Remove MattVenom Ransomware

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MattVenom is a recently discovered ransomware strain identified by cybersecurity researchers through samples submitted to VirusTotal. This ransomware is nearly identical to previously known variants like RdpLocker, CATAKA, and S.H.O. Once executed on a system, MattVenom encrypts users’ files and appends random extensions to filenames, rendering them unusable. It also alters the desktop wallpaper and drops a ransom note titled “Readme.txt”.

MattVenom Ransomware Threat Summary

Category	Details
Threat Name	MattVenom
Threat Type	Ransomware, Crypto Virus, Files Locker
Encrypted File Extension	Random (e.g., .31jPB, .3c45b)
Ransom Note File	Readme.txt
Ransom Amount	$500 in Bitcoin
BTC Wallet	16JpyqQJ6z1GbxJNztjUnepXsqee3SBz75
Contact Email	MattVenom@proton.me
Tox Chat ID	E66F2D02C7A9957CA63906E9A6FCC485634CB0BEBAEE7E648170CA2C22040C476E4220766742
Detection Names	Avast (Win32:RansomX-gen [Ransom]), Combo Cleaner (Dropped:Generic.Ransom.E23553F5), ESET-NOD32 (Multiple), Kaspersky (HEUR:Trojan-PSW.MSIL.Stealer.gen), Microsoft (Ransom:MSIL/FileCoder!rfn)
Symptoms	Files become unreadable, appended with random extensions, ransom note appears, wallpaper changes
Damage	Files are encrypted and inaccessible, potential for password and data theft
Distribution Methods	Email attachments, malicious ads, pirated software, torrents, infected USB drives
Danger Level	High

How MattVenom Works

Upon infection, the ransomware encrypts all accessible files using a strong encryption algorithm and modifies file names by adding a unique, random extension. For example, 1.jpg becomes 1.jpg.31jPB, and 2.png becomes 2.png.3c45b. This process leaves victims unable to access their personal data unless they comply with the cybercriminals’ demands.

To further ensure that victims are aware of the attack, MattVenom replaces the desktop background with a warning image and creates a text-based ransom note in each affected folder. The note outlines how the victim can supposedly recover their files by paying a $500 Bitcoin ransom and contacting the attacker through email (mattvenom@proton.me) or Tox chat.

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Ransom Note Text (“Readme.txt”)

! READ THIS CAREFULLY – YOUR FILES ARE ENCRYPTED !

Your files are locked. There is no recovery without our assistance.

HOW TO RESTORE ACCESS:
\n1. Send $500 in Bitcoin to the following address:\n16JpyqQJ6z1GbxJNztjUnepXsqee3SBz75
\n2. Contact us immediately after payment:

Email: MattVenom@proton.me  
Tox ID: E66F2D02C7A9957CA63906E9A6FCC485634CB0BEBAEE7E648170CA2C22040C476E4220766742
\n3. Provide your Unique ID and proof of payment.
\n4. After verification, you will receive the decryption tool.

DEADLINES & CONSEQUENCES:

Failure to pay within 72 hours: Price increases.  
Failure to pay within 7 days: Your files are permanently destroyed.

There are no other options. Follow the instructions if you want your files back.

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Desktop Wallpaper Message

All your files are stolen and encrypted  
Find readme.txt and follow the instruction

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Manual Ransomware Removal Process

Important: Manual removal is recommended only for experienced users, as incorrect actions can lead to data loss or incomplete removal of the ransomware. If unsure, consider the SpyHunter Removal Method for a guided, automated solution.

Step 1: Disconnect from the Internet

1. Immediately disable Wi-Fi or unplug the Ethernet cable to prevent the ransomware from communicating with remote servers.
2. This can prevent additional encryption or further infections.

Step 2: Boot into Safe Mode

For Windows Users

1. Windows 10/11:
   • Press Windows + R, type msconfig, and press Enter.
   • Under the Boot tab, select Safe boot and check Network.
   • Click Apply, then OK, and restart your PC.
2. Windows 7/8:
   • Restart your PC and press F8 repeatedly before Windows starts.
   • Select Safe Mode with Networking and press Enter.

