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Mbed ransomware removal + .mbed files decryptor

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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.

Mbed ransomware drops _readme.txt ransom message

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.

Download and run Combo Cleaner installer on your PC

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.Setup customizations

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.Start initial scan

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.Combo Cleaner scan in progress

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.Scan completed

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.Scan results

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.Stellar Data Recovery main screen

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

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.Recover files

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.

Remove Mbed ransomware using Safe Mode with Networking

Remove Mbed ransomware using Safe Mode with Networking

Get rid of Mbed ransomware using System Restore

Get rid of Mbed ransomware using System Restore

System Restore enables Windows users to roll back all changes made to the OS since the latest restore point creation time. This feature can help eliminate the most persistent ransomware. Before going this route, though, make sure System Restore had been enabled prior to the breach, otherwise the method will be inefficient.

  • Open Windows Advanced Options Menu as described in the previous section: hit F8 repeatedly when the PC is starting up. Use arrow keys to highlight the Safe Mode with Command Prompt entry. Hit Enter.Safe Mode with Command Prompt
  • In the Command Prompt window, type cd restore and hit Entercd restore command
  • Type rstrui.exe in the new command line and press EnterType rstrui.exe command
  • When the System Restore screen pops up, click Next, select a restore point that predates the contamination, and use the application’s controls to roll back the system to this earlier state.System Restore window
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.

Backups can make your day

Backups can make your day

Not only are you a lucky person in case you’ve been backing up your most important files, but you’re also a wise and prudent user. This isn’t necessarily a resource-heavy activity these days – in fact, some providers of online services are allocating a sufficient size of cloud storage space for free so that every customer can easily upload their critical data without paying a penny. Having removed the Mbed ransomware, therefore, all you have to do is download your stuff from the remote server or transfer it all from an external piece of hardware if that’s the case.

Restore previous versions of encrypted files

Restore previous versions of encrypted files

A positive upshot of using this technique depends on whether or not the ransomware has erased the Volume Shadow Copies of the files on your PC. This is a Windows feature that automatically makes and keeps the backups of data elements on the hard drive as long as System Restore is enabled. The cryptoware in question is programmed to switch off the Volume Shadow Copy Service (VSS), but it has reportedly failed to in some cases.

Checking one’s options regarding this workaround is doable in two ways: through the Properties menu of each file or by means of the remarkable open-source tool called Shadow Explorer. We recommend the software-based way because it’s automated, hence faster and easier. Just install the app and use its intuitive controls to get previous versions of the encrypted objects reinstated.

Shadow Explorer

Alternatively, you can leverage the Previous Versions feature, which is native to Windows operating system. This method is more cumbersome that the use of ShadowExplorer, but it can help restore the most important individual files on condition that the ransomware failed to disable the Volume Snapshot Service on the computer. Right-click on a file of choice and select Properties. Then, go to the Previous Versions tab as illustrated below.

Previous Versions

Go ahead and pick the file’s latest backup version on the list. Use the Copy or Restore buttons to reinstate this object to a new path or to its original folder, respectively.

Ransomware Prevention Tips

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

  • Toggle your email provider’s anti-spam settings to filter out all the potentially harmful incoming messages. Raising the bar beyond the default protection is an important countermeasure for ransom Trojans
  • Define specific file extension restrictions in your email system. Make sure that attachments with the following extensions are blacklisted: .js, .vbs, .docm, .hta, .exe, .cmd, .scr, and .bat. Also, treat ZIP archives in received messages with extreme caution
  • Rename the vssadmin.exe process so that ransomware is unable to obliterate all Shadow Volume Copies of your files in one shot
  • Keep your Firewall active at all times. It can prevent crypto ransomware from communicating with its C&C server. This way, the threat won’t be able to obtain cryptographic keys and lock your files
  • Back up your files regularly, at least the most important ones. This recommendation is self-explanatory. A ransomware attack isn’t an issue as long as you keep unaffected copies of your data in a safe place
  • Use an effective antimalware suite. There are security tools that identify ransomware-specific behavior and block the infection before it can do any harm.

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

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