What is a .MAAS file?
A .MAAS file is a type of file that has been altered and locked by a specific kind of harmful software known as MAAS ransomware. This ransomware is a form of malware that cybercriminals use to attack computers. When a computer is infected, the MAAS ransomware searches for files like documents, photos, music, or videos and encrypts them, effectively locking the original user out. These encrypted files are then renamed with the .maas extension, indicating that they have been compromised.
The content of a .MAAS file is inaccessible without a decryption key, which the cybercriminals offer in exchange for payment. However, paying the ransom does not guarantee that the files will be restored. Each folder containing an encrypted file will also have a ransom note, typically named _readme.txt, which provides instructions from the attackers on how to proceed, usually involving payment.
The MAAS ransomware variant was first noticed in July 2020 and is a part of the STOP ransomware family. It often spreads through deceptive downloads, where the user believes they are installing legitimate software, but it is actually bundled with this ransomware.
Opening .MAAS files isn't straightforward because they are encrypted. The recommended approach to dealing with these files is not to try to open them but to use system restoration methods if possible. System Restore or similar recovery programs might help revert your system to a state before the ransomware infection occurred, although this does not decrypt the files but might restore them from a point before they were encrypted.
It's crucial to have up-to-date antivirus software and to avoid downloading or opening files from untrusted sources to prevent infections like this. For more detailed information on the STOP ransomware and its other variants, you can look up the .STOP file extension entry.
Verification
Our goal is to help people find the most up-to-date information about file extensions for Windows, Mac, Linux, Android and iOS. We researched over 10,000 file extensions and their respective programs that open those files. If you want to suggest edits or updates about .MAAS file formats, example files, or programs that are compatible. Please contact us.