Mbed ransomware removal + .mbed files decryptor

Learn how to handle the predicament where a strain of ransomware encrypts files, blemishes them with the .mbed extension, and demands ransom for recovery.

1. What is the Mbed ransomware?
2. Mbed ransomware automated removal and data recovery
3. Mbed ransomware manual removal and file recovery
4. Ransomware Prevention Tips

What is the Mbed ransomware??

Mbed ransomware is part of the Djvu/STOP lineage, one of the longest-running and most prolific species of the data-encrypting plague. It targets Windows computers via malicious spam and trojanized software crack utilities available on sketchy download portals. The infection manifests itself through the .mbed extension being concatenated to encrypted files and the _readme.txt ransom note left on the desktop and sprinkled across all folders containing hostage data. Aside from the version-specific extension, this perpetrating program does not alter filenames. Therefore, a sample object Image.jpg will be renamed to Image.jpg.mbed. Much more dramatic tweaks occur at the data structure level due to the use of symmetric and asymmetric cipher combo. This impact results in the victims being unable to open, edit, or otherwise access their documents, photos, videos, databases, and other valuable information.

The above-mentioned ransom note, a document named _readme.txt, performs the function of a link between the attackers and the victims. It briefly explains what happened, highlights a summary of the data restoration options, and provides the crooks’ contact information. According to this message, the only way to redeem files is to pay $980 worth of Bitcoin for the private decryption key and the recovery tool created by the malefactors. If the infected user reaches out to the crooks within the first 72 hours, the amount is two times less (cryptocurrency equivalent of $490). To prove that the offer is no bluff, the ransomware operators claim to allow the victim to unencrypt one file free, but with the caveat that it shouldn’t contain any valuable information. Therefore, to get started on remedying the scrambled data, the user needs to send an email to restorealldata@firemail.cc or gorentos@bitmessage.ch and include their personal ID from the ransom note as well as a file for test decryption. The extortionists will supposedly reply with the BTC wallet address to send the ransom along with further instructions.

Earlier this year, security analysts had some success in breaking the cryptographic implementation of the Djvu ransomware and created a free decryptor for its numerous variants. However, it only works for iterations released before August 2019, such as the Boston and Dutan ransomware releases. The architects of this Bitcoin-for-data campaign have made significant changes to their crypto practices ever since. If contaminated with a later spinoff, including the .mbed file version, users cannot take advantage of the white hats’ tool unless their data was encoded with an offline key. The only scenario where this is possible is if the Mbed knockoff of the Djvu ransomware failed to query its Command and Control server and didn’t obtain a unique online encryption key. Unfortunately, this isn’t very likely. It goes without saying that a much more favorable situation is to have an up-to-date backup of the most important information in the cloud or on external media such as a hard drive.

A yet more reasonable tactic is not to get infected in the first place, which brings us to the vectors of Mbed ransomware distribution. This predatory code makes new victims mostly by means of booby-trapped emails. The source of this contagion is a botnet used to generate numerous eye-catching messages with Microsoft Word documents attached to them. Whereas these emails look legit and so do the embedded files, there is a trick that invokes the attack chain. When opened, the attachment doesn’t appear to contain any intelligible content and displays a prompt to turn on macros so that the materials becomes viewable. Once the recipient clicks the “Enable content” or “Enable macros” button, a script gets triggered that stealthily downloads the ransomware modules from a C2 server. One more attack technique has to do with fraudulent applications that claim to help users activate software without purchasing a license. Instead of doing what’s promised, these solutions drop the Mbed ransomware payload and execute it.

In most cases, full recovery of .mbed files is impossible without the private key owned by the criminals. Again, if the ransom Trojan used an offline key and it’s in the researchers’ database, then there might be a chance to get the data back. One way or another, be sure to try the methods below to get rid of the infection proper and see what the applicable restoration options are.

Mbed ransomware automated removal and data recovery

When faced with ransomware like Mbed, one of the best shortcuts in terms of removal is to use Combo Cleaner, a lightweight and incredibly effective application with PC security and optimization features under the hood. It detects and thoroughly deletes threats while giving you insights into the overall health of your computer.

This program’s protection power spans modules that forestall all known types of malware, including ransomware and browser hijackers, and take your online security to the next level by blocking phishing sites and other suspicious web pages. Follow these simple steps to eliminate the infection for good:

1. Download Combo Cleaner installer.

Download Mbed remover

^{Combo Cleaner scans your PC with no strings attached, but you’ll have to buy its fully functional version to remove the threats it detects. The disk optimization tools that find large files and duplicates are free to use.}

2. Open the CCSetup.exe file to get started. Several subsequent screens will allow you to make initial customizations so that the program works exactly as you need from the get-go.

3. The installation will be followed by an update of malware signatures. Once this process is through, click the Start Scan button in the left-hand sidebar.

4. Combo Cleaner will then check system locations that are most often polluted by Windows malware. The first scan can take a while to finish.

5. Combo Cleaner will display a system tray notification as soon as the scan is over. Click the Resolve found threats button to view the results.

6. The scan summary shows the names and types of the detected threats as well as their statuses and locations. Click the Remove all threats button and follow further on-screen prompts to get rid of these items.

Data recovery toolkit to the rescue

Some strains of ransomware are known to delete the original files after the encryption routine has been completed. As hostile as this activity appears, it can play into your hands. There are applications designed to revive the information that was obliterated because of malfunctioning hardware or due to accidental removal. The tool called Stellar Data Recovery features this type of a capability and therefore it can be applied in ransom attack scenarios to at least get the most important files back. So use the app to get an idea of what data can be restored and let it do the recovery job. Here is a step-by-step walkthrough:

1. Download and install Stellar Data Recovery.

Download Stellar Data Recovery

2. Open the application, select the types of recoverable files to look for, and click Next.

3. Choose the areas you want the tool to recover from and click the Scan button.

4. Having scanned the specified locations, the program will display a notification about the total amount of recoverable data. Close the dialog and click the Recover button. This will hopefully help you get some of your valuable files back.

Mbed ransomware manual removal and file recovery

Some ransomware strains terminate themselves after completing the encryption job on a computer, but some don’t. Furthermore, the Mbed virus may prevent victims from using popular antimalware tools in order to stay on board for as long as possible. Under the circumstances, it may be necessary to utilize the Safe Mode with Networking or System Restore functionality.

Be advised that even after the ransomware is removed, files will still be encrypted and inaccessible. The malicious code cleanup part, however, is important because it keeps a relapse of the infection from occurring further on and eliminates all opportunistic malware.

Ways of non-ransom recovery of files encrypted by Mbed

Cracking the crypto used by this ransom Trojan is more of a science fiction thing rather than an attainable prospect for the masses. This is why the troubleshooting in predicaments of this sort is a matter of two approaches: one is to pay the ransom, which isn’t an option for many victims; and the other is to apply instruments that take advantage of the ransomware’s possible weaknesses. If the latter is your pick, the advice below is a must-try.

Ransomware Prevention Tips

To avoid Mbed ransomware and other file-encrypting infections in the future, follow several simple recommendations:

These techniques are certainly not a cure-all, but they will add an extra layer of ransomware protection to your security setup.

Revise your security status

Post-factum assessment of the accuracy component in malware removal scenarios is a great habit that prevents the comeback of harmful code or replication of its unattended fractions. Make sure you are good to go by running an additional safety checkup. Another benefit of using the antimalware tool is that it will keep ransomware threats from intruding on your computer further on.

Download Mbed removal tool