Guide to Remove Mbed Ransomware

Mbed Ransomware is the latest weapon in the arsenal of the most wide-spread & devastating species of data-encrypting virus – the nasty Djvu/STOP Ransomware Clan. Just like its variants, Mbed spreads via spam e-mail campaigns, malvertising & trojanized fake software updates.

Designed with strong financial motives, this pernicious Mbed virus encrypts the data & demands hefty ransom amount in exchange of the decryption tool.

While encrypting the targeted files, Mbed Ransomware appends its malicious .mbed extension to the file names & makes them instantly inaccessible. In addition to that, it drops a ransom-demanding note on the victim’s desktop, which contains instructions for the victims to get their data decrypted.

Contacting the hackers & paying the ransom is the only possible solution of decryption, the note states.

But, are these claims true? Well, cyber-security analysts from around the world suggest not contacting the hackers. Investigation has shown that most of the victims do not get the promised decryption tool in exchange of ransom amount.

Then, what are the possible ways to remove Mbed Ransomware & decrypt .mbed virus files? How can one prevent Mbed Virus from encrypting the files? Read on to find answer to these questions.

Threat Summary of Mbed Ransomware

Threat Behavior of Mbed Ransomware

The gigantic clan of the infamous Stop Djvu Ransomware recently got a brand-new member added to it. This latest strain of Djvu Ransomware has been named as Mbed Ransomware as it adds .mbed extension to the file names after encrypting them.

Some of the variants of Djvu Ransomware family include Vusad, Redmat, Moresa, Budak, Gehad and Seto Ransomware.

Just like its siblings, Mbed Ransomware uses multiple channels to distribute its infection such as spam e-mail campaigns, online advertising & malware-laden fake software updater.

Mbed Virus does not require any user intervention to get installed on the system. Once installed, it searches every nook & corner of the infected system for targeted file types & extensions.

When found, it encrypts the files by using highly-complex Encryption Algorithms such as (Rivest–Shamir–Adleman) & AES (Advanced Encryption Standard). The targeted file extensions are instantly made inaccessible to the users by appending the filenames with .mbed extension.

For example: A file named myimage.jpg might be renamed as “myimage.jpg.mbed” after encryption.

File Extensions Targeted by Mbed Ransomware are mentioned below:

• Document files (.docx, .doc, .odt, .rtf, .text, .pdf, .htm, .ppt)
• Audio Files (.mp3, .aif, .iff, .m3u, .m4u, .mid, .mpa, .wma, .ra, .avi, .mov, .mp4)
• Video Files (.3gp, .mpeg, .3g2, .asf, .asx, .flv, .mpg, .wmv, .vob)
• Images (.jpg, .jpeg, .raw, .tif, .gif, .png)
• Backup Files (.bck, .bckp, .tmp, .gho)

Details of Mbed Ransom Note

The .Mbed Virus infection manifests through the encryption of files & .mbed extension being appended to the encrypted files. As a result, the victims are unable to open their documents, image files, video files, database files & other sensitive information.

After encryption, this nasty Djvu variant then leaves a ransom-demanding note on the victim’s desktop & in the folders containing .mbed files.

The ransom note is in a text format named as “_readme.txt”. It serves as a bridge between the impacted users & the attackers.

The note contains the following information:

• present situation of the system & files (about encryption)
• summary of data restoration/decryption options
• ransom amount & suggested time for paying it
• hacker’s contact information such as e-mail address

Details of Ransom Amount Demanded by Hackers

The text assures decryption of the encrypted data with the help of private unique key, which is stored on hacker’s remote server. In order to purchase the decryption key from the cyber-crooks, the victims are required to pay the demanded ransom amount.

To prove recovery of the files is possible, the hackers offer to decrypt one file for absolutely no cost. The victims are required to send any one file (except database, backup or large excel sheet) on the hacker’s e-mail address. The hackers will decrypt it & send it back to the victim.

The ransom amount demanded for the necessary decryption tools/key is $980. However, if the victim manages to contact hackers within 72 hours, rebate of 50% will be granted. Thus, the demanded ransom amount minimizes to $490.

