MERL virus infects computers to encrypt all filesThreat SummaryIs it possible to decrypt .merl files?The virus awaits in malicious downloadsRemove MERL ransomware virus right now
The ransom notes left behind explain the victim that the only way to recover .merl files is to pay a ransom. The cybercriminals suggest testing their decryption tools by sending one file to datarestorehelp@firemail.cc or datahelp@iran.ir. The note also informs the victim to make up one’s mind within 72 hours, because the ransom is smaller during this given time period – “only” $490. Otherwise, the price of the decryption key and tool goes up to $980. In other words, it increases twice. This DJVU ransomware variant runs some commands that make system restore points vanish from the compromised PC, then also installs Azorult Trojan on the system. This way, the virus prevents any data recovery means and leaves a password-stealing threat behind. Therefore, it is a must to take immediate actions to remove MERL ransomware virus as soon as possible. We suggest following instructions provided at the end of this article for guidance.
Threat Summary
Is it possible to decrypt .merl files?
MERL file virus uses incredibly strong encryption method (RSA) to modify files. However, there is an encryption routine vulnerability that allows security experts recover files for offline key victims. When the ransomware starts its processes, it attempts to connect to its remote Command & Control server, and in case it fails to do so, it uses an offline key to encrypt all files. This file is the same for all MERL victims and it can be recovered, although not easily. Therefore, you need to check whether your files were locked with offline or online key. To do so, go to C:/SystemID/PersonalID.txt and check there. You shouldn’t check in the ransom note as it provides only one key. In PersonalID.txt file, look for ID ending with t1. If you can find one, it means all or at least part of your files were modified using offline key. In this case, wait for an update for STOP Decryptor. Victims subject to online key encryption have no options to recover files for free now. However, if you’re considering whether to pay the ransom or not, we suggest not doing so. Please keep in mind that the attackers use these payments to fund and start new malicious projects that reach more victims worldwide.
The virus awaits in malicious downloads
MERL virus, just like its previous versions (GESD, RIGH, HETS, MSOP) lurks in malicious and illegal downloads available online. Therefore, we suggest you to refrain yourself from looking for illegal content online. By saying illegal, we mean various software cracks, keygens, and similar files. The developers of STOP/DJVU ransomware tend to pack such downloads with ransomware executables and upload them to file sharing sites. It is unknown whether these criminals use malicious spam to distribute the virus, but other ransomware-variants are often proliferated in this way.
Remove MERL ransomware virus right now
Remove MERL ransomware virus along with malware it brought to your computer. You can do this using free and simple instructions provided below. Please keep in mind that there are both free and paid antivirus solutions that can remove this virus. We suggest checking software reviews on our site to choose one. After MERL virus removal, change all your passwords and find your backup to recover your files. Although you might lose some files you created after the date of the backup, it is still better than losing everything at once. OUR GEEKS RECOMMEND Our team recommends a two-step rescue plan to remove ransomware and other remaining malware from your computer, plus repair caused virus damage to the system: GeeksAdvice.com editors select recommended products based on their effectiveness. We may earn a commission from affiliate links, at no additional cost to you. Learn more. Get INTEGO ANTIVIRUS for Windows to remove ransomware, Trojans, adware and other spyware and malware variants and protect your PC and network drives 24/7. This VB100-certified security software uses state-of-art technology to provide protection against ransomware, Zero-Day attacks and advanced threats, Intego Web Shield blocks dangerous websites, phishing attacks, malicious downloads and installation of potentially unwanted programs. Use INTEGO Antivirus to remove detected threats from your computer. Read full review here. RESTORO provides a free scan that helps to identify hardware, security and stability issues and presents a comprehensive report which can help you to locate and fix detected issues manually. It is a great PC repair software to use after you remove malware with professional antivirus. The full version of software will fix detected issues and repair virus damage caused to your Windows OS files automatically. RESTORO uses AVIRA scanning engine to detect existing spyware and malware. If any are found, the software will eliminate them. Read full review here.
Alternative software recommendations
Malwarebytes Anti-Malware
Method 1. Enter Safe Mode with Networking
Before you try to remove the virus, you must start your computer in Safe Mode with Networking. Below, we provide the easiest ways to boot PC in the said mode, but you can find additional ones in this in-depth tutorial on our website – How to Start Windows in Safe Mode. Also, see a video tutorial on how to do it: Instructions for Windows XP/Vista/7 users Instructions for Windows 8/8.1/10 users Now, you can search for and remove MERL Ransomware files. It is very hard to identify files and registry keys that belong to the ransomware virus, Besides, malware creators tend to rename and change them repeatedly. Therefore, the easiest way to uninstall such type of a computer virus is to use a reliable malware removal program. In addition, we suggest trying a combination of INTEGO Antivirus (removes malware and protects your PC in real-time) and RESTORO (repairs virus damage to Windows OS files).
Method 2. Use System Restore
In order to use System Restore, you must have a system restore point, created either manually or automatically. Instructions for Windows XP/Vista/7 users Instructions for Windows 8/8.1/10 users After restoring the system, we recommend scanning the system with antivirus or anti-malware software. In most cases, there won’t be any malware remains, but it never hurts to double-check. In addition, we highly recommend checking ransomware prevention guidelines provided by our experts in order to protect your PC against similar viruses in the future. Removing spyware and malware is one step towards cybersecurity. To protect yourself against ever-evolving threats, we strongly recommend purchasing a Premium version of Malwarebytes Anti-Malware, which provides security based on artificial intelligence and machine learning. Includes ransomware protection. See pricing options and protect yourself now.
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