Remove MANW Ransomware Virus (DECRYPT .manw FILES)

remove MANW ransomware virus and learn how to decrypt or repair files with .manw extension (free guide)

MANW ransomware sneakily locks all data on computers

Contents

MANW ransomware sneakily locks all data on computers
- The ransom note demands money for data decryption tool
- Ransomware Summary
Ransomware distribution and prevention of attacks
Remove MANW ransomware virus and decrypt/repair your files
Decrypt MANW files
Frequently Asked Questions

MANW ransomware is a highly dangerous computer threat and it is also a recognized variant from STOP/DJVU malware family. Once launched on the system, it begins encrypting every file it finds on its way. Encryption turns files into useless piles of data, since there is no way to open or view them. To mark such corrupted files, the malware appends .manw extension to each encrypted file. For example, files with names 1.jpg and 2.xls will appear as 1.jpg.manw and 2.xls.manw once encrypted. In addition, the virus drops _readme.txt notes in each data folder.

The ransomware operators seek to extort the computer user by encrypting files and making it impossible to open them. This causes a lot of problems to the user, because one can no longer access personal memories, work or study files, and other important information kept on the compromised computer. Therefore, the criminals leave ransom notes suggesting to purchase MANW file decryption tool from the attackers.

What is even worse, samples of this ransomware are often seen in tandem with Vidar, Azorult and other information-stealing Trojans, which means they most likely were installed on your computer as well.

The ransom note demands money for data decryption tool

After leaving the victim with no access to one’s personal data, the attackers introduce their solution to the problem. They expect the victim to pay a ransom, or, as they put it in the _readme.txt ransom note, purchase a decryption tool and key from them. They also advise contacting them via provided email addresses: support@fishmail.top and datarestorehelp@airmail.cc to start a conversation with the extortionists.

The ransom note briefly explains that the encryption used to lock files is extremely strong and there is nothing that the computer user can do in order to reverse the damage without the attackers’ help. They recommend writing an email to them within 72 hours, promising a 50% discount on the ransom amount. In such case, the victim would have to pay $490, while the full amount is $980. The note also clarifies that whoever contacts the criminals after 3 days will have to pay the larger sum.

The note also suggests that victims can get a proof from cybercriminals that all data will be restored after payment. The victim is offered a test decryption service, and in order to use it, one has to send one encrypted file and Personal ID (included in the ransom note) to the criminals via email. In their reply, they would attach a decrypted version of the file. However, this should not convince victims to pay up, because there are many reasons why paying a ransom is wrongful.

According to recommendations of FBI, NCSC, and many other organizations, paying a ransom simply motivates cybercriminals. It also isn’t a guarantee that criminals will do their part and decrypt your files. Moreover, by paying up, you might become a desirable target in future cyber attacks.

It is recommended to remove MANW ransomware virus without a delay since it poses a significant risk to your computer system. Using a robust antivirus software is a must, especially when it comes to removing severe malware like this. Our team recommends using INTEGO Antivirus, and scanning the computer with RESTORO (secure download link) afterward. The latter helps to fix damaged Windows OS files following a ransomware or another malware attack.

Ransomware Summary

Name	MANW Ransomware Virus
Type	Ransomware; Crypto-malware; Virtual Extortion Virus
Family	STOP/DJVU
Encryption type	RSA 2048 + Salsa20
Previous versions	KAAA, BGJS, BGZQ (find full list here)
Version	614th
Extension	.manw
Cybercriminal emails	support@fishmail.top and datarestorehelp@airmail.cc
Additional malware dropped	Azorult or Vidar Trojan
Damage	The ransomware uses encryption to maliciously modify all files on the PC and marks their original names with .manw extension. Ransom notes called as _readme.txt will be dropped in every computer folder. This piece of malware usually drags VIDAR Stealer alongside it and also eliminates VSS from the system. On top of that, it tends to modify Windows HOSTS file to restrict computer user’s access to cybersecurity-related websites online.
Ransom note	_readme.txt
Ransom demand	$490-$980 in Bitcoin
Distribution	Victims often download this ransomware along illegal torrent downloads, cracked software, activators, key generators or tools like KMSPico.
Known software cracks to contain this malware	Corel Draw, Tenorshare 4ukey, Adobe Photoshop, Cubase, Adobe Illustrator, Internet Download Manager, Tally, League of Legends.
Detection names	Trojan:Win32/Azorult.FW!MTB (Microsoft), Gen:Heur.Mint.Zard.52 (B) (Emsisoft), HEUR:Trojan.Win32.Scarsi.gen (Kaspersky), Gen:Heur.Mint.Zard.52 (BitDefender), Trojan.MalPack.GS (Malwarebytes), ML.Attribute.HighConfidence (Symantec) see all detection name variations on VirusTotal
Removal	Remove ransomware and related malware from your PC using trustworthy software like INTEGO Antivirus. To repair virus damage on Windows OS files, download and try RESTORO (secure download link).

