Remove MPAJ Ransomware Virus (2022 Guide)
MPAJ ransomware wants to extort victims after encrypting their files
Contents
MPAJ is a malicious ransomware-type virus which takes advantage of encryption algorithms to lock personal files on victim’s computer. The virus is the 219th variant of STOP/DJVU ransomware. After infecting the Windows computer, ransomware scans the system for target files and encrypts them, adding a new .MPAJ file extension to each of affected images, videos, documents and other data types. The intruder drops _readme.txt ransom note to each folder and deletes system restore points to prevent data recovery. The ransom note requires paying a ransom worth $490 or $980 in Bitcoin within 3 days, or data will be corrupted forever.
In addition to data corruption, MPAJ virus installs AZOrult Trojan on the system, a highly dangerous and stealthy password-stealer. This malicious piece of software can grab all passwords you type or save in your browser and send them to criminals’ remote server.
The ransomware installs silently and operates as a background process, meanwhile, a fake Windows update screen appears on the screen. Therefore, the victim might not suspect a cyber attack that easily. MPAJ ransomware then connects to a remote C&C server to obtain an unique encryption key for the victim and starts encrypting all files at once. In case the connection between the victim’s host and criminals’ server cannot be established, the virus uses an offline encryption key instead.
Ransom note holds message from criminals
The _readme.txt note explains that files cannot be recovered in any other way than paying the criminals. They offer a free decryption for one file and also suggest contacting them within 3 days to qualify for a lower ransom proce ($490) instead of full price ($980). The contact emails provided are helpdatarestore@firemail.cc and helpmanager@mail.ch.
If you have been attacked by this virus and now you cannot open your files, you must remove MPAJ ransomware virus as soon as possible and eliminate the password-stealer it installed on your system. To clean out virus damage we recommend using software like System Mechanic Ultimate Defense.
Encryption and decryption explained
The encryption type can be identified by looking at the key ending on C:/SystemID/PersonalID.txt file. If the key ends in t1, an offline encryption was used, and there are chances to recover data. If your files were encrypted with online key, THERE ARE NO chances to decrypt .mpaj file type for free.
MPAJ file type files can no longer be opened as they’re encrypted with a highly secure algorithm. No matter what program you’ll try to use, the original content won’t appear as before. Moreover, some victims question the possibility to compare original and encrypted files, but this doesn’t help in the context of encryption as well. The only way to restore files is to have a decryption software and private key held by the criminals. Of course, victims can always recover their files using a data backup.
STOP/DJVU Decryption tool can help victims subject to offline encryption. Please read the article and check back for updates to see when MPAJ decryption becomes available.
Threat Summary
| Name | MPAJ ransomware (also known as MPAJ file virus) |
| Type | Ransomware |
| Version | 219th version of STOP/DJVU |
| Ransom note | _readme.txt |
| Ransom price | $490 or $980 |
| Extension | .mpaj file extension |
| Symptoms | Ransomware encrypts all files and adds new file extensions to them. The files now have blank icons and cannot be opened. Ransom notes are found throughout the system, asking to contact the criminals and pay a specified ransom to recover files with a private decryption key. |
| Contact emails | helpdatarestore@firemail.cc (primary email), helpmanager@mail.ch |
| Associated processes | 1A3E.TMP.EXE |
| Distribution | Ransomware hides in a form of software cracks, keygens, or KMSPico |
| Removal | Remove using anti-malware, for instance, System Mechanic Ultimate Defense and try its deleted data recovery tool. |
MPAJ ransomware virus belongs to the new STOP/DJVU variants group, which is an advanced and more robust malware variant. It also includes new features, and one of them is ability to modify Windows HOSTS file. The file can be used to block certain websites on the computer. This feature is often used for child activity controls on the computer.
In this case, the ransomware restricts victim’s access to various computer and security themed sites. Our bet is that the criminals are trying to frighten the victim and prevent him/her from seeking help online. Some of the blocked websites include pages like BleepingComputer, Microsoft, and others.
Ransomware enters targets systems using Trojan-like strategy
MPAJ virus is no different from previous DJVU versions (JOPE, MOSK, OPQZ, OOSS, etc.) and tends to await victims in a form of software cracks, keygens, and other illegal downloads. Such downloads are especially popular during COVID-19 quarantine season, since people are staying indoors and watching movies/playing computer games are one of the most popular activities.
Unfortunately, ransomware creators know the fact that many computer users are unwilling to spend money on legitimate software licenses, therefore they pack the ransomware into files that seem to be the software license activators and upload them to file sharing websites. Such files are usually downloaded via peer-to-peer download managers like uTorrent, eMule, and similar. Once activated, the ransomware hits the system and does irreversible damage instantly.
However, if you’re trying to protect yourself against ransomware attacks, you should beware of other ransomware distribution strategies, such as unsecured RDP, malicious email spam, infected websites, fake updates and similar.
Remove MPAJ file virus for good
You must remove MPAJ ransomware virus remains and delete AZORULT malware it installed on your computer. This is essential to make your PC safe to use again. In addition, we recommend deleting malware automatically, using a recommended software such as System Mechanic Ultimate Defense.
MPAJ virus removal needs to be completed in Safe Mode even when using automatic security software. We strongly recommend you to follow the instructions provided below to delete malware successfully.
OUR GEEKS RECOMMEND
Our team recommends a two-step rescue plan to remove ransomware and other remaining malware from your computer, plus repair caused virus damage to the system:
STEP 1. REMOVE AUTOMATICALLY WITH ROBUST ANTIVIRUS
STEP 2. REPAIR VIRUS DAMAGE TO YOUR COMPUTER
GeeksAdvice.com editors select recommended products based on their effectiveness. We may earn a commission from affiliate links, at no additional cost to you. Learn more.
MPAJ ransomware Removal Guidelines
Method 1. Enter Safe Mode with Networking
Step 1. Start Windows in Safe Mode with Networking
Before you try to remove the 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, see a video tutorial on how to do it:
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 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 MPAJ ransomware 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 malware removal program. In addition, we suggest trying a combination of INTEGO antivirus (removes malware and protects your PC in real-time) and RESTORO (repairs virus damage to Windows OS files).
REMOVE MALWARE & REPAIR VIRUS DAMAGE
1 Step. Get robust antivirus to remove existing threats and enable real-time protection
INTEGO Antivirus for Windows provides robust real-time protection, Web Shield against phishing and deceptive websites, blocks malicious downloads and blocks Zero-Day threats. Use it to remove ransomware and other viruses from your computer professionally.
2 Step. Repair Virus Damage on Windows Operating System Files
Download RESTORO to scan your system for FREE and detect security, hardware and stability issues. You can use the scan results and try to remove threats manually, or you can choose to get the full version of software to fix detected issues and repair virus damage to Windows OS system files automatically.
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 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
Removing spyware and malware is one step towards cybersecurity. To protect yourself against ever-evolving threats, we strongly recommend purchasing a Premium version of Malwarebytes Anti-Malware, which provides security based on artificial intelligence and machine learning. Includes ransomware protection. See pricing options and protect yourself now.
System Mechanic Ultimate Defense
If you're looking for an all-in-one system maintenance suite that has 7 core components providing powerful real-time protection, on-demand malware removal, system optimization, data recovery, password manager, online privacy protection and secure driver wiping technology. Therefore, due to its wide-range of capabilities, System Mechanic Ultimate Defense deserves Geek's Advice approval. Get it now for 50% off. You may also be interested in its full review.
Disclaimer. This site includes affiliate links. We may earn a small commission by recommending certain products, at no additional cost for you. We only choose quality software and services to recommend.
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.
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