Makop Ransomware: Complete Guide – Indicators, Impact, Files, Registry, IPs & Protection

  Category:  RANSOMWARE | 2nd January 2026 | Author:  CSI'S TEAM

Makop Ransomware Is A malicious Encryption Malware That Has Been Actively Targeting Windows Computers And Organizations Worldwide Since About 2020. A Variant Of The Phobos Ransomware Family, It Has Evolved Into A serious Cyber Threat — Especially In Regions Like India, Where Recent Studies Show Up To 55% Of Reported Makop Attacks Occurred.

What Is Makop Ransomware?

Makop Is A ransomware Strain Linked To The Phobos Family, Typically Distributed Via Unsecured Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) Services And Brute-force Attacks. Unlike Double-extortion Ransomware That Steals And Leaks Data, Makop Focuses Primarily On file Encryption, Demanding Ransom Payment For Decryption.

Makop Operates As Ransomware-as-a-Service (RaaS), Meaning Affiliates Can Use It With Customizable Settings — Including File Extensions And Ransom Notes.

How Makop Infects Systems

1. Initial Access

Makop Affiliates Typically Begin Attacks By:

• Scanning For Exposed RDP Services On Public IPs

• Using brute-force Or Dictionary Attacks To Guess Weak Credentials

• Exploiting outdated Or Vulnerable Windows Services

Using Tools Like NLBrute, Mimikatz, And Network Scanners, Attackers Then Move Laterally Through Networks, Escalate Privileges, And Prepare Payloads.

2. Delivery Methods

Makop Can Arrive On A System Through:

? RDP Compromises — Most Common Vector
? Phishing Emails With Malicious Attachments
? Malicious Downloads Or Drive-by Attacks
? Unsecured Services And Exposed Network Shares

Once Executed, The Ransomware Deploys Its Encryptor And Begins Scanning Local Drives.

? Windows Files Affected & Encryption Behavior

Makop’s Primary Goal Is To encrypt User Files, Making Them Unreadable Without A Decryption Key.

? File Encryption Details

After Encryption, Files Are Renamed Using A Specific Format Such As:

originalname.extension.[UniqueID].[EmailAddress].makop

or Variant Extensions Like .mkp Depending On The Affiliate’s Settings.

For Example:

• report.docx Becomes report.docx.AE3F4C2B.[makop@exploit.im].makop

• image.jpg Becomes image.jpg.7D8E9F1C.[email Protected].makop

This Naming Convention Serves two Purposes:

1. Identifies Encrypted Files

2. Provides A Unique Victim ID For The Attacker

? Skipped Files And Directories

To Avoid System Failure, Makop Typically does Not Encrypt:

? Windows System Folders (e.g., C:\Windows)
? System Critical Files
? Some Executable Extensions Like .exe And .dll
? Other Ransomware-related Extensions (e.g., lockbit, origami)

However, Nearly all User Data Files (documents, Spreadsheets, Pictures, Videos, Databases) Are In Danger.

Windows Registry & Persistence

One Reason Makop Is Hard To Remove Is Due To registry Changes That Help It Persist Across Reboots.

? Registry Entries Created

Makop May Add These Entries:

HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
  → {MaliciousFilePath}\{MaliciousFilename}.exe

This Ensures Makop Automatically Runs With Windows Logon.

Even After Rebooting, Without Proper Removal, The Ransomware Process Can Reinitialize And Attempt Further Encryption.

IP Addresses & Network Indicators

While Makop Doesn’t Typically Exfiltrate Data, It may Connect To External Trackers To Gather System Information Such As The Public IP Address.

? Example IP-logging Indicator

The Ransomware Has Been Seen Contacting An IP Tracking Service:

http://iplogger.org/1Bucq7

This Is Used To Log Infected Systems’ IP Addresses.

? Note: This URL Does not Directly Control The Malware — It Only Logs Connections. However, Defenders Can Use Such URLs To Flag Suspicious Outbound Traffic.

Ransom Note & Contact Methods

Once Encryption Is Complete:

? Makop Drops Text Ransom Notes With Names Like:

• readme-warning.txt

• +README-WARNING+.txt

These Notes Typically:

• Inform Victims That Files Are Encrypted

• Provide Contact Email(s) For Ransom Negotiations

Unlike Some Ransomware Families, Makop Does not Usually Publish Stolen Data.

Impact Snapshot: Who Is Being Targeted?

Recent Analysis Shows Makop Is heavily Targeting India, With Up To 55% Of Victims Based In India According To A 2025 Acronis Study.