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Ransomware distribution and prevention of attacks

Ransomware-type computer threats like MANW virus can be found in deceptive software crack downloads online. While other distribution methods like phishing emails, malware-laced advertisements and RDP attacks might also be used, illegal downloads remain the primary source of STOP/DJVU ransomware infections.

Cybercriminals tend to bait computer users by using significant software brand names, such as Adobe Photoshop, Tenorshare 4ukey, Driver Talent, Wondershare Filmore and others. They publish posts claiming to provide software cracks for these popular programs, while in reality, each of these downloads lead to a malicious file called setup.exe that is hidden in a password-protected archive. The reason why this file is archived is to avoid AV detection.

Sometimes, such malicious files can be downloaded via torrents, so using peer-to-peer file sharing isn’t recommended by cybersecurity experts. All in all, trying to obtain pirated or cracked software versions can lead to various problems, including computer infection or fines for copyright-protected content distribution and usage. Users should download software from trustworthy websites and pay for legitimate software license keys instead of trying to cut corners.

Phishing emails also play a major role in malware distribution. Cybercriminals try to deceive the victim by stating they’re writing on behalf of a well-known company or organization, and warn there is an urgent matter that needs to be addressed. Such emails repeatedly ask the victim to view attached files, and if the user does so, the malware inside of them launches, leading to complete data encryption.

It is advisable to be cautious when checking the email and look out for some signs that signal about the email sender’s bad intentions. First of all, it is important to check what the sender’s address is – if it looks suspicious, or isn’t official looking (the email domain isn’t company’s website but a gmail.com, for example), you should ignore it.

However, you shouldn’t stop there because if it appears normal, there’s always a chance that it was possibly spoofed to appear trustworthy. Then, you need to look for other signs such as overly-generic greeting line (f.e., Dear valued customer/client), grammar mistakes in the message, or urgent tone asking you to click on a link or view attachments.

The best way to protect yourself from such attacks is installing a trustworthy antivirus software with real-time protection feature. Of course, even if your antivirus is enabled, you should never forget secure browsing habits and always evaluate what websites you choose to visit and what to click on.

Remove MANW ransomware virus and decrypt/repair your files

You can find instructions on how to remove MANW ransomware virus below. Booting in Safe Mode with Networking is useful if the malware attempts to interfere with your security software’s processes and halt the removal procedure. In case you’re undecided on what AV brand to choose, you may want to read about Intego. It is available with a discount now – get it on INTEGO Antivirus official website now.

Once malware is removed, we recommend getting RESTORO (secure download link), a tool that can identify and repair virus-altered Windows OS files. Afterward, we also advise changing your passwords due to the ransomware and Trojan activity on your computer. Finally, consider registering the cybercrime incident to your local authorities.

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MANW Ransomware Virus Removal Guidelines

Method 1. Enter Safe Mode with Networking

Step 1. Start Windows in Safe Mode with Networking

Before you try to remove MANW Ransomware Virus virus, you must start your computer in Safe Mode with Networking. Below, we provide the easiest ways to boot PC in the said mode, but you can find additional ones in this in-depth tutorial on our website – How to Start Windows in Safe Mode. Also, if you prefer a video version of the tutorial, check our guide How to Start Windows in Safe Mode on Youtube.

Instructions for Windows XP/Vista/7 users

First of all, turn off your PC. Then press the Power button to start it again and instantly start pressing F8 button on your keyboard repeatedly in 1-second intervals. This launches the Advanced Boot Options menu.
Use arrow keys on the keyboard to navigate down to Safe Mode with Networking option and press Enter.

