Remove Mbed Ransomware Virus (STOP/DJVU)

How to Remove Mbed Ransomware?

Readers recently started to report the following message being displayed when they boot their computer:

ATTENTION!

Don’t worry, you can return all your files!
All your files like photos, databases, documents and other important are encrypted with strongest encryption and unique key.
The only method of recovering files is to purchase decrypt tool and unique key for you.
This software will decrypt all your encrypted files.
What guarantees you have?
You can send one of your encrypted file from your PC and we decrypt it for free.
But we can decrypt only 1 file for free. File must not contain valuable information.
You can get and look video overview decrypt tool:
*Redacted for security reasons*
Price of private key and decrypt software is $980.
Discount 50% available if you contact us first 72 hours, that’s price for you is $490.
Please note that you’ll never restore your data without payment.
Check your e-mail “Spam” or “Junk” folder if you don’t get answer more than 6 hours.

To get this software you need write on our e-mail:
restorefiles@firemail.cc

Reserve e-mail address to contact us
gorentos@bitmessage.ch

Your Personal ID
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Mbed is a typical representative of the STOP/DJVU Ransomware family. This virus sneaks into your computer to wreck your operating system and personal files. The virus follows standard infiltration procedures. It corrupts essential system directories, modifies the registry, and starts malicious processes. The parasite spreads its corruption throughout your entire OS and detects the user-generated files. It’s after your pictures, music, databases, documents, archives. The ransomware encrypts your files with strong algorithms and restricts your access. You can still see the icons of your files, but you can’t view nor edit them. Everything with the “.mbed extension” is under lock and key! Mbed, of course, promises a solution. The malicious actors explain your situation, as well as list their demand in a file named “_readme.txt.” The virus drops and opens this file which urges you to swing into action. Don’t follow the instructions, of course. You are dealing with experienced manipulators who know how to trick you. The criminals demand $480 worth of Bitcoin paid within 72 hours. They threaten to double the asked ransom if you fail to meet the deadlines. Don’t let them manipulate you. Their social-engineering tricks lure people into impulsive and irrational actions. Slow things down instead! Take the time to consider your options! Make the right decision for you, just bear in mind that the criminals tend to double-cross their victims. Paying the ransom doesn’t guarantee you anything!

How did I get infected with?

Although Mbed wreaks utter havoc, this virus still relies on standard distribution tricks. It uses bundles, fake updates, corrupted links, pirated software, and of course, spam messages. The virus lurks in the shadows and preys on naive users. Don’t fall into its traps! Mbed can’t infect your device if you take the time to do your part! Your diligence is the key to a secure and infection-free computer. Even a little extra attention goes a long, long way! Don’t visit dodgy websites. Download software and updates from reliable (preferably official) sources only. And, of course, be wary of your inbox. Whether it’s an instant message or an email, treat all unexpected messages as potential threats. Always take a minute to verify their senders. If a company unexpectedly contacts you via email, for example, go to their official website. Compare the email addresses listed there to the questionable one. If they don’t match, delete the pretender immediately. You can also double-check the senders by entering their addresses into a search engine. If they were used for shady business, someone might have complained online!

Why is Mbed dangerous?

Mbed Ransomware is a complete and utter menace. It corrupts your data and makes your computer as good as useless. You can, of course, use your device to browse the web. Be warned, however, the ransomware is an advanced virus. It could be tracking your activities. This parasite pushes you into paying the ransom. Don’t give in! Such actions are not recommended as the malicious actors often ignore the victims once they receive the ransom. There are cases when the victims paid just to be blackmailed for more. There are also instances when the victims received nonfunctional or just partly-functional decryption tools. What will you do if this happens to you? You can’t ask for a refund! The criminals use Bitcoin – an untraceable currency. No one can help you get your money back once you complete the transaction. Don’t make mistakes. Consider discarding your files. If you have backups that are saved on external devices, you can use them to restore your data. Just make sure that Mbed is completely removed before you attempt any such operations.

Mbed Removal Instructions

STEP 1: Kill the Malicious Process

STEP 2: Reveal Hidden Files

STEP 3: Locate Startup Location

STEP 4: Recover Mbed Encrypted Files

STEP 1: Stop the malicious process using Windows Task Manager

• Open your task Manager by pressing CTRL+SHIFT+ESC keys simultaneously
• Locate the process of the ransomware. Have in mind that this is usually a random generated file.
• Before you kill the process, type the name on a text document for later reference.

• Locate any suspicious processes associated with Mbed encryption Virus.
• Right click on the process
• Open File Location
• End Process
• Delete the directories with the suspicious files.
• Have in mind that the process can be hiding and very difficult to detect

STEP 2: Reveal Hidden Files

• Open any folder
• Click on “Organize” button
  
• Choose “Folder and Search Options”
• Select the “View” tab
• Select “Show hidden files and folders” option
• Uncheck “Hide protected operating system files”
• Click “Apply” and “OK” button

STEP 3: Locate Mbed encryption Virus startup location

• Once the operating system loads press simultaneously the Windows Logo Button and the R key.

• A dialog box should open. Type “Regedit”
• WARNING! be very careful when editing the Microsoft Windows Registry as this may render the system broken.

Depending on your OS (x86 or x64) navigate to:

[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run] or
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run] or
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run]

• and delete the display Name: [RANDOM]

• Then open your explorer and navigate to:

Navigate to your %appdata% folder and delete the executable.

You can alternatively use your msconfig windows program to double check the execution point of the virus. Please, have in mind that the names in your machine might be different as they might be generated randomly, that’s why you should run any professional scanner to identify malicious files.

STEP 4: How to recover encrypted files?

• Method 1: The first and best method is to restore your data from a recent backup, in case that you have one.

• Method 2: File Recovery Software – Usually when the ransomware encrypts a file it first makes a copy of it, encrypts the copy, and then deletes the original. Due to this you may try to use file recovery software to recover some of your original files.
• Method 3: Shadow Volume Copies – As a last resort, you can try to restore your files via Shadow Volume Copies. Open the Shadow Explorer part of the package and choose the Drive you want to recover. Right click on any file you want to restore and click Export on it.