reboot it.
After that, the BIOS screen will be displayed, but if Windows pops up instead, reboot your computer and try again. Once you’re on the BIOS screen, repeat pressing F8, by doing so the Advanced Option shows up.

To navigate the Advanced Option use the arrow keys and select Safe Mode with Networking then hit
Windows will now load the Safe Mode with Networking.
Press and hold both R key and Windows key.

If done correctly, the Windows Run Box will show up.
Type in the URL address, [product-url] in the Run dialog box and then tap Enter or click OK.
After that, it will download the program. Wait for the download to finish and then open the launcher to install the program.
Once the installation process is completed, run [product-code] to perform a full system scan.