Mania Crypter Ransomware: Understanding and Removing the Threat

Mania Crypter is a dangerous ransomware variant based on the infamous LockBit Black. This malware encrypts files, appends a random extension to them, changes the desktop wallpaper, and delivers a ransom note demanding payment in Bitcoin. Victims of Mania Crypter face the loss of critical data, as well as threats of data exposure if payment is not made.

---

Threat Summary

Attribute	Details
Name	Mania Crypter Ransomware
Threat Type	Ransomware, Crypto Virus, File Locker
Encrypted File Extension	Random characters (e.g., .utZMwPnzM)
Ransom Note File Name	[random_string].README.txt
Ransom Amount	$300 in Bitcoin
BTC Wallet	bc1qgngtzxgt3vcgx7andfl2temn3vt4unf5lmcqkj
Associated Emails/Contact	Discord: ballets4
Detection Names	Avast (Win32:RansomX-gen [Ransom]), Combo Cleaner (Trojan.GenericKDZ.107474), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of Win32/Filecoder.BlackMatter.M), Kaspersky (UDS:Trojan-Ransom.Win32.Generic), Microsoft (Ransom:Win32/Lockbit.HA!MTB)
Symptoms of Infection	Inaccessible files with new extensions, ransom note displayed, desktop wallpaper changes.
Damage	File encryption, potential data theft, further malware infections.
Distribution Methods	Malicious email attachments, torrent websites, malicious ads, compromised software.
Danger Level	Severe

---

Details of the Threat

File Encryption and Naming:
Mania Crypter encrypts files on the victim’s system and appends a random extension. For example, a file named 1.jpg is renamed to 1.jpg.utZMwPnzM after encryption.

Ransom Note Overview:
The ransom note, titled [random_string].README.txt, informs victims that their files have been stolen and encrypted. It demands $300 worth of Bitcoin to the wallet bc1qgngtzxgt3vcgx7andfl2temn3vt4unf5lmcqkj. The note warns against attempting manual decryption or renaming files, as this could result in permanent corruption. Additionally, it threatens to publish stolen data if payment is not made within three days.

Ransomware Capabilities:
Based on LockBit Black, Mania Crypter is highly sophisticated and can:

• Encrypt all user files.
• Change the desktop wallpaper to display its message.
• Install additional malware, such as password stealers.

Distribution Methods:
Mania Crypter spreads through:

• Malicious email attachments with macros.
• Torrents and cracked software.
• Malicious advertisements and compromised websites.
• Exploitation of unpatched software vulnerabilities.

Damage Potential:
Victims lose access to their files, and there is a significant risk of sensitive data exposure. Businesses may face operational disruption, reputational damage, and financial loss.

---

Removing Mania Crypter

Follow this comprehensive guide to remove Mania Crypter ransomware from your system:

1. Disconnect from the Internet: Immediately disconnect your device to prevent further data theft or malware communication with its server.
2. Boot into Safe Mode:
   • Restart your computer.
   • Press F8 (or the appropriate key) during startup to enter the Advanced Boot Options menu.
   • Select Safe Mode with Networking and press Enter.
3. Download and Install SpyHunter:
   • Use a separate, uninfected device to download SpyHunter.
   • Transfer the installation file to the infected computer using a USB drive.
   • Install and launch SpyHunter.
4. Run a Full System Scan:
   • Open SpyHunter and select Scan Computer Now.
   • Wait for the scan to detect all ransomware-related files and threats.
5. Remove Detected Threats: After the scan, review the results and select Fix Threats to remove the ransomware and associated malware.
6. Restore Files from Backup (if available): Use an external or cloud-based backup to restore encrypted files.

---

Preventive Measures

1. Regular Backups: Ensure that critical files are backed up to an external drive or cloud storage. Test the backups periodically.
2. Update Software: Regularly update your operating system, antivirus software, and all applications to patch vulnerabilities.
3. Exercise Caution with Emails: Avoid opening suspicious email attachments or clicking on unknown links. Be wary of emails with urgent or threatening language.
4. Avoid Unreliable Sources: Do not download software, media, or files from untrusted websites, torrents, or P2P networks.
5. Enable Antivirus Protection: Use a reputable antivirus tool, such as SpyHunter, and ensure real-time protection is enabled.
6. Educate Yourself and Employees: Stay informed about the latest ransomware trends and educate employees on recognizing phishing attempts.
7. Use Strong Passwords: Implement strong, unique passwords for all accounts and enable multi-factor authentication wherever possible.

Ransom note

Text in the ransom note:

MANIACRYPT

hat Happened?

All your important files have been stolen and encrypted and only WE can decrypt your files
but if you do not pay we will remove your unique decryption software and publish your data to the public.

How do i pay?

Send 300$ worth of BTC to the following wallet, then contact us on discord using the username: ballets4
we will give you the decryption software after the payment has been confirmed and delete the data we stole.

Bitcoin wallet: bc1qgngtzxgt3vcgx7andfl2temn3vt4unf5lmcqkj

How can i trust you?

Because nobody will trust us if we cheat users and whats the point of not giving you
the decryption software.

DO NOT try to decrypt your files yourself as this may cause a permanent file corruption.
DO NOT rename any file as this may also cause a file corruption.

You only have 3 days to pay, if you did not contact us or pay us in these 3 days we will release
your data to the public and remove your unique decryption software.