Chip Ransomware

Warning: Chip ransomware encrypts your files and demands payment — you cannot recover files without the decryption key unless you have backups.

What Is Chip (MedusaLocker) Ransomware?

Chip is a ransomware program in the MedusaLocker family that encrypts files on Windows systems and appends a malicious extension (e.g., .chip1) to them. It leaves a ransom note (Recovery_README.html) and may change the desktop background to pressure victims into paying.

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Threat Summary

Threat Name	Chip (MedusaLocker) ransomware
Threat Type	Ransomware / Crypto Virus / Files locker
Encrypted File Extension	.chip1 (number may vary)
Ransom Note Filename	Recovery_README.html
Cyber Criminal Contact	recovery.system@onionmail.org, qTox ID
Detection Names	Win64:MalwareX-gen, Filecoder.MedusaLocker variants
Symptoms	Files inaccessible; extensions changed; ransom note on desktop
Distribution Methods	Phishing emails, pirated software, fake updates, malicious ads
Damage	Files encrypted — decryption requires key only attackers hold
Free Decryptor	None publicly available
Danger Level	Very high
Recommended Tool	Run legitimate antivirus for removal

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How Did Chip Ransomware Infect My Computer?

Chip usually infiltrates systems through deceptive tactics like:

• Phishing emails with malicious attachments or links
• Bundled malware in pirated software or cracks
• Fake software updaters exploiting vulnerabilities
• Malicious ads or drive-by downloads

Once a victim executes the malicious file or script, the ransomware activates and locks data with strong encryption.

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What Chip (MedusaLocker) Does to Your Files

After activation:

• Encrypts files using RSA/AES cryptography
• Renames affected files by appending .chip1 (or similar) to each name
• Drops a ransom note (Recovery_README.html) urging payment
• May change the desktop wallpaper

Attempting to rename or modify encrypted files manually or using incorrect decryption tools can permanently corrupt them.

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Is There a Decryption Tool for Chip?

No publicly available decryption tool exists for Chip ransomware. Files encrypted by strong ransomware like Chip cannot be restored without the original private key. Third-party “decrypters” may be scams. The only reliable recovery is from backups created before the infection.

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Chip Ransom Note & Demands

The ransom note warns victims that:

• Files cannot be restored without the attackers’ tool
• Attempting third-party fixes will corrupt data
• Some data may have been exfiltrated and will be leaked if ransom isn’t paid
• Ransom value may increase if contact isn’t made quickly

The attackers provide contact through email (recovery.system@onionmail.org) and qTox messenger ID. Paying is not guaranteed to restore files.

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How to Protect Yourself from Ransomware Like Chip

1. Back up critical data to offline or cloud services regularly
2. Never open suspicious email attachments or click unknown links
3. Keep software updated using official sources only
4. Use reputable security software and scan regularly
5. Avoid pirated software and unsafe downloads

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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

1. Immediately disable Wi-Fi or unplug the Ethernet cable to prevent the ransomware from communicating with remote servers.
2. This can prevent additional encryption or further infections.

Step 2: Boot into Safe Mode

For Windows Users

1. 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.
2. Windows 7/8:
   • Restart your PC and press F8 repeatedly before Windows starts.
   • Select Safe Mode with Networking and press Enter.

For Mac Users

1. Restart your Mac and hold the Shift key immediately after the startup chime.
2. Release the key when the Apple logo appears.
3. Your Mac will boot in Safe Mode.

Step 3: Identify and Terminate Malicious Processes

Windows

1. Open Task Manager by pressing Ctrl + Shift + Esc.
2. Look for unusual processes consuming high CPU or memory.
3. Right-click on the suspicious process and select End Task.

Mac

1. Open Activity Monitor (Finder > Applications > Utilities > Activity Monitor).
2. Look for unknown or high-resource-consuming processes.
3. Select the suspicious process and click Force Quit.

Step 4: Delete Ransomware Files

Windows

1. Open File Explorer and navigate to:
   • C:\Users\[Your Username]\AppData\Local
   • C:\Users\[Your Username]\AppData\Roaming
   • C:\Windows\System32
2. Identify and delete suspicious files (randomly named or recently modified items).
3. Clear temporary files:
   • Press Windows + R, type %temp%, and hit Enter.
   • Delete all files in the Temp folder.

Mac

1. Open Finder and select Go > Go to Folder.
2. Type ~/Library/Application Support and check for unfamiliar files or folders.
3. Remove unknown .plist files from ~/Library/LaunchAgents.

Step 5: Remove Ransomware Entries from Registry or System Settings

Windows

1. Press Windows + R, type regedit, and hit Enter.
2. Navigate to:
   • HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software
   • HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software
3. Identify and delete ransomware-related registry entries.

Mac

1. Open System Preferences > Users & Groups.
2. Select the Login Items tab and remove any unknown startup programs.
3. Check ~/Library/Preferences for malicious settings.

Step 6: Restore System Using a Backup or Restore Point

Windows

1. Press Windows + R, type rstrui, and press Enter.
2. Choose a restore point from before the infection and proceed.

Mac

1. Restart your Mac and enter macOS Utilities by holding Command + R.
2. 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.

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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

1. Open the downloaded file (SpyHunter-Installer.exe or .dmg for Mac users).
2. Follow the installation prompts.
3. Launch SpyHunter upon completion.

Step 3: Run a Full System Scan

1. Click Start Scan Now to detect malware and ransomware.
2. Wait for the scan to complete and review detected threats.

Step 4: Remove Detected Ransomware

1. Click Fix Threats to remove identified ransomware components.
2. SpyHunter will clean your system automatically.

Step 5: SpyHunter’s Custom Malware HelpDesk

1. 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.

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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.

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Conclusion

Chip ransomware is a serious threat that encrypts files and pressures victims into paying a ransom. There is no guaranteed decryption method outside of restoring from clean backups. Prevention is key: keep systems updated, avoid risky downloads, and maintain regular backups.