The virus acts silently and during its operation it displays a fake Windows update window for the user. Meanwhile, data encryption procedure takes place. To encrypt victim’s files, MADO ransomware virus connects to its Command&Control server to get an individual encryption key and saves the matching decryption key on the server. Once the key is obtained, the ransomware can begin the encryption procedure, during which each individual file gets corrupted using specific encryption key and marked with .mado file type extension. Next, the virus modifies Windows Hosts file, blocking access to sites like microsoft.com and similar. By the end of the cyber attack, the ransomware has all personal videos, images, documents and other file types encrypted. Each affected file folder now has _readme.txt ransom note saved on it, so that the victim could open and read the message from the attackers instantly.

_readme.txt urges to pay ransom: is there hope to decrypt data in other way?

If you’re wondering whether the information in _readme.txt note is full of lies or not, continue reading further. The message explains that all files were encrypted with military-grade encryption, and free recovery is simply not an option in practice. At his point, the ransomware developers are right – even with the most powerful computers it would take years to break the encryption just for one key. Therefore, the attackers suggest paying up the price specified in the note – $490 within 3 days, or double the price ($980) later. The victim is commanded to write to helpdatarestore@firemail.cc or helpmanager@mail.ch to get further details on decryption and payment. It is true that there is no way to recover encrypted files for free, unless you have a data backup. However, we do not encourage you to pay a ransom. Instead, remove MADO ransomware virus as soon as you can. We recommend using PC Repair software for virus damage repair – for example, RESTORO. Automatic malware removal tool can detect and delete all related malware, such as AZORULT in this case. Typically, many computer users just happen not to have data backup in case of a ransomware attack. Such statistics aren’t uplifting, considering the number of malware attacks nowadays. However, if you didn’t have data backup, there is one slight chance you might have to decrypt your files. You need to use instructions in STOP/DJVU decryption guide and figure out if your data is subject to offline or online encryption.

Threat Summary

Modification of the HOSTS file

MADO file virus is a new DJVU variant (there are two categories – old and new ones), which means that you’ve been infected with a variant that has even more capabilities than its old versions. One of its new features is ability to modify HOSTS file, add domain names and IPs to block. The virus adds a whole list of computer or cybersecurity-related websites to it, preventing the victim from accessing self-help and malware removal guides online. Clearly, the malware developers seek to frustrate the victim as much as possible and force him to pay the ransom immediately. Sadly, paying the ransom won’t solve the matter at all.

Searching for software cracks? You might end up with ransomware on computer

MADO ransomware spreads via illegal online downloads. Just like JOPE, OPQZ, REMK or FOOP viruses, you can download it along a software keygen, crack or other illegal install-paid-software-for-free tools. Stay away from such shady and untrustworthy downloads as far as you can. Instead of downloading such dangerous content, we encourage you to support software developers and purchase legitimate program versions only. Victims of the discussed ransomware have already reported installing the virus along KMSPico, game cracks, Photoshop cracks and similar files. The discussed virus is very similar to other ransomware threats such as NEMTY, PHOBOS or DHARMA. To avoid ransomware in general, we recommend you to get real-time malware protection software, create data backups regularly on external data drives, and avoid clicking on suspicious links or attachments online.

Easy way to remove MADO ransomware

You should remove MADO ransomware virus along with related malware using the guide provided below. We also recommend a PC Repair software for fixing virus damage on your computer caused by the said ransomware. For example, it affected essential HOSTS file and others to implement as much damage as possible. You can revert such damage using RESTORO. After completing MADO virus removal, do not forget to check passwords stored in your browsers. Then change them for each website you used them on. As mentioned earlier, the ransomware installs a password-stealer on the system, so after removing them both you need to make sure hackers won’t try to infringe your privacy again. 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 MADO 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 MADO 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.

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Decrypt MADO files

Fix and open large MADO 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. MADO 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 MADO files, follow the given tutorial.

Meanings of decryptor’s messages

The MADO 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 MADO 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 MADO 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.