MMPA Virus (.mmpa Files Ransomware) REMOVAL GUIDE

MMPA ransomware is a virtual extortion tool

Contents

MMPA ransomware is a virtual extortion tool
- The virus demands ransom for data decryption
- What the virus has done to your files
Ransomware distribution mechanisms used by cybercriminals
Remove MMPA ransomware virus effectively and recover encrypted data
Decrypt MMPA files
Frequently Asked Questions

MMPA is a variant of STOP/DJVU ransomware-type computer virus. This infection is designed to scan the computer and encrypt victim’s personal files with RSA algorithm. Once encrypted, files will be marked with .mmpa extension. For example, photo called 1.jpg will appear as 1.jpg.mmpa after the cyber attack. The maliciously modified files cannot be opened with any program. Following the data encryption, this ransomware virus drops _readme.txt ransom notes in every folder. The note instructs to contact the developers of the malware via helpmanager@mail.ch or restoremanager@airmail.cc emails within 3 days to be eligible for lower ransom price $490. If the victim contacts the attackers later, the ransom price rises to $980.

This article explains how to remove MMPA ransomware virus safely, and provide guidance for secure file recovery. Please do not consider meeting the criminals demands before you try all the possible methods to recover data for free.

Screenshot showing infected computer folder and the ransom note.

The virus demands ransom for data decryption

As previously stated, the only aim of MMPA ransomware developers is to extort the computer users virtually. For this matter, they encrypt victim’s personal files and demand purchasing a file decryption tool for a specific sum of money. In other words, the cyber criminals try to extort victims by forcing them to pay a hefty ransom. To explain how everything works, the criminals designed the virus to drop a ransom-demanding note on the system folders that goes by _readme.txt name.

The _readme.txt file begins with a statement that the victim can still can return all of encrypted files. However, in order to do that, the victim is supposed to purchase “decrypt tool and unique key.” To convince the victim that the decryption tool exists and that the criminals do not give out empty promises, they suggest sending 1 encrypted file to them for free decryption. This mechanism is only meant to push the victim to pay the ransom sooner.

The criminals suggest that if the victim contacts them and pays the ransom within 3 days, the ransom price will be $490. If the victim delays the payment, the price rises to $980. Without doubt, the attackers want to receive the money in cryptocurrency such as Bitcoin to avoid being tracked down by legal authorities.

Experts warn not to pay up

We insist that you do not listen to criminals’ demands and do not pay the ransom! Please try the recommended methods first. You might be lucky if you’re affected by offline and not online encryption (if the file in C:/SystemID/PersonalID.txt ends in t1).

Paying the ransom is not an answer because the criminals might never return your files even if you pay. They have thousands of victims to convince. Therefore, they might forget about you because you have already paid. Plus, the attackers will identify you as a potential victim that is willing to pay, and might try to attack you in the future.

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What the virus has done to your files

Many ransomware victims simply refuse to understand that encryption cannot be breaked that easily, and continue to search for MMPA decryption tools despite being told that decryption is impossible. As explained earlier, files can be recovered only in case of offline encryption or if you have a data backup. The reason why you cannot restore your files is because they were encrypted with algorithms that are typically used to secure military-grade secrets.

Encryption algorithms, such as RSA or AES, or combinations of both, are used to protect and secure sensitive information. This is used daily in various infomation transmission environments. However, cybercriminals tend to exploit these technologies for creating malicious programs (a.k.a. viruses or ransomware) that illegally lock victim’s personal files on a private or work computer).

Example of folder affected by this ransomware.

The primary thing that we recommend doing after being hit by this ransomware is to remove MMPA virus from the system – the sooner, the better. You should realize that this ransomware-type threat drops additional malware such as AZORULT password-stealing Trojan on the system, and maliciously modifies Windows HOSTS file to block specific web domains. To restore damage done to Windows OS, we strongly recommend scanning the system with RESTORO.

