Makop Ransomware: Critical Insights & Rapid Recovery Solutions

Makop Ransomware is one of the most aggressive ransomware variants, targeting businesses of all sizes with rapid encryption and extortion tactics. Learn how it works, see real attack examples, and—if your systems are compromised—let our experts help you restore encrypted data and get back to business.

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What is MAKOP Ransomware?

If your files are locked, and your file names have strange extensions added to them, it could mean your system is infected with MAKOP ransomware. The surest sign of an infection is a ransom note demanding payment in Bitcoin that mentions the name “MAKOP.”

MAKOP Ransomware first appeared in 2020 as an offshoot of the PHOBOS variant, and has infected a number of computers since then. Files encrypted by MAKOP often have the extension “.makop”. You may also notice that your desktop wallpaper has changed. MAKOP uses RSA encryption. There are no known free decryption tools capable of decrypting files encrypted by MAKOP.

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Persistence Mechanisms
Installs hidden tools to maintain long-term access and re-infect systems.
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Spreads Through Networks
Targets entire IT infrastructures, not just single devices.
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Rapid Encryption
One of the fastest ransomware encryption speeds, making attacks harder to stop.
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Your antivirus software is deactivated or you are unable to use it.

Why You Shouldn’t Attempt to Fix It Alone

If MAKOP ransomware has hit your business, taking the wrong steps can cause permanent data
loss or legal risks. Like a crime scene, a ransomware attack must be preserved—tampering
with encrypted files, attempting self-recovery, or engaging with attackers can destroy
critical evidence and reduce your chances of recovery.

The right response in the first moments after a MAKOP attack can make the difference
between full recovery and permanent data loss. Follow these critical steps to protect your
data and maximize your chances of restoring operations.

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If you find a “ReadMe” note on your system showing information like the above, you’ve likely suffered a MAKOP Ransomware attack.

YOU MUST NOT ATTEMPT TO TOUCH, RESTORE OR OVERWRITE THE DATA.

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What steps do I take if my data is encrypted by MAKOP?

If you’ve fallen victim to ransomware, follow these crucial steps:

1

Request 24/7 Ransomware Recovery Help

Get expert guidance to assess, contain, and recover safely.

2

Isolate Infected Systems

Disconnect infected devices to stop the spread. Avoid self-recovery.

3

Preserve Evidence Immediately

Keep ransom notes & logs. Do not restart or modify anything.

MAKOP ransomware statistics & facts

RANSOM AMOUNTS

Not much is known about the gangs that operate MAKOP, since this is a relatively new variant. The hackers using MAKOP seem to target a wide variety of organizations

The average MAKOP ransom amount is somewhere around $15,000. Ransoms are demanded in the form of Bitcoin. Quick-buy methods of purchasing Bitcoin using credit card or PayPal often carry an additional fee of up to 10%.

AVERAGE RANSOM, USD $

AVERAGE LENGTH

MAKOP causes longer than average downtime. This is partly due to the need to communicate with attackers manually.

For most ransomware victims, downtime ends up being the most expensive part of a ransomware attack. It can also cause significant damage to a company’s reputation if the attack is publicized.

The best possible outcome in a ransomware attack situation is to get your system back online as quickly and securely as possible. The best way to do this is to call in experts who have experience dealing with MAKOP ransomware, and have them handle the removal and restoration process.

CASE OUTCOMES

In our experience, a successful ransom payment usually results in getting a working Avaddon decryptor. Decryptor tools do take work to maintain, however, so not all attackers have working tools.

The ransomware gangs we have documented have consistently delivered working MAKOP decryptors after the successful completion of ransom payments. This is not the case for all hackers, however, because decryptor tools usually require maintenance with updates.

Knowing the reputation of the specific gang you are dealing with can help to avoid situations where a ransom is paid, but the decryptor does not work, or no decryptor is provided.

COMMON ATTACK VECTORS

The most common attack vector for MAKOP ransomware is phishing.

Name
MAKOP, MAKOP Ransomware
Danger Level
High
Release date
June, 2020
Affected Systems
Windows
File Extensions
.makop, .vassago
Ransom Demand
readme-warning.txt
Contact/ E-Mail-Adress
Dark web portal
Known Scammers
none

How to identify MAKOP ransomware

This is an average MAKOP ransomware note. (With slight redaction in the interest of public safety)

MAKOP.txt
::: Greetings ::: Little FAQ: .1. Q: Whats Happen? A: Your files have been encrypted and now have the “makop” extension. The file structure was not damaged, we did everything possible so that this could not happen. .2. Q: How to recover files? A: If you wish to decrypt your files you will need to pay in bitcoins. .3. Q: What about guarantees? A: Its just a business. We absolutely do not care about you and your deals, except getting benefits. If we do not do our work and liabilities – nobody will cooperate with us. Its not in our interests. To check the ability of returning files, you can send to us any 2 files with SIMPLE extensions(jpg,xls,doc, etc… not databases!) and low sizes(max 1 mb), we will decrypt them and send back to you. That is our guarantee. .4. Q: How to contact with you? A: You can write us to our mailbox: [email protected] .5. Q: How will the decryption process proceed after payment? A: After payment we will send to you our scanner-decoder program and detailed instructions for use. With this program you will be able to decrypt all your encrypted files. .6. Q: If I donít want to pay bad people like you? A: If you will not cooperate with our service – for us, its does not matter. But you will lose your time and data, cause only we have the private key. In practice – time is much more valuable than money. :::BEWARE::: DON’T try to change encrypted files by yourself! If you will try to use any third party software for restoring your data or antivirus solutions – please make a backup for all encrypted files! Any changes in encrypted files may entail damage of the private key and, as result, the loss all data.

MAKOP decryptor demonstration

This is a technical demo of the MAKOP Decryptor. Copyright by BeforeCrypt

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Frequently asked questions

How Does Ransomware Encrypt Files?

Ransomware encrypts files using advanced cryptographic algorithms, typically AES (Advanced Encryption Standard) or RSA (Rivest-Shamir-Adleman). Once executed, the malware scans the system for specific file types and encrypts them, making them inaccessible to the user. Some variants use symmetric encryption (AES), while others combine it with asymmetric encryption (RSA) to lock files with a unique key pair.

Can You Decrypt My Ransomware Encrypted Files?

Decryption depends on the ransomware variant. In some cases, publicly available decryption tools exist, but not all attacks have a known solution. You can submit a free ransomware recovery request, and we will check for possible decryption methods.