Moba file extension
.Moba file extension is a file extension that is associated with the 236th version of STOP (Djvu) ransomware. Security researchers discovered ‘Moba’ version about a week after the previous one, which is called Vawe. Like all other versions of STOP (Djvu) ransomware, Moba encrypts files and thus makes their contents inaccessible. Criminals demand a ransom in exchange for a decryptor and a unique key, which are necessary for decrypting files.
Fortunately for victims, in some cases .moba files can be decrypted. This can be done thanks to a free decryptor, which was created by a group of security researchers. This decryptor can decrypt files encrypted with all versions of STOP (Djvu) ransomware, including ‘Moba’ variant. Read more about the Free Moba File Decrypt tool or and how to decrypt .moba files below in this article.
Screenshot of files encrypted by Moba ransomware (‘.moba’ file extension)
What is Moba ransomware
Moba ransomware is really a nasty malware. It infects the system when the user downloads or runs malware infected files. Criminals lure unwary users into downloading ransomware by hiding malicious code within cracked versions of paid software, free software, key generators, and so on. Upon execution, an instance of Moba virus is installed on victim’s computer.
Once installed on a computer, Moba encrypts files located on the drives connected to the computer. It uses a strong algorithm and a long key to encrypt files. If, before encrypting the files, the Moba ransomware was able to establish a connection with its command-and-control (C&C) server, then it uses so called ‘online key’ that is unique to each infected computer. In case when the Moba virus cannot connect to its command server, it uses the so-called offline key. This key, unlike the online key, is the same for all infected computers and can be determined by security researchers.
In the process of encrypting files, Moba tries to encrypt all files on the computer, therefore, to speed up the encryption process, it does not encrypt all the contents of the files, but only the first 154kb. At the same time, there are files that the virus does not encrypt: files located in the Windows system directories, files with the extension .bat, ini, .sys, .dll, .lnk and files with the name ‘_readme.txt’. All other files can be encrypted, regardless of where they are located: on the internal disk, external device or cloud storage. Thus, the following common file types can be encrypted:
.db0, .dba, .z, .bkp, .icxs, .ncf, .rb, .ybk, .sql, .epk, .yal, .xml, .cr2, .sb, .wbc, .zabw, .zdb, .svg, .srf, .zw, .rgss3a, .map, .iwi, .yml, .cas, .wmd, .xlsb, .rar, .eps, .wpt, .y, .x, .mef, .odb, .sidd, .pfx, .xxx, .tor, .wma, .wpw, .qic, .dcr, .itdb, .t13, .nrw, .psk, .wpd, .vtf, .erf, .d3dbsp, .itm, .mdf, .xlsx, .snx, .desc, .wdb, .xwp, .pkpass, .pem, .m3u, .ods, .hkx, .lvl, .iwd, .dxg, .tax, .doc, .r3d, .wp5, .rtf, .rw2, .t12, .wpg, .1st, .vcf, .bsa, .ptx, .bc7, .wps, .py, .crt, .bar, .m4a, .xld, .jpg, .qdf, .w3x, .wps, .3fr, .gho, .wp4, .p12, .mpqge, .docx, .xmmap, .bc6, .fos, .wgz, .mdb, .wbd, .bik, .p7b, .odm, .zip, .2bp, .psd, .odp, .xlgc, .xmind, .bkf, .png, .esm, .wmf, .xf, .ztmp, .fsh, .wpb, .menu, .ltx, .ysp, .xbdoc, .cfr, .xdb, .pst, .pak, .mddata, .xy3, .rim, .xx, .wsd, .sidn, .wp, .x3f, .wmo, .sid, .sie, .xyw, .wmv, .bay, .webdoc, .rofl, .xll, .srw, .das, .ws, .odt, .wp7, .zip, .kf, .js, .flv, .hvpl, .jpe, .wpe, .0, .wmv, .re4, .sr2, .pdd, .csv, .x3d, .wsc, .xpm, .ibank, .cer, .wire, .wpl, .mdbackup, .hplg, .xar, .avi, .vdf, .kdb, .lbf, .upk, .dng, .ppt, .xls, .wbmp, .zi, .txt, .xlk, .arch00, .css, .wbz, .dazip, .xdl, .zif, .ai, .wsh, .big, .dwg, .mp4
Each encrypted file receives a new name, the Moba virus appends the extension ‘.moba’ at the end of the file name. Thus, if the file was called ‘image.jpg’ before encryption, then after it is encrypted it will be called ‘image.jpg.moba’. In each folder where the virus encrypted one or more files, it drops a file with the name ‘_readme.txt’.
