MINOTAUR Ransomware
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What is MINOTAUR?
MINOTAUR is another ransomware-type virus discovered by malware security researcher, Brad. After successful infiltration, MINOTAUR encrypts most stored data (thereby making it unusable) and appends filenames with the ".Lock" extension. As well as file encryption, MINOTAUR generates a text file ("How_To_Decrypt_Files.txt") and places a copy in every existing folder.
As usual, the new text file contains a message informing users of the encryption and encouraging them to pay a ransom in exchange for decryption of their files. Victims who are willing to pay must contact MINOTAUR's developers via an email address provided.
No information regarding encryption is provided and, thus, it is currently unknown whether MINOTAUR uses symmetric or asymmetric cryptography. In any case, a unique decryption key is necessary to restore data. Cyber criminals hide all keys on a remote server, and users are encouraged to pay a ransom for their release.
The cost of decryption key is .125 Bitcoin (currently equivalent to ~$800). Regardless of the cost, do not pay. Research shows that in most cases cyber criminals ignore victims, once payments are submitted. Therefore, paying is very likely to deliver no positive results and you will probably be scammed.
Therefore, we strongly advise you to ignore all requests to submit payments or even contact these people. Unfortunately, there are no tools capable of cracking MINOTAUR encryption and restoring data free of charge. You can only restore everything from a backup.
Screenshot of a message encouraging users to pay a ransom to decrypt their compromised data:
MINOTAUR is virtually identical to dozens of other ransomware-type viruses, including GANDCRAB V5.0.3, Waifu, Garrantydecrypt, and Koolova. Although these viruses are developed by different cyber criminals, their behavior is identical - all lock files and demand ransom payments.
In most cases, cost of decryption and type of encryption algorithm used are the only major differences. Most employ algorithms that generate unique keys. Therefore, unless the virus is not fully developed or has certain bugs/flaws, restoring data manually (without developers' involvement) is impossible.
Ransomware presents a strong case for maintaining regular data backups, however, remember to restore them on a remote server (e.g., cloud) or an unplugged storage device. If not, viruses encrypt backup files together with regular data.
How did ransomware infect my computer?
Cyber criminals proliferate MINOTAUR using 'malvertising' - malicious advertisements that, once clicked, infect computers with viruses (in this case, MINOTAUR ransomware). This is quite an unusual distribution method, since most ransomware is distributed using spam email campaigns, trojans, fake software updaters, and third party software download sources.
Spam campaigns deliver malicious attachments that, once opened, download and install malware. Trojans cause chain infections - one virus proliferates another. Fake update tools infect computers by exploiting bugs/flaws of old applications or downloading and installing viruses rather than the promised updates.
Third party software download sources (free file hosting websites, freeware download websites, etc.) present malware as legitimate software and, therefore, users are tricked into downloading and installing viruses. Essentially, the main reasons for computer infections are poor knowledge and careless behavior.
| Name | MINOTAUR virus |
| Threat Type | Ransomware, Crypto Virus, Files locker |
| Symptoms | Can't open files stored on your computer, previously functional files now have a different extension, for example my.docx.locked. A ransom demanding message is displayed on your desktop. Cyber criminals are asking to pay a ransom (usually in bitcoins) to unlock your files. |
| Distribution methods | Infected email attachments (macros), torrent websites, malicious ads. |
| Damage | All files are encrypted and cannot be opened without paying a ransom. Additional password stealing trojans and malware infections can be installed together with a ransomware infection. |
| Malware Removal (Windows) | To eliminate possible malware infections, scan your computer with legitimate antivirus software. Our security researchers recommend using Combo Cleaner. |
How to protect yourself from ransomware infections?
Lack of knowledge and careless behavior are the main reasons for computer infections. The key to safety is caution. Therefore, pay attention when browsing the internet and downloading/installing software. Think twice before opening email attachments. Files that seem irrelevant and those received from suspicious/unrecognizable email addresses should never be opened.
In addition, download apps from official sources only, using direct download links. Third party downloaders/installers often include rogue apps, and thus these tools should never be used. Furthermore, keep installed applications up-to-date. To achieve this, however, use implemented functions or tools provided by the official developer.
Having a reputable anti-virus/anti-spyware suite installed and running at all times is also essential. If your computer is already infected with MINOTAUR, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate this ransomware.
Text presented in MINOTAUR ransomware text file ("How_To_Decrypt_Files.txt"):
(KEY) : -
(EMAIL) : minotaur@420blaze.it
ALL YOUR FILES ARE ENCRYPTED BY (MINOTAUR) RANSOMWARE!
FOR DECRYPT YOUR FILES NEED TO PAY US A (0.125 BTC)!
SEND YOUR (KEY) TO OUR E-MAIL FOR SUPPORT!
