Remove Mamona Ransomware (HAes)

Mamona ransomware is a malicious file-encrypting virus that locks users’ data and demands a ransom for decryption. This ransomware appends the “.HAes” extension to affected files, making them inaccessible. Once the encryption process is complete, Mamona alters the victim’s desktop wallpaper and drops a ransom note titled “README.HAes.txt.”

Mamona Ransomware Threat Overview

Feature	Details
Threat Name	Mamona Ransomware
Alias	HAes
Threat Type	Ransomware, Crypto Virus, File Locker
Encrypted File Extension	.HAes
Ransom Note File Name	README.HAes.txt
Associated Email Address	Not specified
Detection Names	Avast (FileRepMalware [Misc]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Trojan.Heur3.LPT.lyW@aittNXfab), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of Generik.CHLVRGT), Kaspersky (UDS:Trojan-Ransom.Win32.Encoder.gen), Microsoft (Trojan:Win32/Wacatac.B!ml)
Symptoms of Infection	Files renamed with “.HAes” extension, ransom note on desktop, altered wallpaper, inability to access encrypted files
Damage	Encryption of all files, potential data exfiltration, risk of data leaks, financial and reputational damage
Distribution Methods	Phishing emails, infected attachments (ZIP, RAR, PDFs, OneNote files), drive-by downloads, malvertising, torrent sites, malicious updates, fake software cracks
Danger Level	Critical

The ransom note threatens victims, claiming that their sensitive data has been stolen and encrypted. If the ransom is not paid, the attackers will leak the stolen information and may continue targeting the affected company. The message also warns against seeking help from law enforcement or third-party recovery services, emphasizing that decryption without the attackers’ tool is impossible.

Ransom Note Content

Text from “README.HAes.txt”:

~~Mamona, R.I.P!~~

Welcome!

Visit our blog --> -
Chat ---> -
Password --->

As you may have noticed by now, all of your files were encrypted & stolen.
-----------------
[What happened?]
-> We have stolen a significant amount of your important files from your network and stored them on our servers.
-> Additionally, all files are encrypted, making them inaccessible without our decryption tool.

[What can you do?]
--> You have two options:
--> 1. Pay us for the decryption tool, and:
--> - You can decrypt all your files.
--> - Stolen data will be deleted from our servers.
--> - You will receive a report detailing how we accessed your network and security recommendations.
--> - We will stop targeting your company.
--> 2. Refuse to pay and:
--> - Your stolen data will be published publicly.
--> - Your files will remain locked.
--> - Your reputation will be damaged, and you may face legal and financial consequences.
--> - We may continue targeting your company.

[Warnings]
--> Do not alter your files in any way. If you do, the decryption tool will not work, and you will lose access permanently.
--> Do not contact law enforcement. If you do, your data will be exposed immediately.
--> Do not hire a recovery company. Decrypting these files without our tool is impossible. Each file is encrypted with a unique key, and you need our tool to decrypt them.

Manual Ransomware Removal Guide

Warning: Manual removal is complex and risky. If not done correctly, it can lead to data loss or incomplete removal of ransomware. Only follow this method if you are an advanced user. If unsure, proceed with Method 2 (SpyHunter Removal Guide).

Step 1: Disconnect from the Internet

1. Unplug your Ethernet cable or disconnect Wi-Fi immediately to prevent further communication with the ransomware’s command and control (C2) servers.

Step 2: Boot into Safe Mode

For Windows Users:

1. For Windows 10, 11:
   • Press Windows + R, type msconfig, and hit Enter.
   • Go to the Boot tab.
   • Check Safe boot and select Network.
   • Click Apply and OK, then restart your PC.
2. For Windows 7, 8:
   • Restart your PC and press F8 repeatedly before Windows loads.
   • Select Safe Mode with Networking and press Enter.

