What is MZP virus ransomware? How does MZP virus work? How to open MZP virus files? How to remove MZP virus and try to restore files, encrypted by it?
The MZP virus virus is actually a ransomware infection, whose main idea is to make sure that you won’t be able to use your files anymore, until you pay ransom to the cyber-criminals who are behind it. The main idea of this is that your files get blocks of their data replaced with data from the AES encryption algorithm used by the MZP virus. The virus then adds its own file extension and drops a ransom note file. This file’s main purpose is to get victims to pay ransom to get your files to be decrypted using the unique decryption key that is generated and held by the crooks. Read this article to learn how to remove MZP virus from your computer and learn how to recover data encoded by it.
Threat Summary
| Name | MZP virus |
| Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
| Short Description | Aims to encrypt files and then ad its custom file extension to them. |
| Symptoms | Files are encrypted and cannot be opened. The MZP virus also drops a ransom note file, containing the extortionist message. |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments, Executable files |
| Detection Tool |
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User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss MZP virus. |
| Data Recovery Tool | Windows Data Recovery by Stellar Phoenix Notice! This product scans your drive sectors to recover lost files and it may not recover 100% of the encrypted files, but only few of them, depending on the situation and whether or not you have reformatted your drive. |
MZP virus Virus – How Did I Get It and What Does It Do?
The MZP virus is a family of several ransomware variants which are currently being launched against end users. At this moment there is no data available on who might be the developer of the engine. We presume that the hacker collective behind it will launch the attacks on their own or give access to the code to other criminals and let them do the work.
The number of captured samples is low at the moment which does not give enough information on how the MZP virus is delivered to the intended victims. It is very possible that the most popular mechanisms will be used — phishing and social engineering strategies or the creation and distribution of infected files. The end users can be scammed into interacting with dangerous contents by sending out email messages or hosting malware web pages. To make them appear as legitimate the criminals will copy down the text layout and design templates of common services and web pages. By opening up messages, clicking on multimedia contents or launching links the MZP virus will be delivered to the end victims.
The infected files can be of different types including documents and app installers. The hackers craft these type of data as they are often downloaded from the Internet. The documents can be of all popular file types and the app installers are of software that is often searched for online on download portals.
Whatever method the hackers choose the end result will be the infection with the MZP virus if they have been able to coerce the end users into acquiring the piece of dangerous code. Fortunately a virus sample of this ransomware has been acquired and analyzed which enables security researchers to see what the current version of capable of.
As soon as the virus infection has begun a wide range of virus modules will be started. The exact model can be modeled based on the local system conditions or to follow the specific hacker instructions. One of the first ones which are run is the data harvesting component — it is capable of not only harvesting sensitive user data and machine parameters, but also wiping them. In the case of removal of Shadow Volume Copies and backups the victims will find it very hard to restore the computers.
The MZP virus can additionally exhibit security bypass techniques which will scan the running processes that can block the proper virus protection — this includes anti-virus programs, firewalls, intrusion detection systems and etc. The main virus engine has also been found to conduct various system changes. This also includes the setup of the threat as a persistent threat — the ransomware engine will be started every time the computer is powered on. To hide its tracks it can also hide the folders and rename them.
The main function of the MZP virus is to launch the actual encryption component. It will process user data according to a built-in list of target file type extensions. They will usually include the most popular data used by the users: documents, backups, archives, multimedia files and etc. Depending on the obtained information about the machines a different extension will be applied to every individual host. A list of some of the common ones so far include the following: .jeynxrya .gqcuujix and .dohfzdod.
The victims can easily identify whether or not they are infected by this particular ransomware by a ransom note called HOW TO RESTORE ENCRYPTED FILES.TXT is found on the file system. The contact email used by the criminals is found — _24_7@protonmail.com.
Remove MZP Virus and Try Restoring Files
To remove MZP virus from your computer, we strongly recommend that you read the instructions underneath. They have been created with the primary purpose to help you remove the MZP virus files and try to restore all encrypted data. For a faster and effective removal, we strongly recommend that you download and run a scan of your computer using a professional malware removal software. Such program has been made with the main idea to help you erase all traces of the MZP virus from your machine by scanning for its files and objects. It can also protect you from future threats and intrusive software of this type.
Martin Beltov
Martin graduated with a degree in Publishing from Sofia University. As a cyber security enthusiast he enjoys writing about the latest threats and mechanisms of intrusion.
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Step 1: Scan for MZP virus with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall MZP virus and related malware from Windows
Here is a method in few easy steps that should be able to uninstall most programs. No matter if you are using Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista or XP, those steps will get the job done. Dragging the program or its folder to the recycle bin can be a very bad decision. If you do that, bits and pieces of the program are left behind, and that can lead to unstable work of your PC, errors with the file type associations and other unpleasant activities. The proper way to get a program off your computer is to Uninstall it. To do that:
Follow the instructions above and you will successfully delete most unwanted and malicious programs.
Step 3: Clean any registries, created by MZP virus on your computer.
The usually targeted registries of Windows machines are the following:
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
You can access them by opening the Windows registry editor and deleting any values, created by MZP virus there. This can happen by following the steps underneath:
Tip: To find a virus-created value, you can right-click on it and click "Modify" to see which file it is set to run. If this is the virus file location, remove the value.
Before starting "Step 4", please boot back into Normal mode, in case you are currently in Safe Mode.
This will enable you to install and use SpyHunter 5 successfully.
Step 4: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove MZP virus
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by MZP virus.
Method 1: Use STOP Decrypter by Emsisoft.
Not all variants of this ransomware can be decrypted for free, but we have added the decryptor used by researchers that is often updated with the variants which become eventually decrypted. You can try and decrypt your files using the instructions below, but if they do not work, then unfortunately your variant of the ransomware virus is not decryptable.
