Remove MBTF Ransomware Virus (DECRYPT .mbtf FILES)

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

MBTF ransomware tries to extort money from computer users

Contents

MBTF ransomware tries to extort money from computer users
Ransomware distribution overview
Remove MBTF ransomware virus and decrypt your files
Decrypt MBTF files
Frequently Asked Questions

MBTF ransomware is a malicious data-encrypting computer virus that is closely related to the infamous STOP/DJVU ransomware. It operates in the following order: first, it infects computers in disguise of a cracked software setup, then it encrypts files stored on the system, appending .mbtf extension to original data names. Finally, the malware drops _readme.txt ransom note that contains a message from cybercriminals behind the attack. In short, the attackers demands paying a ransom for data encryption tools.

To illustrate how files are renamed during data encryption phase, see the following examples: 1.jpg appears as 1.jpg.mbtf, 2.docx becomes 2.docx.mbtf, 3.txt appears as 3.txt.mbtf after the cyberattack. Additionally, once encrypted, these files will become inaccessible, no matter what software is used to open them.

The ransom note demands victims to pay money for data decryption

MBTF virus leaves a copy of _readme.txt ransom note in several computer folders, with an explanation what has been done to victim’s files. The note also explains that all data types were encrypted, including videos, music, photos, archives and other file formats. Then the criminals state that the only way for a victim to restore locked data is to purchase data decryption tool and private key from them for a large amount of money.

The ransom amount varies depending on how quickly the computer user contacts the attackers via email. The note includes two email addresses – support@fishmail.top and datarestorehelp@airmail.cc, and states that victims who write an email to them within 72 hours will get a 50% discount on the decryption tool, which means it would cost $490. In a scenario where the victim writes to them after 3 days, the criminals demand paying full amount, which is $980. In both cases, the only acceptable form of payment is via cryptocurrency, in order to avoid being tracked down by law enforcement agencies.

We strongly recommend you to read these FBI recommendations for ransomware victims that outline the importance of refusing to pay the ransom.

Like usual ransomware-type virus, this one also leaves a suggestion for the victim to test the decryption tool before deciding whether to pay the ransom. In order to do this, the crooks suggest sending one small encrypted file to them, preferably one that doesn’t contain sensitive information.

However, the ransom note won’t mention anything about additional malware dropped on the system. During our analysis of STOP/DJVU ransomware samples, we have discovered that it typically arrives alongside VIDAR, RedLine and AZORULT Trojans, all extremely dangerous threats that can be controlled by cybercriminals remotely to steal sensitive information from victim’s computer. For example, these threats can grab passwords saved in web browsers, offline cryptocurrency wallets, cookies, browsing history and even banking details.

Take action to protect your computer now

Considering the amount of damage that can be caused by malware that has infected your computer, we recommend that you remove MBTF ransomware virus without a delay. Using a trustworthy and robust antivirus software is a must, since deleting components of such severe computer threats manually can be a nerve-wracking task.

Therefore, we recommend that you follow the guidelines provided below the article to complete the malware removal successfully. Our team recommends a combination of INTEGO Antivirus for virus removal and RESTORO (download link) for repairing virus-damaged Windows OS files.

Ransomware Summary

Name	MBTF 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	613th
Extension	.mbtf
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 .mbtf 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 overview

Computer viruses like MBTF ransomware are usually distributed via malicious email attachments, rogue websites and especially via ones that promote cracked/pirated software versions available to download via direct link or torrent.

Computer users who regularly look for ways to avoid purchasing software licenses in a legitimate way put themselves at risk of a computer infection. Going to crack/warez or torrent websites and trying to find versions of paid software to be installed for free can result in a severe malware attack, since such downloads are frequently used by cybercriminals as a bait for potential victims. You can also read about this network of malware-serving crack websites here.

If you’re looking for a software to install, you should visit its official website or a trustworthy partner websites that might be providing offers or discounts on the software license. Purchasing genuine software versions helps legitimate companies to create and improve more useful software, whereas the cybercriminals use collected money to develop more malware and cause more damage for more people worldwide.

Another method frequently used to send malicious files to computers is via email spam. Cybercriminals go extreme lengths trying to compose convincing emails that look like they were sent by legitimate and trustworthy entities. The criminals might use email address spoofing techniques, include logos, attach files that may seem like regular documents used in daily communications, such as invoices, order summaries, waybills, etc.

Another very telling sign in such phishing emails is that the cybercriminals rarely know full names of people they contact, so they tend to use generic greeting lines, such as Dear customer/Dear client, etc.

Finally, computer users should be very careful when downloading things from online resources. There are many ways cybercriminals try to target people who lack the knowledge of how to identify online dangers. For example, they might use rogue ads to promote fake software update installers, or even upload fake ransomware decryption tools only to convince people to download more malware to their computers.

Remove MBTF ransomware virus and decrypt your files

You should remove MBTF ransomware virus without a delay. You can follow the guidelines provided below the article to understand how to boot your computer in Safe Mode with Networking and run security software such as INTEGO Antivirus to delete threats automatically.

Once malware is removed, our team recommends using software like RESTORO (secure download link) to identify and repair Windows OS files damaged by malware. Additionally, you can use data backups to restore encrypted data or use methods outlisted below.

Finally, do not forget to change all of your passwords that you used on the infected computer because the information-stealing Trojans dropped alongside the ransomware could use the stolen sensitive information to steal your online accounts, blackmail you, or even cause financial damage.

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MBTF 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 MBTF 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 MBTF 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 MBTF files

Fix and open large MBTF 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 MBTF 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. MBTF 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 MBTF 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 MBTF 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 MBTF 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 MBTF 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 MBTF 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 .MBTF files?

You can only open MBTF 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 MBTF 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 MBTF 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.