Screenshot of the contents of ‘_readme.txt’ file (ransom note)
This file is a ransom demand message. In this message, the authors of the Moba virus report that the victim’s files were encrypted and if the victim wants to decrypt them, then he needs to purchase a decryptor and a key. Attackers demand to pay them $980, if the victim is ready to pay the ransom within 72 hours, then the size of the ransom is halved to $490. Criminals offer the victim to decrypt one small file for free to confirm the possibility of decrypting .moba files. Obviously, if the criminals were able to decrypt one file, then this does not guarantee that after receiving the ransom they will give the victim the key and the decryptor.
Threat Summary
| Name | Moba ransomware, Moba file virus |
| Type | Ransomware, Filecoder, File locker, Crypto malware, Crypto virus |
| Encrypted files extension | .moba |
| Ransom note | _readme.txt |
| Contact | helpmanager@mail.ch |
| Ransom amount | $490/$980 in Bitcoins |
| Detection Names | Adware.Win32.Generic.mCzN, Gen:Variant.Graftor.780587, Trojan.Siggen9.44744, A Variant Of Win32/Kryptik.HEHT, UDS:DangerousObject.Multi.Generic, Trojan:Win32/Obfuscator.SL!MTB, ML.Attribute.HighConfidence |
| Symptoms | Photos, documents and music won’t open. You get an error message like ‘Windows can’t open this file’, ‘How do you want to open this file’. Files called like ‘_readme.txt’, ‘READ-ME’, ‘_open me’, _DECRYPT YOUR FILES’ or ‘_Your files have been encrypted” in every folder with an encrypted file. New files on your desktop, with name variants of: ‘HOW_TO_DECRYPT.txt’, ‘DECRYPT.txt’ or ‘README.txt’. |
| Distribution ways | Phishing email scam that attempts to scare users into acting impulsively. Drive-by downloading (when a user unknowingly visits an infected web site and then malware is installed without the user’s knowledge). Social media posts (they can be used to entice users to download malware with a built-in ransomware downloader or click a suspicious link). Flash Drive and other removable media. |
| Removal | Moba ransomware removal guide |
| Decryption | Moba File Decrypt Tool |
The message left by the Moba creators says that files cannot be decrypted without a key and a decryptor. Unfortunately, security researchers confirm that a decryptor and a unique key are required to decrypt files. As we reported above, fortunately there is a free decryptor. Moba File Decrypt tool can decrypt .moba files that were encrypted with an offline key. If the files were encrypted with an online key, then they cannot be decrypted, but there are several ways that could help everyone recover the contents of the encrypted files.
How to remove Moba ransomware virus; Recover, Decrypt .moba files
If your computer is infected with the Moba virus and the files on it are encrypted, then you need to follow the few steps listed below that will help you find and remove the ransomware, decrypt .moba files or restore their contents. Before decrypting or recovering files, be sure to check your computer for malicious software. Read carefully the entire instructions below, print it, or open it on your smartphone. This will allow you not to miss anything important.
- How to remove Moba ransomware
- How to decrypt .moba files
- How to restore .moba files
- How to protect your computer from Moba ransomware
How to remove Moba ransomware
Before you start decrypting or recovering .moba files, you need to remove the Moba autostart entries. This must be done since otherwise the ransomware may re-encrypt the restored files. You can stop the ransomware from working, as it is not difficult to do. Another option is to perform a full system scan using free malware removal tools capable of detecting and removing ransomware infection.
It is very important to scan the computer for malware, as security researchers found that spyware could be installed on the infected computer along with the Moba ransomware. Spyware is a very dangerous security threat as it is designed to steal the user’s personal information such as passwords, logins, contact details, etc. If you have any difficulty removing the Moba virus, then let us know in the comments, we will try to help you.
To remove Moba ransomware, follow the steps below:
- Kill the Moba ransomware process
- Disable the Moba ransomware Start-Up
- Delete the Moba ransomware Task
- Scan computer for malware
Kill the Moba ransomware process
Press CTRL, ALT, DEL keys together.
