Remove MZTU File Ransomware (+Recover Files)

This research paper discusses a specific type of malware called the MZTU file virus. It belongs to a group of viruses known as the STOP/DJVU family, which are similar to ransomware. The MZTU virus specifically targets and encrypts files such as videos, pictures, and documents, adding the “.MZTU” tracking extension. The encryption technique used by this malware is described as robust, making it difficult to decrypt the affected files without the key.

Summary:

Virus Name	MZTU Ransomware
Infection symptoms	All images, videos and documents append “.MZTU” extension and cannot be opened by any program!
Type of threat	Ransomware, cryptovirus, file-locking virus
File Extension	.MZTU
Encryption type	AES algorithm using 256-bit key.
Ransom Note	_readme.txt
Amount of Ransom	determined by the hacker
Contact	support@fishmail.top, datarestorehelp@airmail.cc
Genealogy	DJVU Ransomware Family
Aliases	MZTU virus, also known as W32/Kryptik.IVG.gen!Eldorado, Ransom:A Variant Of Win32/Kryptik.HSKN, TR/Crypt.XPACK.Gen, Trojan.Smokeloader, Trojan.PWS.Stealer.35178
Distribution	Spam email attachments, RDP, pirated software, torrent websites, phishing sites, malicious weblinks etc…
Remediation Tool	In order to completely remove ransomware from your computer, you will need to install an antivirus software. We recommend using SpyHunter
Recovery Tool	The only effective method to restore files is to copy them from a saved backup. If you don’t have a suitable backup, you may use third-party recover software such as iBeesoft Data Recovery

What is .MZTU File Extension Ransomware?

A particularly deadly form of malware that is intended to encrypt a victim’s files secretly is the MZTU file ransomware. A ransom letter is then displayed on the victim’s screen by the malware once the files have been encrypted, requesting a certain amount of money in exchange for the decryption key. A tutorial on how to get rid of the infection and decrypt any encrypted files is included in the post. The malware is known to add the “.MZTU” extension to encrypted files and to produce a “_readme.txt” file that serves as a ransom note. Along with other malware like RedLine, Vidar, or information thieves, the infection might also be disseminated in groups. The malware encrypts data using 256-bit AES, which is extremely challenging to decrypt

The main objective of the MZTU ransomware is to hold the victim’s files hostage in order to extract money from them. The data is locked using 256-bit AES encryption, and only the attackers’ private key can be used to unlock the files. They provide the option to buy this key and the decryption program from them, but they want a hefty ransom in return.

 

Demands of MZTU virus:

Ransomware’s primary purpose is to encrypt personal files. This is a frequent approach used by many ransomware variants, which often append distinctive extensions to the filenames of encrypted files and contain ransom messages. Different ransomware attacks may utilize different encryption methods and decryption tools at different costs. Some ransomware variants can also propagate to other computers on a local network and encrypt other files. Therefore, after an infection has been found, it is crucial to get rid of the virus as quickly as feasible.

Example of a ransom note and alert message from the MZTU Ransomware

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:

https://we.tl/t-WJa63R98Ku

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:

support@fishmail.top

Where does the MZTU ransomware originate from, and how can we avoid getting infected again?

The most common way for cybercriminals to distribute Djvu ransomware is through websites hosting cracked or pirated software. Deceptive web pages that offer to download videos from YouTube. Emails that contain malicious files or links. The attackers rely on users to execute the downloaded malware themselves.

Other methods that may be used to distribute Djvu ransomware include:

• Using Trojans that can drop the payloads of the ransomware onto a computer.
• Using P2P networks and shady websites to distribute the malware.
• Using third-party downloaders, fake updaters, and similar channels to infect computers.
• Using malicious Microsoft Office documents, PDF documents, executables, JavaScript files, ISO files, archives, and other files to infect computers.

To avoid falling victim to this type of malware, it’s important to be cautious when downloading software or files from untrusted sources, not to enable macros in documents from untrusted sources, and to have a reputable antivirus software installed and updated.

 

Why is .MZTU File Extension dangerous?

Ransomware is particularly dangerous for two reasons:

• First, it encrypts your data and locks them away behind strong encryption algorithm.
• Second, the hackers behind ransomware may not unlock your files even after you pay the ransom.

In conclusion, the MZTU Ransomware is a very hazardous piece of malware that uses a secure key to encrypt personal files. Even while paying the ransom may not ensure that your files be recovered, there are manual techniques and tools that could help with the decryption process. Preventative precautions should be taken, including as updating your computer’s software and hardware, routinely backing up vital files, and exercising caution before paying the ransom.

Do not pay for MZTU ransom!

Please, try to use the available backups, or Decrypter tools

.MZTU File Extension Removal Instructions

STEP 1: Kill the Malicious Process

STEP 2: Reveal Hidden Files

STEP 3: Locate Startup Location

STEP 4: Recover .MZTU File Extension 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 .MZTU File Extension 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 .MZTU File Extension 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.

Do NOT send money for decrypt of “MZTU” files!

The cyber criminals behind MZTU ransomware guarantee to send you the code after you pay. However, all you’ve got is a promise from bad people. You have no warranty whatsoever. We recommend not to rely on words of internet criminals. If you pay this will continue to happen.

 

 

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 like iBeesoft Data Recovery to try 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.
• If by any chance you did not have internet access when the encryption took place, you can try to recover them by using Emsisoft Decryptor for STOP Djvu decryption tool using the Emsisoft Decryptor for STOP Djvu.
• Wait for Antivirus companies to create an MZTU file decryptor.

What can I do to stop MZTU file ransomware?

Reporting a ransomware infection to authorities can aid in tracking and identifying the individuals or group behind the attack. If you have fallen victim to a ransomware attack, there are various government websites where you can file a report. Here is a list of cyber-security authorities and their respective websites for reporting ransomware attacks in different regions:

• Germany: Offizielles Portal der deutschen Polizei
• United States: IC3 Internet Crime Complaint Centre
• United Kingdom: Action Fraud Police
• France: Ministère de l’Intérieur
• Italy: Polizia Di Stato
• Spain: Policía Nacional
• Netherlands: Politie
• Poland: Policja
• Portugal: Polícia Judiciária
• Greece: Cyber Crime Unit (Hellenic Police)
• Australia: Australian High Tech Crime Center

It’s worth noting that the response time may vary depending on the local authorities. It’s also important to note that in addition to reporting to the local police, you can also report to national and international cybercrime agencies such as FBI, Europol or INTERPOL.