Remove Mmpa ransomware. Decrypt .mmpa files. Mmpa File Recovery.

What is Mmpa file extension?

.Mmpa file extension is a file extension that is appended to the name of files affected by the latest version of STOP (djvu) ransomware. The Mmpa ransomware is a malware that encrypts victims’ files and thus locks up the information contained in them. The ransomware developers demand a ransom in exchange for a decryptor and a key, which are necessary for decrypting the files. Fortunately, since Mmpa is one of the variants of STOP (djvu), in some cases you can use a free decryptor to decrypt files affected by it. More details about this decryptor, as well as other ways of recovering encrypted files, will be discussed in this article.

What is Mmpa ransomware?

Mmpa ransomware is malware that is 257th version of the STOP (DJVU) ransomware. Like other versions of this ransomware, it is distributed through key generators, cracked software, adware and torrents web-sites. Upon execution, Mmpa creates a folder in the Windows system directory and copies itself there. Then the virus collects information about the infected computer and changes some system settings so that it starts automatically every time the PC is turned on or restarted.

Having collected information about the victim’s computer, the Mmpa ransomware tries to establish a connection with its command-and-control server (C&C). If the connection has been established, the virus receives a key (so called ‘online key’) from the command server that will be used to encrypt files. In addition, Mmpa virus may receive additional commands and files that will be executed on the victim’s computer. If the ransomware could not connect to the command server, then it uses a fixed key, which the security researchers called ‘offline key’.

There is a significant difference between ‘online key’ and ‘offline key’. The online key is unique for each victim, that is, the key from one victim will not help decrypt the files of the other victim. The offline key is the same for all victims. Thus, it can be used to decrypt files regardless of where they were encrypted.

Having a key to encrypt files, the Mmpa ransomware proceeds directly to the process of encrypting files. It encrypts file-by-file, so that all files of the victim will be encrypted. It doesn’t matter where the files are located, on the internal drive, flash drive, external media, cloud storage, all of them can be encrypted. There is a small exception, the virus does not encrypt files located in the Windows system directories, files with the extension from the list ‘.lnk, .bat, ini, .sys, .dll’ and files with the name ‘_readme.txt’. Thus, almost all of the victim’s data will be encrypted, including documents, pictures, databases, archives and other types of files, such as:

.flv, .indd, .ppt, .jpe, .bik, .desc, .ff, .dng, .das, .fpk, .odm, .t13, .rofl, .eps, .zif, .mov, .xmmap, .y, .xlsm, .jpg, .xbdoc, .bc6, .sie, .wp5, .odt, .dcr, .kf, .sr2, .asset, .css, .mdb, .tax, .xyp, .syncdb, .vpp_pc, .ibank, .crt, .wp6, .xlsb, .mcmeta, .hkdb, .ods, .arw, .xls, .wsh, .w3x, .wbz, .rb, .erf, .cdr, .tor, .mrwref, .lrf, .pptx, .gho, .x3d, .yal, .xf, .wbk, .ltx, .xwp, .r3d, .wbmp, .wpw, .txt, .vcf, .wpd, .mlx, .wb2, .iwd, .wav, .ptx, .xpm, .dazip, .wbm, .raf, .icxs, .wm, .bkp, .docm, .m4a, .wsd, .2bp, .wotreplay, .0, .zdb, .iwi, .p12, .z, .qdf, .odp, .xlgc, .wn, .pdd, .js, .webdoc, .x3f, .crw, .zi, .db0, .pdf, .wma, .wpa, .xml, .blob, .wpt, .vfs0, .1st, .wire, .xlsx, .ybk, .wri, .rwl, .cas, .litemod, .menu, .vdf, .wps, .accdb, .sidd, .yml, .mddata, .z3d, .itdb, .dba, .bar, .mpqge, .vtf, .zdc, .dxg, .odc, .xx, .wmd, .wma, .mdf, .jpeg, .wgz, .psd, .7z, .wot, .sav, .dwg, .ws, .upk, .fsh, .sid, wallet, .raw, .rim, .gdb, .lbf, .rgss3a, .hplg, .xxx, .wps, .lvl, .cr2, .sum, .ntl, .wbc, .xar, .wpb, .wp4, .forge, .rtf, .bc7, .wsc, .cer, .wpg, .mdbackup, .pem, .map, .re4, .srw, .xmind, .3fr, .slm, .xld, .apk, .itm, .wpd, .m3u, .xls, .pfx, .ncf, .zabw, .sql, .1, .x3f, .snx, .esm, .wmv, .kdc, .wmf, .epk, .d3dbsp, .wdp, .wmo, .odb, .csv, .wcf, .rar, .fos, .ysp, .pptm, .mp4, .xlsx, .pkpass, .hkx, .xlk, .webp, .pst, .m2, .avi, .zw, .dbf, .wpe, .cfr, .bsa, .der, .xdl, .xlsm, .sis, .wp, .psk

