Remove Moscovium Ransomware

Moscovium is a ransomware-type cyber threat that infiltrates computer systems to encrypt valuable data and extort victims for a decryption fee. Once inside a system, it changes the structure of users’ files and appends the “.m0sC0v1um” extension, rendering the data inaccessible. Victims will immediately notice this modification—files like photo.jpg will become photo.jpg.m0sC0v1um, effectively locking the data until the ransom is paid.

Threat Summary

Attribute	Details
Name	Moscovium Ransomware
Threat Type	Ransomware, Crypto Virus, File Locker
Encrypted File Extension	.m0sC0v1um
Ransom Note File	!!!_DECRYPT_INSTRUCTIONS_!!!.txt
Ransom Amount	0.1 BTC (~$8,000 USD)
Contact Email	m0sc0v1um@tutanota.com
Bitcoin Wallet	bc1qxy2kgdygjrsqtzq2n0yrf249ndw0w2u5gq4p4g
Detection Names	Avast (FileRepMalware [Inf]), Combo Cleaner (Trojan.GenericKD.75733035), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of MSIL/Filecoder.BII), Kaspersky (HEUR:Trojan-Ransom.MSIL.Encoder.gen), Microsoft (Ransom:Win32/Genasom)
Symptoms	Files have a different extension (.m0sC0v1um), cannot be opened, ransom note appears, full-screen message displayed
Damage	Permanent file encryption, data loss risk, potential trojan installations
Distribution Methods	Infected email attachments, malicious ads, cracked software, fake updates, torrent sites, drive-by downloads
Danger Level	High

What Does Moscovium Ransomware?

This ransomware displays a full-screen warning once the encryption is completed and places a ransom note titled “!!!DECRYPT_INSTRUCTIONS!!!.txt” on the desktop. The message contains strict instructions and a ransom demand of 0.1 BTC, which at current rates equals over $8,000 USD. The attackers warn users against attempting to decrypt files on their own and provide an email address for contact after payment: m0sc0v1um@tutanota.com.

Below is the exact message displayed in the text file:

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!!!DECRYPT_INSTRUCTIONS!!!.txt

== YOUR FILES ARE ENCRYPTED ==
Send 0.1 BTC to: bc1qxy2kgdygjrsqtzq2n0yrf249ndw0w2u5gq4p4g  
Email proof to: m0sc0v1um@tutanota.com  
== DO NOT ATTEMPT DECRYPTION YOURSELF ==

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Unfortunately, there is no known free decryptor for Moscovium at the moment. Cybersecurity researchers advise against paying the ransom because there is no guarantee that the attackers will provide the decryption key even after receiving payment. In addition, financing these operations enables the continuation of criminal activity.

Understanding the Threat

Moscovium operates similarly to other ransomware strains such as Mamona, Data, and VanHelsing. The core functionality remains the same: encrypt files using robust cryptographic algorithms and extort victims for decryption. These attacks often come bundled with other malware, increasing the risk of further data theft, spyware infections, or credential-stealing trojans.

This ransomware typically spreads through phishing emails with infected attachments, compromised websites, pirated software, and social engineering tactics. Once activated, it executes a payload that begins the encryption process, locks files, and disables user access to critical data.

Because Moscovium ransomware encrypts files using methods that are currently irreversible without the private decryption key, having offline and remote backups is the only effective recovery method. Removing the ransomware stops further file damage but cannot restore encrypted files.

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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.