Name	MMPA Ransomware Virus
Type	Crypto-virus; File Locker; Ransomware
Malicious files	9BB1.exe, 9H54.tmp.exe (or similar), updatewin.exe
Dropped files	_readme.txt, PersonalID.txt, all encrypted file versions
Origins	STOP/DJVU
Encryption algorithm	RSA
Version	257th
Other versions	VYIA, QBAA, FOPA, VTYM, KQGS, XCBG, BPQD (find full list here)
Ransom note	_readme.txt
Decryption price	$490 in 3 days, $980 if later
Extension used	.mmpa
Criminal contact	helpmanager@mail.ch and restoremanager@airmail.cc
Detection name examples	TR/Crypt.Agent.mxjqk (Avira), Win32.Trojan.PSE.1L1VYIG (GData), Trojan:Win32/Ymacco.AA53 (Microsoft), see full list on VT
Symptoms of infection	The malware displays a fake Windows update screen (winupdate.exe process) during the file encryption. Meanwhile, it scans all private system folders and encrypts personal files stored in them. Each affected file gets marked with .mmpa extension. The virus drops _readme.txt notes in every folder. The note demands paying a ransom to cybercriminals for data decryption.
Additional damage	This virus installs AZORULT malware on the system. This is made for password-stealing purposes. The virus also maliciously modifies Windows HOSTS file to block access to certain websites. Learn how to reset HOSTS file here, or use RESTORO to revert changes.
Distribution	Distributed in illegal downloads such as software/game cracks, keygens, KMSPico.
Removal	Remove malware remains using your anti-virus software. Additionally, we recommend you to repair part of virus damage using RESTORO. You can read its review here.

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Ransomware-type viruses like COPA, KOLZ, FOQE or DHARMA are actively distributed in both 2019 and 2020. It is unlikely that these cyber attacks are going to stop anytime soon. For this reason, we recommend you to learn more about their distribution and ransomware prevention methods.

Ransomware distribution mechanisms used by cybercriminals

MMPA ransomware, just like the majority of viruses of such kind, are distributed in traditional ways that are based on victim’s deception. The most popular way to spread this type of malware is email spam. That said, criminals compose convincing email messages and send them out to thousands of computer users. The email lists of potential targets can be aggregated online or purchased on dark web forums for cents.

Such deceptive emails typically suggest viewing “an important attachment” such as invoice, missing or pending tax return/payment and similar. The message often urges to view the attached contents, fill some details in and respond to the sender immediately. However, as soon as the victim opens the document and enables editing, the malicious script executes to infect the whole computer system in a irreversible manner.

Another ransomware distribution method, which is widely used in STOP/DJVU distribution, is disguised software or game cracks. In this case, the criminals aim at computer users who aren’t willing to pay for premium software licenses and are looking for illegal ways to obtain these programs without paying anything. In most cases, such dangerous downloads (software cracks and keygens) can be downloaded via peer-to-peer file sharing agent, such as uTorrent or eMule.

However, these programs do not guarantee the safety of files, or sources of torrents. For this reason, you should never download such items as they can severely damage your computer. They are well-known transmitters of various malware, not only ransomware. That said, when in need of specific software, we only recommend downloading it from safe sources (e.g. official website developer’s website, or application store).

Remove MMPA ransomware virus effectively and recover encrypted data

If you’ve become a victim of a ransomware attack, it goes without saying that you must cleanse your computer from malicious remains and modifications done to your system or registry. For this reason, we have prepared easy guidelines on how to remove MMPA ransomware from the system using Windows’ Safe Mode. Please follow the given instructions attentively.

Once you perform MMPA virus removal, you might want to scan with RESTORO to ensure that all virus damage done to system files is erased professionally. You can read more about this software and its benefits in this detailed review here. For now, focus on the virus removal and file decryption instructions provided below.

Plus, we strongly recommend changing all of your passwords for accounts saved in your web browser. Finally, do not forget to report the Internet crime incident to institution responsible for such acts in your country. You can find a list of useful links below.

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MMPA 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 MMPA 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 MMPA 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, which also includes data recovery software. 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 MMPA files

Fix and open large MMPA 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 MMPA 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. MMPA Ransomware Virus is considered the new STOP/DJVU variant, just like VYIA, QBAA, FOPA, VTYM, KQGS, XCBG, BPQD (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 MMPA 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 MMPA 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 MMPA 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 MMPA 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 MMPA 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 .MMPA files?

You can only open MMPA 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 MMPA 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 MMPA 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.