Each file that has been encrypted by Mmpa virus will be renamed. It will append the extension ‘.mmpa’ at the end of the name of the affected file. Thus, a file named ‘image.jpg’, after it is encrypted, will receive the name ‘image.jpg.mmpa’. To encrypt as many files as possible in the minimum time, the virus does not encrypt the entire file, but only its initial part in the amount of 154 kb. The Mmpa ransomware encrypts files sequentially, when all files in the directory are encrypted, it places a new file in it. This file is called ‘_readme.txt’ and its contents are shown below.

This file is a ransom note that is a message from the Mmpa creators. In this message, the criminals report that the victim’s files are encrypted and there is only one way to decrypt them – buy the key and the decryptor from them. Attackers set the price for the key and decryptor at $980. If the victim pays the ransom within 72 hours, then Mmpa authors agree to make a discount of half the ransom, that is, reduce the size of the ransom to $490. Criminals offer to decrypt one file for free. To do this, the victim needs to send this file to one of the email addresses listed in the ransom demand message. But successful decryption of one file does not guarantee the possibility of decryption of files even after payment of the ransom.

Text presented in the “_readme.txt” file:

ATTENTION!

Don’t worry, you can return all your files!
All your files like pictures, databases, documents and other important are encrypted with strongest encryption and unique key.
The only method of recovering files is to purchase decrypt tool and unique key for you.
This software will decrypt all your encrypted files.
What guarantees you have?
You can send one of your encrypted file from your PC and we decrypt it for free.
But we can decrypt only 1 file for free. File must not contain valuable information.
You can get and look video overview decrypt tool:
https://we.tl/t-BZzaxzzYFX
Price of private key and decrypt software is $980.
Discount 50% available if you contact us first 72 hours, that’s price for you is $490.
Please note that you’ll never restore your data without payment.
Check your e-mail “Spam” or “Junk” folder if you don’t get answer more than 6 hours.

