How to remove Monkey Ransomware (.monkey) from Windows & Servers?

Our Specialized Monkey Decryptor — Secure and Expert-Engineered

Our cybersecurity laboratory has created a dedicated decryptor for Monkey ransomware, a Rust-based crypto-ransomware family that encrypts user data using a combination of AES and RSA algorithms. The decryptor is built to:

• Safely examine encrypted samples in an isolated environment,
• Identify the specific Monkey variant and its victim ID markers, and
• Recover files through controlled, verified decryption sessions while maintaining integrity logs and audit reports.

The decryptor operates in both cloud-assisted and offline (air-gapped) configurations, ensuring adaptability for enterprises and government environments. All decryption actions begin in read-only validation mode, guaranteeing forensic safety before recovery.

Related article: How to Decrypt Phantom Ransomware (.Phantom) Files Safely?

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How the Monkey Decryptor Works?

Once a small set of encrypted samples and the ransom note are submitted, the decryptor conducts a variant fingerprinting process — analyzing file headers, encryption structures, and metadata. It cross-matches these with existing signatures derived from Monkey’s AES+RSA encryption scheme.
When a matching pattern or recoverable key component is found, a proof-of-concept (PoC) decryption is carried out on a single test file. Upon successful verification, the full decryption process begins, producing integrity reports and timeline logs for validation, compliance, and insurance purposes.

Requirements:

• The ransom note file (How_to_recover_your_files.txt)
• 2–5 encrypted file samples (copies only) with .monkey extension
• Administrator access on the host or recovery environment
• Internet access for cloud processing (optional in offline mode)

Also read: How to remove MedusaLocker3 / Far Attack Ransomware (.BAGAJAI) and Recover Files?

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Immediate Actions After Detecting Monkey Ransomware

1. Isolate the infected systems immediately. Disconnect endpoints from local networks, shared drives, and cloud-sync platforms to prevent lateral spread.
2. Preserve encrypted files exactly as found. Do not attempt to rename or open them — doing so may corrupt encrypted data or disrupt key associations.
3. Capture a RAM dump if possible. Memory snapshots may contain temporary keys or session data critical for decryption analysis.
4. Collect telemetry and forensic data. Include antivirus logs, event logs, network traffic captures, and timestamped user activity reports.
5. Engage professionals. Notify your incident response (IR) or digital forensics team immediately. Do not contact the threat actors directly at the provided emails (monkeyransomware@onionmail.org).

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How to Recover Files Encrypted by Monkey?

Free Recovery Methods

Backup Restoration:
Offline or immutable backups remain the safest recovery option. Before restoring, verify integrity using checksums or controlled mounting. Monkey ransomware may delete shadow copies or compromise online backups, so rely on isolated sources.

VM Snapshot Rollback:
If hypervisor snapshots exist (VMware, Hyper-V, etc.), reverting to a pre-attack point can restore service continuity. Always confirm that the attacker did not alter or delete snapshot files.

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Paid or Specialized Options

Professional Decryptor Service:
Our analyst-driven recovery service begins with sample validation and a PoC decryption to confirm tool compatibility. Once validated, we perform a complete recovery in a controlled environment with real-time monitoring and compliance documentation.

Ransom Payment (Last Resort):
While some victims have regained access through ransom payments, the risk of non-delivery or corrupted decryptors is high. Law enforcement and security experts strongly advise against paying. If considered, involve legal counsel and insurers before any negotiation.

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How to Use Our Monkey Decryptor — Step-by-Step?

1. Assess the Infection
Confirm that encrypted files end in .monkey. Locate the ransom note titled How_to_recover_your_files.txt.

2. Secure the Environment
Disconnect infected systems from all networks, including Wi-Fi, VPNs, and mapped drives. Halt further spread.

3. Preserve Critical Evidence
Make forensic copies of encrypted data and the ransom note. Compute SHA-256 hashes. Capture RAM memory if tools are available.

4. Contact Our Response Team
Use only our secure channel (never the attacker’s email). Provide ransom notes, encrypted samples, and system logs. We’ll supply secure upload instructions.

5. Upload Samples & Hashes
Use the assigned HTTPS/SFTP endpoint or offline courier delivery for sensitive environments. Attach a short incident summary and the affected host count.

6. Proof-of-Concept (PoC) Analysis
Our analysts identify the Monkey variant and execute a small-file PoC decryption. The results and audit logs are returned for verification.

7. Authorize Full Recovery
After confirming the PoC results, sign the recovery agreement outlining scope, confidentiality, and operational schedule.

8. Execute Controlled Decryption
The decryptor begins in read-only mode, then decrypts all verified files to a separate storage directory. Analysts supervise and log every action.

9. Validate the Results
Check restored files via checksums and functional testing. Keep integrity reports and logs for compliance or insurance use.

