To illustrate how files are renamed during data encryption phase, see the following examples: 1.jpg appears as 1.jpg.mbtf, 2.docx becomes 2.docx.mbtf, 3.txt appears as 3.txt.mbtf after the cyberattack. Additionally, once encrypted, these files will become inaccessible, no matter what software is used to open them.

The ransom note demands victims to pay money for data decryption

MBTF virus leaves a copy of _readme.txt ransom note in several computer folders, with an explanation what has been done to victim’s files. The note also explains that all data types were encrypted, including videos, music, photos, archives and other file formats. Then the criminals state that the only way for a victim to restore locked data is to purchase data decryption tool and private key from them for a large amount of money. The ransom amount varies depending on how quickly the computer user contacts the attackers via email. The note includes two email addresses – support@fishmail.top and datarestorehelp@airmail.cc, and states that victims who write an email to them within 72 hours will get a 50% discount on the decryption tool, which means it would cost $490. In a scenario where the victim writes to them after 3 days, the criminals demand paying full amount, which is $980. In both cases, the only acceptable form of payment is via cryptocurrency, in order to avoid being tracked down by law enforcement agencies. We strongly recommend you to read these FBI recommendations for ransomware victims that outline the importance of refusing to pay the ransom. Like usual ransomware-type virus, this one also leaves a suggestion for the victim to test the decryption tool before deciding whether to pay the ransom. In order to do this, the crooks suggest sending one small encrypted file to them, preferably one that doesn’t contain sensitive information. However, the ransom note won’t mention anything about additional malware dropped on the system. During our analysis of STOP/DJVU ransomware samples, we have discovered that it typically arrives alongside VIDAR, RedLine and AZORULT Trojans, all extremely dangerous threats that can be controlled by cybercriminals remotely to steal sensitive information from victim’s computer. For example, these threats can grab passwords saved in web browsers, offline cryptocurrency wallets, cookies, browsing history and even banking details.

Take action to protect your computer now

Considering the amount of damage that can be caused by malware that has infected your computer, we recommend that you remove MBTF ransomware virus without a delay. Using a trustworthy and robust antivirus software is a must, since deleting components of such severe computer threats manually can be a nerve-wracking task. Therefore, we recommend that you follow the guidelines provided below the article to complete the malware removal successfully. Our team recommends a combination of INTEGO Antivirus for virus removal and RESTORO (download link) for repairing virus-damaged Windows OS files.

Ransomware Summary

Ransomware distribution overview

Computer viruses like MBTF ransomware are usually distributed via malicious email attachments, rogue websites and especially via ones that promote cracked/pirated software versions available to download via direct link or torrent. Award-winning antivirus solution for your PC. Robust security software that provides robust 24/7 real-time protection, Web Shield that stops online threats/malicious downloads, and Prevention engine that wards off Zero-Day threats. Keep your PC safe and protected against ransomware, Trojans, viruses, spyware and other forms of dangerous programs. Computer users who regularly look for ways to avoid purchasing software licenses in a legitimate way put themselves at risk of a computer infection. Going to crack/warez or torrent websites and trying to find versions of paid software to be installed for free can result in a severe malware attack, since such downloads are frequently used by cybercriminals as a bait for potential victims. You can also read about this network of malware-serving crack websites here. If you’re looking for a software to install, you should visit its official website or a trustworthy partner websites that might be providing offers or discounts on the software license. Purchasing genuine software versions helps legitimate companies to create and improve more useful software, whereas the cybercriminals use collected money to develop more malware and cause more damage for more people worldwide. Another method frequently used to send malicious files to computers is via email spam. Cybercriminals go extreme lengths trying to compose convincing emails that look like they were sent by legitimate and trustworthy entities. The criminals might use email address spoofing techniques, include logos, attach files that may seem like regular documents used in daily communications, such as invoices, order summaries, waybills, etc. Another very telling sign in such phishing emails is that the cybercriminals rarely know full names of people they contact, so they tend to use generic greeting lines, such as Dear customer/Dear client, etc. Finally, computer users should be very careful when downloading things from online resources. There are many ways cybercriminals try to target people who lack the knowledge of how to identify online dangers. For example, they might use rogue ads to promote fake software update installers, or even upload fake ransomware decryption tools only to convince people to download more malware to their computers.

Remove MBTF ransomware virus and decrypt your files

You should remove MBTF ransomware virus without a delay. You can follow the guidelines provided below the article to understand how to boot your computer in Safe Mode with Networking and run security software such as INTEGO Antivirus to delete threats automatically. Once malware is removed, our team recommends using software like RESTORO (secure download link) to identify and repair Windows OS files damaged by malware. Additionally, you can use data backups to restore encrypted data or use methods outlisted below. Finally, do not forget to change all of your passwords that you used on the infected computer because the information-stealing Trojans dropped alongside the ransomware could use the stolen sensitive information to steal your online accounts, blackmail you, or even cause financial damage. 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 MBTF 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 MBTF 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 MBTF files

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

Meanings of decryptor’s messages

The MBTF 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 MBTF 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 MBTF 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.