To get the details of the payment, victims are encouraged to contact the hackers on mentioned e-mail addresses, gorentos@bitmessage.ch & restorealldata@firemail.cc.

Despite these claims, we advise not making the ransom payment to prevent the risk of getting scammed. According to the analysis, hackers avoid responding after the payment has been received.

By paying the ransom, a victim not only loses the money, but also loses the data permanently.

To prevent any further encryption by Mbed, you can remove it from system. However, doing so will not restore the encrypted data. The viable solution is to restore the files from a backup, if any.

Impacted users may refer to the possible Mbed Ransomware removal instructions given below to get rid of .Mbed Virus.

Distribution Techniques of Mbed Ransomware

The cyber-criminals behind Mbed File Virus use various strategies for malware distribution which include –

1. Software Bundling: Software bundling is the process in which a malicious program is distributed with other free software, to get an unnoticed entry into your computer system. When a user installs a free application, the malicious programs gains a front door entry with the free application, the user has downloaded. Thus, it is a good idea to keep an eye on the installation screens while installing these free applications.
2. Infected Storage Devices: Your system can also get infected by using removable media such as USB hard drives and jump drives without scanning them with an anti-virus.
3. Spam Emails – Spamming is the most economic and common method used for the distribution of such malware. The targeted users get genuine looking emails which contain .doc, .txt, and other similar attachments. These attachments can be named as anything which can grab the user’s attention and triggers him/her to open the attachment. As soon as the user opens this attachment, the malware infects the user’s computer system.
4. Malicious Websites or Malevolent Advertisements: The malicious websites are the ones which are created just for promoting the malware infections. Such websites include but are not limited to porn sites, torrent sites and other free downloading platforms. By visiting such websites, the adware infects the user’s computer without permission. Fake advertisements and updates like Flash player and windows updates which ask the user to update to the latest version are a few examples. When the users click on such links, their computer system gets infected. That is why, it is highly recommended to resist clicking on such links. Also avoid clicking on advertisements offering free stuff such as Win an iPhones, cars or free overseas trips etc.

Download Vipre Malware Remover

Mbed Ransomware Removal Instructions

STEP A: Reboot your system using Safe Mode with Networking

To restart the system to Safe Mode with Networking,  if already switched ON then follow the below steps:

STEP B: Delete the suspicious file from Configuration Settings

1. Type “Msconfig” in search box / Run Box, select it and press Enter.
2. Click on “Services” Tab and click on “Hide all Microsoft services”.
3. Select Mbed Ransomware from the list of remaining services and disable it by removing the tick mark from the checkbox and click on Apply button.

STEP C: Remove malicious file from Command Prompt

Once the system starts, ensure to use an account with administrative privilege to access Safe Mode with Command Prompt.

After the user enters admin credentials, Command prompt window is displayed wherein you are entitled to enter the below commands:

1. Type the command “sc delete Mbed Ransomware” in the command prompt and press Enter.
2. Type “exit” to exit the command prompt and restart the system in safe mode with command prompt.

STEP D: Restore the system files & settings

How to prevent Mbed Ransomware from infecting your system

1. Keeping the Operating System Updated- In order to remain protected and avoid such infections, it is recommended to keep your Operating System updated by enabling the automatic update on your system. The systems with outdated or older versions of Operating System become an easy target for the attackers.
2. Resist clicking on spam emails – One of the major techniques used for malware distribution is forwarding spam emails to the user. The system gets infected as soon as the user clicks on the attachment. These mails appear to be genuine, so be aware and resist falling for these tricks.
3. Keep an eye on third party installations- It is quite important that you take due care while installing any third party applications for they are major source of such infections. Such malware programs come bundled with the free applications thereby requiring the user to remain cautious.
4. Regular periodical backup- In order to keep your data and files safe, it is recommended to take regular back up of all your data and files either on an external drive or cloud.
5. Use Anti-Virus Protection- We strongly recommend the use of antivirus protection/internet security in your PC like Vipre and BULL GUARD so that it remains safe.
6. Enable the Ad Blocker/Popup Blocker in your browser- Enabling the popup blocker/ ad blocker in your chosen browser will help you to stay protected from annoying adware.

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