Mpal Ransomware

If you get tricked into installing Mpal Ransomware, all your personal files might become locked. In such a case, you should see the .mpal extension at the end of the encrypted files’ names, for example, clouds.jpg.mpal. If you notice this extension on your data and you cannot open it, you should also see the malware’s ransom note. The purpose of it is to convince you to pay a ransom in exchange for decryption tools that could unlock all your files. What is vital to understand is that hackers are not trustworthy people, which means you could end up being scammed if you deal with them. If you have no intention to do so, we advise deleting Mpal Ransomware with no hesitation. Further in the article we explain more about the malware’s working manner and its deletion. If you need step by step instructions, you could check our guide located at the end of this article.

First, we would like to explain how users could be tricked into installing Mpal Ransomware. Our researchers say that hackers could disguise the malicious application’s installer so it would look harmless, for example, it could look like a text file or a software installer. Next, cybercriminals could send such files via spam emails or upload them on malicious file-sharing websites. Therefore, if you do not want to be tricked into launching malware, we highly recommend staying away from unreliable file-sharing websites and data sent from people you do not know or under suspicious pretenses. Also, it would be a good idea to get a reliable antimalware tool and keep it always enabled as well as up to date so it could warn you about dangerous content and stop threats from entering your system.

If Mpal Ransomware is launched, it should create data in randomly named folders placed in the %LOCALAPPDATA% and %USERPROFILE%\Local Settings\Application Data directories. Afterward, the malicious application should start encrypting files that might be irreplaceable to you, for example, photos, various documents, archives, video files, and so on. Once encrypted such data should become unusable. At the end of the encryption process, the malicious application should also create a ransom note called _readme.txt. If you open this document, you should see a message from the threat’s creators. According to it, users who receive Mpal Ransomware can still decrypt their files if they put up with the listed demands, which are to pay a ransom and contact hackers via email. The ransom note may also include instructions on how to get a 50 percent discount. To be more precise, victims are offered it if they manage to contact the malware’s creators within 72 hours.

The full price is 980 US dollars. Even half of it is not such a small sum, which is why we advise thinking carefully if you want to risk losing it in vain. There are no guarantees that Mpal Ransomware’s developers will hold on to their end of the deal. In other words, if they do not feel like sending you the promised decryption tools, they might not bother to do so and you might not be able to do anything about it. No matter what you choose to do with the hackers’ proposal, we advise erasing Mpal Ransomware from your device. As you see, the malware could restart with your operating system and keep encrypting new files. Thus, if you do not want to take any chances, it is advisable to get rid of it as fast as possible.

You have a couple of options to that you can choose from if you decide to delete Mpal Ransomware. First, you could try removing it manually. The task might not be easy, which is why we advise using our deletion instructions placed below this paragraph. Of course, if you think the process is too challenging, you could employ a reliable antimalware tool. After installing it, we advise performing a full system scan and then clicking the provided removal button to eliminate Mpal Ransomware and any other identified issues.

Restart your system in Safe Mode with Networking

Windows 8/Windows 10

1. Tap Win+I for Windows 8 or open the Start menu for Windows 10.
2. Click the Power button.
3. Press and hold the Shift key and click Restart.
4. Choose Troubleshoot and pick Advanced Options.
5. Select Startup Settings and click Restart.
6. Press the F5 key to restart the PC.

Windows XP/Windows Vista/Windows 7

1. Go to Start, pick Shutdown options and click Restart.
2. Press and hold the F8 key when the computer starts restarting.
3. Select Safe Mode with Networking from Advanced Boot Options window.
4. Click Enter and log on to the computer.

Remove Mpal Ransomware

1. Press Win+E.
2. Check these directories:
   %USERPROFILE%\Desktop
   %USERPROFILE%\Downloads
   %TEMP%
3. Search for the malware’s installer, right-click the threat’s launcher and press Delete.
4. Go to:
   %LOCALAPPDATA%
   %USERPROFILE%\Local Settings\Application Data
5. Find randomly named folders, for example, 7v7mk177-32c4-679d-7f16-7e28ac2d8th2, right-click them and press Delete.
6. Find and right-click files called _readme.txt and select Delete.
7. Go to: C:\SystemID
8. Locate a file called PersonalID.txt, right-click it, and select Delete.
9. Find this path: %WINDIR%\System32\Tasks
10. Check if there is a task named Time Trigger Task.
11. If you see it, right-click it and press Delete.
12. Exit File Explorer.
13. Press Win+R.
14. Type Regedit and press Enter.
15. Navigate to: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
16. Look for a value name created by the malware, for example, SysHelper.
17. Right-click the threat’s value name and choose Delete.
18. Exit Registry Editor.
19. Empty Recycle Bin.