Remove MPAL Ransomware Virus (2023 Guide)

MPAL ransomware attacks continue

MPAL ransomware (also known as MPAL file virus) is a malicious computer virus made to encrypt all personal or work files on the target host. It was developed by STOP/DJVU malware creators. The purpose of such data-encrypting attack is to prevent the victim from accessing files. To mark affected files, the virus marks them with an additional .mpal file extension. Next, the ransomware creates and drops money-demanding notes called _readme.txt on various PC locations to inform the victim about the attack and the criminals’ demand for money. The crooks demand paying $490 in 3 days or $980 later to receive file decryption tools. However, the ransom note doesn’t mention AZORult trojan that the ransomware installs on the system.

The victims often infect their computers this ransomware variant from illegal downloads used to activate software licenses for free. Once on the system, MPAL ransomware virus starts encrypting files silently. To trick the victim into thinking everything is normal, it displays a fake Windows update prompt. An experienced computer user would notice that Windows updates definitely do not look like a small prompt, but involve a full-screen cover during the procedure.

MPAL ransomware scans the system for various file types and makes them inaccessible by applying crypto-cipher algorithm. It must be pointed out that this process can be reversed using a private decryption key, which cannot be cracked that simply. The key is stored on cybercriminals’ servers safely. Another option to recover files is to use data backups created prior to the attack date, or try data recovery tools. To restore affected or corrupted Windows operating system files, you can download RESTORO.

Ransom note contains a clear message: pay message or lose files for good

After a successful attack, the ransomware needs to make sure that the victim gets the criminals’ message very clearly. For this reason, they leave a ransom-demanding text notes all over the computer. These notes are called _readme.txt and contain the following information:

ATTENTION!
Don’t worry, you can return all your files!
All your files like photos, databases, documents and other important are encrypted with strongest encryption and unique key.
The only method of recovering files is to purchase decrypt tool and unique key.
This software will decrypt all your encrypted files.
What guarantees you have?
You can send one of your encrypted file from your PC and we decrypt it for free.
But we can decrypt only 1 file for free. File must not contain valuable information.
You can get and look video overview decrypt tool:
—-
Price of private key and decrypt software is $980.
Discount 50% available if you contact us first 72 hours, that’s price for you is $490.
Please note that you’ll never restore your data without payment.
Check your e-mail “Spam” or “Junk” folder if you don’t get answer more than 6 hours.
To get this software you need write on our e-mail:
helpdatarestore@firemail.cc
Reserve e-mail address to contact us:
helpmanager@mail.ch
Your personal ID:
–

_readme.txt ransom note contents

The criminals demand paying money in Bitcoin cryptocurrency. This ensures their anonymity when cashing out the payments. They also suggest testing the .mpal decryption tool by sending one encrypted file to them. The provided contact methods are two emails – helpdatarestore@firemail.cc and helpmanager@mail.ch. These emails have been long used in various STOP/DJVI versions and haven’t changed in a while.

We never recommend paying a ransom to cybercriminals. Doing so simply fuels their filthy business and convinces them to keep going. In addition, it is right to say that no matter how many security measurements you take to protect your files, cybercriminals keep improving their attack methods, so creating data backups regularly and storing them on external data storage devices is simply a must.

Additional details related to MPAL ransomware attack

MPAL ransomware is highly dangerous itself, however, what is even worse is that it drags AZORult malware to the system alongside it. This malicious program is simply a password-stealing Trojan used by attackers to get access to sensitive data silently. The virus will make sure to steal any passwords saved in your browsers, so we highly recommend changing all of them after you remove MPAL ransomware safely.

Another suspicious thing you may notice is that attempts to enter certain websites will result in “This webpage is not available” error. This can happen because of the following reason: MPAL virus restricts access to popular computer-related websites by editing Windows HOSTS file. By doing so, it blocks access to such domains to possibly prevent the victim from looking up for help online. To get HOSTS file back to normal, you can try our recommended software – RESTORO.

Threat Summary

Name	MPAL ransomware virus
Type	Ransomware; file-encrypting malware
Version	223rd version of STOP/DJVU
Ransom note	_readme.txt
Ransom price	$490 or $980
Extension	.mpal file extension
Detection names	Win/malicious_confidence_100% (W), A Variant Of Win32/Kryptik.HCSI, Trojan-Ransom.Win32.Stop.mh and others (full list on VirusTotal)
Symptoms	The ransomware infects computer system via software cracks and similar illegal downloads, displays a fake Windows update screen. Meanwhile, it encrypts all files on the system and adds .qewe file extensions to them. Following successful data encryption, ransomware creates and saves ransom notes called _readme.txt, containing a money-demanding message from the attackers.
Contact emails	helpdatarestore@firemail.cc or helpmanager@mail.ch
Associated processes	F820.tmp.exe, D7CA.tmp.exe or similar; Winupdate.exe (fake Windows update prompt)
Distribution	Spreads via software cracks, KMSPico, keygens and similar illegal downloads
Removal	Use anti-malware to remove malicious remains from your computer. To identify and repair virus damage on Windows OS files, we recommend using RESTORO
Post-removal steps	Restore files using data backups, or, if you have been affected by the offline encryption, wait for STOP Decrypter update. Change all of your passwords.

STOP/DJVU distribution relies on online downloads

MPAL ransomware is the 223rd version of STOP/DJVU, a malicious ransom-demanding virus that mainly spreads via infectious peer-to-peer downloads. That said, you can download the ransomware payload after deciding to get an illegal software license activator such as KMSPico or a software crack/keygen for any desired program, such as photo editing software or game. Please refrain from such files, as they can always cause more harm than do good.

Victims of previous DJVU versions such as LEZP, QEWE, LALO or MPAJ report executing the malware along “drawing programs,” “game cracks” or “malicious torrents.”

Ransomware distribution via malicious downloads isn’t the only attack vector used by malware developers. For example, you can download the virus after clicking a deceptive link online or opening a contaminated email attachment. To learn what you can do to prevent such attacks, please refer to ransomware prevention guide on our site.

Remove MPAL ransomware virus safely and restore your files

The first step to computer safety now is to remove MPAL ransomware virus using a trustworthy computer malware cleaner. Do not forget to boot your computer in Safe mode using the instructions given below first. You can eliminate the virus using your chosen tool. To replace damaged operating system files and HOSTS file with fresh copies, you can try RESTORO.

MPAL virus removal shouldn’t be delayed. Otherwise, your operating system will remain vulnerable and monitored by the aforementioned password-stealer. To protect your privacy and security, initiate a system scan, eliminate malware, then do not forget to change passwords on all accounts. Primarily change passwords for websites whose login details you have saved in your browser.

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:

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.

Alternative software recommendations

Malwarebytes Anti-Malware

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System Mechanic Ultimate Defense

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