Do you know what MongoLock Ransomware is?
MongoLock Ransomware is a malicious application that is targeted at MongoDB databases’ users. It would seem the malware deletes files from a user’s database upon entering a system. Then, the threat is supposed to show a ransom note claiming the hackers downloaded the deleted database and can restore erased files if a user pays 0.1 BTC. It said that victims could get their data back as soon as they email the malware’s developers proof of their payment. However, we do not recommend rushing into anything before you consider all the options. To do this, you should learn more about the malicious application, which is why we advise reading our full report. Also, if you decide to erase MongoLock Ransomware, you could use our provided removal guide that is available at the end of this article.
It was discovered that MongoLock Ransomware enters targeted systems through unprotected MongoDB databases. Researchers say that such databases can be protected if users disable remote access to them as well as enable authentication requirement, which ensures that all clients and servers submit valid credential information. Therefore, if your database can be accessed remotely and does not require authentication before connecting to it, we recommend taking care of these weaknesses as soon as possible.
After getting in MongoLock Ransomware should run a script, which ought to copy files located on a targeted database. If all goes well, a victim’s data should then be uploaded to the malicious application’s server. The next threat’s move is erasing copied files from the targeted database. What you should know is that there is a possibility that something could go wrong and the malware may not back up your files or might fail to delete them. Thus, it is best to check your database first and see if MongoLock Ransomware erased your data or not. The last thing it ought to do is show a ransom note, which ought to be dropped in various folders located on C:\Users\admin. The text document carrying the ransom note ought to be called Warning.txt, and inside of it victims should see a short message.
MongoLock Ransomware screenshot
Scroll down for full removal instructions
According to the ransom note, all files were backed up and the erased, so it is possible to restore them. Of course, in exchange for their help, the malicious application’s developers wish to receive a payment. As we mentioned, there are no guarantees the malware’s developers successfully backed victim’s files before deleting them. Also, you cannot be one hundred percent sure they will bother restoring your data. What we mean to say is paying a ransom could be disastrous. If you do not want to take any chances, we advise deleting MongoLock Ransomware and restoring files from your own backups if you have any. To eliminate the threat, you could use the instructions placed below or a reputable antimalware tool of your choice.
Eliminate MongoLock Ransomware
- Press Ctrl+Alt+Delete.
- Pick Task Manager and check the Processes tab.
- Locate a process belonging to the malware.
- Choose the process and click End Task.
- Exit Task Manager.
- Click Windows Key+E.
- Navigate to the suggested paths:
%TEMP%
%USERPROFILE%Desktop
%USERPROFILE%Downloads - Find suspicious files opened before the device got infected, right-click malicious files, and select Delete.
- Check these locations:
C:\Users\admin\Documents
C:\Users\admin\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Recent
C:\Users\admin\Favorites
C:\Users\admin\Music
C:\Users\admin\Videos
C:\Users\admin\Desktop - Locate text documents called Warning.txt, right-click them, and select Delete.
- Exit File Explorer.
- Empty Recycle bin.
- Restart the computer.
In non-techie terms:
MongoLock Ransomware is a threat that makes a backup of a victim’s files and then deletes original data. After doing so, it should display a ransom note asking to pay for restoring erased files. The price for getting one’s files is 0.1 BTC, which is currently almost one thousand US dollars. While it may not be an enormous sum, it is not particularly small either. What’s even worse is that there are no guarantees the hackers have the copies they claim they backed up, and if such copies exist, you cannot be certain the cybercriminals will bother to deliver them. Naturally, users who have a backup of their own can erase the malware and get their backup copies. To learn how to delete the threat manually, you could follow the removal guide available above this paragraph. It can be also be erased with a reputable antimalware tool of your choice.