Remove MegaCortex Ransomware (+File Recovery)

MegaCortex – Details

The virus programs that belong o the nefarious category of Ransomware are rather unique when compared to other more conventional threats the likes of Spyware, Trojans or Worms. The main difference is that a MegaCortex Ransomware wouldn’t really try to harm or corrupt the system or the data found on the computer, neither would it attempt to collect some sensitive user info from the infected machine. Instead, it would place a lockdown on the files or on the screen of the attacked machine, thus not allowing its victim to use the sealed elements. Though it may sound scary to know that some virus has managed to fully lock-up your computer’s screen, the subcategory of Ransomware that is known to target that is actually less problematic compared to the one that targets the files. This is because the screen-locker Ransomware viruses use a simpler method to lock the user’s screen. All they do is place a big banner that is superimposed on all icons, menus and windows that may be opened in the computer. While this won’t allow you to interact with anything on your PC, there are methods you can use to overcome this issue and deal with the threat – as soon as the screen-locker gets removed, the lockdown on the computer would be gone as well.

The same, however, cannot be said about a cryptovirus infection. These representatives of the Ransomware cryptovirus subcategory use advanced encryption code to make sure that none of the user files located on the attacked computer could be accessed unless the user has the special decryption key needed to make the data accessible again. Needless to say, the hackers behind such infections offer the said key to their victims in exchange for money. There is usually a note generated on the computer infected by a MegaCortex Ransomware cryptovirus that tells the victims how the money must be paid.

Finding difficulty removing MegaCortex Ransomware?

The new and highly malicious MegaCortex infection is one such cryptovirus that is used by its creators for blackmailing purposes. There are already many who have had their systems infiltrated and their data locked up by this nefarious virus threat. If you are also one of the MegaCortex victim, you probably want to learn if there is a way of recovering your files other than paying the ransom. To be perfectly honest with you, though there could be some alternative options and courses of action, there are no guarantees as to how effective and helpful they may be in your particular case. Still, it is better to try to remove MegaCortex and release your files without opting for the payment or else you may lose a significant amount of money and still not obtain the access key from the hackers. Never forget that the people behind MegaCortex, .Dutan, .Roldat, .Hofos do not really care about whether you get to access your files again or not. All they are after is the money they demand of you and this means that once they have it, they may simply choose not to provide you with a decryption key for your data (if such a key ever existed in the first place).

SUMMARY:

Remove MegaCortex Ransomware

1: Preparations

Note: Before you go any further, we advise you to bookmark this page or have it open on a separate device such as your smartphone or another PC. Some of the steps might require you to exit your browser on this PC.

2: Task Manager

Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to enter the Task Manager. Go to the Tab labeled Processes (Details for Win 8/10). Carefully look through the list of processes that are currently active on you PC.

If any of them seems shady, consumes too much RAM/CPU or has some strange description or no description at all, right-click on it, select Open File Location and delete everything there.

Also, even if you do not delete the files, be sure to stop the process by right-clicking on it and selecting End Process.

3: IP related to MegaCortex

Go to c:\windows\system32\drivers\etc\hosts. Open the hosts file with notepad.

Find where it says Localhost and take a look below that. 

If you see any IP addresses there (below Localhost) send them to us here, in the comments since they might be coming from the MegaCortex.

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4: Disable Startup programs

Re-open the Start Menu and type msconfig.

Click on the first search result. In the next window, go to the Startup tab. If you are on Win 10,  it will send you to the Startup part of the task manager instead, as in the picture:

If you see any sketchy/shady looking entries in the list with an unknown manufacturer or a manufacturer name that looks suspicious as there could be a link between them and MegaCortex , disable those programs and select OK.

5: Registry Editor

Press Windows key + R and in the resulting window type regedit.

Now, press Ctrl + F and type the name of the virus.

Delete everything that gets found. If you are not sure about whether to delete something, do not hesitate to ask us in the comments. Keep in mind that if you delete the wrong thing, you might cause all sorts of issues to your PC.

6: Deleting potentially malicious data – MegaCortex

Type each of the following locations in the Windows search box and hit enter to open the locations:

%AppData%

%LocalAppData%

%ProgramData%

%WinDir%

%Temp%

Delete everything you see in Temp linked to MegaCortex Ransomware. About the other folders, sort their contents by date and delete only the most recent entries. As always, if you are not sure about something, write to us in the comment section.

7: MegaCortex Decryption

The previous steps were all aimed at removing the MegaCortex Ransomware from your PC. However, in order to regain access to your files, you will also need to decrypt them or restore them. For that, we have a separate article with detailed instructions on what you have to do in order to unlock your data. Here is a link to that guide.