Remove MattVenom Ransomware

MattVenom is a newly discovered ransomware threat that behaves similarly to known file-lockers such as RdpLocker, CATAKA, and S.H.O. Identified during malware sample analysis on VirusTotal, this strain encrypts users’ files with a random file extension, alters the desktop wallpaper, and demands a $500 ransom through a “Readme.txt” file dropped in affected directories.

MattVenom Ransomware Summary

Category	Details
Threat Name	MattVenom
Threat Type	Ransomware, Crypto Virus, File Locker
Encrypted Extension	Random (e.g., .31jPB, .3c45)
Ransom Note File	Readme.txt
Ransom Amount	$500 in Bitcoin
Bitcoin Wallet	16JpyqQJ6z1GbxJNztjUnepXsqee3SBz75
Contact Info	Email: mattvenom@proton.me, Tox ID provided in note
Detection Names	Avast: Win32:RansomX-gen [Ransom]; Microsoft: Ransom:MSIL/FileCoder!rfn
Symptoms	Files inaccessible, new file extensions, ransom message, wallpaper change
Damage	Permanent file loss without decryption; risk of additional malware
Distribution Methods	Infected email attachments, torrent sites, malicious ads, software cracks
Danger Level	High
Free Decryptor	Not available

What Happens When MattVenom Infects a System?

Once executed, MattVenom begins encrypting data on the victim’s system. Files are renamed with a unique extension – for example, 1.jpg becomes 1.jpg.31jPB, and 2.png becomes 2.png.3c45b. After encryption is complete, the desktop wallpaper is replaced with a threatening message, and the ransomware note (Readme.txt) is created.

This note informs users that their files are locked and can only be recovered with the help of the attackers. Victims are told to transfer $500 in Bitcoin to a specific wallet and contact the cybercriminals via email (mattvenom@proton.me) or Tox chat. The attackers warn that failure to comply within 72 hours will result in a price increase, and complete file loss after 7 days.

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:

1. Send $500 in Bitcoin to the following address:
16JpyqQJ6z1GbxJNztjUnepXsqee3SBz75

2. Contact us immediately after payment:

Email: MattVenom@proton.me

Tox ID: E66F2D02C7A9957CA63906E9A6FCC485634 CB0BEBAEE7E648170CA2C22040C476E4220766742

3. Provide your Unique ID and proof of payment.

4. 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.

Wallpaper Message

The ransomware also sets a new desktop wallpaper with the following message:

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

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Manual Ransomware Removal Guide

Warning: Manual removal is complex and risky. If not done correctly, it can lead to data loss or incomplete removal of ransomware. Only follow this method if you are an advanced user. If unsure, proceed with Method 2 (SpyHunter Removal Guide).

Step 1: Disconnect from the Internet

1. Unplug your Ethernet cable or disconnect Wi-Fi immediately to prevent further communication with the ransomware’s command and control (C2) servers.

Step 2: Boot into Safe Mode

For Windows Users:

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

For Mac Users:

1. Restart your Mac and immediately press and hold the Shift key.
2. Release the key once you see the Apple logo.
3. Your Mac will start in Safe Mode.

Step 3: Locate and Terminate Malicious Processes

For Windows Users:

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
2. Look for suspicious processes (e.g., unknown names, high CPU usage, or random letters).
3. Right-click on the process and select End Task.

For Mac Users:

1. Open Activity Monitor (Finder > Applications > Utilities > Activity Monitor).
2. Look for unusual processes.
3. Select the process and click Force Quit.

Step 4: Delete Malicious Files

For Windows Users:

1. Press Windows + R, type %temp%, and hit Enter.
2. Delete all files in the Temp folder.
3. Navigate to:
   • C:\Users\[Your Username]\AppData\Roaming
   • C:\Users\[Your Username]\AppData\Local
   • C:\Windows\System32
4. Look for suspicious files related to the ransomware (random file names, recently modified) and delete them.

For Mac Users:

1. Open Finder and go to Go > Go to Folder.
2. Type ~/Library/Application Support and delete suspicious folders.
3. Navigate to ~/Library/LaunchAgents and remove unknown .plist files.

Step 5: Remove Ransomware from Registry or System Settings

For Windows Users:

Warning: Incorrect changes in the Registry Editor can damage your system. Proceed with caution.

1. Press Windows + R, type regedit, and hit Enter.
2. Navigate to:
   • HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software
   • HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software
3. Look for unfamiliar folders with random characters or ransomware-related names.
4. Right-click and select Delete.

For Mac Users:

1. Go to System Preferences > Users & Groups.
2. Click on Login Items and remove any suspicious startup items.
3. Navigate to ~/Library/Preferences and remove malicious .plist files.

Step 6: Restore System Using System Restore (Windows) or Time Machine (Mac)

For Windows Users:

1. Press Windows + R, type rstrui, and hit Enter.
2. Click Next, choose a restore point before the infection, and follow the prompts to restore your system.

For Mac Users:

1. Restart your Mac and hold Command + R to enter macOS Utilities.
2. Select Restore from Time Machine Backup.
3. Choose a backup prior to the ransomware infection and restore your system.

Step 7: Use a Decryption Tool (If Available)

• Visit No More Ransom (www.nomoreransom.org) and check if a decryption tool is available for your ransomware variant.

Step 8: Recover Files Using Backup

• If you have backups on an external drive or cloud storage, restore your files.

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Automatic Ransomware Removal Using SpyHunter

If manual removal seems too risky or complicated, using a reliable anti-malware tool like SpyHunter is the best alternative.

Step 1: Download SpyHunter

Download SpyHunter from the official link: Download SpyHunter

Or follow the official installation instructions here:
SpyHunter Download Instructions

Step 2: Install SpyHunter

1. Open the downloaded file (SpyHunter-Installer.exe).
2. Follow the on-screen prompts to install the program.
3. Once installed, launch SpyHunter.

Step 3: Perform a Full System Scan

1. Click on Start Scan Now.
2. SpyHunter will scan for ransomware and other malware.
3. Wait for the scan to complete.

Step 4: Remove Detected Threats

1. After the scan, SpyHunter will list all detected threats.
2. Click Fix Threats to remove the ransomware.

Step 5: Use SpyHunter’s Malware HelpDesk (If Needed)

If you are dealing with a stubborn ransomware variant, SpyHunter’s Malware HelpDesk provides custom fixes to remove advanced threats.

Step 6: Restore Your Files

If your files are encrypted:

• Try No More Ransom (www.nomoreransom.org) for decryption tools.
• Restore from cloud storage or external backups.

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Preventing Future Ransomware Attacks

• Keep backups on an external hard drive or cloud storage.
• Use SpyHunter to detect threats before they infect your system.
• Enable Windows Defender or a trusted antivirus program.
• Avoid suspicious emails, attachments, and links.
• Update Windows, macOS & software regularly.

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