Mammon ransomware (Virus Removal Guide)

What is Mammon ransomware?

Mammon ransomware is a growing threat to virtual infrastructures and personal systems

Mammon file virus is the infection that causes file encryption.

Mammon ransomware virus is an infection that infiltrates systems and can silently encrypt essential data. Then the threat is designed to coerce victims into paying substantial sums for the alleged file recovery. However, the threat is evolving, and malicious actors who created the virus focus only on their monetary gains, not on the victims and their losses.

Mammon file virus is a sophisticated strain of ransomware that has recently drawn the attention of cybersecurity experts due to its aggressive tactics and expanding target range. Despite its name, it should not be confused with the Makop ransomware variant that occasionally shares the same moniker^[1].

Mammon file-encrypting virus is a distinct and evolving cyber threat designed to encrypt files and extort victims through ransom payments in exchange for a decryption tool — one that is rarely delivered even after the ransom is paid. It uses a unique and long file extension to mark files once altered.

Once Mammon infiltrates a system, its encryption routine quickly begins. On compromised devices, file names are altered to include the attacker’s contact email, a unique identifier for the victim, and the extension .aaabbbccc. For instance, a file named initially 1.jpg might be transformed into 1.jpg.email-[james.shaw.junior@gmail.com]id-[NHIJZ638YS].aaabbbccc.

Alongside this damage, .aaabbbccc file virus drops a ransom note titled howtoDecrypt.txt, which informs the victim of the encryption and demands payment — typically within 72 hours. The note often promises a test decryption of one file to build credibility. However, from a professional standpoint, we must emphasize that paying the ransom rarely results in successful file recovery. Cybercriminals often take the payment and disappear, leaving users without recourse.

This Mammon ransomware variant is known for targeting VMware ESXi environments. It poses a grave threat by exploiting vulnerabilities in exposed services or outdated configurations. Once inside, it deploys robust, enterprise-level encryption using both AES and RSA algorithms to lock virtual machine files and snapshots, effectively crippling the virtual infrastructure.

This attack is not just technical — it’s deeply financial. Victims are confronted with a demand for cryptocurrency payments, accompanied by threats of irreversible data loss if the ransom isn't paid within a set timeframe.

The message that ransom notes display:

All Your Files has Been Locked

You will have to Pay to Get them back to Get Decryption App + key

The Price is not static and changes based on each Case Data Type Size And importance

You have 72 hours for contacting and asking your questions about guarantees and Test And Doing Payment

After Payment you will Recive an Decryption app and instruction to how to Decrypt your Files yourself

contact us with telegram : @jamesshawjunior

BackupMail in Case of no Answer : james.shaw.junior@gmail.com

Mammon file virus can affect personal computers, but it is also known for infiltrating whole systems. The consequences for affected organizations can be devastating. Such an attack can lead to the complete shutdown of mission-critical systems, prolonged operational downtime, and significant financial losses stemming from disrupted workflows, data recovery efforts, and long-term damage to the organization's reputation.

This file-encrypting virus can affect the computer quickly

Mammon ransomware virus uses various distribution methods common to modern ransomware families. These include:

• Phishing emails containing malicious attachments or deceptive links
• Drive-by downloads from compromised or malicious websites
• Infected software installers, especially those from unverified third-party platforms or pirated software
• Trojans and loaders, often disguised as legitimate tools
• Fake software updates and illegal activation tools (“cracks”)
• Malvertising (malicious online ads)
• Peer-to-peer (P2P) networks, file sharing platforms, and fake download portals.

Additionally, Mammon ransomware can propagate through local networks and removable storage devices, making it particularly dangerous in corporate or institutional environments.

One of the most concerning developments is the Mammon ransomware virus tailored variant that targets VMware ESXi hypervisors. This version seeks to encrypt entire virtual infrastructures, leading to widespread disruption for enterprises relying on virtual machines for daily operations.

AV tools can detect Mammon ransomware, so removal is possible; however, data recovery is not.

Threat removal is crucial, and files might not get recovered

Removing Mammon ransomware is essential to prevent further encryption, but it's crucial to understand that removal alone does not decrypt locked files. The best course of action for recovery is restoring data from secure, offline backups created prior to infection.

For removal:

• Use a reputable antivirus or anti-malware solution, such as SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner or Malwarebytes, to detect and eliminate Mammon ransomware components. This is important because when the virus is still active on the system, it can alter newly added files or damage other computer parts. The particular detection rates show that threat can be removed faith AV tools^[2].

• Ensure your security tools are up-to-date and run full system scans regularly. Also, rely on system tools like FortectIntego, ensure that your computer is working properly, and ensure that all needed functions are available. To remove Mammon ransomware properly, you need to have a perfectly working machine.

You can also try to remove the threat manually.

Windows 7 / Vista / XP

1. Click Start > Shutdown > Restart > OK.
2. When your computer becomes active, start pressing F8 button (if that does not work, try F2, F12, Del, etc. – it all depends on your motherboard model) multiple times until you see the Advanced Boot Options window.
3. Select Safe Mode with Networking from the list.

Windows 10 / Windows 8

1. Right-click on Start button and select Settings.
   
   
2. Scroll down to pick Update & Security.
   
3. On the left side of the window, pick Recovery.
4. Now scroll down to find Advanced Startup section.
5. Click Restart now.
   