To get this software you need write on our e-mail:
helpmanager@mail.ch

Reserve e-mail address to contact us:
restoremanager@airmail.cc

Your personal ID:
0257iodosadl3dZiQAloIT4h5EjQ4fTo1iCvZy9j4rkznbVeUt1

Threat Summary

Name	Mmpa
Type	Crypto virus, File locker, Ransomware, Filecoder, Crypto malware
Encrypted files extension	.mmpa
Ransom note	_readme.txt
Contact	helpmanager@mail.ch, restoremanager@airmail.cc
Ransom amount	$490, $980 in Bitcoins
Detection Names	Trojan.Ransom.Stop, Trojan[Ransom]/Win32.STOP, Win32:DropperX-gen [Drp], TR/AD.InstaBot.AQ, Trojan.Cryptinject, Trojan.DownLoader34, Trojan.Win32.Crypt, Trojan.MalPack.GS, Ransom.Wannacry, Ransom.Win32.STOP.DE
Symptoms	Cannot open files stored on the computer. All of your photos, documents and music have a new file extension appended to the filenames. Files called like ‘_readme.txt’, ‘READ-ME’, ‘_open me’, _DECRYPT YOUR FILES’ or ‘_Your files have been encrypted” in every folder with an encrypted file. ‘All files on your computer have been encrypted’ message on your desktop.
Distribution methods	Phishing Emails that is carefully created to trick a victim into opening an attachment or clicking on a link that contains a malicious file. Exploit kits (cybercriminals use ransomware packaged in an ‘exploit kit’ that can find a vulnerability in Adobe Flash Player, PDF reader, Web browser, MS Windows OS). Social media posts (they can be used to trick users to download malicious software with a built-in ransomware downloader or click a misleading link). USB sticks containing malware.
Removal	Mmpa ransomware removal guide
Decryption	Mmpa File Decrypt Tool

 

In the ransom note, the Mmpa authors report that it is impossible to decrypt files without a key and a decryptor. In general, this is true; to decrypt .mmpa files, you must use the key and the decryptor. This is confirmed by the security researchers. As we reported at the very beginning of this article, there is a free decryptor, which in some cases can decrypt .mmpa files. In the case when it could not decrypt the files, there are several more methods, each of which can help the victim restore the files encrypted by Mmpa virus. These methods do not require the use of a key and decryptor, and therefore are suitable for all victims.

How to remove Mmpa virus, Recover, Decrypt .mmpa files

If you are a victim of ransomware, your files have been encrypted, then we recommend that you follow the simple steps described above. These steps will help you remove Mmpa virus, and decrypt .mmpa files that were affected by it. Moreover, we will also show you how to recover encrypted files if the decryption of the files was unsuccessful. Read the entire manual carefully. To make it easier for you to follow the instructions, we recommend that you print it or open it on your smartphone.

1. How to remove Mmpa ransomware virus
2. How to decrypt .mmpa files
3. How to restore .mmpa files
4. How to protect your device from Mmpa ransomware

How to remove Mmpa ransomware virus

You need to remove the Mmpa ransomware virus and its autostart entries before proceeding to decrypt or restore encrypted files. This must be done since otherwise the ransomware may re-encrypt the restored files. You can stop the ransomware from working, as it is not difficult to do. Another option is to perform a full system scan using free malware removal tools capable of detecting and removing ransomware infection.

It is very important to scan the computer for malware, as security researchers found that spyware could be installed on the infected computer along with the Mmpa ransomware. Spyware is a very dangerous security threat as it is designed to steal the user’s personal information such as passwords, logins, contact details, etc. If you have any difficulty removing the Mmpa virus, then let us know in the comments, we will try to help you.

To remove Mmpa ransomware, follow the steps below:

1. Kill the Mmpa ransomware process
2. Disable the Mmpa ransomware Start-Up
3. Delete the Mmpa ransomware Task
4. Delete the Mmpa ransomware File
5. Scan computer for malware

Kill the Mmpa ransomware process

Press CTRL, ALT, DEL keys together.

Click Task Manager. Select the “Processes” tab, look for something suspicious that is the Mmpa ransomware then right-click it and select “End Task” or “End Process” option. If your Task Manager does not open or the Windows reports “Task manager has been disabled by your administrator”, then follow the guide: How to Fix Task manager has been disabled by your administrator.

It is not difficult to detect a process related to the Mmpa ransomware. When looking for a malicious process, pay attention to the process icon and its name. Most often, this ransomware has a process name in the following format: 4-characters.tmp.exe or 4-characters.exe. For example: 7533.tmp.exe, A4b1.exe, CD15.tmp.exe, 19b2.exe. If you do not find a process with a similar name in the list of processes, then most likely the Mmpa ransomware has finished working. But keep in mind, if you do not remove the ransomware autostart entries, as demonstrated below, and do not delete its file, then after a while it may start again, and if it finds unencrypted files, immediately encrypt them.

