How to delete Msjd ransomware

Msjd ransomware or .msjd virus is a file-encrypting malware that essentially takes files hostage. The malware comes from the notorious Djvu/STOP ransomware family. The cybercriminals operating this ransomware family release new ransomware on a regular basis, with new versions coming out every couple of days. Msjd ransomware is one of the more recent versions and it adds .msjd to files it encrypts. Unfortunately, once files are encrypted, it will be very difficult to decrypt them. Using a special decryptor would be necessary but the only people who have it are the cybercriminals operating this ransomware. And considering they are cybercriminals, they will not just give it to you.

 

 

Msjd ransomware is more or less identical to all other more recent Djvu/STOP versions. The versions can be identified by the extensions they add to encrypted files. This ransomware adds .msjd, hence why it’s known as Msjd ransomware. It will encrypt all personal files, including photos, images, videos, documents, etc. For example, an encrypted text.txt file would become text.txt.msjd. None of these files will be openable unless they are first run through a decryptor. However, it will be quite difficult to get the decryptor. The only people who have it are the cybercriminals operating this ransomware. Since their main goal is to extort money from victims, they will try to sell the decryptor for a lot of money. However, paying comes with many risks that you need to consider before making a decision.

You will find a _readme.txt ransom note in all folders that have encrypted files. The note explains that to get a decryptor, paying $980 would be necessary. A 50% discount is also mentioned for victims who make contact within the first 72 hours, though whether it’s actually true or not is uncertain. In general, keep in mind that you will not be guaranteed a decryptor even if you pay. You are dealing with cybercriminals and they won’t necessarily help you after you pay because there’s nothing forcing them to do so. Many victims in the past have paid ransoms only to not receive decryptors. While it’s your decision to make, you need to be aware of the risks. It’s also worth mentioning that the ransom money would go towards future criminal activities.

If you have a backup, you should have no issues with recovering files. However, you need to make sure to fully remove Msjd ransomware from your computer. We strongly recommend that you use anti-malware software because manual Msjd ransomware removal could cause additional issues. When you fully get rid of the ransomware, you can safely access your backup.

If you don’t have a backup, waiting for a free Msjd ransomware decryptor may be your only option. However, it’s not guaranteed that one will be released at all. The problem with Djvu/STOP ransomware versions is that they use online keys to encrypt files. That means the keys are unique to each victim, and unless those keys are released, it will be difficult for malware researchers to develop a working universal decryptor. But it’s not impossible that a free Msjd ransomware decryptor will be released eventually, so back up your encrypted files and store them safely until then.

Ransomware distribution methods

If you have bad browsing habits, you are much more likely to pick up a malware infection. Bad habits include opening unsolicited email attachments without double-checking them first, using torrents to pirate content, clicking on ads while browsing high-risk websites, etc. If you take the time to develop better habits, you will be able to avoid a lot of malware infections.

Email attachments are one of the easiest ways for malicious actors to spread ransomware. They purchase email addresses from hacker forums, so if a malicious email lands in your inbox, your email address has likely been leaked by some service you used. These emails contain malicious file attachments that if opened would initiate the malware. But in most cases, the emails are fairly easy to recognize. One of the most noticeable signs of a malicious email is grammar and spelling mistakes. Senders of such emails often pretend to be from legitimate companies/organizations and request that you immediately open the attached file because it’s an important document. But for whatever reason, the emails are full of grammar/spelling mistakes. Furthermore, malicious emails often address users using generic terms like User, Member, Customer, etc., despite claiming that you are a customer of theirs. You likely noticed that when you receive an email from a company whose services you use, you are always addressed by name. But since malicious actors usually don’t know your name, they use generic terms. It’s also worth mentioning that when cybercriminals have certain personal information, their malicious spam can be much more sophisticated. Thus, it’s a good idea to scan all unsolicited email attachments with anti-virus software or VirusTotal before opening them.

Malicious actors also often spread malware using torrents. It’s no secret that pirating, in general, can lead to serious malware infections but torrents are especially dangerous. Plenty of easily-accessible torrent sites are poorly regulated, and this allows malicious actors to easily upload torrents with malicious content in them. It’s not unusual to find malware in torrents for movies, TV series, video games, and software. The more popular something is, the more likely its torrents will have malware in them. We strongly discourage you from using torrents to pirate as it’s not only stealing but also dangerous for your computer.

Msjd ransomware removal

Ransomware is a very complex malware infection, and it’s not recommended to try to remove Msjd ransomware manually. Unless you know exactly what you’re doing, you could end up causing additional damage to your computer/data. You might also accidentally miss some part of the ransomware, which could allow the infection to recover. And if you were to connect to your backup while the ransomware was still present, your backed-up files would become encrypted as well.

Instead, you should use anti-malware to remove Msjd ransomware. Once the malware is no longer present, you can safely connect to your backup and start file recovery.