My Decryptor [Magniber] ransomware removal: .ihsdj and .kgpvwnr virus files recovery

This guide provides details of the new Magniber ransomware, including its ties to Cerber, specificity of the attack chain and the scope of damage it causes.

As opposed to junk ransomware samples popping up literally every single day, the Magniber strain is a much more serious wakeup call, and here is why. This blackmail infection is quite likely a successor of Cerber, a cyber culprit that has been dominating the extortion underground for many months on end. The hallmarks these two share include distribution vectors as well as an almost identical design of the ransom payment Tor page. By the way, the newcomer is codenamed this way because it is making the rounds via the Magnitude exploit kit and resembles Cerber as mentioned.

There are quite a few differences, though. The sample in question currently checks whether South Korean language pack is used on contaminated computers from the get-go. If the response is positive, the attack continues, otherwise it terminates. However, this is most likely an indicator or a test run that will shortly morph into worldwide propagation.

At the early stage of the compromise, Magniber generates a victim-specific ID consisting of 19 hexadecimal characters. Then, it performs a scan for data to encrypt. It goes with a hardcoded list of hundreds of file formats. While scouring hard drive partitions, removable media and network drives, it looks for items that match data types on this list. In order to reduce the duration of this routine and make sure the system runs smooth throughout the incursion, the ransomware ignores data residing in such paths as Windows, Program Files, Documents and Settings, Recycle Bin, and AppData. Once an arbitrary important file is found, Magniber encrypts it using symmetric AES cipher.

While keeping filenames proper intact, it appends a specific extension token to each one. At the time of this writing, the affixed extensions include .kgpvwnr and .ihsdj. So a file named Sheet.xlsx becomes Sheet.xlsx.ihsdj or similar. Predictably enough, it is impossible to open or otherwise access these skewed items due to the professional implementation of the crypto. One more component of the blackmail aftermath is the onset of ransom notes on the infected machine, namely inside encrypted folders and on the desktop. Two editions of these how-to’s have been spotted thus far: READ_ME_FOR_DECRYPT_[victim ID].txt and _HOW_TO_DECYPT_MY_FILES_[victim ID].txt. While the name may be different, the content is the same. The warning part is as follows, “All y0ur d0cuments, photos, databases and other imp0rtant files have been encrypted!”

The rescue notes instruct the plagued user to download Tor browser, open their personal page in it and follow the steps provided therein. Unlike Cerber’s Tor payment service called “Cerber Decryptor”, Magniber uses one called “MY DECRYPTOR”. Another difference is that the first part of the URL matches the victim’s ID mentioned above – this hasn’t been the case before. Other than that, the wording is pretty much a replica of the prototype. The page tries to upsell what’s called “special software” that will supposedly decrypt all hostage files. The ransom is payable in Bitcoin. Its size is 0.200 BTC, which is currently worth about $1,140. As before, the crooks pressure users into fitting in a 5-day deadline with their payment. When this period expires, the ransom doubles and amounts to 0.400 BTC. A countdown clock script keeps the victim informed of how much time they have left.

To recap, Magniber is potentially a new crypto ransomware heavyweight out there. Just like in the average blackmail scenario, it is not recommended to submit the ransom no matter how valuable the encrypted data is, because cybercriminals are hardly ever trustworthy. Chances are crypto analysts will create a free decryptor for this ransom Trojan in the future. Meanwhile, start the recovery process by following the instructions below. It is not known at this point whether the Magniber ransomware deletes Shadow Copies of files successfully, so this particular restoration vector may be particularly helpful.

Magniber ransomware automated removal and data recovery

When faced with ransomware like Magniber, one of the best shortcuts in terms of removal is to use Combo Cleaner, a lightweight and incredibly effective application with PC security and optimization features under the hood. It detects and thoroughly deletes threats while giving you insights into the overall health of your computer.

This program’s protection power spans modules that forestall all known types of malware, including ransomware and browser hijackers, and take your online security to the next level by blocking phishing sites and other suspicious web pages. Follow these simple steps to eliminate the infection for good:

1. Download Combo Cleaner installer.

Download Magniber remover

^{Combo Cleaner scans your PC with no strings attached, but you’ll have to buy its fully functional version to remove the threats it detects. The disk optimization tools that find large files and duplicates are free to use.}

2. Open the CCSetup.exe file to get started. Several subsequent screens will allow you to make initial customizations so that the program works exactly as you need from the get-go.

3. The installation will be followed by an update of malware signatures. Once this process is through, click the Start Scan button in the left-hand sidebar.

4. Combo Cleaner will then check system locations that are most often polluted by Windows malware. The first scan can take a while to finish.

5. Combo Cleaner will display a system tray notification as soon as the scan is over. Click the Resolve found threats button to view the results.

6. The scan summary shows the names and types of the detected threats as well as their statuses and locations. Click the Remove all threats button and follow further on-screen prompts to get rid of these items.

Data recovery toolkit to the rescue

Some strains of ransomware are known to delete the original files after the encryption routine has been completed. As hostile as this activity appears, it can play into your hands. There are applications designed to revive the information that was obliterated because of malfunctioning hardware or due to accidental removal. The tool called Stellar Data Recovery features this type of a capability and therefore it can be applied in ransom attack scenarios to at least get the most important files back. So use the app to get an idea of what data can be restored and let it do the recovery job. Here is a step-by-step walkthrough:

1. Download and install Stellar Data Recovery.

Download Stellar Data Recovery

2. Open the application, select the types of recoverable files to look for, and click Next.

3. Choose the areas you want the tool to recover from and click the Scan button.

4. Having scanned the specified locations, the program will display a notification about the total amount of recoverable data. Close the dialog and click the Recover button. This will hopefully help you get some of your valuable files back.

Magniber ransomware manual removal and file recovery

Some ransomware strains terminate themselves after completing the encryption job on a computer, but some don’t. Furthermore, the Magniber virus may prevent victims from using popular antimalware tools in order to stay on board for as long as possible. Under the circumstances, it may be necessary to utilize the Safe Mode with Networking or System Restore functionality.

Be advised that even after the ransomware is removed, files will still be encrypted and inaccessible. The malicious code cleanup part, however, is important because it keeps a relapse of the infection from occurring further on and eliminates all opportunistic malware.

Ways of non-ransom recovery of Magniber-encrypted files

Cracking the crypto used by this ransom Trojan is more of a science fiction thing rather than an attainable prospect for the masses. This is why the troubleshooting in predicaments of this sort is a matter of two approaches: one is to pay the ransom, which isn’t an option for many victims; and the other is to apply instruments that take advantage of the ransomware’s possible weaknesses. If the latter is your pick, the advice below is a must-try.

Ransomware Prevention Tips

To avoid Magniber ransomware and other file-encrypting infections in the future, follow several simple recommendations:

These techniques are certainly not a cure-all, but they will add an extra layer of ransomware protection to your security setup.

Revise your security status

Post-factum assessment of the accuracy component in malware removal scenarios is a great habit that prevents the comeback of harmful code or replication of its unattended fractions. Make sure you are good to go by running an additional safety checkup. Another benefit of using the antimalware tool is that it will keep ransomware threats from intruding on your computer further on.

Download Magniber removal tool