10. Cleanup & Reinforcement
Remove residual malware, rotate credentials, patch systems, and implement hardened, offline backup policies using the 3-2-1 method (three copies, two media types, one offline).

Also read: How to Decrypt Radiant Group Ransomware (.radiant) Encrypted Files?

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Understanding Monkey Ransomware

Overview:
Monkey ransomware is a Rust-based crypto-malware that uses hybrid AES+RSA encryption to lock user data and demand payment. Detected variants delete shadow copies, disable recovery, and alter the Windows boot process to block system repair. The ransomware also replaces desktop wallpapers with ransom images and leaves text instructions in How_to_recover_your_files.txt.

Behavior:
Monkey encrypts documents, databases, archives, photos, videos, and other valuable files, then appends the .monkey extension (e.g., invoice.pdf.monkey). The ransom note warns against renaming or modifying encrypted files and instructs victims to email the attacker within 24 hours, threatening increased ransom costs and public leaks thereafter.

Distribution:
The malware spreads primarily via compromised RDP configurations, phishing emails, fake updates, malicious downloads, trojanized installers, and exploit kits. It may also propagate through removable storage and local networks.

DESKTOP WALLPAPER AFTER ATTACK:

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Name, Extension & Ransom Note Details

Ransomware Name: Monkey
Encrypted Extension: .monkey
Ransom Note Filename: How_to_recover_your_files.txt
Ransom Note Excerpt:

Hello,

If you’re reading this, your company’s network is encrypted and most backups are destroyed. We have also exfiltrated a
significant amount of your internal data.

ATTENTION! Strictly prohibited:
= Deleting or renaming encrypted files;
= Attempting recovery with third-party tools;

• Modifying file extensions.
  

Any such actions may make recovery impossible.

What you need to know:

1. Contact us at monkeyransomware@onionmail.org within 24 hours.
   
2. Payment after 24 hours will be increased.
   
3. We offer you a test decryption and proof of data exfiltration.
   
4. If no agreement is reached, your data will be sold and published.
   

We’re open to communication, but there will be no negotiations after deadline.

Your only chance to get your data back and avoid data leak is to follow our instructions exactly.

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IOCs, TTPs & Technical Artifacts

Detections by Major Vendors:

• Dr.Web → Trojan.Encoder.43529
• BitDefender → Gen:Heur.Ransom.REntS.Gen.1
• ESET-NOD32 → A Variant of Win64/Filecoder.Monkey.A
• Kaspersky → Trojan.Win32.DelShad.osy
• Malwarebytes → Ransom.FileCryptor
• Microsoft → Ransom:Win64/MonkeyCrypt.PB!MTB
• TrendMicro → Ransom.Win64.MONKEYRAN.THJBABE

Sample Hashes:

• MD5: e28c75f68f337b23c2306efe83756b50
• SHA-1: d3e54c4edd8cf6c06f73343efa9de5688e4386a7
• SHA-256: 57aebadf554e03a405a30d8ddad8caa8cfe9fa86eb32f672066dcf63691481ca

File Behavior:

• Deletes shadow copies and disables Windows recovery at boot.
• Drops malicious executables (randomly named .exe files).
• Creates ransom notes in \Desktop\, \User_folders\, and %TEMP%.
• Common mutex and registry keys vary by build; used to prevent multiple infections.
• Establishes outbound connections to attacker infrastructure via onionmail and related servers.

Network Indicators:

• Attacker Contact: monkeyransomware@onionmail.org
• BTC Wallet: [redacted — case dependent]

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Tactics, Techniques & Procedures (TTPs)

• Initial Access: Exploiting weak RDP credentials, malicious spam attachments, fake installers, and drive-by downloads.
• Execution: Deploys an AES+RSA encryption routine, disables recovery tools, and modifies boot configurations.
• Persistence: Establishes scheduled tasks and startup entries to maintain execution on reboot.
• Exfiltration & Extortion: Transfers sensitive files to remote servers and threatens public leaks to enforce payment.
• Impact: Encrypts a wide range of document, image, and database file types; changes desktop wallpaper; and prevents Windows recovery options.

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Victim Landscape — Global Scope & Impact

Target Geography:

Affected Industries:

Infection Timeline:

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Conclusion — Contain, Analyze, and Recover Safely

Monkey ransomware represents a modern evolution of crypto-malware — fast, secure, and difficult to brute-force due to its AES+RSA hybrid encryption and Rust-based obfuscation. Victims should prioritize:

1. Immediate containment and evidence preservation,
2. Verified decryption through professional services (proof-of-concept required), and
3. Long-term resilience via hardened RDP, patching, and the 3-2-1 backup rule.

Never attempt ad-hoc decryption or pay ransoms directly. Use documented evidence, retain all hashes, and coordinate with forensic experts and law enforcement.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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