The Reasons Include:

• Widespread Use Of Unsecured RDP

• Poor Password Hygiene

• Outdated Antivirus Protections

• Lagging Patching Practices

How To Detect Makop Infections

Here Are Key Indicators Of Compromise (IOCs) Defenders Can Monitor:

File Indicators

? Files Ending With .makop, .mkp, Or Variant
? Ransom Note Files In Multiple Directories

Registry Indicators

? Unusual Entries Under:

HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run

Network Indicators

? Outbound Connections To Known IP Logger URLs
? RDP Scanning Attempts From External IPs

Process & Tool Monitoring

Watch For Internal Tools That Attackers May Use:

• Mimikatz (credential Harvesting)

• NS.exe (network Scanning)

• Everything.exe (file Search)

• NLBrute.exe (brute Forcing)

These Are Often Logged Before Ransomware Deployment.

Prevention: Reduce Your Attack Surface

To Protect Against Makop And Similar Ransomware:

Strengthen Remote Access

? Disable Public RDP If Not Needed
? Use VPN Or Remote Access Gateways
? Enforce Multi-Factor Authentication
? Use Strong, Unique Passwords

Keep Systems Updated

? Patch Windows Regularly
? Update Software & Remote Access Tools

Use Endpoint Detection & Response (EDR)

? Detect Abnormal Registry Changes
? Monitor Suspicious File Encryption Events
? Block Outbound Traffic To Known Malicious Domains/IPs

Backup Strategy

? Maintain Offline Backups
? Use Immutable Storage For Backups
? Test Recovery Procedures Regularly

What To Do After Infection

If Makop Has Already Encrypted Your Files:

? Recommended Steps

1. Disconnect The Infected System From The Network Immediately

2. Do Not Pay The Ransom — There’s No Guarantee Of Recovery

3. Contact Incident Response Professionals

4. Restore From Clean Backups

5. Rebuild Infected Machines After Infection Analysis

Restoring From Offline Backups Is Currently The Most Reliable Way To Recover Encrypted Data.

Final Thoughts

Makop Ransomware Remains A formidable Cyber Threat — Especially In Enterprise Environments With Exposed RDP Services And Weak Defenses. With An Evolving Attack Chain, Strong Encryption Mechanisms, And Stealth Persistence Via Registry Changes, It’s Crucial To Understand how It Operates And how To Defend Against It.

Implementing strong Security Hygiene — Like Patching, Restricting RDP, And Deploying Advanced Endpoint Detection — Is No Longer Optional. It’s Necessary To Protect Vital Windows Assets From Being Encrypted And Held Hostage By Groups Like Makop.

Malware Removal Guide For PC

Malware Removal Guide For Web Browsers

Prevent Future Malware

Summary - Malware Removal Guide

Guide For VPN Uses

Malware Removal Guide – PC And Web Browser

PART 1: Remove Malware From Your PC (Windows)

Step 1: Boot Into Safe Mode

• Restart Your PC And Press F8 (or Shift + F8 For Some Systems) Before Windows Loads.

• Choose Safe Mode With Networking.

Safe Mode Prevents Most Malware From Loading.

Step 2: Uninstall Suspicious Programs

1. Press Win + R, Type appwiz.cpl, And Press Enter.

2. Sort By Install Date And Uninstall Unknown Or Recently Added Programs.

Step 3: Run A Malware Scan

Use A Trusted Anti-malware Tool:

Malwarebytes – https://www.malwarebytes.com

Screenshot Of Malwarebytes - Visit Links

Microsoft Defender – Built Into Windows 10/11

HitmanPro, ESET Online Scanner, Or Kaspersky Virus Removal Tool

ZoneAlarm Pro Antivirus + Firewall NextGen

VIPRE Antivirus - US And Others Countries, | India

VIPRE Antivirus - Mac

F-Secure Total - Global

Run A Full Scan And Delete/quarantine Detected Threats.

Step 4: Delete Temporary Files

1. Press Win + R, Type temp → Delete All Files.

2. Press Win + R, Type %temp% → Delete All Files.

3. Use Disk Cleanup: cleanmgr In The Run Dialog.

Step 5: Reset Hosts File

1. Go To: C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc

2. Open hosts File With Notepad.

3. Replace With Default Content:

Step 6: Check Startup Programs

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc → Open Task Manager

2. Go To Startup Tab

3. Disable Any Suspicious Entries.

Step 7: Reset Network Settings

1. Open Command Prompt As Administrator.

2. Run These Commands:

netsh Winsock Reset

netsh Int Ip Reset

ipconfig /flushdns

PART 2: Remove Malware From Web Browsers

? Common Signs Of Malware In Browser:

• Unwanted Homepage Or Search Engine

• Pop-ups Or Redirects

• Unknown Extensions Installed

Step 1: Remove Suspicious Extensions

For Chrome:

• Go To: chrome://extensions/

• Remove Anything Unfamiliar

For Firefox:

• Go To: about:addons → Extensions

• Remove Suspicious Add-ons

For Edge:

• Go To: edge://extensions/

• Uninstall Unknown Add-ons

Step 2: Reset Browser Settings

Chrome:

• Go To chrome://settings/reset → "Restore Settings To Their Original Defaults"

Firefox:

• Go To about:support → "Refresh Firefox"

Edge:

• Go To edge://settings/resetProfileSettings → "Reset Settings"

Step 3: Clear Cache And Cookies

All Browsers:

• Use Ctrl + Shift + Del → Select All Time

• Clear Cookies, Cached Files, And Site Data

Step 4: Check Search Engine & Homepage Settings

Make Sure They Are Not Hijacked.