Click Task Manager. Select the “Processes” tab, look for something suspicious that is the Moba ransomware then right-click it and select “End Task” or “End Process” option.
A process is particularly suspicious: it is taking up a lot of memory (despite the fact that you closed all of your programs, its name is not familiar to you (if you are in doubt, you can always check the program by doing a search for its name in Google, Yahoo or Bing).
Disable the Moba ransomware Start-Up
Select the “Start-Up” tab, look for something similar to the one shown in the example below, right click to it and select Disable.
Close Task Manager.
Delete the Moba ransomware Task
Type “Task Scheduler” in the search bar. Click Task Scheduler app in the search results. Click “Task Scheduler Library” in the left panel. On the right panel, right-click to “Time Trigger Task” and select Delete.
Close Task Scheduler.
Scan computer for malware
Zemana Anti-Malware is a program that is used for trojans, worms, malware, spyware, adware software, ransomware and other security threats removal. The program is one of the most efficient anti malware tools. It helps in ransomware removal and and defends all other types of malware. One of the biggest advantages of using Zemana is that is easy to use and is free. Also, it constantly keeps updating its virus/malware signatures DB. Let’s see how to install and scan your system with Zemana Free in order to delete Moba ransomware virus from your PC.
Installing the Zemana is simple. First you will need to download Zemana Anti-Malware on your Microsoft Windows Desktop from the link below.
164028 downloads
Author: Zemana Ltd
Category: Security tools
Update: July 16, 2019
Once the download is done, run it and follow the prompts. Once installed, the Zemana Free will try to update itself and when this procedure is done, press the “Scan” button to perform a system scan for the Moba ransomware and other security threats.
A scan can take anywhere from 10 to 30 minutes, depending on the number of files on your PC system and the speed of your system. During the scan Zemana will search for threats present on your system. Once you have selected what you wish to remove from your system click “Next” button.
The Zemana Free will remove Moba ransomware, other malicious software, worms and trojans and move the selected threats to the program’s quarantine.
In order to be 100% sure that the computer no longer has the Vawe crypto virus, we recommend using the Kaspersky virus removal tool (KVRT). KVRT is a free removal utility for ransomware, worms, spyware, trojans, adware software, potentially unwanted software and other malware.
Download Kaspersky virus removal tool (KVRT) on your PC system from the following link.
129055 downloads
Author: Kaspersky® lab
Category: Security tools
Update: March 5, 2018
When the download is finished, double-click on the Kaspersky virus removal tool icon. Once initialization procedure is complete, you’ll see the KVRT screen as shown on the screen below.
Click Change Parameters and set a check near all your drives. Press OK to close the Parameters window. Next click Start scan button . KVRT program will scan through the whole computer for the Moba ransomware and other trojans and harmful programs. This process can take some time, so please be patient. While the Kaspersky virus removal tool is checking, you can see count of objects it has identified either as being malicious software.
Once Kaspersky virus removal tool completes the scan, it will show the Scan Results like below.
Next, you need to click on Continue to begin a cleaning process.
How to decrypt .moba files
Files with the .moba extension are encrypted and to decrypt them you must use a decryptor and a unique key. You cannot unlock these files simply by deleting the new extension or changing their file name. Fortunately, there is a free Moba File Decrypt tool that can decrypt .moba files.
Moba File Decrypt tool (STOP Djvu decryptor)
To decrypt .moba files, use “Moba File Decrypt tool”
- Download Free Moba File Decrypt tool from the following link.
STOP Djvu decryptor - Scroll down to ‘New Djvu ransomware’ section.
- Click the download link and save the decrypt_STOPDjvu.exe file to your desktop.
- Run decrypt_STOPDjvu.exe, read the license terms and instructions.
- On the ‘Decryptor’ tab, using the ‘Add a folder’ button, add the directory or disk where the encrypted files are located.
- Click the ‘Decrypt’ button.
