Geek's Advice

MPPQ ransomware is a new variant of STOP/DJVU computer virus

MPPQ ransomware is a new file-encrypting virus from STOP/DJVU malware family. It is a PC threat that uses RSA Salsa20 algorithm to encrypt all files on infected computer, then mark them with .mppq extension. As a consequence, encrypted files will have double file extensions. For instance, file previously called 1.jpg becomes 1.jpg.mppq. During the attack, the ransomware creates and saves _readme.txt ransom note in every folder containing encrypted data. This note is known as the ‘ransom note’ in which the criminals explain that all victim’s files have been encrypted with the strongest algorithm in order to decrypt these files, the victim has to purchase a MPPQ decryption software from them. The attackers suggest that the victim has to contact them via given emails within 3 days as this guarantees lower ransom price ($490). If the victim writes later, the price will be $980. Of course, the attackers demand money in cryptocurrency to ensure their anonymity. The only contact details left by the ransomware operators are two emails: helpteam@mail.ch and helpmanager@airmail.cc.

The primary goal of MPPQ ransomware authors is to blackmail the computer user by promising to keep one’s files locked until a specified sum of money will be transferred to criminals’ cryptocurrency wallet. In simple terms, the virus’ authors are trying to extort the computer user by keeping one’s files hostage. To make victim’s files inaccessible, the attackers use ransomware that is set to use RSA+Salsa20 algorithm to encrypt victim’s data. This algorithm, similarly to many other encryption algorithm, is typically used to secure high-grade secrets.

The ransom note left by the virus is called _readme.txt and holds a message from virus’ developers. They begin by stating that files have been encrypted with the strongest algorithm. Next, they introduce file decryption scheme – the victim needs to purchase the suggested MPPQ decryption software for $490 or $980. The attackers want to encourage the victim to pay the ransom, therefore they suggest testing the decryption tool. In order to ‘test’ it, the victim needs to send one small encrypted file to the provided emails along with the personal ID string (included in the ransom note). The crooks promise to reply with a decrypted file version. The attackers warn that they have the right to refuse test decryption if they believe the file sent by the victim is too large or contains sensitive information. Clearly, the attackers are afraid that the victim might lose interest to pay the ransom after recovering important information.

However, you must remember that paying a ransom is a bad practice and cybersecurity experts worldwide as well as FBI do not recommend doing so. Some of the reasons why transferring payments to virtual crooks is a bad idea are listed below.

• Just because you will pay the required sum of money to criminals, that does not guarantee that they will complete their side of the deal as well. In other words, a scenario where the victim pays the ransom and gets left without any data decryption means is quite common.
• Paying a ransom is likely to be illegal in the country you live in.
• Remember that paying the ransom fuels cybercrime industry, thus luring other people to join it. The fact that ransomware operators collect millions in ransoms each year attracts other people to get involved in malware distribution operations.
• STOP/DJVU ransomware variants, including MPPQ virus, are known to run AZORULT Trojan on the computer. This threat is an example of silent malware that steals information from your PC. Stolen data can possibly be used to extort you later. Do you really want to transfer money for such deceptive and dishonest people and hope that they will leave you alone?

Things ransomware done to your computer

First, MPPQ ransomware tries to cover up its tracks and deceive the victim by running a fake winupdate.exe process, which opens a fake Windows update prompt. This prompt is meant to convince the victim that the sudden system slowdown is related to an ongoing operating system update. Next, the virus disables security measures on a PC and begins scanning the whole system for target file extensions. Once discovered, the ransomware encrypts those files using RSA Salsa20 algorithm. Encrypted files become inaccessible – they cannot be opened, viewed, or modified other than renaming them or moving them. It is important to mention that for some files reparation can be done with minimal data loss – the virus tends to encrypt only the first 150KB of the file, so images or videos may be partly repaired in certain cases. For large files, the reparation process may even be easier. For more information, please refer to this guide.

The ransomware runs some Command Prompt commands to delete Volume Shadow Copies from the PC. This helps to stop the victim from restoring files using System Restore Points. Next, the virus uploads a list of domains to Windows HOSTS file, blocking access to them. If the victim attempts to access one of listed domains directly or via some search engine, DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN error will arise. The aim of this virus is to cause as much confusion for the victim, most likely because the list of domains all share one common trait – they provide how-to guides on computer fixing and malware removal, which is clearly the information that the ransomware authors want to keep away from the victim.

The said ransomware variant also installs AZORULT malware, a well-known Remote Access Trojan (RAT) that is commonly used to get into victim’s PC, view or delete files, drop malware or download files from computer to criminals’ servers and more. However, the main functionality of this malware is stealth of private information, therefore it can grab saved browser passwords, browsing history, cookies, Steam and Telegram login credentials, cryptocurrency wallets and more. Having access to such data allows cybercriminals to carry out a wide range of blackmailing or phishing attacks as well as scam campaigns.