For Mac Users

1. Restart your Mac and hold the Shift key immediately after the startup chime.
2. Release the key when the Apple logo appears.
3. Your Mac will boot in Safe Mode.

Step 3: Identify and Terminate Malicious Processes

Windows

1. Open Task Manager by pressing Ctrl + Shift + Esc.
2. Look for unusual processes consuming high CPU or memory.
3. Right-click on the suspicious process and select End Task.

Mac

1. Open Activity Monitor (Finder > Applications > Utilities > Activity Monitor).
2. Look for unknown or high-resource-consuming processes.
3. Select the suspicious process and click Force Quit.

Step 4: Delete Ransomware Files

Windows

1. Open File Explorer and navigate to:
   • C:\Users\[Your Username]\AppData\Local
   • C:\Users\[Your Username]\AppData\Roaming
   • C:\Windows\System32
2. Identify and delete suspicious files (randomly named or recently modified items).
3. Clear temporary files:
   • Press Windows + R, type %temp%, and hit Enter.
   • Delete all files in the Temp folder.

Mac

1. Open Finder and select Go > Go to Folder.
2. Type ~/Library/Application Support and check for unfamiliar files or folders.
3. Remove unknown .plist files from ~/Library/LaunchAgents.

Step 5: Remove Ransomware Entries from Registry or System Settings

Windows

1. Press Windows + R, type regedit, and hit Enter.
2. Navigate to:
   • HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software
   • HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software
3. Identify and delete ransomware-related registry entries.

Mac

1. Open System Preferences > Users & Groups.
2. Select the Login Items tab and remove any unknown startup programs.
3. Check ~/Library/Preferences for malicious settings.

Step 6: Restore System Using a Backup or Restore Point

Windows

1. Press Windows + R, type rstrui, and press Enter.
2. Choose a restore point from before the infection and proceed.

Mac

1. Restart your Mac and enter macOS Utilities by holding Command + R.
2. Select Restore from Time Machine Backup and restore a safe backup.

Step 7: Attempt to Decrypt Files

• Check No More Ransom (www.nomoreransom.org) for available decryption tools.
• If unavailable, restore files from backups.

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Automated Ransomware Removal with SpyHunter

If manual removal is too complex or risky, SpyHunter offers a safer, automated method for detecting and removing ransomware.

Step 1: Download SpyHunter

• Get SpyHunter from the official Enigma Software website.

Step 2: Install SpyHunter

1. Open the downloaded file (SpyHunter-Installer.exe or .dmg for Mac users).
2. Follow the installation prompts.
3. Launch SpyHunter upon completion.

Step 3: Run a Full System Scan

1. Click Start Scan Now to detect malware and ransomware.
2. Wait for the scan to complete and review detected threats.

Step 4: Remove Detected Ransomware

1. Click Fix Threats to remove identified ransomware components.
2. SpyHunter will clean your system automatically.

Step 5: SpyHunter’s Custom Malware HelpDesk

1. If ransomware persists, use SpyHunter’s Malware HelpDesk for custom malware fixes.

Step 6: Restore Files

• Use backups stored on external drives or cloud storage.
• If no backup is available, check No More Ransom for decryption tools.

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Preventing Future Ransomware Attacks

• Keep backups: Use cloud storage or an external hard drive.
• Install a reliable security tool: SpyHunter offers real-time protection against malware.
• Enable Windows Defender or Mac security features for additional protection.
• Avoid phishing emails and unknown attachments.
• Regularly update Windows, macOS, and installed applications.

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MattVenom’s ransom tactics pressure victims with deadlines: failure to pay within 72 hours increases the ransom, and ignoring the demand for 7 days leads to permanent loss of encrypted data. Despite the threats, paying the ransom is not recommended, as cybercriminals may not honor their promises. Instead, victims should report the incident and explore safe recovery options with cybersecurity experts.

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