Remove MMPU Ransomware Virus (DECRYPT .mmpu FILES)

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

MMPU ransomware seeks to extort computer users after taking personal files hostage

Contents

MMPU ransomware seeks to extort computer users after taking personal files hostage
Common ransomware distribution channels
Remove MMPU ransomware virus and recover your files
Decrypt MMPU files
Frequently Asked Questions

MMPU ransomware is a computer virus designed to encrypt all data on the target system. It is categorized as a variant from the STOP/DJVU ransomware family. Once it gets executed on the Windows-running PC, it begins encrypting each file it detects in user’s folders and also marks each of them with an additional .mmpu extension. To illustrate this procedure, see this example: files previously named 1.jpg and 2.docx will appear as 1.jpg.mmpu and 2.docx.mmpu. During the attack, this virus also drops text files named _readme.txt, which are widely known as “ransom notes.”

The cybercriminals behind this ransomware distribute this threat via fake pirated software downloads. Users who download them to their computers launch the file-encrypting menace instead of the setup that was supposed to install a premium software version for free. As a consequence, all of user’s personal data stored on the computer (images, music, videos, documents, archives and other data types) get encrypted and become inaccessible.

The virus demands ransom payment to restore data

The ransomware leaves a message to confused victims in text files named _readme.txt. The computer user can find them in each affected data folder. The note contains an explanation of what the virus has done to user’s files – they were encrypted with robust encryption algorithm and private key. In addition, the perpetrators state that there is no other way to recover files but to purchase MMPU file decryption tool from them, or, in other words, pay a ransom to set the data free. This is nothing else but a pure extortion and blackmail. On the other hand, users who have data backups can easily recover their files, but for those who do not have them, the situation becomes unenviable.

The ransom note proceeds with the explanation and urges the victim to write to the attackers via email to either support@bestyourmail.ch or datarestorehelp@airmail.cc. The victim can also attach one encrypted file for test decryption as well as one’s Personal ID that is inserted in the ransom note. The crooks suggest they can decrypt one small file for free to prove that they have the power to restore all of victim’s data. The ransom note, however, points out that victims cannot send files containing valuable information, because the attackers may refuse to decrypt them.

Other than that, the note explains how much the victim is asked to pay for the decryption tools. The default price is $980, however, if the victims reaches out to the criminals within 3 days (as stated in the ransom note, 72 hours), they promise to slash the price in half, meaning the price of the decryption tools will be set to $490. No matter how much the victim is asked to pay, the payment can only be made via Bitcoin and the attackers may provide assistance regarding the purchase of cryptocurrency and methods to transfer it to the attackers’ virtual wallet address.

We encourage you to ignore the attackers’ threats and refuse to pay the ransom. The same recommendation is expressed in FBI’s official guidelines for ransomware victims. Here are the main reasons why we believe it is wrongful to comply with the virtual criminals’ demands:

Victims who pay up hardly ever recover their files successfully.
Sending funds to cybercriminals allows them to create more new ways to expand their illegal operations.
Paying victims are often targeted repeatedly with intention to extort more money.

Beware of additional malware involved

If your PC was compromised by the described ransomware, another thing that you should know is that there is probably additional malware installed on your computer at the moment. The reason is that STOP/DJVU variants like MMPU virus spread together with information-stealing Trojans like VIDAR or AZORULT. These are classified as Remote Access Trojans (RATs), known for their ability to be controlled by the attacker remotely to execute various illegal actions on victim’s computer. They can be used to steal browser-saved passwords, browsing history, cookies, autofill value data, cryptocurrency wallet data and even coins stored in offline wallets.

Our advice to you is to remove MMPU ransomware virus as soon as you can. The best way to detect all of its components and other malware that was possibly installed is to run an up-to-date antivirus and let it delete them for you. Make sure you use a genuine copy of a security software only. You can find instructions how to prepare your computer for malware removal below this article. Additionally, you can download RESTORO to identify and repair virus-damaged Windows OS files.

Ransomware Summary

Name	MMPU Ransomware Virus
Type	Ransomware; Crypto-malware; Virtual Extortion Virus
Family	STOP/DJVU
Encryption type	RSA 2048 + Salsa20
Previous versions	QQRI, QQPP, QQJJ, QQKK, OOVB, OODT (find full list here)
Version	554th
Extension	.mmpu
Cybercriminal emails	support@bestyourmail.ch, 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 .mmpu 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/Sabsik.FL.B!ml (Microsoft), UDS:DangerousObject.Multi.Generic (Kaspersky), 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. To repair virus damage on Windows OS files, consider scanning with RESTORO (secure download link).

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Files encrypted by this ransomware have blank icons and new extensions added. You can see how they appear in the screenshot provided below.

Common ransomware distribution channels

Ransomware-type threats usually await for victims in disguise of something else – be it an email attachment or a deceptive online download. Cybercriminals behind the STOP/DJVU ransomware family tend to distribute MMPU virus and other versions in a form of pirated software versions – for this matter, they create rogue websites that allegedly provide “100% working and full” versions of popular programs and games such as Adobe Photoshop, AutoCAD, League of Legends and others.

Victims who have the bad habit of looking for such downloads risk losing their personal files due to file-encrypting malware attack. That said, we advise computer users to always stick with legitimate websites that provide genuine software versions.

Another common trick used by cybercriminals is email spam. They create phishing emails and attach some malware-injected documents named as invoice, order summary, parcel tracking information or similarly. Their aim is to spark victim’s interest, even if one has no business with the sender. For this reason, we recommend that computer users remain cautious when checking their email and avoid suspicious senders. Even if the email says there is some suspicious financial matter that needs to be taken care of, for example, a renewal of subscription that you have never requested, you shouldn’t act without thinking – this is the primary goal of the perpetrator. Instead, look out for suspicion-raising details, such as strange sender’s email address, unfamiliar greeting line, urgent invite to take action and similar.

Finally, ransomware victims should stay away from scammers claiming they can decrypt files locked by STOP/DJVU online key encryption. You can read about available options for online/offline key victims in our guide for STOP/DJVU victims. There are many scammers actively posting on social media, claiming that they know a “hacker” who can decrypt your files. These are simply scammers trying to swindle money from you. In addition, beware that cybercriminals also advertise rogue data decryption tools that contain additional ransomware or any other malware payload in them. At the moment, we recommend that you stick with solutions released by Emsisoft and DiskTuna.

Remove MMPU ransomware virus and recover your files

For those dealing with the unpleasant situation of becoming a ransomware victim, we recommend deleting malware from the system without any hesitation. The best way to remove MMPU ransomware virus along other threats that may have been installed in tandem is to run a genuine antivirus version of your choice. Before you begin the removal procedure, we recommend using the instructions provided below on how to boot your computer in Safe Mode with Networking.

Consider downloading RESTORO (official download link) to identify Windows OS files that can be repaired after virus damage. Additionally, we advise that you change all of the passwords you used on the infected computer.

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Our team recommends removing malware using a professional antivirus software and then using the following tool to repair virus damage to Windows system files:

REPAIR VIRUS DAMAGE TO YOUR COMPUTER

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MMPU 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 MMPU 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 MMPU 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.

Alternative software recommendations

Malwarebytes Anti-Malware

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Decrypt MMPU files

Fix and open large MMPU 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 MMPU 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. MMPU Ransomware Virus is considered the new STOP/DJVU variant, just like QQRI, QQPP, QQJJ, QQKK, OOVB, OODT (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 MMPU 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 MMPU 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 MMPU 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 MMPU 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 MMPU 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 .MMPU files?

You can only open MMPU 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 MMPU 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 MMPU 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.