Disable the Mmpa ransomware Start-Up

Select the “Start-Up” tab, look for something similar to the one shown in the example below, right click to it and select Disable.

Close Task Manager.

Delete the Mmpa ransomware Task

Type “Task Scheduler” in the search bar. Click Task Scheduler app in the search results. Click “Task Scheduler Library” in the left panel. On the right panel, right-click to “Time Trigger Task” and select Delete.

Close Task Scheduler.

Delete the Mmpa ransomware File

Run Task Manager and select the “Start-Up” tab. Right click to the Mmpa ransomware Start-Up entry and select Open File Location as shown below.

A directory containing one file will open in front of you, this file is the Mmpa ransomware. It needs to be removed. If you try to delete it immediately, then you will not succeed, since this file is protected from deletion.

To delete this file, you need to do the following. Right-click on the file, select Properties. In the window that opens, select Security tab. Next, click the Advanced button below. A window will open as shown in the following example.

Click Disable inheritance. In the Block inheritance dialog box that opens, select the first item (Convert inherited permissions…) as shown below.

In the Permission entries list, select “Deny Everyone”, click Remove button and then OK. Close the file properties window. You should now be able to remove the Mmpa ransomware File. Right-click on the file and select Delete.

Scan computer for malware

Zemana AntiMalware is a malware removal tool that performs a scan of your personal computer and displays if there are existing ransomware, adware, spyware, worms, trojans and other malware residing on the computer. If malware is found, Zemana can automatically remove it. Zemana Anti-Malware does not conflict with other anti malware and antivirus software installed on your personal computer.

1. Zemana can be downloaded from the following link. Save it on your MS Windows desktop or in any other place.
   
   

   Zemana AntiMalware
   164031 downloads
   Author: Zemana Ltd
   Category: Security tools
   Update: July 16, 2019
   
2. After the downloading process is done, close all applications and windows on your computer. Open a directory in which you saved it. Double-click on the icon that’s named Zemana.AntiMalware.Setup.
3. Further, press Next button and follow the prompts.
4. Once setup is finished, press the “Scan” button for scanning your computer for the Mmpa ransomware virus related folders,files and registry keys. A scan can take anywhere from 10 to 30 minutes, depending on the count of files on your computer and the speed of your computer. When a threat is found, the count of the security threats will change accordingly.
5. Once the scan is finished, Zemana Free will open a scan report. Next, you need to press “Next”. Once disinfection is done, you can be prompted to restart your personal computer.

In order to be 100% sure that the computer no longer has the Mmpa virus, we recommend using the Kaspersky virus removal tool (KVRT). It is a free portable program that scans your device for spyware, ransomware, adware software, PUPs, trojans, worms, malicious software and helps uninstall them easily. Moreover, it will also help you delete any other security threats for free.

Download Kaspersky virus removal tool (KVRT) on your MS Windows Desktop by clicking on the link below.

Once the download is complete, double-click on the Kaspersky virus removal tool icon. Once initialization procedure is complete, you will see the Kaspersky virus removal tool screen as displayed on the image below.

Click Change Parameters and set a check near all your drives. Press OK to close the Parameters window. Next click Start scan button to perform a system scan with this tool for the Mmpa crypto virus and other known infections. This procedure can take quite a while, so please be patient. While the KVRT utility is checking, you may see how many objects it has identified as being infected by malware.

Once KVRT has finished scanning, Kaspersky virus removal tool will display a scan report as displayed below.

Review the results once the utility has done the system scan. If you think an entry should not be quarantined, then uncheck it. Otherwise, simply press on Continue to start a cleaning process.

How to decrypt .mmpa files

To decrypt .mmpa files, you need to use a unique key and decryptor. Security researchers confirm that it is impossible to access the contents of encrypted files without decryption. Renaming the affected files, changing their extension cannot help the victim, the files will still remain encrypted. Fortunately, Emsisoft created a free decryptor, which in some cases can decrypt .mmpa files.

