How to delete Mmob ransomware

Mmob ransomware is malware that encrypts files. It can be recognized by the .mmob extension it adds to encrypted files. This ransomware is a very generic ransomware version and comes from the Djvu/STOP ransomware family. The people operating this ransomware release new versions regularly, though they are all more or less identical to one another. Unfortunately, if it manages to encrypt files, you will not be able to open them unless you first decrypt them. And to do that, a special decryptor is necessary. The issue is that acquiring that decryptor will not be so easy because the only people who currently have it are the cybercriminals operating this ransomware. And since they are cybercriminals, they will not give you the decryptor for free. Instead, cybercriminals will demand that you pay for it.

 

 

When files are encrypted, it becomes very obvious because you will not be able to open them. In this particular case, they will also have .mmob added to them. This extension is added to files encrypted specifically by Mmob ransomware. All personal files will be targeted, including photos, videos, documents, images, etc. An encrypted text.txt file would become text.txt.mmob. The ransomware will also drop a _readme.txt ransom note once it’s done encrypting files. The note explains how to acquire a decryptor to decryptor files. Unfortunately, the only people who have the decryptor are the cybercriminals operating this ransomware. As mentioned in the note, the decryptor can be bought for $980 but there is also a 50% discount for victims who make contact within the first 72 hours. While that decryptor may be the only one currently available, trusting the cybercriminals to send a decryptor is not a good idea. Keep in mind that you are dealing with cybercriminals, so they won’t necessarily help you. In fact, many users in the past have not received their decryptors even after paying. While the decision to pay is yours, you should be aware of the risks that come with paying.

You can start recovering files from your backup if you have it as soon as your computer is free of ransomware. Make sure to use anti-malware software to remove Mmob ransomware instead of trying to do it yourself. Otherwise, you could end up causing additional damage. And keep in mind that if ransomware was still present when you connect to your backup, the backed-up files would become encrypted as well.

It’s worth mentioning that if you do not have a backup, it’s not impossible that a free Mmob ransomware decryptor will eventually be released. Because this ransomware uses online keys to encrypt files, the keys are unique to each victim, which makes developing a free decryptor difficult. But it’s not impossible that the keys will eventually be released either by the cybercriminals themselves or by law enforcement. So if you’re out of options, back up your encrypted files and wait for a free decryptor to be released.

Ransomware distribution methods

The majority of malware that affects regular users is spread via predictable methods and it’s not difficult to avoid such an infection. Users’ bad browsing habits are usually why they end up infecting their computers. Bad habits include carelessly opening unsolicited email attachments, clicking on ads while browsing questionable websites, pirating copyrighted content via torrents, etc. Developing better habits can help avoid a lot of malware.

It’s common knowledge that pirating content using torrents can often lead to a malware infection. Torrent sites aren’t exactly strictly moderated, and uploaded torrents with malware in them can stay up for a while. It’s particularly common to find malware in torrents for popular movies, TV series, software, video games, etc. The more popular something is, the more likely its torrents will have malware in them. Not only is using torrents to pirate stealing content, but it’s also dangerous for the computer and your data. We strongly recommend against both using torrents to pirate and pirating copyrighted content in general.

But perhaps the most common way regular users pick up ransomware infections is by opening unknown email attachments. This is one of the most popular malware distribution methods used by malicious actors. Malicious actors buy email addresses from various hacker forums and use them to send malicious spam. The emails are harmless as long as users do not open the attachments. But the moment a malicious file is opened, the malware can initiate. Fortunately, as long as users know what to look for, they should have no trouble identifying malicious emails. The most noticeable sign is grammar and spelling mistakes in what’s supposed to be a professionally-written email. Malicious senders often pretend to be from legitimate companies and pressure users to open the attachments by claiming they’re important documents. But when the emails are full of grammar/spelling mistakes, it becomes pretty obvious that an email is malicious. Another rather obvious sign is senders claiming that users use their services but address users using generic terms like User, Member, Customer, etc. Professional emails from companies to their customers always include names.

While a lot of malicious emails are pretty obvious, some attempts may be more sophisticated. In particular, when malicious actors have access to certain information, they can make their malicious emails quite convincing. It’s strongly recommended to scan all unsolicited email attachments with an anti-virus program or VirusTotal.

Mmob ransomware removal

Since ransomware is a very complex malware infection, it’s not a good idea to try to remove Mmob ransomware manually. You could accidentally cause additional damage to your device or not fully delete Mmob ransomware. Ransomware could recover if it’s removed incorrectly. And if that were to happen while you were connected to your backup, those backed-up files would become encrypted as well. And if that were to happen, files may be lost permanently. Instead, use anti-malware software to remove Mmob ransomware from your computer. Once the ransomware is gone, you can access your backup to start recovering files.

If you do not have a backup, your only option is to wait for a free Mmob ransomware decryptor to become available. Back up encrypted files and check sites like NoMoreRansom for a free decryptor.