For Mac Users:

1. Restart your Mac and immediately press and hold the Shift key.
2. Release the key once you see the Apple logo.
3. Your Mac will start in Safe Mode.

Step 3: Locate and Terminate Malicious Processes

For Windows Users:

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
2. Look for suspicious processes (e.g., unknown names, high CPU usage, or random letters).
3. Right-click on the process and select End Task.

For Mac Users:

1. Open Activity Monitor (Finder > Applications > Utilities > Activity Monitor).
2. Look for unusual processes.
3. Select the process and click Force Quit.

Step 4: Delete Malicious Files

For Windows Users:

1. Press Windows + R, type %temp%, and hit Enter.
2. Delete all files in the Temp folder.
3. Navigate to:
   • C:\Users\[Your Username]\AppData\Roaming
   • C:\Users\[Your Username]\AppData\Local
   • C:\Windows\System32
4. Look for suspicious files related to the ransomware (random file names, recently modified) and delete them.

For Mac Users:

1. Open Finder and go to Go > Go to Folder.
2. Type ~/Library/Application Support and delete suspicious folders.
3. Navigate to ~/Library/LaunchAgents and remove unknown .plist files.

Step 5: Remove Ransomware from Registry or System Settings

For Windows Users:

Warning: Incorrect changes in the Registry Editor can damage your system. Proceed with caution.

1. Press Windows + R, type regedit, and hit Enter.
2. Navigate to:
   • HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software
   • HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software
3. Look for unfamiliar folders with random characters or ransomware-related names.
4. Right-click and select Delete.

For Mac Users:

1. Go to System Preferences > Users & Groups.
2. Click on Login Items and remove any suspicious startup items.
3. Navigate to ~/Library/Preferences and remove malicious .plist files.

Step 6: Restore System Using System Restore (Windows) or Time Machine (Mac)

For Windows Users:

1. Press Windows + R, type rstrui, and hit Enter.
2. Click Next, choose a restore point before the infection, and follow the prompts to restore your system.

For Mac Users:

1. Restart your Mac and hold Command + R to enter macOS Utilities.
2. Select Restore from Time Machine Backup.
3. Choose a backup prior to the ransomware infection and restore your system.

Step 7: Use a Decryption Tool (If Available)

• Visit No More Ransom (www.nomoreransom.org) and check if a decryption tool is available for your ransomware variant.

Step 8: Recover Files Using Backup

• If you have backups on an external drive or cloud storage, restore your files.

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Automatic Ransomware Removal Using SpyHunter

If manual removal seems too risky or complicated, using a reliable anti-malware tool like SpyHunter is the best alternative.

Step 1: Download SpyHunter

Download SpyHunter from the official link: Download SpyHunter

Or follow the official installation instructions here:
SpyHunter Download Instructions

Step 2: Install SpyHunter

1. Open the downloaded file (SpyHunter-Installer.exe).
2. Follow the on-screen prompts to install the program.
3. Once installed, launch SpyHunter.

Step 3: Perform a Full System Scan

1. Click on Start Scan Now.
2. SpyHunter will scan for ransomware and other malware.
3. Wait for the scan to complete.

Step 4: Remove Detected Threats

1. After the scan, SpyHunter will list all detected threats.
2. Click Fix Threats to remove the ransomware.

Step 5: Use SpyHunter’s Malware HelpDesk (If Needed)

If you are dealing with a stubborn ransomware variant, SpyHunter’s Malware HelpDesk provides custom fixes to remove advanced threats.

Step 6: Restore Your Files

If your files are encrypted:

• Try No More Ransom (www.nomoreransom.org) for decryption tools.
• Restore from cloud storage or external backups.

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Preventing Future Ransomware Attacks

• Keep backups on an external hard drive or cloud storage.
• Use SpyHunter to detect threats before they infect your system.
• Enable Windows Defender or a trusted antivirus program.
• Avoid suspicious emails, attachments, and links.
• Update Windows, macOS & software regularly.