Do you know what Math Ransomware is?
Math Ransomware encrypts personal files and displays a message written in Italian, which is why it is believed that the malware is targeted at Italian-speaking users. Also, our computer security specialists tell us that the threat’s warning should ask to pay ransom. In exchange for paying, the malicious applications creators promise that all the encrypted files will be unlocked. Cybercriminals also threaten to erase files permanently if victims do not comply. Even so, we advise not to rush and consider your options clearly. Thus, whether you found this threat on your computer or want to ensure that it does not get in, we recommend reading our full article. If you want to learn how to delete Math Ransomware, you might want to have a look at our removal guide too; you can find it below this article.
It looks like Math Ransomware belongs to the Jigsaw Ransomware family as it has many similarities with such threats. For instance, the malicious application tricks victims into launching it unknowingly by masquerading as a document. To be more precise, our researchers say that the malware’s installer should have an icon of a PDF file. Therefore, it might not seem harmful just by looking at it, which is why we highly recommend scanning all data that comes from unreliable or unknown sources with a legitimate antimalware tool.
Usually, threats like Math Ransomware are spread through spam emails. Consequently, it is highly advisable not to open attachments if they are sent by someone you do not know. Also, users should especially watch out for files that come with messages saying that it is important to open them right away. In general, messages rushing you to click or open something should raise a red flag. In such cases, it is best to check the sender’s email address because it could be forged. What’s more, the malicious application could also be spread through file-sharing websites, so if you want to protect your system, you should download software only from legitimate sources. Plus, it is safer to let your device download updates automatically as you could end up on malicious websites while looking for the needed updates.
Math Ransomware screenshot
Scroll down for full removal instructions
What happens if Math Ransomware slips in? According to our researchers, the malicious application should first settle in by creating files mentioned in our removal guide. Next, the threat ought to locate and encrypt various personal files, for example, pictures, documents, and so on. All files that get locked ought to receive a second extension called .math, so a file titled roses.jpg would become roses.jpg.math if it gets enciphered. Finally, Math Ransomware should open a window containing a ransom note. Through it, the malware’s creators ought to threaten to delete enrypted files if victims do not pay ransom.
The truth is that you might be able to decrypt files locked by Math Ransomware free of charge with the decryption tool that was created by cybersecurity experts for Jigsaw Ransomware. Thus, if you do not want to pay ransom, you may want to try the mentioned tool. On the other hand, we do not advise dealing with hackers even if you cannot get your files decrypted or restore them from backup because cybercriminals cannot be trusted and might scam you. Lastly, if you do not want the malicious application to auto start with your system every time that you turn your computer on, we recommend deleting Jigsaw Ransomware with the removal guide available below or your chosen antimalware tool.
Delete Math Ransomware
- Press Ctrl+Alt+Delete.
- Choose Task Manager and click the Processes tab.
- Find a process belonging to the malware, select it and press End Task.
- Close Task Manager.
- Press Windows key+E.
- Go to your Desktop, Temporary Files, and Downloads directories.
- Find the file launched before the threat infected the computer, right-click this suspicious file, and click Delete.
- Navigate to: %LOCALAPPDATA%
- Search for the threat's created folder called Drpbx that ought to contain a file titled drpbx.exe.
- Right-click the malware’s folder (Drpbx) and select Delete.
- Find this location: %APPDATA%
- Locate the threat's created folder called Frfx that ought to contain a file named firefox.exe.
- Right-click the malware’s folder (Frfx) and select Delete.
- Check this directory: %APPDATA%\System32Work
- Find files called Address.txt, dr, and EncryptedFileList.txt.
- Right-click the listed files (Address.txt, dr, EncryptedFileList.txt) and press Delete.
- Close File Explorer.
- Click Windows key+R.
- Type regedit and press Enter.
- Find the following path: HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
- Search for a value name belonging to the malicious application, for example, firefox.exe.
- Right-click the malicious value name and press Delete.
- Close Registry Editor.
- Empty Recycle Bin.
- Reboot the system.
In non-techie terms:
Math Ransomware belongs to the Jigsaw Ransomware family. Malicious applications that belong to it are known for punishing their victims by deleting their files. In this case, the malware claims that at first, it will erase only a couple of hundreds of files and later thousands of them if a user does not pay ransom. Naturally, if you are not planning on paying the ransom to decrypt your files, it should not matter if the threat deletes them as encrypted data is unusable. We advise not to pay ransom not only because there are no guarantees that your files will be decrypted but also because it might be possible to decrypt them free of charge if you use a decryption tool that was created by cybersecurity specialists to restore files affected by Jigsaw Ransomware. Of course, if you decide not to pay ransom, there is no point in keeping the malicious application on your system. We advise deleting Math Ransomware with the removal guide placed above or a reputable antimalware tool.