The whole point of encrypting files is to demand a ransom from the computer user – so the MATU ransomware creates and saves a copy of a ransom note in several computer locations. This note is a text file called _readme.txt and it includes a short message from the criminals, contact information and the decryption tool pricing conditions.

Overview of ransom note contents

The ransom note explains what happened during the ransomware attack, and that all of victim’s files were encrypted. For those unfamiliar of what encryption means, it is a method to secure information so that it cannot be read by unsolicited parties. Therefore, in order to access encrypted files, one has to have decryption key (also known as private key) to unlock content stored in files. While encryption is typically used to secure military-grade secrets, also sensitive information such as passwords and banking information online, the cybercriminals put a bad use to it. The note provides two email addresses that belong to cybercriminals – support@fishmail.top and datarestorehelp@airmail.cc. The victim is asked to write an email and attach one encrypted file (one that doesn’t hold valuable information) as well as personal ID provided in the _readme.txt file. The criminals advise that they will send a decrypted file version to prove their capabilities to decrypt .matu files. On top of that, the note contains cybercriminals’ conditions on decryption tool price. According to the crooks, victims who reach out to them within 72 hours (3 days) will get a 50% ransom amount discount, which means the data recovery procedure would cost $490 instead of the initial amount, which is $980. The law enforcement agencies like FBI do not recommend paying a ransom. This never guarantees data recovery, besides, it fuels the ransomware cycle, which means the criminals will infect more victims now that they have more money to employ more illegal business participants. If you have detected this threat in your Windows-running computer, we strongly recommend that you remove MATU ransomware virus using professional antivirus only. Attempts to delete malicious files, settings and other helper objects can be unsuccessful, so we suggest that you follow the guidelines provided below the article and prepare your computer for a safe virus removal first. If you’re undecided on which AV solution to use, you may want to try INTEGO Antivirus, which is praised by our experts. Additionally, you can download RESTORO to repair damaged Windows OS files.

Ransomware Summary

Get to know how ransomware spreads

Ransomware-type computer viruses are mostly spread through illegal online content that can be downloaded either via direct link or torrents (using Peer-2-Peer software). The majority of STOP/DJVU variants, including MATU virus, are reportedly hidden in rogue sites promoting fake software cracks for popular software. Award-winning antivirus solution for your PC. Robust security software that provides robust 24/7 real-time protection, Web Shield that stops online threats/malicious downloads, and Prevention engine that wards off Zero-Day threats. Keep your PC safe and protected against ransomware, Trojans, viruses, spyware and other forms of dangerous programs. For example, if you tend to avoid paying for legitimate software, your chances to stumble upon file-encrypting computer malware are high. The only way to check such downloads for malware is by user itself, however, even those attempts can be unsuccessful. Therefore, we’d like to repeat again that the only safe way to download software is through official and verified sources only. We also recommend reading this article about rogue websites pushing malicious software cracks. Another method cybercriminals love to use for pushing malware is malicious email spam. The criminals attach deceptive email attachments and name them as invoices, waybills, parcel tracking details or order summaries only to convince the target to open them. If the user fails to identify scam and launches the file, the malicious script in it will download the malware from an external resource and run it on user’s computer. For this reason, users should ignore all emails that come from unsolicited parties or seem at least slightly suspicious. Finally, the criminals also try to hunt for victims by uploading fake ransomware decryption tools online, so be careful and only trust reputable websites for your downloads. Otherwise, an attempt to recover your files can drag even more malware to the system.

Remove MATU Ransomware Virus and Recover Files

The easiest way to remove MATU ransomware virus is explained in the guide provided below. What you will need to do is boot your computer in Safe Mode with Networking first, and then run an up-to-date antivirus solution. If you’re unsure which one to use, our team strongly recommend using INTEGO Antivirus. After removing MATU virus, consider downloading RESTORO (secure download link) to repair virus damage caused on Windows OS files. Viruses like STOP/DJVU often modify system files to persist on the system, or to block access to specific websites for the user, so such tools helps to reverse the damage. We also strongly recommend that you change all of your passwords used on the compromised computer as soon as the malware is gone. OUR GEEKS RECOMMEND Our team recommends a two-step rescue plan to remove ransomware and other remaining malware from your computer, plus repair caused virus damage to the system: GeeksAdvice.com editors select recommended products based on their effectiveness. We may earn a commission from affiliate links, at no additional cost to you. Learn more. Get INTEGO ANTIVIRUS for Windows to remove ransomware, Trojans, adware and other spyware and malware variants and protect your PC and network drives 24/7. This VB100-certified security software uses state-of-art technology to provide protection against ransomware, Zero-Day attacks and advanced threats, Intego Web Shield blocks dangerous websites, phishing attacks, malicious downloads and installation of potentially unwanted programs. Use INTEGO Antivirus to remove detected threats from your computer. Read full review here. RESTORO provides a free scan that helps to identify hardware, security and stability issues and presents a comprehensive report which can help you to locate and fix detected issues manually. It is a great PC repair software to use after you remove malware with professional antivirus. The full version of software will fix detected issues and repair virus damage caused to your Windows OS files automatically. RESTORO uses AVIRA scanning engine to detect existing spyware and malware. If any are found, the software will eliminate them. Read full review here.

