Just like any other variant by this ransomware family, MOBA file-encrypting virus enters the system by taking advantage of lack of tech knowledge by regular computer users. It is also programmed to stay in a stealth mode. In other words, once infiltrated, this virus imitates a common Windows Update screen to trick people into thinking that their systems are not infected. However, during that time the encryption process is progressing and targeting files on the affected computer. Experts note that ransomware targets all data on the system, including important documents, videos, audio memos, photos, etc. Once the encryption is complete, cybercriminals leave _readme.txt ransom note to offer the MOBA decryption tool. It is a unique software that is capable to decrypt the affected files and restore them to normal. Note that the decryption key cannot be duplicated and is completely individual. Attackers ask to pay $490 for the decryptor within the first 72 hours of the infection. Afterward, the price doubles to $980 that is demanded to be transferred to a specific Bitcoin account to avoid traceability. Unfortunately, our experience shows that trusting cyber criminals does not help but might cause even more damage. Firstly, MOBA ransomware virus installs the AZORULT password stealer alongside. Even if you would agree to the demands of the attackers, potentially decrypting the files would still leave your system infected with the password-stealing software and continuously transfer your private data to cybercriminals. Another highly possible scenario is that the attackers would never give you the decryption key after you transferred the demanded amount of money. In fact, it is the most common plot that our readers have encountered during ransomware attacks. The smartest decision would be to stay away from the cybercriminals and do NOT contact them under any circumstances. You should first install a highly reputable malware removal software to help you remove MOBA virus along with AZORULT. Geek’s Advice team recommends downloading RESTORO to scan for file-encrypting viruses. It is a recommended tool that can quickly identify files related to various infections and automatically get rid of them. Later, it helps users to replace damaged system files and prepare the computer to proceed with encrypted file recovery.

Sum up of the attack

Moba ransomware attack demonstration is shown below. Description: MOBA file virus is the latest addition to STOP/DJVU ransomware family. Once executed on the victim’s computer, it scans for target files and encrypts them, then marks them using .moba extension. The ransomware then creates ransom-demanding note called _readme.txt. Offer price: $490-$980 Currency: Bitcoin Operating System: Windows Application Category: Ransomware Author: STOP/DJVU developers

Criminals upload ransomware as software cracks on P2P networks

Since many people are attacked to search for software cracks online, cyber criminals took advantage of it and used it to distribute ransomware. In particular, they post the executable files of file-encrypting viruses under the name of well-known software. Usually, regular computer users are not aware of how to test the files they are about to download for infections. Thus, inexperienced computer users infiltrate ransomware on their computers on their own. There are a few simple steps every computer user should remember to avoid ransomware-type attacks. Firstly, it is essential to always keep an eye on what websites you are browsing. In other words, you should make sure that the pages you are visiting are secure and malware-free. One of the most common indicators is the “Connection is Secure” indicator by a lock icon next to the URL. However, it is not hard to avoid malicious websites — just make sure that you browsing on legitimate and well-known sites. Furthermore, never get software cracks or any faux applications. If you are installing software, make sure that you are getting one from the official website or at least authorized distributor. All software uploads on peer-to-peer (P2P) networks have an extremely high risk of being posted to trick computer users into downloading ransomware. Finally, you should also refrain from clicking on advertising content online. For example, if you see an ad, we recommend avoiding to click on it since it might also trigger malware installation or redirect to suspicious pages.

Uninstall MOBA ransomware virus safely

As we have already mentioned, this cyber threat has the capability to infiltrate other malicious programs as well. Regular computer users are unable to detect and delete all components and files related to multiple infections. Likewise, the only safe way to remove MOBA ransomware with other cyber threats is to get a robust antivirus. Note that not all malware elimination applications are capable to deal with file-encrypting viruses. However, our recommendation, RESTORO, is a perfect choice to clean your computer. Unfortunately, MOBA removal might be complicated. This ransomware tends to run a malicious code that blocks access to all security tools, including antivirus. We are more than glad to teach you how to circumvent this virus and run a full system scan with a professional malware removal software. For that, please, check ransomware elimination instructions at the end of this article. Finally, once you clean your computer you can start recovering your files. You can either use the latest backup from the Cloud or read about alternative recovery methods in STOP/DJVU decryption article. OUR GEEKS RECOMMEND Our team recommends a two-step rescue plan to remove ransomware and other remaining malware from your computer, plus repair caused virus damage to the system: GeeksAdvice.com editors select recommended products based on their effectiveness. We may earn a commission from affiliate links, at no additional cost to you. Learn more. Get INTEGO ANTIVIRUS for Windows to remove ransomware, Trojans, adware and other spyware and malware variants and protect your PC and network drives 24/7. This VB100-certified security software uses state-of-art technology to provide protection against ransomware, Zero-Day attacks and advanced threats, Intego Web Shield blocks dangerous websites, phishing attacks, malicious downloads and installation of potentially unwanted programs. Use INTEGO Antivirus to remove detected threats from your computer. Read full review here. RESTORO provides a free scan that helps to identify hardware, security and stability issues and presents a comprehensive report which can help you to locate and fix detected issues manually. It is a great PC repair software to use after you remove malware with professional antivirus. The full version of software will fix detected issues and repair virus damage caused to your Windows OS files automatically. RESTORO uses AVIRA scanning engine to detect existing spyware and malware. If any are found, the software will eliminate them. Read full review here.

