Makop ransomware: what it is and how to remove it

From our report of May 2020 · not reviewed since

More from our earlier report on Makop ransomware

• To remove the virus completely from the system, you should get a proper antivirus program and run that on the machine, so all parts of the infection get detected and deleted
• There is a huge issue with system files and functions because ransomware is a threat that can easily access such parts and damage them.

From our report of May 2020 · outdated details corrected in October 2026

Makop ransomware is the virus that relies on file encoding to have a reason for direct blackmail

Makop ransomware – a virus that can be categorized as file-locking malware of a cryptovirus because it is based on cryptocurrency extortion.

This malware gets on the machine, scans for commonly used and valuable files, and employs an army-grade encryption algorithm for the process of encryption.

Once data gets encoded and affected all files get renamed with a pattern that includes the original filename, victims' ID, and email address belonging to cybercriminals, .makop file extension. So the full extensions look something like . .[makop@airmail.cc].makop, hence the name of this virus given by malware researchers.

Also, when the ransomware virus is done with encryption, the message from criminals gets delivered on the desktop in the form of a text file with the title readme-warning.txt. This note contains instructions and primary information needed for the victim. This note encourages people to pay the ransom to get their files recovered with a decryption tool that is promised by the extortionists.

However, these decryption tools that criminals talk about, in most cases, are not even sent to you after the payment. The ransom is in demand in Bitcoin cryptocurrency, but the particular amount gets determined for each victim separately after the initial contact.

The Makop file virus is updated regularly by malware authors. Versions like Oled, KJHslgjkjdfg, [johncastle@msgsafe.io].zes, and others, ensure that ransomware performs what it is designed to do - encrypt files effectively.

Makop ransomware is an infection that drops on the system without your knowledge or permission, so initial infiltration is not noticed. However, the encryption starts almost instantly after the payload drop, so you should react to the ransom demanding message ASAP and clean the machine from any possible threats or intruders.

Unfortunately, the ransomware virus is not the program that can be easily found on the machine, in any of the program folders, so the process of eliminating the virus is not that easy. The best option for such infection is anti-malware tools that can run on the system and find various risks, malware, and malicious or dangerous files, applications. Makop had over 20 versions of associated emails:

The ransomware virus is the type of threat that is focused on generating profit, so the following instructions are encouraging people to pay up as soon as possible:

You need to note that your files may not ever get decrypted by them, even when you pay the ransom. The test decryption is there to fake the legitimacy and trust between you and the attackers.

You need to go straight for Makop ransomware removal instead of even considering paying the demanded sum. The amount of money asked from you can differ depending on the value of files stored on the machine or direct data that criminals have found on the machine. No matter how little the amount is, contacting these malicious actors can lead to issues with your privacy or even data and money loss.

Extortionists that created this Makop ransomware can lie about pretty much anything and claim to have various personal files, offer decryption software that is not even existing. Cybercriminals shouldn't be trusted, so make sure to react as soon as you receive the ransom note and clean the system from any of the programs.

You need to remove the ransomware using automatic methods - anti-malware programs because this technique allows checking many parts of the system where threats like this and related files or applications can get hidden. AV detection engines can indicate various potential threats and make your device virus-free again.

However, those system files, functions, and programs or vital features that Makop ransomware manages to damage cannot get repaired without additional help from proper cleaners or system optimizers. Programs like can fins those affected or even damaged files, repair needed registry keys without damaging other functions of your computer.

As for encrypted files, Makop ransomware elimination and virus damage repair procedures are not affecting them. You need to have data backups on an external device or a cloud service, so ransomware cannot encrypt them, and you may replace encoded files with safe copies.

Unfortunately, not everyone has those files backed up or stores their files on separate devices, so the ransomware attacks can be devastating. However, systems have some features that can help you. Firstly, the System Restore feature can help with virus elimination, and then, you can rely on Windows Previous Versions. Other methods and decryption alternatives are listed below.

• .[KILLYOUASS@protonmail.com]
• .[buydecryptor@aol.com]
• .[xaodecrypt@protonmail.com]
• .[antiransomware@aol.com]
• .[akzhq12@cock.li]
• .[restoring.data@protonmail.com]
• .[farik1@protonmail.com]
• .[modeturbo@aol.com]
• .[verilerimialmakistiyorum@inbox.ru]
• .[admcphel@protonmail.ch]
• .[giantt1@protonmail.com]
• .[data.compromised@protonmail.com]
• .[moncler@cock.li]
• .[viginare@aol.com]
• .[cock89558@cock.li]
• .[MikeyMaus77@protomail.com]
• .[ww6666@protonmail.com]
• .[helpdesk_makp@protonmail.ch]
• .[buydecryptor@cock.li]
• .[prndssdnrp@mail.fr]

From our report of May 2020 · not reviewed since

The infection starts with malicious spam campaigns

The infection that involves money extortion, blackmailing, and other dangerous processes can spread around using various misleading and deceptive methods including file-sharing pages, social media, and such services as emails.

Payload files can get sent in a message on the social media platform as a link to malicious or hacked sites. In such cases, you only need to enable the file by clicking a button on the page.

File-sharing or pirating pages can spread these malicious scripts even more silently because when you download a package with software, game cheatcodes, or licensed keys, cracks you cannot notice the included file that triggers that infection directly on your device. Staying away from these services or choosing Advanced/Custom installation options should be the best way to avoid infection.

However, when it comes to ransomware-type viruses, files attached to legitimate-looking emails from companies like DHL, eBay, FedEx, and other shopping sites or shipping services are the most employed for such a process of spreading malware. Order information, invoices, and other documents with financial data get attached to emails and once the user downloads the said file and enables macro viruses, ransomware directly gets dropped on the system.

From our report of May 2020 · not reviewed since

Makop ransomware virus termination is possible with AV tools

When you decide to remove Makop ransomware, you should go straight for anti-malware tools and reliable sources for such software.

This is the best option because your machine gets fully scanned and checked, so various malware gets indicated when found and can get completely deleted.

During the proper Makop ransomware removal, anti-malware software shows you the list of quarantined or detected malicious programs and files, that you should remove. You need to follow any suggestions from the program like or . Security tools and AV detection engines are based on finding malware, so ransomware should get eliminated on the first try.

If you still think that traces of the ransomware virus may lure on the system - double-check with the alternate tool. Then, rely on and search virus damage that requires fixing. After that, your machine should be completely clean and ready for data recovery, no matter which method you choose for that. Check a few options that we listed below.

[GI=method-1]Reboot the machine in Safe Mode with Networking and then run the AV tool to remove the ransomware this way

[GI=method-2]System Restore feature helps with the file-encrypting threat because it allows resetting the machine in a previous state

Windows Previous Versions feature – a method for recovering files

When you enable the System Restore feature, you can rely on Windows Previous Versions and recover files individualy

ShadowExplorer for encrypted data

When ransomware is not affecting Shadow Volume Copies, you can rely on ShadowExplorer and restore them

Decryption for this ransomware is not possible yet