Why is the .MMTA file extension placed on all of your files? The MMTA virus file is also known as Matrix ransomware. It locks files stored on computer systems and demands money to be paid as a ransom fee.
Matrix Ransomware (.MMTA Virus File)
Matrix ransomware has another strain called .MMTA Virus File. This virus encrypts files by using two cipher algorithms. It appends the .MMTA extension to mark them. This operation makes them inaccessible. The MMTA ransomware then drops a ransom note to give instructions to victims on how they can allegedly restore their data. The message reveals that hackers demand a ransom fee.
MMTA Virus Summary
| Name | MMTA Virus also known as Ransom:Win32/Ramatrix.c4db3709, Win.Ransomware.Matrix-7530993-0, Ransom.Win32.MATRIX.SMTH |
| File Extension | .MMTA |
| Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
| Short Description | The ransomware encrypts files on your computer system and demands a ransom to be paid to allegedly recover them. |
| Symptoms | The Matrix ransomware will encrypt your files by appending the .MMTA extension to them. |
| Ransom Demanding Note | #MMTA_README#.rtf |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments |
| Detection Tool |
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.MMTA Virus File – How Did It Infect My PC and What Happened?
The MMTA virus might infect PCs via specific infection file. This file could activate a malicious script that will trigger the ransomware attack. The virus payload file could be distributed on social media and file-sharing services. Freeware presented as helpful and released on the Web can also be hiding the malicious script for the cryptovirus.
The ransomware’s main goal is to encrypt files. Like a strain of the Matrix ransomware, MMTA virus could encrypt all types of files including audio, video, pictures, backups, banking data, and other personal user files found on the compromised computer system. After the encryption, it shows instructions on how victims could restore their .MMTA files.
The ransom note that is called #MMTA_README#.rtf and it states the following:
Аll yоur vаluаblе dаtа hаs bееn еnсryptеd!
All yоur filеs wеrе еnсryptеd with strоng сryptо аlgоrithms AES-256+RSA-2048.
Yоu саn rеаd аbоut thеsе аlgоrithms in Gооglе. Аlsо аll yоur filеs hаvе bееn rеnаmеd. Thе оriginаl filе nаmеs will bе аutоmаtiсаllу rеstоrеd during thе dесrуptiоn prосеdurе. Plеаsе rеst аssurеd thаt yоur filеs hаvе nоt bееn соrruptеd.
Уоu саn rеstоrе уоur dаtа quicklу аnd sаfеlу with thе hеlp оf оur аutоmаtiс dесrуptiоn tооl аnd уоur uniquе dеcrуptiоn kеy.Wе саn prоvе thаt wе саn dесrуpt аll уоur filеs. Уоu саn sеnd us 3-5 smаll еnсrуptеd filеs fоr frее tеst dесrуptiоn. Plеаsе nоtе thаt filеs fоr frее tеst dесrуptiоn shоuld nоt соntаin vаluаblе infоrmаtiоn. If thе filеs will cоntаin аnу vаluаblе dаtа wе will sеnd уоu оnlу scrееnshоts.
Аlsо аll уоur vаluаblе аnd cоnfidеnciаl dаtа wаs uplоаdеd tо оur сlоud sеrvеr!
Lеаking cоnfidеntiаl infоrmаtiоn саn rеаllу hurt yоur businеss. Wе hаvе yоur cоmmеrciаl аnd finаnciаl dоcumеntаtiоn, сustоmеrs аnd pаrtnеrs соntасts аnd businеss соrrespоndenсе, dаtаbаsеs, businеss ассоunts, lоgins аnd pаsswоrds tо аll уоur businеss sеrvicеs.Dоn’t wаstе уоur timе.
If yоu dоn’t stаrtа a diаlоguе with us, wе will bе fоrсеd tо sеll аll gаthеrеd infоrmаtiоn tо intеrеstеd pаrtiеs (Dаrknеt pаrtnеrs) tо gеnеrаtе sоmе prоfit.
Аlsо аll уоur сustоmеrs аnd pаrtnеrs will bе infоrmеd аbоut thе dаtа.