Method 1. Enter Safe Mode with Networking

Before you try to remove MOBA ransomware virus, you must start your computer in Safe Mode with Networking. Below, we provide the easiest ways to boot PC in the said mode, but you can find additional ones in this in-depth tutorial on our website – How to Start Windows in Safe Mode. Also, if you prefer a video version of the tutorial, check our guide How to Start Windows in Safe Mode on Youtube. Instructions for Windows XP/Vista/7 users Instructions for Windows 8/8.1/10/11 users Now, you can search for and remove MOBA ransomware files. It is very hard to identify files and registry keys that belong to the ransomware virus, Besides, malware creators tend to rename and change them repeatedly. Therefore, the easiest way to uninstall such type of a computer virus is to use a reliable security program such as INTEGO Antivirus. For virus damage repair, consider using RESTORO.

Method 2. Use System Restore

In order to use System Restore, you must have a system restore point, created either manually or automatically. Instructions for Windows XP/Vista/7 users Instructions for Windows 8/8.1/10/11 users After restoring the system, we recommend scanning the system with antivirus or anti-malware software. In most cases, there won’t be any malware remains, but it never hurts to double-check. In addition, we highly recommend checking ransomware prevention guidelines provided by our experts in order to protect your PC against similar viruses in the future.

Alternative software recommendations

Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Removing spyware and malware is one step towards cybersecurity. To protect yourself against ever-evolving threats, we strongly recommend purchasing a Premium version of Malwarebytes Anti-Malware, which provides security based on artificial intelligence and machine learning. Includes ransomware protection. See pricing options and protect yourself now.

System Mechanic Ultimate Defense If you’re looking for an all-in-one system maintenance suite that has 7 core components providing powerful real-time protection, on-demand malware removal, system optimization, data recovery, password manager, online privacy protection and secure driver wiping technology. Therefore, due to its wide-range of capabilities, System Mechanic Ultimate Defense deserves Geek’s Advice approval. Get it now for 50% off. You may also be interested in its full review.

Disclaimer. This site includes affiliate links. We may earn a small commission by recommending certain products, at no additional cost for you. We only choose quality software and services to recommend.

Decrypt MOBA files

Fix and open large MOBA files easily:

It is reported that STOP/DJVU ransomware versions encrypt only the beginning 150 KB of each file to ensure that the virus manages to affect all files on the system. In some cases, the malicious program might skip some files at all. That said, we recommend testing this method on several big (>1GB) files first.

STOP/DJVU decryption tool usage guide

STOP/DJVU ransomware versions are grouped into old and new variants. MOBA ransomware is considered the new STOP/DJVU variant, just like BPTO, ISWR, ISZA, BPSM, ZOUU, MBTF, ZNSM (find full list here). This means full data decryption is now possible only if you have been affected by offline encryption key. To decrypt your files, you will have to download Emsisoft Decryptor for STOP DJVU, a tool created and maintained by a genius security researcher Michael Gillespie. Note! Please do not spam the security researcher with questions whether he can recover your files encrypted with online key - it is not possible. In order to test the tool and see if it can decrypt MOBA files, follow the given tutorial.

Meanings of decryptor’s messages

The MOBA decryption tool might display several different messages after failed attempt to restore your files. You might receive one of the following messages: Error: Unable to decrypt file with ID: [example ID] This message typically means that there is no corresponding decryption key in the decryptor’s database. No key for New Variant online ID: [example ID]Notice: this ID appears to be an online ID, decryption is impossible This message informs that your files were encrypted with online key, meaning no one else has the same encryption/decryption key pair, therefore data recovery without paying the criminals is impossible. Result: No key for new variant offline ID: [example ID]This ID appears to be an offline ID. Decryption may be possible in the future. If you were informed that an offline key was used, but files could not be restored, it means that the offline decryption key isn’t available yet. However, receiving this message is extremely good news, meaning that it might be possible to restore your MOBA extension files in the future. It can take a few months until the decryption key gets found and uploaded to the decryptor. We recommend you to follow updates regarding the decryptable DJVU versions here. We strongly recommend backing up your encrypted data and waiting.

Victims of MOBA ransomware should report the Internet crime incident to the official government fraud and scam website according to their country:

In the United States, go to the On Guard Online website.In Australia, go to the SCAMwatch website.In Germany, go to the Bundesamt für Sicherheit in der Informationstechnik website.In Ireland, go to the An Garda Síochána website.In New Zealand, go to the Consumer Affairs Scams website.In the United Kingdom, go to the Action Fraud website.In Canada, go to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.In India, go to Indian National Cybercrime Reporting Portal.In France, go to the Agence nationale de la sécurité des systèmes d’information.

If you can’t find an authority corresponding to your location on this list, we recommend using any search engine to look up “[your country name] report cyber crime”. This should lead you to the right authority website. We also recommend staying away from third-party crime report services that are often paid. It costs nothing to report Internet crime to official authorities. Another recommendation is to contact your country’s or region’s federal police or communications authority.