Moba File Decrypt Tool is a free software that can decrypt the encrypted files only in some cases, when the files were encrypted with an ‘offline key’. If the files were encrypted with an ‘online key’, then they cannot be decrypted. The reason for this is that the decryption key is in the hands of criminals and this key can not be determined. This does not mean that if your files are encrypted with an online key, then their contents are lost forever. Fortunately, there are several ways to recover encrypted files. These methods do not involve the use of decryption and therefore can be used in any case, no matter what key the ransomware used to encrypt files.
This video step-by-step guide will demonstrate How to remove Moba ransomware and Decrypt/Recover .moba files.
How to find out which key was used to encrypt files
Since Moba File Decrypt Tool only decrypts files encrypted with an offline key, each Moba’s victim needs to find out which key was used to encrypt the files. Determining the type of key used is not difficult. Below we give two ways. Use any of them.
Personal ID is highlighted here
Find out the type of key using ‘_readme.txt’ file
- Open the ransom demand message (‘_readme.txt’ file).
- Scroll down to the end of the file.
- There you will see a line with the text ‘Your personal ID’.
- Below is a line of characters that starts with ‘0236’ – this is your personal id.
Find out the type of key using ‘PersonalID.txt’ file
- Open disk C.
- Open directory ‘SystemID’.
- Open file named ‘PersonalID.txt’. This file lists ‘Personal ID’s that match the keys that the virus used to encrypt files.
The ‘Personal ID’ is not a key, it is an identifier related to a key that was used to encrypt files. If the ID ends with ‘t1’, then the files are encrypted with an offline key. If the ID does not end with ‘t1’, Moba virus used an online key. If you could not figure out how to determine which key was used to encrypt files, then we can help. Just write a request here or in the comments below.
Moba File Decrypt Tool : “No key for New Variant online ID”
If, when you try to decrypt .moba files, Moba File Decrypt Tool reports:
No key for New Variant online ID: *
Notice: this ID appears to be an online ID, decryption is impossible
It means that your files are encrypted with an ‘online key’ and their decryption is impossible, since only the Moba authors have the key necessary for decryption. In this case, you need to use alternative methods listed below to restore the contents of encrypted files.
Moba File Decrypt Tool : “No key for New Variant offline ID”
If, during decryption of .moba files, Moba File Decrypt Tool reports:
No key for New Variant offline ID: *t1
Notice: this ID appears be an offline ID, decryption MAY be possible in the future.
It means the following: your files are encrypted with an ‘offline key’, but the key itself has not yet been obtained by security researchers, in this case, you need to be patient and wait a while, in addition, you can also use alternative ways for recovering encrypted data.
If for some reason you were unable to decrypt the encrypted files, then We recommend to follow the news on our Facebook or YouTube channels. So you ‘ll know right away that it ‘s possible to decrypt .moba files.
How to restore .moba files
Fortunately, there are several simple ways that give everyone a chance to recover the contents of encrypted files. The methods presented below can help in cases when a free decryptor cannot decrypt .moba files or when files are encrypted with an online key. Alternative methods of file recovery do not use decryption, so there is no need for a key and decryptor. Before you begin, you must be 100% sure that the computer does not have active ransomware. Therefore, if you have not yet checked your computer for ransomware, do it now, use free malware removal tools or return to step 1 above.
Recover .moba files with ShadowExplorer
Now proceed to recover .moba files. We hope you have already completed all the steps that we discussed above. First of all, try to recover encrypted files using a free tool called ShadowExplorer. This program will allow you to recover your files from Shadow Volume Copies. These copies are created automatically by the Windows OS when you work with your files.
Unfortunately, Moba virus can automatically delete these copies and thus prevent you from recovering your files. Nevertheless, in some cases, the ransomware cannot delete all copies, and the user gets the opportunity to quickly restore all files. Therefore, you should definitely try this method!
Download ShadowExplorer on your PC from the following link.
438661 downloads
Author: ShadowExplorer.com
Category: Security tools
Update: September 15, 2019
When the downloading process is finished, open a directory in which you saved it. Right click to ShadowExplorer-0.9-portable and select Extract all. Follow the prompts. Next please open the ShadowExplorerPortable folder as shown on the screen below.
Double click ShadowExplorerPortable to start it. You will see the a window as shown on the image below.
In top left corner, choose a Drive where encrypted photos, documents and music are stored and a latest restore point as displayed on the screen below (1 – drive, 2 – restore point).
On right panel look for a file that you wish to restore, right click to it and select Export as on the image below.