6. Select Troubleshoot.
7. Go to Advanced options.
8. Select Startup Settings.
9. Press Restart.
10. Now press 5 or click 5) Enable Safe Mode with Networking.

Step 2. Shut down suspicious processes

Windows Task Manager is a useful tool that shows all the processes running in the background. If malware is running a process, you need to shut it down:

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc on your keyboard to open Windows Task Manager.
2. Click on More details.
   
3. Scroll down to Background processes section, and look for anything suspicious.
4. Right-click and select Open file location.
   
5. Go back to the process, right-click and pick End Task.
   
6. Delete the contents of the malicious folder.

Step 3. Check program Startup

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc on your keyboard to open Windows Task Manager.
2. Go to Startup tab.
3. Right-click on the suspicious program and pick Disable.
   
   

Step 4. Delete virus files

Malware-related files can be found in various places within your computer. Here are instructions that could help you find them:

1. Type in Disk Cleanup in Windows search and press Enter.
   
   
2. Select the drive you want to clean (C: is your main drive by default and is likely to be the one that has malicious files in).
3. Scroll through the Files to delete list and select the following:
   

   Temporary Internet Files
   Downloads
   Recycle Bin
   Temporary files

4. Pick Clean up system files.
   
   
5. You can also look for other malicious files hidden in the following folders (type these entries in Windows Search and press Enter):
   

   %AppData%
   %LocalAppData%
   %ProgramData%
   %WinDir%

After you are finished, reboot the PC in normal mode.

Best protection practices include prevention and having data backups

Even if your Windows gets corrupted, you can reinstall everything from scratch and retrieve files from backups with minimal losses overall. Most importantly, you would not have to pay cybercriminals and risk your money as well.

Therefore, if you have already dealt with a Mammon ransomware or other virus attack, we strongly advise you to prepare backups for future use. There are two options available to you:

• Backup on a physical external drive, such as a USB flash drive or external HDD.
• Use cloud storage services.

The first method is not that convenient, however, as backups need to be updated manually constantly, although it is very reliable. Therefore, we highly advise choosing cloud storage instead – it is easy to set up and efficient to sustain. The problem with it is that storage space is limited unless you want to pay for the subscription.

Using Microsoft OneDrive

OneDrive is a built-in tool that comes with every modern Windows version. By default, you get 5 GB of storage that you can use for free. You can increase that storage space, but for a price. Here's how to setup backups for OneDrive:

1. Click on the OneDrive icon within your system tray.
2. Select Help & Settings > Settings.
   
   
3. If you don't see your email under the Account tab, you should click Add an account and proceed with the on-screen instructions to set yourself up.
   
4. Once done, move to the Backup tab and click Manage backup.
   
   
5. Select Desktop, Documents, and Pictures, or a combination of whichever folders you want to backup.
6. Press Start backup.
   

After this, all the files that are imported into the above-mentioned folders will be automatically backed for you. If you want to add other folders or files, you have to do that manually. For that, open File Explorer by pressing Win + E on your keyboard, and then click on the OneDrive icon. You should drag and drop folders you want to backup (or you can use Copy/Paste as well).

Using Google Drive

Google Drive is another great solution for free backups. The good news is that you get as much as 15GB for free by choosing this storage. There are also paid versions available, with significantly more storage to choose from.

You can access Google Drive via the web browser or use a desktop app you can download on the official website. If you want your files to be synced automatically, you will have to download the app, however.

1. Download the Google Drive app installer and click on it.
   
2. Wait a few seconds for it to be installed.
3. Now click the arrow within your system tray – you should see Google Drive icon there, click it once.
   
4. Click Get Started.
5. Enter all the required information – your email/phone, and password.
6. Now pick what you want to sync and backup. You can click on Choose Folder to add additional folders to the list.
7. Once done, pick Next.
8. Now you can select to sync items to be visible on your computer.
9. Finally, press Start and wait till the sync is complete. Your files are now being backed up.

To protect against Mammon file locking virus and similar ransomware threats:

1. Maintain Multiple BackupsStore backups in separate, isolated locations: cloud storage, disconnected external drives, and secure remote servers.

2. Download Software ResponsiblyOnly use official websites or authorized distributors. Avoid pirated content and freeware sites that lack credibility.

3. Avoid Suspicious EmailsDo not open unsolicited attachments or click links in unexpected messages — even if they appear to be from trusted sources.

4. Patch and Update FrequentlyRegularly update your operating system and all software to eliminate known vulnerabilities, particularly in virtual environments like VMware ESXi.

5. Use Comprehensive Security SolutionsInstall and regularly update a professional-grade antivirus. Many advanced tools offer real-time monitoring, ransomware shields, and network protection features.

Mammon ransomware is not just another cryptovirus — it is a potent threat capable of devastating both individuals and organizations, especially those operating virtualized infrastructure. While the lure of regaining access through ransom payment may be strong, cybersecurity experts unanimously agree: never pay the ransom. Doing so not only supports criminal enterprises but often leads to further victimization.

The best defense remains a strong offense: layered security, user awareness, reliable backups, and prompt system updates. Stay informed, stay secure.