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

REPAIR VIRUS DAMAGE 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. 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 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 Instructions for Windows 8/8.1/10/11 users 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. 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 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.

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 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 MMPU files, follow the given tutorial.

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.

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.