In order to prevent further damage, we strongly recommend you to remove MPPQ ransomware virus and other threats using free guide provided below. Regarding virus removal, we recommend using a robust anti-malware of your choice. Additionally, we recommend scanning your PC with RESTORO to repair virus damage on the system.

Ransomware Summary

Ransomware-type virus distribution explained

Ransomware-type viruses are mostly packed in malicious online downloads, deceptive email attachments or fake decryption tools. However, STOP/DJVU malware variants including MPPQ virus are specifically using one technique to reach victim’s computers. They travel in illegal torrent downloads, mostly various software or game cracks. Some victims also reported finding it in KMSPico virus variants. One way or another, it is clear that the authors of this malware are targeting people who try to get paid software for free. Another success factor for this distribution technique is that many potential victims choose to ignore security software warnings about the malware possibility in downloaded file.

Our recommendation is to avoid downloading any types of programs via such peer-to-peer sharing clients as files distributed in this way could be untrustworthy and potentially malicious. If you’re looking for a secure way to download your desired software, make sure you go to its official website or a website that belongs to an authorized distributor or affiliate.

If you have recently opened such download and it seems that nothing happened, you must scan your computer with antivirus or malware removal program ASAP. You can never know whether the download contained silent malware or not. Such malware can perform various malevolent activities without even catching victim’s attention, for instance: open specific ports on your computer, starts using your computer’s resources for cryptocurrency mining, or dropping more malware.

Another distribution technique used by attackers is malicious email spam filled with malicious links or attachments. Nowadays, the attackers are skilled and know how to inject malicious payload-downloading scripts into almost any type of file, especially those that support JavaScript. To force the victim to open the attachment, the attackers compose convincing email messages. Most of the time, they pretend to be representatives of well-known companies, or victim’s colleagues. The message usually consists of a few sentences stating that there is an urgent matter and that the user should review attached contents and reply to the sender ASAP. The crooks even spoof their email address to appear genuine for the victim.

However, our general recommendation is to avoid opening messages or attachments in them if the email’s images are blocked, the letter is marked as a possible spam, or if a sender specifically asks to be informed when you read the message. Such techniques are mostly used to alert the attacker’s servers about your interaction with the email so that more spam would be sent towards your email inbox. To avoid opening a potentially malicious email, we recommend only interacting with emails that you expected to receive.

Victims of STOP/DJVU virus’ variants should be aware that other ransomware strains, such as ZORAB, are being distributed in a form of fake STOP/DJVU decryptors. The attackers rely on ransomware victims’ attempts to find a solution to decrypt files, causing even more havoc on the already compromised system. Be careful and remember – once a official decryptor appears, legitimate and well-known sources will write about it. Do not expect to find a treasure on shady and insecure online sites just because they state to have a solution for you.

Remove MPPQ ransomware virus and decrypt or repair your files

Remove MPPQ ransomware virus from your computer using comprehensive free guide provided below. Please read the given instructions in order and perform each step carefully. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to write us or leave a comment in the comments section below. Additionally, do not forget to repair virus damage using software like RESTORO.

After successful MPPQ virus removal, we recommend you to take the following actions:

• Let a local authority know about this case of a Internet crime incident. You can find some references below this article.
• Recover part of encrypted data using data backups.
• Use these instructions to decrypt or repair files affected by STOP/DJVU versions.
• Change your passwords for websites that you chose to remember passwords for the future logins.

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

REMOVE & PROTECT WITH INTEGO

Get INTEGO ANTIVIRUS for Windows to remove ransomware, Trojans, adware and other spyware and malware variants and protect your PC and network drives 24/7.. This VB100-certified security software uses state-of-art technology to provide protection against ransomware, Zero-Day attacks and advanced threats, Intego Web Shield blocks dangerous websites, phishing attacks, malicious downloads and installation of potentially unwanted programs.

Use INTEGO Antivirus to remove detected threats from your computer.

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STEP 2. REPAIR VIRUS DAMAGE TO YOUR COMPUTER

DOWNLOAD RESTORO

RESTORO provides a free scan that helps to identify hardware, security and stability issues and presents a comprehensive report which can help you to locate and fix detected issues manually. It is a great PC repair software to use after you remove malware with professional antivirus. The full version of software will fix detected issues and repair virus damage caused to your Windows OS files automatically.

RESTORO uses AVIRA scanning engine to detect existing spyware and malware. If any are found, the software will eliminate them.

Read full review here.

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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.