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.

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.

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). 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. 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. 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. 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. Read full review here. 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.

Method 1. Enter 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 Instructions for Windows 8/8.1/10/11 users 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. For virus damage repair, consider using RESTORO.

Method 2. Use System Restore

In order to use System Restore, you must have a system restore point, created either manually or automatically. Instructions for Windows XP/Vista/7 users Instructions for Windows 8/8.1/10/11 users 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.

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.

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 BPTO, ISWR, ISZA, BPSM, ZOUU, MBTF, ZNSM (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.

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.

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.