Instructions for Windows 8/8.1/10/11 users

Open Windows Start menu, then press down the Power button. On your keyboard, press down and hold the Shift key, and then select Restart option.
This will take you to Windows Troubleshoot screen. Choose Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Startup Settings > Restart. Tip: If you can't find Startup Settings, click See more recovery options.
In Startup Settings, press the right key between F1-F9 to enter Safe Mode with Networking. In this case, it is the F5 key.

Step 2. Remove files associated with the virus

Now, you can search for and remove MANW Ransomware Virus files. It is very hard to identify files and registry keys that belong to the ransomware virus, Besides, malware creators tend to rename and change them repeatedly. Therefore, the easiest way to uninstall such type of a computer virus is to use a reliable security program such as INTEGO Antivirus. For virus damage repair, consider using RESTORO.

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Method 2. Use System Restore

In order to use System Restore, you must have a system restore point, created either manually or automatically.

Step 1. Boot Windows in Safe Mode with Command Prompt

Instructions for Windows XP/Vista/7 users

Shut down your PC. Start it again by pressing the Power button and instantly start pressing F8 button on your keyboard repeatedly in 1-second intervals. You will see Advanced Boot Options menu.
Using arrow keys on the keyboard, navigate down to Safe Mode with Command Prompt option and press Enter.

Instructions for Windows 8/8.1/10/11 users

Launch Windows Start menu, then click the Power button. On your keyboard, press down and hold the Shift key, and then choose Restart option with the mouse cursor.
This will take you to Windows Troubleshoot screen. Choose Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Startup Settings > Restart. Tip: If you can't find Startup Settings, click See more recovery options.
In Startup Settings, press the right key between F1-F9 to enter Safe Mode with Command Prompt. In this case, press F6 key.

Step 2. Start System Restore process

Wait until system loads and command prompt shows up.
Type cd restore and press Enter, then type rstrui.exe and press Enter. Or you can just type %systemroot%system32restorerstrui.exe in command prompt and hit Enter.
This launches System Restore window. Click Next and then choose a System Restore point created in the past. Choose one that was created before ransomware infection.
Click Yes to begin the system restoration process.

After restoring the system, we recommend scanning the system with antivirus or anti-malware software. In most cases, there won't be any malware remains, but it never hurts to double-check. In addition, we highly recommend checking ransomware prevention guidelines provided by our experts in order to protect your PC against similar viruses in the future.

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Decrypt MANW files

Fix and open large MANW files easily:

It is reported that STOP/DJVU ransomware versions encrypt only the beginning 150 KB of each file to ensure that the virus manages to affect all files on the system. In some cases, the malicious program might skip some files at all. That said, we recommend testing this method on several big (>1GB) files first.

Create a copy of encrypted file to a separate folder using Copy > Paste commands.
Now, right-click the created copy and choose Rename. Select the MANW extension and delete it. Press Enter to save changes.
In the prompt asking whether you want to make the changes as file might become unusable, click OK.
Try opening the file.

STOP/DJVU decryption tool usage guide

STOP/DJVU ransomware versions are grouped into old and new variants. MANW Ransomware Virus is considered the new STOP/DJVU variant, just like KAAA, BGJS, BGZQ (find full list here). This means full data decryption is now possible only if you have been affected by offline encryption key. To decrypt your files, you will have to download Emsisoft Decryptor for STOP DJVU, a tool created and maintained by a genius security researcher Michael Gillespie.

Note! Please do not spam the security researcher with questions whether he can recover your files encrypted with online key - it is not possible.

In order to test the tool and see if it can decrypt MANW files, follow the given tutorial.

