Remove MATU Ransomware Virus (DECRYPT .matu FILES)

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

MATU ransomware seeks to lock your personal files with robust encryption

Contents

MATU ransomware seeks to lock your personal files with robust encryption
- Overview of ransom note contents
- Ransomware Summary
Get to know how ransomware spreads
Remove MATU Ransomware Virus and Recover Files
Decrypt MATU files
Frequently Asked Questions

MATU is a ransomware-type computer virus that targets data kept on Windows systems. It usually infects computers in disguise of a software crack or another illegal download, and once it does, it begins encrypting every single files stored on the system. It is a recognized variant of STOP/DJVU ransomware that appends .matu extension to encrypted files. To illustrate this process, let’s say you had some files named 1.jpg or 2.mp4 prior to the attack. After being encrypted, they will appear as 1.jpg.matu and 2.mp4.matu, and you will find that there is no way to open them. This ransomware is also known to be distributed alongside information-stealing Trojans such as VIDAR, Azorult and RedLine.

The whole point of encrypting files is to demand a ransom from the computer user – so the MATU ransomware creates and saves a copy of a ransom note in several computer locations. This note is a text file called _readme.txt and it includes a short message from the criminals, contact information and the decryption tool pricing conditions.

Overview of ransom note contents

The ransom note explains what happened during the ransomware attack, and that all of victim’s files were encrypted. For those unfamiliar of what encryption means, it is a method to secure information so that it cannot be read by unsolicited parties. Therefore, in order to access encrypted files, one has to have decryption key (also known as private key) to unlock content stored in files. While encryption is typically used to secure military-grade secrets, also sensitive information such as passwords and banking information online, the cybercriminals put a bad use to it.

The note provides two email addresses that belong to cybercriminals – support@fishmail.top and datarestorehelp@airmail.cc. The victim is asked to write an email and attach one encrypted file (one that doesn’t hold valuable information) as well as personal ID provided in the _readme.txt file. The criminals advise that they will send a decrypted file version to prove their capabilities to decrypt .matu files.

On top of that, the note contains cybercriminals’ conditions on decryption tool price. According to the crooks, victims who reach out to them within 72 hours (3 days) will get a 50% ransom amount discount, which means the data recovery procedure would cost $490 instead of the initial amount, which is $980.

The law enforcement agencies like FBI do not recommend paying a ransom. This never guarantees data recovery, besides, it fuels the ransomware cycle, which means the criminals will infect more victims now that they have more money to employ more illegal business participants.

If you have detected this threat in your Windows-running computer, we strongly recommend that you remove MATU ransomware virus using professional antivirus only. Attempts to delete malicious files, settings and other helper objects can be unsuccessful, so we suggest that you follow the guidelines provided below the article and prepare your computer for a safe virus removal first.

If you’re undecided on which AV solution to use, you may want to try INTEGO Antivirus, which is praised by our experts. Additionally, you can download RESTORO to repair damaged Windows OS files.

Ransomware Summary

Name	MATU 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	616th
Extension	.matu
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 .matu 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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Get to know how ransomware spreads

Ransomware-type computer viruses are mostly spread through illegal online content that can be downloaded either via direct link or torrents (using Peer-2-Peer software). The majority of STOP/DJVU variants, including MATU virus, are reportedly hidden in rogue sites promoting fake software cracks for popular software.

For example, if you tend to avoid paying for legitimate software, your chances to stumble upon file-encrypting computer malware are high. The only way to check such downloads for malware is by user itself, however, even those attempts can be unsuccessful. Therefore, we’d like to repeat again that the only safe way to download software is through official and verified sources only. We also recommend reading this article about rogue websites pushing malicious software cracks.

Another method cybercriminals love to use for pushing malware is malicious email spam. The criminals attach deceptive email attachments and name them as invoices, waybills, parcel tracking details or order summaries only to convince the target to open them. If the user fails to identify scam and launches the file, the malicious script in it will download the malware from an external resource and run it on user’s computer. For this reason, users should ignore all emails that come from unsolicited parties or seem at least slightly suspicious.

Finally, the criminals also try to hunt for victims by uploading fake ransomware decryption tools online, so be careful and only trust reputable websites for your downloads. Otherwise, an attempt to recover your files can drag even more malware to the system.

Remove MATU Ransomware Virus and Recover Files

The easiest way to remove MATU ransomware virus is explained in the guide provided below. What you will need to do is boot your computer in Safe Mode with Networking first, and then run an up-to-date antivirus solution. If you’re unsure which one to use, our team strongly recommend using INTEGO Antivirus.

After removing MATU virus, consider downloading RESTORO (secure download link) to repair virus damage caused on Windows OS files. Viruses like STOP/DJVU often modify system files to persist on the system, or to block access to specific websites for the user, so such tools helps to reverse the damage.

We also strongly recommend that you change all of your passwords used on the compromised computer as soon as the malware is gone.

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MATU 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 MATU 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 MATU 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 MATU files

Fix and open large MATU 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 MATU 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. MATU 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 MATU 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 MATU 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 MATU 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 MATU 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 MATU 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 .MATU files?

You can only open MATU 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 MATU 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 MATU 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.