Mamona is a highly destructive ransomware-type program that encrypts files on the victim’s system and demands payment in exchange for a decryption tool. This ransomware appends the “.HAes” extension to all encrypted files, rendering them inaccessible. After the encryption process is completed, Mamona changes the desktop wallpaper and drops a ransom note titled “README.HAes.txt” in affected folders.
This ransomware follows the double extortion tactic, meaning that in addition to encrypting files, it also steals sensitive data and threatens to leak it publicly if the victim refuses to pay. Victims are warned against seeking external help, modifying encrypted files, or involving law enforcement. Like most ransomware threats, Mamona spreads through malicious email attachments, deceptive downloads, and exploit kits.
Mamona Ransomware Summary
Feature | Details |
---|---|
Threat Type | Ransomware, Crypto Virus, File Locker |
Encrypted File Extension | .HAes |
Ransom Note Name | README.HAes.txt |
Associated Email | Not disclosed (Communications occur via Tor) |
Detection Names | Avast (FileRepMalware [Misc]), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of Generik.CHLVRGT), Kaspersky (UDS:Trojan-Ransom.Win32.Encoder.gen), Microsoft (Trojan:Win32/Wacatac.B!ml) |
Symptoms of Infection | Files cannot be opened, file names change to “.HAes” extension, ransom note appears, wallpaper changes, demand for cryptocurrency payment. |
Damage Caused | Data encryption, possible data theft, risk of financial loss, permanent data loss if no backup is available. |
Distribution Methods | Phishing emails, malicious attachments, exploit kits, drive-by downloads, cracked software, fake updates, torrents. |
Danger Level | High – Severe threat with potential data exposure. |
Mamona Ransom Note (README.HAes.txt)
The ransom note dropped by Mamona provides details about the attack and the demands of cybercriminals:
pgsqlCopyEdit~~Mamona, R.I.P!~~
Welcome!
Visit our blog --> -
Chat ---> -
Password --->
As you may have noticed by now, all of your files were encrypted & stolen.
-----------------
[What happened?]
-> We have stolen a significant amount of your important files from your network and stored them on our servers.
-> Additionally, all files are encrypted, making them inaccessible without our decryption tool.
[What can you do?]
--> You have two options:
--> 1. Pay us for the decryption tool, and:
--> - You can decrypt all your files.
--> - Stolen data will be deleted from our servers.
--> - You will receive a report detailing how we accessed your network and security recommendations.
--> - We will stop targeting your company.
--> 2. Refuse to pay and:
--> - Your stolen data will be published publicly.
--> - Your files will remain locked.
--> - Your reputation will be damaged, and you may face legal and financial consequences.
--> - We may continue targeting your company.
[Warnings]
--> Do not alter your files in any way. If you do, the decryption tool will not work, and you will lose access permanently.
--> Do not contact law enforcement. If you do, your data will be exposed immediately.
--> Do not hire a recovery company. Decrypting these files without our tool is impossible. Each file is encrypted with a unique key, and you need our tool to decrypt them.
Mamona Ransomware Overview
The Mamona ransomware infection is extremely dangerous as it encrypts all files and threatens data leaks. Like many ransomware threats, there is no guarantee that victims will receive a decryption key, even if they comply with the cybercriminals’ demands.
Manual Ransomware Removal Process
Important: Manual removal is recommended only for experienced users, as incorrect actions can lead to data loss or incomplete removal of the ransomware. If unsure, consider the SpyHunter Removal Method for a guided, automated solution.
Step 1: Disconnect from the Internet
- Immediately disable Wi-Fi or unplug the Ethernet cable to prevent the ransomware from communicating with remote servers.
- This can prevent additional encryption or further infections.
Step 2: Boot into Safe Mode
For Windows Users
- Windows 10/11:
- Press Windows + R, type
msconfig
, and press Enter. - Under the Boot tab, select Safe boot and check Network.
- Click Apply, then OK, and restart your PC.
- Press Windows + R, type
- Windows 7/8:
- Restart your PC and press F8 repeatedly before Windows starts.
- Select Safe Mode with Networking and press Enter.
For Mac Users
- Restart your Mac and hold the Shift key immediately after the startup chime.
- Release the key when the Apple logo appears.
- Your Mac will boot in Safe Mode.
Step 3: Identify and Terminate Malicious Processes
Windows
- Open Task Manager by pressing Ctrl + Shift + Esc.
- Look for unusual processes consuming high CPU or memory.
- Right-click on the suspicious process and select End Task.
Mac
- Open Activity Monitor (Finder > Applications > Utilities > Activity Monitor).
- Look for unknown or high-resource-consuming processes.
- Select the suspicious process and click Force Quit.
Step 4: Delete Ransomware Files
Windows
- Open File Explorer and navigate to:
C:\Users\[Your Username]\AppData\Local
C:\Users\[Your Username]\AppData\Roaming
C:\Windows\System32
- Identify and delete suspicious files (randomly named or recently modified items).
- Clear temporary files:
- Press Windows + R, type
%temp%
, and hit Enter. - Delete all files in the Temp folder.
- Press Windows + R, type
Mac
- Open Finder and select Go > Go to Folder.
- Type
~/Library/Application Support
and check for unfamiliar files or folders. - Remove unknown
.plist
files from~/Library/LaunchAgents
.
Step 5: Remove Ransomware Entries from Registry or System Settings
Windows
- Press Windows + R, type
regedit
, and hit Enter. - Navigate to:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software
- Identify and delete ransomware-related registry entries.
Mac
- Open System Preferences > Users & Groups.
- Select the Login Items tab and remove any unknown startup programs.
- Check
~/Library/Preferences
for malicious settings.
Step 6: Restore System Using a Backup or Restore Point
Windows
- Press Windows + R, type
rstrui
, and press Enter. - Choose a restore point from before the infection and proceed.
Mac
- Restart your Mac and enter macOS Utilities by holding Command + R.
- Select Restore from Time Machine Backup and restore a safe backup.
Step 7: Attempt to Decrypt Files
- Check No More Ransom (www.nomoreransom.org) for available decryption tools.
- If unavailable, restore files from backups.
Automated Ransomware Removal with SpyHunter
If manual removal is too complex or risky, SpyHunter offers a safer, automated method for detecting and removing ransomware.
Step 1: Download SpyHunter
- Get SpyHunter from the official Enigma Software website.
Step 2: Install SpyHunter
- Open the downloaded file (
SpyHunter-Installer.exe
or.dmg
for Mac users). - Follow the installation prompts.
- Launch SpyHunter upon completion.
Step 3: Run a Full System Scan
- Click Start Scan Now to detect malware and ransomware.
- Wait for the scan to complete and review detected threats.
Step 4: Remove Detected Ransomware
- Click Fix Threats to remove identified ransomware components.
- SpyHunter will clean your system automatically.
Step 5: SpyHunter’s Custom Malware HelpDesk
- If ransomware persists, use SpyHunter’s Malware HelpDesk for custom malware fixes.
Step 6: Restore Files
- Use backups stored on external drives or cloud storage.
- If no backup is available, check No More Ransom for decryption tools.
Preventing Future Ransomware Attacks
- Keep backups: Use cloud storage or an external hard drive.
- Install a reliable security tool: SpyHunter offers real-time protection against malware.
- Enable Windows Defender or Mac security features for additional protection.
- Avoid phishing emails and unknown attachments.
- Regularly update Windows, macOS, and installed applications.