Remove MZLQ ransomware

Is MZLQ ransomware a serious threat

MZLQ ransomware will encrypt your data and demand a payment in exchange for their decryptor. Having a computer contaminated with ransomware can have highly severe outcomes, which is why it’s believed to be such a dangerous threat. File encryption will be launched soon after you open the contaminated file. Users will find that photos, videos and documents will be targeted due to how essential they likely are to users. Files can’t be opened so easily, you will have to decrypt them using a decryption key, which is in the hands of the hackers responsible for your file encryption. All hope isn’t lost, however, as researchers specializing in malicious software might be able to made a free decryptor. It is not certain if or when a decryptor will be released but that might be your only option if backup has not been made.

If you haven’t already noticed it, a ransom note ought to be available on your desktop or in folders holding encrypted files. The note will explain that your files have been encrypted and how you might recover them. Paying for a decryption tool is not suggested due to a couple of reasons. In a lot of cases, crooks take the money but don’t send a decryption tool. And we believe that the money will encourage them to make more malicious software. To ensure you are never in this type of situation again, buy backup. In case you do have copies of your files, there is no need to hesitate and you may simply remove MZLQ ransomware.

Download Removal Toolto remove MZLQ ransomware

Bogus updates and spam emails were likely used to spread the ransomware. These are two of the most frequent methods used for ransomware distribution.

Ransomware spread methods

Spam emails and bogus updates are possibly how you got ransomware, despite the fact that other spread methods also exist. If spam email was how the ransomware got in, you’ll have to familiarize yourself with how dangerous spam email looks like. If you get an email from an unfamiliar sender, carefully check the contents before opening the added file. It’s also pretty common to see cyber criminals pretending to be from legitimate companies, as a familiar name would make people lose their guard. For example, they may claim to be Amazon and say that they have added a purchase receipt to the email. You may make sure the sender is who they say they are without difficulty. You simply have to see if the email address matches any actual ones used by the company. Additionally, scan the attached file with a malicious software scanner before opening it.

If you’re sure spam email is not to blame, bogus programs updates could also be responsible. High-risk pages are the most likely place where you might have encountered the bogus update notifications. In certain cases, they pop up as advertisements or banners and might look rather credible. However, for those who knows that no actual updates will ever be suggested this way, it will immediately become obvious. If you continue to download from dubious sources, do not be shocked if you end up with a contaminated system again. When software needs an update, the software will alert you itself or it’ll happen automatically.

What does ransomware do

While you have likely already realized this, but ransomware encrypted your files. As soon as you opened the contaminated file, the encryption process, which you could have missed, began. All affected files will have a file extension attached to them. Your files have been encrypted using a complicated encryption algorithm, so do not waste your time attempting to open them. You will then see a ransom note, where crooks will say what happened to your files, and how you could get them back. Ransomware notes generally follow the same pattern, they inform the victim about file encryption and threaten them with file deletion if a payment is not made. Paying crooks isn’t the best idea, even if hackers are in the possession of the decryption utility. Realistically, how likely is it that cyber criminals, who locked your files in the first place, will feel any responsibility to restore your files, even after you pay. Furthermore, you might become a victim again, if criminals know that you would be willing to give into the demands.

Before even thinking about paying, check storage devices you own and online accounts to see if you have simply forgotten about them. In case malicious software specialists are able to make a free decryption tool in the future, backup all your locked files. You will have to to uninstall MZLQ ransomware and the sooner you do it, the better.

We believe this experience will be a lesson, and you’ll start frequently backing up your files. If you don’t, you could end up in the same exact situation again, with probably permanent file loss. So as to keep your files safe, you will have to buy backup, and there are various options available, some more expensive than others.

Ways to terminate MZLQ ransomware

Manual elimination is not a great idea if you had to search for an explanation explaining that your files have been locked. Malicious software removal program should be used for this purpose. The malware may stop you from successfully launching the anti-malware program, in which case just boot your system in Safe Mode. Once your system has been booted in Safe Mode, open the anti-malware program, scan your system and terminate MZLQ ransomware. Keep in mind that anti-malware program can’t help you with files, it can only get rid of the ransomware for you.

Download Removal Toolto remove MZLQ ransomware

Learn how to remove MZLQ ransomware from your computer

• Step 1. Remove MZLQ ransomware using Safe Mode with Networking.
• Step 2. Remove MZLQ ransomware using System Restore
• Step 3. Recover your data

Step 1. Remove MZLQ ransomware using Safe Mode with Networking.

• a) Step 1. Access Safe Mode with Networking.
• b) Step 2. Remove MZLQ ransomware.

a) Step 1. Access Safe Mode with Networking.

For Windows 7/Vista/XP

1. Start → Shutdown → Restart → OK.
2. Press and keep pressing F8 until Advanced Boot Options appears.
3. Choose Safe Mode with Networking

For Windows 8/10 users

1. Press the power button that appears at the Windows login screen. Press and hold Shift. Click Restart.
2. Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Startup Settings → Restart.
3. Choose Enable Safe Mode with Networking.

b) Step 2. Remove MZLQ ransomware.

You will now need to open your browser and download some kind of anti-malware software. Choose a trustworthy one, install it and have it scan your computer for malicious threats. When the ransomware is found, remove it. If, for some reason, you can't access Safe Mode with Networking, go with another option.

Step 2. Remove MZLQ ransomware using System Restore

• a) Step 1. Access Safe Mode with Command Prompt.
• b) Step 2. Restore files and settings.

a) Step 1. Access Safe Mode with Command Prompt.

For Windows 7/Vista/XP

1. Start → Shutdown → Restart → OK.
2. Press and keep pressing F8 until Advanced Boot Options appears.
3. Select Safe Mode with Command Prompt.

For Windows 8/10 users

1. Press the power button that appears at the Windows login screen. Press and hold Shift. Click Restart.
2. Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Startup Settings → Restart.
3. Choose Enable Safe Mode with Command Prompt.

b) Step 2. Restore files and settings.

1. You will need to type in cd restore in the window that appears. Press Enter.
2. Type in rstrui.exe and again, press Enter.
3. A window will pop-up and you should press Next. Choose a restore point and press Next again.
4. Press Yes.

While this should have taken care of the ransomware, you might want to download anti-malware just to be sure no other threats are lurking.  

Step 3. Recover your data

• a) Using Data Recovery Pro to recover encrypted files.
• b) Restore files through Windows Previous Versions
• c) Using Shadow Explorer to recover files

While backup is essential, there is still quite a few users who do not have it. If you are one of them, you can try the below provided methods and you just might be able to recover files.

a) Using Data Recovery Pro to recover encrypted files.

1. Download Data Recovery Pro, preferably from a trustworthy website.
2. Scan your device for recoverable files.
3. Recover them.

b) Restore files through Windows Previous Versions

If you had System Restore enabled, you can recover files through Windows Previous Versions.

1. Find a file you want to recover.
2. Right-click on it.
3. Select Properties and then Previous versions.
4. Pick the version of the file you want to recover and press Restore.

c) Using Shadow Explorer to recover files

If you are lucky, the ransomware did not delete your shadow copies. They are made by your system automatically for when system crashes.

1. Go to the official website (shadowexplorer.com) and acquire the Shadow Explorer application.
2. Set up and open it.
3. Press on the drop down menu and pick the disk you want.
4. If folders are recoverable, they will appear there. Press on the folder and then Export.

* SpyHunter scanner, published on this site, is intended to be used only as a detection tool. More info on SpyHunter. To use the removal functionality, you will need to purchase the full version of SpyHunter. If you wish to uninstall SpyHunter, click here.