This video step-by-step guide will demonstrate How to recover encrypted files using Shadow Explorer.
Recover .moba files using PhotoRec to
Another really working way to recover .moba files is to use a free tool named PhotoRec. It is created to recover deleted or lost files. Does the Moba ransomware block this method? Fortunately, the ransomware cannot block this method of recovering the contents of encrypted files. The more you used (moved, deleted, modified) files before infection, the greater the chance that you will be able to recover them.
Download PhotoRec on your system from the link below.
After the downloading process is done, open a directory in which you saved it. Right click to testdisk-7.0.win and select Extract all. Follow the prompts. Next please open the testdisk-7.0 folder as displayed in the following example.
Double click on qphotorec_win to run PhotoRec for MS Windows. It’ll show a screen as displayed in the figure below.
Choose a drive to recover as displayed below.
You will see a list of available partitions. Choose a partition that holds encrypted documents, photos and music as displayed in the following example.
Press File Formats button and select file types to recover. You can to enable or disable the restore of certain file types. When this is finished, click OK button.
Next, click Browse button to choose where recovered photos, documents and music should be written, then press Search. We strongly recommend that you use an external device to save the restored files!
Count of restored files is updated in real time. All restored photos, documents and music are written in a folder that you have selected on the previous step. You can to access the files even if the recovery process is not finished.
When the recovery is complete, click on Quit button. Next, open the directory where restored files are stored. You will see a contents as on the image below.
All restored files are written in recup_dir.1, recup_dir.2 … sub-directories. If you’re looking for a specific file, then you can to sort your restored files by extension and/or date/time.
This video step-by-step guide will demonstrate How to recover encrypted files using PhotoRec.
How to protect your computer from Moba ransomware
Most antivirus programs already have built-in protection system against the ransomware virus. Therefore, if your personal computer does not have an antivirus program, make sure you install it. As an extra protection, run the HitmanPro.Alert. All-in-all, HitmanPro.Alert is a fantastic utility to protect your personal computer from any ransomware. If ransomware is detected, then HitmanPro.Alert automatically neutralizes malware and restores the encrypted files. HitmanPro.Alert is compatible with all versions of Windows operating system from MS Windows XP to Windows 10.
Please go to the link below to download HitmanPro Alert. Save it on your Windows desktop or in any other place.
When downloading is finished, open the file location. You will see an icon like below.
Double click the HitmanPro Alert desktop icon. When the utility is opened, you will be displayed a window where you can select a level of protection, similar to the one below.
Now click the Install button to activate the protection.
To sum up
This guide was created to help all victims of the Moba ransomware virus. We tried to give answers to the following questions: how to remove ransomware; how to decrypt .moba files; how to recover encrypted files, if Moba File Decrypt tool does not help; what is an online key and what is an offline key. We hope that the information presented in this manual has helped you.
If you have questions, then write to us, leaving a comment below. If you need more help with Moba related issues, go to here.
I just got infected my all files are encrypted each and every file in my laptop is encrypted I use EMSISOFT decryptor it says decryption is impossible I am worried about my files they will be recovered or not My email is Neeteshraj02 at gmail dot com if new decryptor for .moba extension found please inform me As soon as possible
Follow the news on our Facebook or Youtube channel.
Hello,
When I try and use the tool, it does not work and I get a different error which is “error: the remote name could not be resolved: ‘decrypter.emsisoft.com'”. Does that mean it is was encrypted online perhaps?
Please help.
Try using a different ISP or VPN.
Hello,
When running the decryptor am getting the message:
No key for New Variant offline ID
Notice: this ID appears be an offline ID, decryption MAY be possible in the future
What can be done about this..? will i be able to recover my files?
Thank You
Your files are encrypted with an offline key, which means that the files can be decrypted as soon as the security researchers obtain the offline key. This may happen tomorrow, or maybe in a month, it is not known exactly.
Hey Thank you for your helping guidance.
I unfortunately I have this nasty ransomware all my files in the pc get infection
I try to work truth your guidance but I didn’t manage to recover or decrypt any of my files
It is online key
Pleas tell me if there is any chance to recovery and decrypt in any other way
If there is some with this moba. Ransomware with online key and mange to decrypt pleas tell me how to do it