Уоu cаn quiсklу rеstоrе уоur filеs аnd prеvеnt furthеr аttасks оn уоur соmpаnу.If yоu wаnt tо rеsоlvе this situаtiоn, plеаsе writе tо ALL оf thеsе 3 еmаil аdrеssеs:
MorganBel23@yahoo.com
MaryaLawra26@gmail.com
ForestMem33@aol.com
In subjеct linе please writе уоur ID: 41259F458E41BD85Impоrtаnt! Аlsо уоu cаn usе sеcurеd LIVE TОX CHАT for fast nеgоtiаtiоn with us:
1. Cоpу tо thе сlipbоаrd оur Tоx Chаt ID:
C135F524E4C75FA00B5620F4286FFE7906E459673A64800EF20D944863946E1F0D5BBEA64F18
2. Оpеn yоur brоwsеr аnd fоllоw thе link: hxxps://tox.chat/download.html
3. Dоwnlоаd uTоx Chаt Cliеnt bу clicking the buttоn:
4. Еxесutе uTоx Chаt Cliеnt еxесutаblе filе:
5. Pаstе оur Tоx Chаt ID in thе fiеld and prеss enter:
6. Write us what you think necessary!Important!
* Wе аsking tо sеnd уоur mеssаgе tо АLL оf оur 3 еmаil аdrеssеs bесаusе fоr vаriоus rеаsоns, уоur еmаil mау nоt bе dеlivеrеd.
* Оur mеssаgе mау bе rесоgnizеd аs spаm, sо bе surе tо сhесk thе spаm fоldеr.
* If wе dо nоt rеspоnd tо уоu within 24 hоurs, writе tо us frоm аnоthеr еmаil аddrеss. Usе Gmаil, уаhоо, Hоtmаil, оr аnу оthеr wеll-knоwn еmаil sеrviсе.Important!
* Plеаsе dоn’t wаstе thе timе, it will rеsult оnlу аdditinаl dаmаgе tо уоur соmpаnу!
* Plеаsе dо nоt try tо dеcrypt thе filеs yоursеlf. Wе will nоt bе аble tо hеlp yоu if filеs will bе mоdifiеd.
The extortionists want you to pay a ransom for the alleged restoration of your .MMTA files. You should NOT under any circumstances pay any ransom sum.
Note that the MMTA ransomware could create entries in the Windows Registry to obtain persistence on the system. You should check the Windows Registry for harmful files and remove them to secure the system.
Unfortunately, the .MMTA Virus File could be set to erase all the Shadow Volume Copies from the Windows operating system with the help of the command:
→vssadmin.exe delete shadows /all /Quiet
This action eliminates the option for the recovery of .MMTA files by using their copies created by the Windows system. If your computer device is infected with the MMTA virus continue reading to see what secure actions you could take.
Remove MMTA Virus
If your computer got infected with the MMTA Virus, you should have a bit of experience in removing malware. You should get rid of this ransomware as quickly as possible before it can have the chance to spread further and infect other computers. You could remove the ransomware and follow the step-by-step instructions guide provided below.
Gergana Ivanova
Highly motivated writer with 5+ years of experience writing for ransomware, malware, adware, PUPs, and other cybersecurity-related issues. As a writer, I strive to create content that is based on thorough technical research. I find joy in the process of creating articles that are easy to understand, informative, and useful. Follow me on Twitter (@IRGergana) for the latest in the field of computer, mobile, and online security.
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Step 1: Scan for MMTA Virus with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall MMTA 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 MMTA 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 MMTA 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 MMTA Virus
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by MMTA 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 MMTA 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.
MMTA Virus-FAQ
What is MMTA Virus Ransomware?
MMTA 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 MMTA 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 MMTA Virus Infect?
Via several ways.MMTA 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 MMTA 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 .MMTA Virus files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .MMTA 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 .MMTA Virus files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".MMTA Virus" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .MMTA 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 MMTA 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 MMTA Virus ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .MMTA 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 MMTA 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 MMTA Virus Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this MMTA 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 MMTA 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.
How to recognize trustworthy sources:
- Always check "About Us" web page.
- Profile of the content creator.
- Make sure that real people are behind the site and not fake names and profiles.
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