Download the decryption tool from Emsisoft.
Click the little arrow next to your download and choose Show in Folder.
Now, right-click the file and choose Run as Administrator. If asked, enter administrator's password.
In UAC window, click Yes.
Click Yes to agree to software terms in both windows.
The tool will automatically include C:// disk as a location to decrypt. The file recovery tool will prepopulate the locations to scan, including connected data storage drives or network drives. Click Add folder if you wish to add additional locations.
In Options tab, you can choose to keep encrypted file copies. We recommend leaving this option selected, especially if you do not know if the decryption tool will work.
Click Decrypt to start restoring MANW files. You will see the progress in the Results tab. Here, you can see messages from the tool, such as whether the decryption procedure is successful, or you need to wait for an update.
You might also be informed that online key was used to encrypt your files. In such case, the decryption tool won't work for you, and the only way to recover your files is to use a data backup.

Meanings of decryptor's messages

The MANW decryption tool might display several different messages after failed attempt to restore your files. You might receive one of the following messages:

Error: Unable to decrypt file with ID: [example ID]

This message typically means that there is no corresponding decryption key in the decryptor's database.

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

This message informs that your files were encrypted with online key, meaning no one else has the same encryption/decryption key pair, therefore data recovery without paying the criminals is impossible.

Result: No key for new variant offline ID: [example ID]
This ID appears to be an offline ID. Decryption may be possible in the future.

If you were informed that an offline key was used, but files could not be restored, it means that the offline decryption key isn't available yet. However, receiving this message is extremely good news, meaning that it might be possible to restore your MANW extension files in the future. It can take a few months until the decryption key gets found and uploaded to the decryptor. We recommend you to follow updates regarding the decryptable DJVU versions here. We strongly recommend backing up your encrypted data and waiting.

Report Internet crime to legal departments

Victims of MANW Ransomware Virus should report the Internet crime incident to the official government fraud and scam website according to their country:

In the United States, go to the On Guard Online website.
In Australia, go to the SCAMwatch website.
In Germany, go to the Bundesamt für Sicherheit in der Informationstechnik website.
In Ireland, go to the An Garda Síochána website.
In New Zealand, go to the Consumer Affairs Scams website.
In the United Kingdom, go to the Action Fraud website.
In Canada, go to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.
In India, go to Indian National Cybercrime Reporting Portal.
In France, go to the Agence nationale de la sécurité des systèmes d’information.

If you can't find an authority corresponding to your location on this list, we recommend using any search engine to look up "[your country name] report cyber crime". This should lead you to the right authority website. We also recommend staying away from third-party crime report services that are often paid. It costs nothing to report Internet crime to official authorities.

Another recommendation is to contact your country's or region’s federal police or communications authority.

Frequently Asked Questions

✓ How can I open .MANW files?

You can only open MANW files if you have the decryption key, or if you were affected by offline encryption type.

✓ How do I know if my files were encrypted with offline or online encryption?

To figure out whether you were affected by offline encryption, please go to C:/SystemID/PersonalID.txt and see if the string inside of it ends in t1. You can also try using Emsisoft Decryptor for STOP/DJVU.

✓ My files contain very important information (family memories). Every tool I used says it is impossible to decrypt. What should I do?

Please follow the guidances provided by the official MANW decryption tools and believe what they say. If they say it is impossible to decrypt, it really is so. There is no magic tool or human capable of decrypting your files hiding somewhere. Encryption is a technique created to be nearly impossible to decrypt without a special private key (held by the criminals).

✓ I am afraid virus is still in my computer system. What should I do?

We advise scanning with anti-virus, anti-malware, malware removal tools or software like RESTORO to eliminate virus damage on the system. If you do not trust using a single tool, try running one after another. However, we do not recommend keeping several security programs on a computer at once as they can interfere with each other's work.

✓ I saw several Youtube videos suggesting secret decryption tools. Can I trust them?

Beware of fake MANW decryption tools circulating around the web. Cyber criminals are uploading them to various shady websites, also might be promoting them via suspicious Youtube videos. These programs can infect your computer even more heavily (Trojans, miners, etc.). We suggest being extremely cautious around the web. If there will be an official STOP/DJVU decryption tool available, it will be widely discussed in public media.

Norbert Webb

Norbert Webb is the head of Geek’s Advice team. He is the chief editor of the website who controls the quality of content published. The man also loves reading cybersecurity news, testing new software and sharing his insights on them. Norbert says that following his passion for information technology was one of the best decisions he has ever made. “I don’t feel like working while I’m doing something I love.” However, the geek has other interests, such as snowboarding and traveling.