Follow the instructions below to use the Emsisoft decrypter and decrypt your files for free. You can download the Emsisoft decryption tool linked here and then follow the steps provided below:
1 Right-click on the decrypter and click on Run as Administrator as shown below:
2. Agree with the license terms:
3. Click on "Add Folder" and then add the folders where you want files decrypted as shown underneath:
4. Click on "Decrypt" and wait for your files to be decoded.
Note: Credit for the decryptor goes to Emsisoft researchers who have made the breakthrough with this virus.
Method 2: Use data recovery software
Ransomware infections and MZP virus aim to encrypt your files using an encryption algorithm which may be very difficult to decrypt. This is why we have suggested a data recovery method that may help you go around direct decryption and try to restore your files. Bear in mind that this method may not be 100% effective but may also help you a little or a lot in different situations.
Simply click on the link and on the website menus on the top, choose Data Recovery - Data Recovery Wizard for Windows or Mac (depending on your OS), and then download and run the tool.
MZP virus-FAQ
What is MZP virus Ransomware?
MZP virus is a ransomware infection - the malicious software that enters your computer silently and blocks either access to the computer itself or encrypt your files.
Many ransomware viruses use sophisticated encryption algorithms to make your files inaccessible. The goal of ransomware infections is to demand that you pay a ransom payment to get access to your files back.
What Does MZP virus Ransomware Do?
Ransomware in general is a malicious software that is designed to block access to your computer or files until a ransom is paid.
Ransomware viruses can also damage your system, corrupt data and delete files, resulting in the permanent loss of important files.
How Does MZP virus Infect?
Via several ways.MZP virus Ransomware infects computers by being sent via phishing emails, containing virus attachment. This attachment is usually masked as an important document, like an invoice, bank document or even a plane ticket and it looks very convincing to users.
Another way you may become a victim of MZP virus is if you download a fake installer, crack or patch from a low reputation website or if you click on a virus link. Many users report getting a ransomware infection by downloading torrents.
How to Open .MZP virus files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .MZP virus files are encrypted. You can only open them once they are decrypted using a specific decryption key for the particular algorithm.
What to Do If a Decryptor Does Not Work?
Do not panic, and backup the files. If a decryptor did not decrypt your .MZP virus files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".MZP virus" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .MZP virus files.
These methods are in no way 100% guaranteed that you will be able to get your files back. But if you have a backup, your chances of success are much greater.
How To Get Rid of MZP virus Virus?
The safest way and the most efficient one for the removal of this ransomware infection is the use a professional anti-malware program.
It will scan for and locate MZP virus ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .MZP virus files.
Can I Report Ransomware to Authorities?
In case your computer got infected with a ransomware infection, you can report it to the local Police departments. It can help authorities worldwide track and determine the perpetrators behind the virus that has infected your computer.
Below, we have prepared a list with government websites, where you can file a report in case you are a victim of a cybercrime:
Cyber-security authorities, responsible for handling ransomware attack reports in different regions all over the world:
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)
India - Mumbai Police - CyberCrime Investigation Cell
Australia - Australian High Tech Crime Center
Reports may be responded to in different timeframes, depending on your local authorities.
Can You Stop Ransomware from Encrypting Your Files?
Yes, you can prevent ransomware. The best way to do this is to ensure your computer system is updated with the latest security patches, use a reputable anti-malware program and firewall, backup your important files frequently, and avoid clicking on malicious links or downloading unknown files.
Can MZP virus Ransomware Steal Your Data?
Yes, in most cases ransomware will steal your information. It is a form of malware that steals data from a user's computer, encrypts it, and then demands a ransom in order to decrypt it.
In many cases, the malware authors or attackers will threaten to delete the data or publish it online unless the ransom is paid.
Can Ransomware Infect WiFi?
Yes, ransomware can infect WiFi networks, as malicious actors can use it to gain control of the network, steal confidential data, and lock out users. If a ransomware attack is successful, it could lead to a loss of service and/or data, and in some cases, financial losses.
Should I Pay Ransomware?
No, you should not pay ransomware extortionists. Paying them only encourages criminals and does not guarantee that the files or data will be restored. The better approach is to have a secure backup of important data and be vigilant about security in the first place.
What Happens If I Don't Pay Ransom?
If you don't pay the ransom, the hackers may still have access to your computer, data, or files and may continue to threaten to expose or delete them, or even use them to commit cybercrimes. In some cases, they may even continue to demand additional ransom payments.
Can a Ransomware Attack Be Detected?
Yes, ransomware can be detected. Anti-malware software and other advanced security tools can detect ransomware and alert the user when it is present on a machine.
It is important to stay up-to-date on the latest security measures and to keep security software updated to ensure ransomware can be detected and prevented.
Do Ransomware Criminals Get Caught?
Yes, ransomware criminals do get caught. Law enforcement agencies, such as the FBI, Interpol and others have been successful in tracking down and prosecuting ransomware criminals in the US and other countries. As ransomware threats continue to increase, so does the enforcement activity.
About the MZP virus Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this MZP virus how-to removal guide included, is the outcome of extensive research, hard work and our team’s devotion to help you remove the specific malware and restore your encrypted files.
How did we conduct the research on this ransomware?
Our research is based on an independent investigation. We are in contact with independent security researchers, and as such, we receive daily updates on the latest malware and ransomware definitions.
Furthermore, the research behind the MZP virus ransomware threat is backed with VirusTotal and the NoMoreRansom project.
To better understand the ransomware threat, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.
As a site that has been dedicated to providing free removal instructions for ransomware and malware since 2014, SensorsTechForum’s recommendation is to only pay attention to trustworthy sources.
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- Always check "About Us" web page.
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