Attention, be sure to scan your computer for ransomware before decrypting .mmpa files. You must be 100% sure that there is no Mmpa virus on the computer. To check your computer for ransomware, we recommend using free malware removal tools.

To decrypt .mmpa files, use free Mmpa File Decrypt Tool

• Download Mmpa File Decrypt Tool from the following link.
  STOP Djvu decryptor
• Scroll down to ‘New Djvu ransomware’ section.
• Click the download link and save the decrypt_STOPDjvu.exe file to your desktop.
• Run decrypt_STOPDjvu.exe, read the license terms and instructions.
• On the ‘Decryptor’ tab, using the ‘Add a folder’ button, add the directory or disk where the encrypted files are located.
• Click the ‘Decrypt’ button.

Mmpa File Decrypt Tool is a free software that can decrypt the encrypted files only in some cases, when the files were encrypted with an ‘offline key’. If the files were encrypted with an ‘online key’, then they cannot be decrypted. The reason for this is that the decryption key is in the hands of criminals and this key can not be determined. But even in this case, there is a chance to restore the contents of encrypted files, we will talk about how to do this a little later.

How to find out which key was used to encrypt files

Below we show two ways to help you determine what type of key was used to encrypt your files. This is very important, since the type of key determines whether it is possible to decrypt .mmpa files. We recommend using the second method, as it is more accurate.

Find out the type of key using ‘_readme.txt’ file

• Open the ransom demand message (‘_readme.txt’ file).
• Scroll down to the end of the file.
• There you will see a line with the text ‘Your personal ID’.
• Below is a line of characters that starts with ‘0257’ – this is your personal id.

Find out the type of key using ‘PersonalID.txt’ file

• Open disk C.
• Open directory ‘SystemID’.
• Open file named ‘PersonalID.txt’. This file lists ‘Personal ID’s that match the keys that the Mmpa virus used to encrypt files.

The ‘Personal ID’ is not a key, it is an identifier related to a key that was used to encrypt files. If the ID ends with ‘t1’, then the files are encrypted with an offline key. If the ID does not end with ‘t1’, Mmpa ransomware virus used an online key. If you could not figure out how to determine which key was used to encrypt files, then we can help. Just write a request here or in the comments below.

Mmpa File Decrypt Tool : “No key for New Variant online ID”

If, when you try to decrypt .mmpa files, Mmpa File Decrypt Tool reports:

No key for New Variant online ID: *
Notice: this ID appears to be an online ID, decryption is impossible

It means that your files are encrypted with an ‘online key’ and their decryption is impossible, since only the Mmpa authors have the key necessary for decryption. In this case, you need to use alternative methods listed below to restore the contents of encrypted files.

Mmpa File Decrypt Tool : “No key for New Variant offline ID”

If, during decryption of .mmpa files, Mmpa File Decrypt Tool reports:

No key for New Variant offline ID: *t1
Notice: this ID appears be an offline ID, decryption MAY be possible in the future.

It means the following: your files are encrypted with an ‘offline key’, but the key itself has not yet been obtained by security researchers, in this case, you need to be patient and wait a while, in addition, you can also use alternative ways for recovering encrypted data.

If for some reason you were unable to decrypt the encrypted files, then We recommend to follow the news on our Facebook or YouTube channels. So you ‘ll know right away that it ‘s possible to decrypt .mmpa files.

This video step-by-step guide will demonstrate How to use STOP Djvu decryptor to decrypt encrypted files.

How to restore .mmpa files

If the Mmpa File Decrypt Tool did not help you, or your files are encrypted using an online key, then there is no need to panic! There are several other alternative methods that may allow you to restore the contents of encrypted files. Once again, remember to be sure to check your computer for ransomware and malware using free malware removal tools. You must be sure that Mmpa virus is completely removed.

Each of the methods presented below uses a different mechanism for recovering encrypted files. So try each one. It often happens that if the first method did not help, then the second helped.