Method 1. Enter Safe Mode with Networking

Before you try to remove MATU Ransomware Virus virus, you must start your computer in Safe Mode with Networking. Below, we provide the easiest ways to boot PC in the said mode, but you can find additional ones in this in-depth tutorial on our website – How to Start Windows in Safe Mode. Also, if you prefer a video version of the tutorial, check our guide How to Start Windows in Safe Mode on Youtube. Instructions for Windows XP/Vista/7 users Instructions for Windows 8/8.1/10/11 users Now, you can search for and remove MATU Ransomware Virus files. It is very hard to identify files and registry keys that belong to the ransomware virus, Besides, malware creators tend to rename and change them repeatedly. Therefore, the easiest way to uninstall such type of a computer virus is to use a reliable security program such as INTEGO Antivirus. For virus damage repair, consider using RESTORO.

Method 2. Use System Restore

In order to use System Restore, you must have a system restore point, created either manually or automatically. Instructions for Windows XP/Vista/7 users Instructions for Windows 8/8.1/10/11 users After restoring the system, we recommend scanning the system with antivirus or anti-malware software. In most cases, there won’t be any malware remains, but it never hurts to double-check. In addition, we highly recommend checking ransomware prevention guidelines provided by our experts in order to protect your PC against similar viruses in the future.

Alternative software recommendations

Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Removing spyware and malware is one step towards cybersecurity. To protect yourself against ever-evolving threats, we strongly recommend purchasing a Premium version of Malwarebytes Anti-Malware, which provides security based on artificial intelligence and machine learning. Includes ransomware protection. See pricing options and protect yourself now.

System Mechanic Ultimate Defense If you’re looking for an all-in-one system maintenance suite that has 7 core components providing powerful real-time protection, on-demand malware removal, system optimization, data recovery, password manager, online privacy protection and secure driver wiping technology. Therefore, due to its wide-range of capabilities, System Mechanic Ultimate Defense deserves Geek’s Advice approval. Get it now for 50% off. You may also be interested in its full review.

Disclaimer. This site includes affiliate links. We may earn a small commission by recommending certain products, at no additional cost for you. We only choose quality software and services to recommend.

Decrypt MATU files

Fix and open large MATU files easily:

It is reported that STOP/DJVU ransomware versions encrypt only the beginning 150 KB of each file to ensure that the virus manages to affect all files on the system. In some cases, the malicious program might skip some files at all. That said, we recommend testing this method on several big (>1GB) files first.

STOP/DJVU decryption tool usage guide

STOP/DJVU ransomware versions are grouped into old and new variants. MATU Ransomware Virus is considered the new STOP/DJVU variant, just like BPTO, ISWR, ISZA, BPSM, ZOUU, MBTF, ZNSM (find full list here). This means full data decryption is now possible only if you have been affected by offline encryption key. To decrypt your files, you will have to download Emsisoft Decryptor for STOP DJVU, a tool created and maintained by a genius security researcher Michael Gillespie. Note! Please do not spam the security researcher with questions whether he can recover your files encrypted with online key - it is not possible. In order to test the tool and see if it can decrypt MATU files, follow the given tutorial.

Meanings of decryptor’s messages

The MATU decryption tool might display several different messages after failed attempt to restore your files. You might receive one of the following messages: Error: Unable to decrypt file with ID: [example ID] This message typically means that there is no corresponding decryption key in the decryptor’s database. No key for New Variant online ID: [example ID]Notice: this ID appears to be an online ID, decryption is impossible This message informs that your files were encrypted with online key, meaning no one else has the same encryption/decryption key pair, therefore data recovery without paying the criminals is impossible. Result: No key for new variant offline ID: [example ID]This ID appears to be an offline ID. Decryption may be possible in the future. If you were informed that an offline key was used, but files could not be restored, it means that the offline decryption key isn’t available yet. However, receiving this message is extremely good news, meaning that it might be possible to restore your MATU extension files in the future. It can take a few months until the decryption key gets found and uploaded to the decryptor. We recommend you to follow updates regarding the decryptable DJVU versions here. We strongly recommend backing up your encrypted data and waiting.

Victims of MATU Ransomware Virus should report the Internet crime incident to the official government fraud and scam website according to their country:

In the United States, go to the On Guard Online website.In Australia, go to the SCAMwatch website.In Germany, go to the Bundesamt für Sicherheit in der Informationstechnik website.In Ireland, go to the An Garda Síochána website.In New Zealand, go to the Consumer Affairs Scams website.In the United Kingdom, go to the Action Fraud website.In Canada, go to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.In India, go to Indian National Cybercrime Reporting Portal.In France, go to the Agence nationale de la sécurité des systèmes d’information.

If you can’t find an authority corresponding to your location on this list, we recommend using any search engine to look up “[your country name] report cyber crime”. This should lead you to the right authority website. We also recommend staying away from third-party crime report services that are often paid. It costs nothing to report Internet crime to official authorities. Another recommendation is to contact your country’s or region’s federal police or communications authority.