The ransomware operators seek to extort the computer user by encrypting files and making it impossible to open them. This causes a lot of problems to the user, because one can no longer access personal memories, work or study files, and other important information kept on the compromised computer. Therefore, the criminals leave ransom notes suggesting to purchase MANW file decryption tool from the attackers. What is even worse, samples of this ransomware are often seen in tandem with Vidar, Azorult and other information-stealing Trojans, which means they most likely were installed on your computer as well.

The ransom note demands money for data decryption tool

After leaving the victim with no access to one’s personal data, the attackers introduce their solution to the problem. They expect the victim to pay a ransom, or, as they put it in the _readme.txt ransom note, purchase a decryption tool and key from them. They also advise contacting them via provided email addresses: support@fishmail.top and datarestorehelp@airmail.cc to start a conversation with the extortionists. The ransom note briefly explains that the encryption used to lock files is extremely strong and there is nothing that the computer user can do in order to reverse the damage without the attackers’ help. They recommend writing an email to them within 72 hours, promising a 50% discount on the ransom amount. In such case, the victim would have to pay $490, while the full amount is $980. The note also clarifies that whoever contacts the criminals after 3 days will have to pay the larger sum. The note also suggests that victims can get a proof from cybercriminals that all data will be restored after payment. The victim is offered a test decryption service, and in order to use it, one has to send one encrypted file and Personal ID (included in the ransom note) to the criminals via email. In their reply, they would attach a decrypted version of the file. However, this should not convince victims to pay up, because there are many reasons why paying a ransom is wrongful. According to recommendations of FBI, NCSC, and many other organizations, paying a ransom simply motivates cybercriminals. It also isn’t a guarantee that criminals will do their part and decrypt your files. Moreover, by paying up, you might become a desirable target in future cyber attacks. It is recommended to remove MANW ransomware virus without a delay since it poses a significant risk to your computer system. Using a robust antivirus software is a must, especially when it comes to removing severe malware like this. Our team recommends using INTEGO Antivirus, and scanning the computer with RESTORO (secure download link) afterward. The latter helps to fix damaged Windows OS files following a ransomware or another malware attack.

Ransomware Summary

Ransomware distribution and prevention of attacks

Ransomware-type computer threats like MANW virus can be found in deceptive software crack downloads online. While other distribution methods like phishing emails, malware-laced advertisements and RDP attacks might also be used, illegal downloads remain the primary source of STOP/DJVU ransomware infections. 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. Cybercriminals tend to bait computer users by using significant software brand names, such as Adobe Photoshop, Tenorshare 4ukey, Driver Talent, Wondershare Filmore and others. They publish posts claiming to provide software cracks for these popular programs, while in reality, each of these downloads lead to a malicious file called setup.exe that is hidden in a password-protected archive. The reason why this file is archived is to avoid AV detection. Sometimes, such malicious files can be downloaded via torrents, so using peer-to-peer file sharing isn’t recommended by cybersecurity experts. All in all, trying to obtain pirated or cracked software versions can lead to various problems, including computer infection or fines for copyright-protected content distribution and usage. Users should download software from trustworthy websites and pay for legitimate software license keys instead of trying to cut corners. Phishing emails also play a major role in malware distribution. Cybercriminals try to deceive the victim by stating they’re writing on behalf of a well-known company or organization, and warn there is an urgent matter that needs to be addressed. Such emails repeatedly ask the victim to view attached files, and if the user does so, the malware inside of them launches, leading to complete data encryption. It is advisable to be cautious when checking the email and look out for some signs that signal about the email sender’s bad intentions. First of all, it is important to check what the sender’s address is – if it looks suspicious, or isn’t official looking (the email domain isn’t company’s website but a gmail.com, for example), you should ignore it. However, you shouldn’t stop there because if it appears normal, there’s always a chance that it was possibly spoofed to appear trustworthy. Then, you need to look for other signs such as overly-generic greeting line (f.e., Dear valued customer/client), grammar mistakes in the message, or urgent tone asking you to click on a link or view attachments. The best way to protect yourself from such attacks is installing a trustworthy antivirus software with real-time protection feature. Of course, even if your antivirus is enabled, you should never forget secure browsing habits and always evaluate what websites you choose to visit and what to click on.

Remove MANW ransomware virus and decrypt/repair your files

You can find instructions on how to remove MANW ransomware virus below. Booting in Safe Mode with Networking is useful if the malware attempts to interfere with your security software’s processes and halt the removal procedure. In case you’re undecided on what AV brand to choose, you may want to read about Intego. It is available with a discount now – get it on INTEGO Antivirus official website now. Once malware is removed, we recommend getting RESTORO (secure download link), a tool that can identify and repair virus-altered Windows OS files. Afterward, we also advise changing your passwords due to the ransomware and Trojan activity on your computer. Finally, consider registering the cybercrime incident to your local authorities. 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 MANW 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 MANW 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 MANW files

Fix and open large MANW 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. MANW 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 MANW files, follow the given tutorial.

Meanings of decryptor’s messages

The MANW 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 MANW 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 MANW 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.