• Chrome: chrome://settings/search

• Firefox: about:preferences#search

• Edge: edge://settings/search

Step 5: Use Browser Cleanup Tools (Optional)

• Chrome: chrome://settings/cleanup

• Use Malwarebytes Browser Guard For Real-time Browser Protection.

FINAL TIPS: Prevent Future Malware

• Always Download Software From Trusted Sources.

• Keep Windows, Browsers, And Antivirus Updated.

• Avoid Clicking Suspicious Links Or Ads.

• Use ad Blockers And reputable Antivirus Software.

• Backup Your Files Regularly.

Short Summary: Malware Removal Guide (PC & Web Browser)

To Remove Malware From Your Windows PC, Start By Booting Into Safe Mode, Uninstalling Suspicious Programs, And Scanning With Trusted Anti-malware Tools Like Malwarebytes. Clear Temporary Files, Reset Your Network Settings, And Check Startup Apps For Anything Unusual.

For web Browsers, Remove Unwanted Extensions, Reset Browser Settings, Clear Cache And Cookies, And Ensure Your Homepage And Search Engine Haven’t Been Hijacked. Use Cleanup Tools Like Chrome Cleanup Or Browser Guard For Added Protection.

?? Prevention Tips: Keep Software Updated, Avoid Suspicious Downloads, And Use Antivirus Protection Plus Browser Ad Blockers. Regular Backups Are Essential.

VPN - How To Use IT

1. Choose A Trusted VPN Provider

• Why It Matters: Not All VPNs Offer Malware Protection.

• What To Look For: Providers With built-in Malware/ad/tracker Blockers (e.g., NordVPN’s Threat Protection, ProtonVPN’s NetShield).

• Nord VPN
• Hide.me VPN

2. Enable Kill Switch

• Purpose: Prevents Data Leaks If Your VPN Connection Drops.

• Benefit: Ensures Your Real IP And Browsing Activity Aren’t Exposed To Malware-distributing Websites.

3. Use VPN With DNS Leak Protection

• Why It Matters: DNS Leaks Can Expose Your Online Activity To Attackers.

• Solution: Enable DNS Leak Protection In Your VPN Settings Or Use A Secure DNS Like Cloudflare (1.1.1.1).

4. Avoid Free VPNs

• Risk: Free VPNs Often Contain Malware, Sell User Data, Or Lack Security Features.

• Better Option: Use Reputable Paid VPNs That Offer security Audits And Transparent Privacy Policies.

5. Use VPN With Anti-Phishing Tools

• Some VPNs Block Known Phishing And Malicious Sites.

• Example: Surfshark’s CleanWeb, CyberGhost’s Content Blocker.

6. Keep Your VPN App Updated

• Reason: Security Patches Fix Known Vulnerabilities.

• Tip: Enable Auto-updates Or Check For Updates Weekly.

. Use VPN On All Devices

• Scope: Malware Can Enter Through Phones, Tablets, Or IoT Devices.

• Solution: Install VPN Apps On Every Internet-connected Device.

8. Don’t Rely On VPN Alone

• Fact: VPNs Do Not Remove Or Detect Malware On Your System.

• Complement It With:

  • Antivirus Software

  • Firewall

  • Browser Extensions For Script Blocking

9. Avoid Clicking Unknown Links While VPN Is On

• VPN Encrypts Traffic But Can’t Stop Malware From Executing If You Download Infected Files.

10. Use VPN With Split Tunneling Cautiously

• Split Tunneling Allows Certain Apps/sites To Bypass VPN.

• Tip: Never Exclude Browsers, Email Clients, Or Download Managers From VPN Tunneling.

Short Note - VPN Uses

A VPN (Virtual Private Network) Enhances Your Online Privacy By Encrypting Your Internet Traffic And Masking Your IP Address. It Protects Your Data On Public Wi-Fi, Hides Browsing Activity From Hackers And ISPs, And Helps Bypass Geo-restrictions. VPNs Also Add A Layer Of Defense Against Malware By Blocking Malicious Websites And Trackers When Using Advanced Features. However, A VPN Does Not Remove Existing Malware Or Act As Antivirus Software. For Full Protection, Combine VPN Use With Antivirus Tools, Regular Software Updates, And Cautious Browsing Habits. Always Choose A Reputable VPN Provider With Strong Security And Privacy Policies.