Use shadow copies to recover .mmpa files

First of all, try to recover .mmpa files from Shadow Volume Copies, which are automatically created by Windows OS. In order to recover photos, documents and music encrypted by Mmpa virus from Shadow Volume Copies you can use a tool called ShadowExplorer. We recommend using this free utility because it is small in size, has a simple interface and does not require installation on a computer. Unfortunately, ransomware often removes all Shadow copies. Therefore, if Shadow Explorer cannot help you, then immediately proceed to the second method, which is given below.

Installing the ShadowExplorer is simple. First you will need to download ShadowExplorer from the following link.

When downloading is complete, open a directory in which you saved it. Right click to ShadowExplorer-0.9-portable and select Extract all. Follow the prompts. Next please open the ShadowExplorerPortable folder like below.

Double click ShadowExplorerPortable to launch it. You will see the a window like below.

In top left corner, select a Drive where encrypted personal files are stored and a latest restore point as displayed on the image below (1 – drive, 2 – restore point).

On right panel look for a file that you want to recover, right click to it and select Export as shown in the figure below.

This video step-by-step guide will demonstrate How to recover encrypted files using Shadow Explorer.

Run PhotoRec to recover .mmpa files

Another alternative way to recover .mmpa files is to use data recovery software. This method requires a lot of time, but in most cases it allows you to recover part, and sometimes all, encrypted files. To restore .mmpa files, use a free tool called Photo Rec. It has a simple interface and does not require installation.

Download PhotoRec from the following link.

When the downloading process is complete, open a directory in which you saved it. Right click to testdisk-7.0.win and choose Extract all. Follow the prompts. Next please open the testdisk-7.0 folder like below.

Double click on qphotorec_win to run PhotoRec for Microsoft Windows. It will open a screen like the one below.

Choose a drive to recover as on the image below.

You will see a list of available partitions. Select a partition that holds encrypted files like below.

Click File Formats button and specify file types to restore. You can to enable or disable the recovery of certain file types. When this is complete, click OK button.

Next, click Browse button to choose where recovered files should be written, then press Search. We strongly recommend that you save the recovered files to an external drive.

Count of restored files is updated in real time. All recovered documents, photos and music are written in a folder that you have selected on the previous step. You can to access the files even if the recovery process is not finished.

When the recovery is finished, press on Quit button. Next, open the directory where restored personal files are stored. You will see a contents as shown in the figure below.

All restored personal files are written in recup_dir.1, recup_dir.2 … sub-directories. If you’re searching for a specific file, then you can to sort your restored files by extension and/or date/time.

This video step-by-step guide will demonstrate How to recover encrypted files using PhotoRec.

How to protect your device from Mmpa ransomware

Most antivirus software already have built-in protection system against the ransomware. Therefore, if your computer does not have an antivirus application, make sure you install it. As an extra protection, use the HitmanPro.Alert. All-in-all, HitmanPro.Alert is a fantastic tool to protect your computer from any ransomware. If ransomware is detected, then HitmanPro.Alert automatically neutralizes malware and restores the encrypted files. HitmanPro.Alert is compatible with all versions of Microsoft Windows operating system from Windows XP to Windows 10.

Visit the following page to download HitmanPro.Alert. Save it directly to your MS Windows Desktop.

When the downloading process is done, open the file location. You will see an icon like below.

Double click the HitmanPro.Alert desktop icon. Once the tool is launched, you will be displayed a window where you can choose a level of protection, as displayed in the following example.

Now click the Install button to activate the protection.

To sum up

This guide was created to help all victims of the Mmpa ransomware virus. We tried to give answers to the following questions: how to remove ransomware; how to decrypt .mmpa files; how to recover files, if Mmpa File Decrypt Tool does not help; what is an online key and what is an offline key. We hope that the information presented in this manual has helped you.

If you have questions, then write to us, leaving a comment below. If you need more help with Mmpa related issues, go to here.