Screenshot of files encrypted by MINOTAUR (".Lock" extension):
MINOTAUR ransomware removal:
Instant automatic malware removal:
Manual threat removal might be a lengthy and complicated process that requires advanced IT skills. Combo Cleaner is a professional automatic malware removal tool that is recommended to get rid of malware. Download it by clicking the button below:
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Quick menu:
- What is MINOTAUR?
- STEP 1. MINOTAUR virus removal using safe mode with networking.
- STEP 2. MINOTAUR ransomware removal using System Restore.
Step 1
Windows XP and Windows 7 users: Start your computer in Safe Mode. Click Start, click Shut Down, click Restart, click OK. During your computer start process, press the F8 key on your keyboard multiple times until you see the Windows Advanced Option menu, and then select Safe Mode with Networking from the list.
Video showing how to start Windows 7 in "Safe Mode with Networking":
Windows 8 users: Start Windows 8 is Safe Mode with Networking - Go to Windows 8 Start Screen, type Advanced, in the search results select Settings. Click Advanced startup options, in the opened "General PC Settings" window, select Advanced startup. Click the "Restart now" button. Your computer will now restart into the "Advanced Startup options menu".
Click the "Troubleshoot" button, and then click the "Advanced options" button. In the advanced option screen, click "Startup settings". Click the "Restart" button. Your PC will restart into the Startup Settings screen. Press F5 to boot in Safe Mode with Networking.
Video showing how to start Windows 8 in "Safe Mode with Networking":
Windows 10 users: Click the Windows logo and select the Power icon. In the opened menu click "Restart" while holding "Shift" button on your keyboard. In the "choose an option" window click on the "Troubleshoot", next select "Advanced options". In the advanced options menu select "Startup Settings" and click on the "Restart" button.
In the following window you should click the "F5" button on your keyboard. This will restart your operating system in safe mode with networking.
Video showing how to start Windows 10 in "Safe Mode with Networking":
Step 2
Log in to the account infected with the MINOTAUR virus. Start your Internet browser and download a legitimate anti-spyware program. Update the anti-spyware software and start a full system scan. Remove all entries detected.
If you cannot start your computer in Safe Mode with Networking, try performing a System Restore.
Video showing how to remove ransomware virus using "Safe Mode with Command Prompt" and "System Restore":
1. During your computer start process, press the F8 key on your keyboard multiple times until the Windows Advanced Options menu appears, and then select Safe Mode with Command Prompt from the list and press ENTER.
2. When Command Prompt mode loads, enter the following line: cd restore and press ENTER.
3. Next, type this line: rstrui.exe and press ENTER.
4. In the opened window, click "Next".
5. Select one of the available Restore Points and click "Next" (this will restore your computer system to an earlier time and date, prior to the MINOTAUR ransomware virus infiltrating your PC).
6. In the opened window, click "Yes".
7. After restoring your computer to a previous date, download and scan your PC with recommended malware removal software to eliminate any remaining MINOTAUR ransomware files.
To restore individual files encrypted by this ransomware, try using Windows Previous Versions feature. This method is only effective if the System Restore function was enabled on an infected operating system. Note that some variants of MINOTAUR are known to remove Shadow Volume Copies of the files, so this method may not work on all computers.
To restore a file, right-click over it, go into Properties, and select the Previous Versions tab. If the relevant file has a Restore Point, select it and click the "Restore" button.
If you cannot start your computer in Safe Mode with Networking (or with Command Prompt), boot your computer using a rescue disk. Some variants of ransomware disable Safe Mode making its removal complicated. For this step, you require access to another computer.
To regain control of the files encrypted by MINOTAUR, you can also try using a program called Shadow Explorer. More information on how to use this program is available here.
To protect your computer from file encryption ransomware such as this, use reputable antivirus and anti-spyware programs. As an extra protection method, you can use programs called HitmanPro.Alert and EasySync CryptoMonitor, which artificially implant group policy objects into the registry to block rogue programs such as MINOTAUR ransomware.
Note that Windows 10 Fall Creators Update includes a "Controlled Folder Access" feature that blocks ransomware attempts to encrypt your files. By default, this feature automatically protects files stored in the Documents, Pictures, Videos, Music, Favorites as well as Desktop folders.
Windows 10 users should install this update to protect their data from ransomware attacks. Here is more information on how to get this update and add an additional protection layer from ransomware infections.
HitmanPro.Alert CryptoGuard - detects encryption of files and neutralises any attempts without need for user-intervention:
Malwarebytes Anti-Ransomware Beta uses advanced proactive technology that monitors ransomware activity and terminates it immediately - before reaching users' files:
- The best way to avoid damage from ransomware infections is to maintain regular up-to-date backups. More information on online backup solutions and data recovery software Here.
Other tools known to remove MINOTAUR ransomware:
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